The Best Winter Jackets of 2026

More Great Winter Jackets We Tested

We tested nearly 30 different winter jackets throughout the past three seasons, regularly adding new models to our rotation each winter. In addition to the seven Top Pick winners above, the following jackets are additional standouts we liked that we think you should consider.

Best Winter Jackets Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Winter Jackets

From cold and damp shoulder season conditions to white-out blizzards to sub-zero stretches in the thick of winter, we personally tested each of the winter jackets in this Buyer’s Guide in many of the same conditions that you’ll face this winter. Here’s a breakdown of how we measured these jackets:

1. Field testing: Our winter jacket testing relies most heavily on field testing, which stretches from town to trail. During use, we consider all facets and aim to get out in the full range of weather. When possible, we pass these jackets around to multiple testers to gain a comprehensive understanding of where they excel and where they fall short.
2. Water resistance testing: Outdoor testing is effective in proving waterproofing, but we also subject each of these jackets to a 10-minute shower test to ensure they withstand moisture. We pay close attention to common entry points such as shoulder seams, zippers, and wrist cuffs.
3. Our winter jacket rating system:
   • Warmth: Weighted 30%. Defense against the cold is our primary concern in winter jackets, and we consider whether the jacket keeps us warm in temperatures above or below freezing, as well as when it’s wet.
   • Fit: Weighted 30%. Does the jacket have a long drop tail for warmth and protection? Do the sleeves sit well on the wrists? Is the sizing block appropriate compared to similar jackets?
   • Style: Weighted 20%. While subjective, we crowdsource opinions on the style of these jackets to get a relative feel of how fashion-forward they are. Would you wear this jacket to the office? Around town?
   • Durability: Weighted 20%. After a solid winter’s worth of use, we tally up the wear that these jackets have accumulated. Do the zippers run smoothly? Has the jacket been stained? Has it lost any loft?

Our Expert Testers

Our lead winter jacket tester is year-round Lake Tahoe resident Nick Bruckbauer. Nick grew up in the great state of Wisconsin, where it’s not uncommon to see cars driving on frozen lakes in the winter, nor is it out of the question to get a freak blizzard in the month of May.

After living in Santa Barbara, Calif., for over 10 years in his 20s and 30s, he decided he’d had enough sunshine and paradise, and moved to Lake Tahoe in late 2020, just in time to experience Tahoe’s snowiest season on record in 2022-2023. Now, Nick spends his winters skiing, shoveling and plowing snow, walking the dog, and sitting by the fire, and spends his summers swimming, paddling, running, hiking, and splitting wood to prepare for winter.

Matt Bento resides in the Eastern Sierra town of Bishop, Calif. He spends his summers rock climbing and trail running in the nearby mountains, and spends his winter skiing up the road at Mammoth Mountain Resort. Matt doesn’t let cold or snowy weather interrupt his adventures, so he’s always on the lookout for the best winter jackets to keep him cozy before, during, and after each outing.

Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds

During our systematic testing process, we paid careful attention to overall warmth and insulation quality, fit and comfort, weather protection, functionality, and style. From daily city commutes in Minneapolis to mountaineering expeditions in the Tetons and plowing snow in Lake Tahoe, we’ve put dozens of winter jackets through the wringer to help guide you in your product research and purchase decision.

Similarly, our teams have tested the best winter jackets for women, and other winter necessities like the best winter boots, the best down puffies, and the best winter gloves and mittens.

In addition to Lake Tahoe, our GearJunkie testing team has expert testers on hand who dwell in the frigid Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, the snowy Eastern Sierra of California, and the frozen midwestern plains of Minnesota. We live, work, and play in regions known for seriously cold winters, and we put each of these winter jackets to the test in many of the same conditions that you might face.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Men’s Winter Jacket

The term “winter jacket” is very broad and should really be divided into a few key subcategories depending on your climate and intended use. In this Buyer’s Guide, we focused primarily on winter jackets ideal for everyday use in cold to moderately cold climates. We also included a few lighter-weight pieces that are more specific for active uses or milder climates.

Types of Winter Jackets

Everyday Use

Winter jackets made for everyday use are ideal for casual daily wear in cold climates, and can be used for low-intensity activities like commuting to work or school, running errands around town, walking the dog, or going out to dinner.

Typically, these jackets have plenty of insulation and are made from heavier materials that prioritize warmth, protection, and features. Because of this, they are more likely to restrict dynamic movement and are less likely to breathe well, making them poor choices for high-output activities like running or hiking.

Everyday winter jackets often include plenty of comfort-oriented features like cozy wrist cuffs, draft collars around the neck, fleece-lined hand pockets, and adjustable hems and hoods. They also typically have plenty of pockets to carry your wallet, keys, phone, or other necessities.

These features inevitably add a little bit to the jacket’s weight, but for casual everyday use, the benefits of the added comfort and convenience outweigh any minor additional weight. The Fjällräven Nuuk Parka has the most features of any winter coat we tested, but it is also among the heaviest.

Our top-ranked winter jacket — the Patagonia Stormshadow Down Parka — is very warm and puffy with plenty of 700-fill down insulation and boasts a waterproof GORE-TEX shell. It also has a simple and classic style that makes it great for daily wear around town, and is light enough that it could be used for more technical uses like cold-weather camping or hiking.

For simpler, lightweight options great for daily use when it’s not quite as cold, consider the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie, which has a relaxed fit that makes it versatile for a variety of uses.

Performance Use

While everyday winter jackets prioritize warmth, protection, and convenient features, performance-oriented winter jackets will often balance warmth and protection with a lighter-weight design and more specific technical features aimed at active uses like running, hiking, or cross-country skiing.

These jackets will often have loftier down and lighter shell materials in order to save weight and make them more compressible for stuffing into a duffel bag or backpack, and will usually have a more fitted style that allows more body movement with less restriction.

Most everyday winter jackets and parkas use 600- to 700-fill-power down insulation and burly 75- to 150-denier shell materials, while performance-oriented winter jackets will often use loftier 800- to 1000-fill-power down or high-tech synthetic insulation, and will have thinner 7- to 30-denier shell materials.

Performance jackets often have fewer pockets, but will include features like dual zippers to accommodate wearing a climbing harness, and either a fitted hood to wear under a climbing helmet, or an oversized helmet-compatible hood.

Performance-use jackets typically have very breathable materials designed to dump extra heat and dry quickly, so you don’t have to remove the jacket during vigorous activity. Many will have synthetic insulation that breathes a little better than down and will retain its insulating properties even when wet from external moisture or perspiration. These jackets will usually have a water-resistant finish but will not be fully waterproof, so most people will also bring along a thin, non-insulated waterproof shell jacket.

The Arc’teryx Nuclei SV Parka weighs just 1 lb., 5.2 oz. with its lightweight and breathable nylon shell and Coreloft synthetic insulation, making it ideal for activities where overall weight and bulk is a concern.

We also like the Rab Cubit Stretchdown Hooded Jacket (18.7 ounces) and the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie (20.6 ounces) as versatile choices that blur the line between daily wear and technical use. Both of these jackets are warm enough for daily use in milder winter weather (down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit), but also have simple, lightweight designs that also make them suitable for more active use.

And while they are both insulated with 700-fill down, they both have features to help protect against moisture. The Cubit Stretch has its down protected by a Nikwax hydrophobic finish, and the Coldfront has VerticalX ECO synthetic insulation in body areas that are more prone to moisture.

Shell Jackets

Shell jackets are designed to protect you from harsh weather conditions. Like wearable shields that defend against wind and rain, hard shells are meant to be your outermost layer. Skiers, climbers, and mountaineers hard shells for their windproof and waterproof protection, and will usually wear a shell as part of a multilayer system that may include a base layer, an insulated mid layer, and a waterproof out shell. Depending on where you live, a burly hard shell may be the most sensible winter jacket option.

Many of the winter jackets that we tested include a waterproof outer layer, making an additional shell jacket unnecessary. The Patagonia Stormshadow and the Outdoor Research Stormcraft all use down insulation shielded by a waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX. This combination provides the best blend of warmth and protection that is ideal for everyday use in cold climates, but is not as versatile as a multilayer system for changing weather conditions.

Other winter coats like the REI Co-op Stormhenge, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier, and The North Face McMurdo have proprietary waterproof shell materials made by their respective companies. While these materials provide waterproof and breathable protection, their performance specifications aren’t as well-documented as that of GORE-TEX. For general daily use in normal winter conditions, we had no issues with the waterproof performance of these jackets.

Some models, like the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, include a removable inner insulated jacket and an outer waterproof shell jacket. Depending on the conditions, each respective jacket can be worn independently, or the inner jacket can be zipped and snapped into the outer jacket for the ultimate warmth and protection.

Warmth and Insulation

When considering a new winter jacket, overall warmth is obviously one of the most important factors to consider. All of the jackets that we tested contain either down or synthetic insulation, or both. It’s hard to definitely compare overall jacket warmth and comfort since these features are so user-dependent and can be influenced by the wearer’s gender, body type, activity level, and whether they typically run hotter or colder.

Having said that, three jackets that we tested stand out for their exceptional warmth: the Patagonia Stormshadow, the Fjällräven Nuuk Parka, and The North Face McMurdo. Each of these jackets has a large amount of down insulation protected by a waterproof shell material, providing the ultimate combination of warmth and weather protection.

The Stormshadow is pretty pricey with its combination of down insulation and a GORE-TEX shell. So, if you’re looking for luxurious warmth without breaking the bank, the McMurdo and the Nuuk are great options.

Down Insulation

Made of goose or duck plumage, down is the warmest, lightest, and most compressible type of insulation on the planet. Almost all of the winter jackets that we tested for this buyer’s guide are insulated with down. When considering the warmth-to-weight balance, down continues to be better insulation than any human-made alternative. However, due to a few key drawbacks, down does require careful ownership and handling.

Down insulation works by trapping warm air in the small spaces between the down feathers. However, down insulation does not repel water, and it loses its fluffy loft — and thus loses most of its insulation properties — when it gets wet.

To combat this, many down jackets treat the down with a hydrophobic coating, or add a waterproof or water-repellant outer shell fabric. Some models also will strategically replace the down with synthetic insulation in specific areas of the body — like the shoulders or arms —that are prone to moisture from your body.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation is designed to replicate the lightweight insulation down and retain its performance when wet. The quality of synthetic insulation is constantly improving, but it still generally lags behind down in its overall warmth-to-weight ratio.

Synthetic insulation is typically not as compressible as down, and can lose its loft or fluffiness over time. For those on a budget, synthetic insulated jackets are usually more affordable than down. The Fjällräven Nuuk Parka is the warmest winter coat we tested with synthetic insulation.

The main benefit of synthetic insulation is that it’s far more resistant to moisture than down. Even when synthetic insulation does become wet, it still provides a reasonable percentage of its ultimate warmth. Synthetic insulation also dries quickly, especially when exposed to wind and sun.

This makes synthetic insulation popular for performance-oriented winter jackets where an active user will likely be producing a lot of heat and potential moisture from sweat. The Arc’teryx Nuclei SV Parka is insulated with synthetic Coreloft insulation and is a great choice for wetter conditions.

If you know you’ll be wearing your winter jacket in soggy environments such as the Pacific Northwest, consider purchasing a synthetic-filled jacket instead of down.

Fill Power and Fill Weight

The overall warmth of a down jacket is generally a function of the fill power and the fill weight of the down insulation that is used. Fill power represents a volume-to-weight ratio (expressed in cubic inches per ounce), and fill weight represents weight (in ounces). By multiplying the fill power by the fill weight, you can get an overall volume of insulation.

Keep in mind that other factors like jacket materials, fit, and baffle shape, size, and construction can also impact the overall warmth of a jacket.

Fill Power

Fill power is a technical specification that generally refers to the quality or loftiness of down insulation. This is determined by a standardized lab test that calculates the volume (in cubic inches) taken up by 1 ounce of down. A higher fill power number means that the down has greater loft (meaning it’s fluffier or puffier), which means that it will have better thermal efficiency and provide a better warmth-to-weight ratio.

Keep in mind that a higher fill power does not automatically mean that a jacket will be warmer. It just means that it uses loftier down insulation that will be able to provide better thermal efficiency and warmth at a lighter weight.

Most down jackets — including all of the winter jackets that we tested for this Buyer’s Guide — will have a fill power rating somewhere between 600 and 900. Casual-wear down jackets generally have a fill power rating between 600 and 750, while high-end performance jackets will have a fill power rating of 750 to 900 or higher.

Of the winter jackets that we tested for this Buyer’s Guide, the REI Co-op Stormhenge has the highest fill power rating at 850, and The North Face McMurdo has the lowest fill power rating at 600. However, the McMurdo is warmer overall than the Stormhenge but weighs almost a pound and a half more. The McMurdo weighs 3 pounds, 8.8 ounces, compared to the Stormhenge at 1 pound, 14.3 ounces.

Some ultralight down jackets today use insulation with a fill power rating of 1000. Keep in mind that this value only represents a warmth-to-weight ratio and not the overall warmth of a jacket. Jackets with a fill power rating between 900 and 1,000 will typically weigh 10 ounces or less and are intended for fast and light technical pursuits. These down jackets will not be nearly as warm as any of the winter jackets in this buyer’s guide, but will be much lighter and more packable.

Fill Weight

As its name suggests, fill weight refers to the total weight of the down insulation inside a jacket. While fill power is often marketed more prominently than fill weight, both are equally important to the performance of a jacket.

All other factors being equal like jacket materials, fit, and baffle construction, a jacket with 5 ounces of 700-fill-power down (total volume of 5 x 700 = 3,500 cubic inches) will likely be warmer than a jacket with 3 ounces of 900-fill-power down (total volume of 3 x 900 = 2,700 cubic inches), but it will weigh more and be less compressible.

The higher the fill power (quality or loftiness), the less fill weight is needed to create the same relative warmth. This is because the higher-loft down takes up more volume per ounce and is able to trap more air and warmth than a lower fill-power down.

A jacket with 4 ounces of 900-fill-power down (total volume of 4 x 900 = 3,600 cubic inches) and a jacket with 6 ounces of 600-fill-power down (total volume of 6 x 600 = 3,600 cubic inches) should have about the same warmth, but the 900-fill-power down jacket will be lighter, more compressible, and likely more expensive.

Down jackets are typically available with anywhere between 4 ounces and 20 ounces of fill weight. Comparing fill weight is most useful when all jackets in question have a similar fill power rating.

Weather Protection

While warmth is typically the top consideration when looking for a winter jacket, protection from the elements is also vital. Cozy down or synthetic insulation will help keep you warm, but a wind or waterproof outer shell, a sufficient length, and a protective hood will help seal out cold wind, rain, and snow.

For wet conditions such as rain and sleet, prioritize a jacket with a waterproof shell. Waterproof jackets come with taped seams and heavy-duty exterior material. Jackets in this category are also great for wind protection. The Patagonia Stormshadow Parka stands out here for its waterproof GORE-TEX shell and its adjustable insulated hood.

If you plan to wear your jacket in freezing conditions where it’s more likely to snow than rain, or you’ll be in a dry cold, a fully waterproof shell may not be necessary. Many highly insulated jackets, while not completely waterproof, come with a quality DWR treatment that sheds light moisture.

Features

Useful features can be the difference between a good jacket and a great jacket. Comfortable hoods, handwarmer pockets, and cuff closures are some of the winter jacket features we consider to be the most valuable. When combined, these design details add significant warmth, versatility, and protection from cold conditions

Hood

Winter jacket hoods come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. During stormy weather, a protective hood is mandatory. Well-designed hoods offer ample customization and adjustability. Additional hood features, such as a fur lining and a stiff brim, are also worth seeking out.

One of our favorites is actually the simple and cozy hood design of the Arc’teryx Atom SV Hoody. This jacket has a fitted hood with only one adjustment cord, and it’s sized to fit over a climbing or ski helmet, should you need to button down the hatches.

On the other end of the spectrum, most of the winter jackets we tested have well-insulated hoods with two front and one rear adjustment cords. This allows the user to dial in a more customized fit, and often allows the hood to be worn over a ski or climbing helmet. Note that the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 has a non-insulated hood since it is part of the outer shell jacket.

The Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka, the Fjällräven Nuuk Parka, and The North Face McMurdo include a removable faux fur ruff around the hood that helps protect from driving wind and precipitation.

Two-Way Zippers

Two-way zippers allow you to open the front of your jacket from both the bottom and the top. In extra-long and thigh-length jackets, two-way zippers are essential for enabling leg mobility while sitting or stepping into a vehicle. On more technical jackets, a two-way zipper makes it easier to wear a climbing harness while wearing the jacket.

Most of the jackets we tested have a two-way front zipper. On full-length parkas like the Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka and the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Park, the two-way front zipper allows extra mobility when sitting down or when moving around.

Pockets

All of the jackets we tested have a varying assortment of pocket designs, ranging from handwarmer pockets to external gear pockets to chest pockets to internal zippered or stash pockets. More fully featured parkas typically have the most varied and useful pockets, but this also adds to the weight of the jacket.

Lighter-weight jackets like the Outdoor Research Coldfront might be limited to hand-warmer pockets and maybe an accessory pocket or two.

The Fjällräven Nuuk Parka has the most pockets (13) out of any winter jacket we tested. There are multiple internal and external zippered and stash pockets for every type of cargo imaginable.

Hand pockets probably have the biggest impact on comfort and convenience, but not all hand pockets are created equal. Some — like the Outdoor Research Coldfront — have cozy fleece-lined hand pockets that are at just the right angle to rest your arms. But others — like the Eddie Bauer Superior Down — have oversized pockets that are at an awkward angle and aren’t as comfortable.

Cuff Closures

Cuff closures allow you to create a seal around your wrist that prevents wind and snow from entering through your sleeves, and typically include a Velcro strap or a snap attachment point. Jackets can also include interior wrist gaiters for extra warmth and soft, cozy protection. Wrist gaiters can be difficult to wear with a wristwatch or bracelet but definitely help the overall comfort.

The Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka has some of the coziest wrist cuffs. Theirs is a soft internal gaiter that feels like a cozy sweater, and an adjustable Velcro strap on the outer cuff.

Other models have simpler cuff designs, like an elastic band that helps keep a snug fit around the wrist. This design is usually sufficient for lighter-weight jackets, but it isn’t as versatile as an elastic cuff.

Price & Value

Shell material and insulation quality/quantity are the primary variables that will impact the price of a winter jacket. Higher-end features like insulated hoods, fleece-lined pockets, fitted cuffs, and adjustment cords can also hike up the price. For the most part, you get what you pay for, but there are some more affordable options that perform nearly as well as their more expensive counterparts.

Budget

The most affordable jackets that we tested ($300 or less) will typically employ lower-grade materials, or will simply have less insulation or fewer features on them. The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($279) is a simple, no-frills option with a relaxed fit that will keep you warm in all but the most frigid conditions. It’s not waterproof, and it’s not parka length — so it’s not blizzard material — but if you’re looking for cozy puffy for general everyday wear, it’s one of our top choices.

Our best value pick — the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka ($299) — is warm, waterproof (with REI’s more affordable HydroWall material) and contains high-quality 850-fill-power down insulation. It’s not quite as warm as some heavier parkas since it weighs just less than two pounds, but it provides a great fit and excellent all-around performance.

We’ve tested the Stormhenge through three winters and consider it nearly equal to some of our favorite coats that are two to three times the price. If you’re not drawn to some of the more fashion-forward jackets from Arc’teryx or Patagonia, do yourself a favor and just buy the Stormhenge.

Mid-Tier

Spending $300 up to $600 will get you some great-looking, warm, weather-resistant jackets from top brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Fjallraven. Here you’ll start to see proprietary waterproof breathable membranes, down with hydrophobic treatments, and extra features like fancier pockets, nicer hoods, and better construction.

The McMurdo Down Parka ($400) from The North Face is one of the warmest winter coats we’ve tested and is completely waterproof. TNF uses its proprietary DryVent waterproof/breathable material, foregoing the higher-end GORE-TEX material in order to keep the price a bit easier to swallow. Its 600 fill-power down isn’t the best warmth-to-weight ratio, but there is enough of it in the jacket that we stayed plenty toasty while testing it.

More great options in this price range include the Fjällräven Nuuk Parka ($500) with the most pockets and best features of any model we tested, the Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka ($550) that is the least expensive option we tested that includes GORE-TEX material, and the sleek and stylish Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka ($599) that is our favorite full-length parka design.

Premium

Pull out all the stops (and your wallet), and you get top-of-the-line materials, construction, features, features, and big-name brand credibility. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699) combines a waterproof shell layer with a detachable insulated layer, so for the hefty price tag, you do get three nice options to take you through the season — a shell for the warmer, wetter times, a packable puffy for when it’s cool and dry, and a full storm-ready parka for the thick of winter.

Our top overall pick, the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka ($899), is a thigh-length parka with a GORE-TEX material and thick baffles stuffed to the gills with 700-fill-power recycled down. It combines premium materials throughout with some thoughtful design details and top-notch construction quality. We have sticker shock from looking at the price tag, but we could see this jacket lasting a long time if properly cared for.

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