Winter jackets don’t have a uniform method of measuring warmth like the EN system for sleeping bags, but there are some good clues. As discussed above, make sure to take both fill power and fill goose coat weight into account. In addition, the shell of the jacket matters, as do the layers underneath. Last winter temperatures were -12 F, with wind, and it kept me warm when I was out walking.
Helmet compatibility makes the hood larger and slightly less desirable for wearing without a helmet, but it isn’t a deal breaker for us as long as the hood cinches down evenly. The REI Stormhenge is a versatile performance and casual optionThe good news is that going with a casual coat generally saves you a good deal of money. Two of our top casual picks, The North Face McMurdoand Marmot Fordham, are around $300 yet offer ample warm and weather protection for most people. The compromises come in the weight, packability, and range of movement, which matter if you’re climbing mountains but not so much for the morning commute. Toward the bottom of our picks are a couple of parkas that fall into the casual/work category with extra durable polyester shells and great toughness in general.
The classic bomber jacket gets a wintry spin, thanks to an attached hood, removable fur trim, and plush filling. The whole thing packs down into a pillow, so you can rest your head comfortably after you’ve crawled in from the cold. Winter boots are a timeless and charming piece of gear. They bring back memories of being a kid, when snow falling always meant the anticipation of stomping around for hours at a time… JacketPriceCategoryFillFill WeightWeightThe North Face McMurdo$350Casual600-fill downUnavailable3 lbs.
Brave the elements in style with premium down-filled parkas with real coyote fur hoods, quilted gilets and bomber jackets. Some jackets are capable of even more extreme conditions (the Canada Goose Langford Parkais given a -15°F rating by the manufacturer), while others are less insulated and designed for active use . Of course, layer well and don’t take any chances, but this article presents that warmest jackets that we cover on this site.
Yes, that Canada Goose—one of the most expensive coats out there, costing more than twice my first weekly salary in New York. Normally I scoff at the absurd excesses of luxury goods. But a Canada Goose jacket was not, I reasoned, a $250 Supreme sweatshirt that hipsters line up behind police-guarded barricades to purchase or a Birkin bag that starts at the price of a Nissan Versa. This was a quality winter coat made by a no-frills company whose first jackets, back in 1957, were meant for Canadian government employees who worked outside in extreme temperatures.
4 oz.Arc’teryx Camosun Parka$649Casual750-fill down & synthetic2.6 oz. 2 oz.Patagonia Fitz Roy Hoody$399Performance/casual800-fill down5.6 oz.1 lb. 1 oz.Arc’teryx Macai Jacket$999Casual/performance750-fill down & synthetic2.4 oz. 4 oz.OR Super Alpine$399Casual/performance800-fill down8.8 oz.1 lb. 13 oz.Fjallraven Nuuk Parka$500CasualSynthetic8.8 oz.4 lbs.Arc’teryx Therme Parka$699Casual750-fill down & synthetic3.7 oz.