Our team of winter warriors has spent many seasons testing the best winter jackets on the market in search of the warmest and most versatile styles. This year alone, we researched dozens of models before selecting the 14 best styles to include in this Guide. After extensive hands-on testing in the frigid Rocky Mountain, Sierra Nevada, and Midwestern climates, we’re happy to bring you our selections for the best winter jackets of 2025.
From stylish and streamlined thigh-length coats to sporty and practical expedition-weight parkas, we’ll help you find the right winter jacket for you, no matter your climate, style, budget, or intended use. We tested these winter jackets in the same types of everyday scenarios you’re likely to face.
If you’re simply looking for the best, the Patagonia Stormshadow Parka is our top pick with premium materials and construction quality. The versatile and budget-friendly REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka proves you don’t have to spend the big bucks to stay warm and look good this winter.
Editor’s Note: On February 3rd, 2025, we updated this article with the addition of the warm and durable Helly Hansen Urban Lab Down Parka.
The Best Winter Jackets of 2025
- Measured Weight: 2 lbs., 8.8 oz.
- Insulation: 700-fill 100% recycled down
- Outer Material: 75D 2-Layer Gore-Tex 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back Length: 32.0 in
Pros
- Excellent warmth and loft
- Fully waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
- Includes dual front zippers with dual storm flaps
- Includes draft tubes at neck and hem
- Simple, classic style
Cons
- Expensive
- Measured weight: 2 lbs., 3.2 oz.
- Insulation: 850-fill Bluesign-approved down, 80 & 180g polyester
- Outer material: 2-layer HydroWall recycled nylon
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center back length: 35.5"
Pros
- Great warmth and protection for the weight
- Great price and value
- Includes 5 total pockets (2 hand-warmer, 1 external chest, 1 internal chest, 1 internal stash)
- Includes two-way waterproof zipper, elastic cuffs, and hood and hem adjustments
Cons
- Extended length can feel a bit bulky
- Measured Weight: 3 lbs., 8.8 oz.
- Insulation: 600-fill recycled down
- Outer Material: 70D x 160D 2-layer DryVent 100% recycled nylon
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back Length: 31.75 in.
Pros
- Good warmth and protection for the price
- Versatile and sporty style
- Includes 7 total pockets (2 zippered hand pockets, 2 external cargo pockets, 2 external chest pockets, 1 internal chest pocket)
- Two-way front zipper with storm flap
Cons
- Heavy
- Hand pockets are at a weird angle
- Measured Weight: 2 lbs., 11.4 oz.
- Insulation: 700-fill-power 100% recycled down
- Outer Material: 100% recycled polyester plain weave
- Waterproof: Yes, Patagonia 2-layer H2No
- Center Back: 35.5 in.
Pros
- Classic design is simple and sleek
- Great warmth at a reasonably light weight
- Full-length (mid-thigh) waterproof protection
- Excellent construction quality
- Minimal logos or other aesthetic distractions
Cons
- Only three total pockets
- Main zipper can be a little finicky
- A little pricey
- Measured Weight: 4 lbs., 1.1 oz.
- Insulation: 250g Supreme Micro Loft (synthetic)
- Outer Material: 100% recycled polamide
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back: 34.6 in.
Pros
- Best and most pockets of any jacket we tested
- Great protection with long coverage and oversized hood
- Very warm
- Stylish design
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Fit is a bit large
- Measured Weight: 2 lbs., 14.9 oz.
- Insulation: 700-fill 100% recycled down
- Outer Material: 150D 2-layer H2No 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back Length: 33.1 in.
Pros
- 3-in-1 versatility; includes removable down jacket
- Burly 150D outer material with H2No waterproof membrane
- Sleek style and fit
- Includes dual front zippers with dual storm flaps
- Includes adjustable zip-off hood
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Hood is not insulated
- Somewhat heavy
- Measured Weight: 1 lb., 0.6 oz.
- Insulation: 100% polyester Coreloft (60, 80, & 120g)
- Outer Material: 30D 100% nylon Tyono
- Waterproof: No
- Center Back Length: Not Listed
Pros
- Lightweight
- Synthetic insulation is warm and breathable
- Performance-focused design includes articulated elbows
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- Not as warm as dedicated winter jackets
- Light on extra features
More Great Winter Jackets We Tested
- Measured weight: 2 lbs., 14.6 oz.
- Insulation: 700-fill responsibly sourced down
- Outer material: 150D 2-Layer GORE-TEX 100% polyester canvas
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center back length: 35"
Pros
- Highly protective with GORE-TEX membrane and 150D outer material
- Includes 8 total pockets
- Includes dual front zippers and dual storm flaps
- Adjustable hem and adjustable hood
Cons
- Fits large — we had to go down one size
- Not as warm as similar styles
- Dual hand pockets have awkward entry angles
- Measured Weight: 3 lbs., 10 oz.
- Insulation: 60% Duck Down, 40% Duck Feather
- Outer Material: 100% Polyamide, HELLY TECH Professional 2-layer fabric layer system
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back Length: 30
Pros
- Life Pocket insulates your phone
- 3-way adjustable hood
- Comfy internal cuffs
- Very durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Hand warmer pockets are uninsulated
- No DWR treatment
- Measured Weight: 2 lbs., 3.8 oz.
- Insulation: 750-fill down
- Outer Material: 75D Gore-Tex 100% polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back Length: 32.0 in
Pros
- Excellent weather protection with GORE-TEX fabric
- Great overlapping dual storm flaps protect the main zipper
- Comfortable insulated hood has three adjustment points
- Good fit that isn't too bulk or baggy
- Simple style
Cons
- Not as warm as expected
- Fairly pricey
- Outer velcro sleeve cuffs not as comfortable as other styles
- Outer hand pockets are at an awkward angle
- Measured Weight: 2 lbs., 5 oz.
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Black
- Outer Material: G-1000 Lite 65% polyester/35% cotton
- Waterproof: No, can be treated with Greenland wax
- Center Back: 31.8” (size m)
Pros
- Tough as nails
- Stylish
- Synthetic insulation remains warm when wet
Cons
- Needs wax treatment to maintain waterproofness
- Thick shell fabric isn’t very packable
- lightly insulated
- Measured Weight: 1 lb., 4.6 oz.
- Insulation: 700-fill RDS-approved down, 85% recycled VerticalX ECO
- Outer Material: 53% recycled Pertex Quantum Eco
- Waterproof: No
- Center Back Length: 29 in.
Pros
- Good warmth to weight ratio
- Includes fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets and two internal stash pockets
- Includes hem and hood adjustments
- Classic styling
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not as warm or protective as heavier parks
- Not waterproof
- Measured Weight: 1 lb., 3.0 oz.
- Insulation: 700-fill recycled down with Nikwax hydrophobic finish
- Outer Material: Pertex Quantum 3DWeave
- Waterproof: No
- Center Back Length: 29.1 in.
Pros
- Lightweight and stretchy material
- Good warmth to weight ratio
- More streamlined fit than heavier and bulkier parkas
- Includes 4 total pockets (2 zippered hand, 2 interior stash)
- Down is treated with hydrophobic finish
Cons
- Simple design has limited extra features
- Not as warm as heavier winter jackets or parkas
- Measured Weight: 4 lbs., 1.3 oz.
- Insulation: 650-fill RDS-certified down
- Outer Material: WeatherEdge 100% recycled nylon
- Waterproof: Yes
- Center Back Length: 33 in.
Pros
- Good warmth and weather protection
- Includes two-way front zippers with dual storm flaps
- Includes 7 total pockets (2 zippered hand, 2 external cargo, 2 external chest, 1 internal zippered)
- Reasonable price tag
Cons
- Much heavier than similar models
- Hand pockets are at an awkward angle
Best Winter Jackets Comparison Chart
Winter Jacket | Price | Weight (size M) | Waterproof | Insulation | Outer Material |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patagonia Stormshadow Parka | $899 | 2 lbs., 8.8 oz. | Yes | 700-fill 100% recycled down | 75D 2-layer GORE-TEX 100% recycled polyester |
REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka | $299 | 2 lbs., 3.2 oz. | Yes | 850-fill Bluesign-approved down, 80 & 180g polyester | 2-layer HydroWall recycled nylon |
TNF McMurdo Down Parka | $400 | 3 lbs., 8.8 oz. | Yes | 600-fill recycled down | 70D x 160D 2-layer DryVent 100% recycled nylon |
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka | $599 | 2 lbs., 11.4 oz. | Yes | 700-fill-power 100% recycled down | 100% recycled polyester plain weave |
Fjallraven Nuuk Parka | $500 | 4 lbs., 1.1 oz. | Yes | 250g Supreme Micro Loft (synthetic) | 100% recycled polyamide |
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka | $699 | 2 lbs., 14.9 oz. | Yes | 700-fill 100% recycled down | 150D 2-layer H2No 100% recycled polyester |
Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody | $350 | 1 lb., 0.6 oz. | No | 100% polyester Coreloft (60, 80, & 120g) | 30D 100% nylon Tyono |
Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka | $550 | 2 lbs., 14.6 oz. | Yes | 700-fill responsibly sourced down | GORE-TEX 2L 100% Polyester 150D Canvas Shell |
Helly Hansen Urban Lab Down Parka | $450 | 3 lbs., 10 oz. | Yes | 60% Duck Down, 40% Duck Feather | 100% Polyamide, HELLY TECH Professional 2-layer fabric layer system |
Mammut Obelisk GORE-TEX HS Thermo | $675 | 2 lbs., 3.8 oz. | Yes | 750-fill down | 75D GORE-TEX 100% Polyester |
Fjallraven Skogso Padded Jacket | $365 | 2 lbs., 5 oz. | No | PrimaLoft Black | G-1000 Lite 65% polyester/35% cotton |
OR Coldfront Down Hoodie | $279 | 1 lb., 4.6 oz. | No | 700-fill RDS-approved down, 85% recycled VerticalX ECO | 53% recycled Pertex Quantum Eco |
Rab Cubit Stretchdown | $315 | 1 lb., 2.7 oz. | No | 700-fill recycled down with Nikwax hydrophobic finish | Pertex Quantum 3DWeave |
Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka | $349 | 4 lbs., 1.3 oz. | Yes | 650-fill RDS-certified down | WeatherEdge 100% recycled nylon |
How We Tested the Best Winter Jackets
Our Expert Testers
Our Testing Grounds
Our Testing Process
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Men’s Winter Jacket
Types of Winter Jackets
Everyday Use


Performance Use


Shell Jackets

Warmth and Insulation

Down Insulation
Synthetic Insulation

Fill Power and Fill Weight
Fill Power

Fill Weight
Weather Protection

Features
Hood


Two-Way Zippers

Pockets

Cuff Closures


Price & Value
Budget
Mid-tier
Premium
Frequently Asked Questions
Warmth is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a winter jacket. If you’re seeking maximum warmth, you’ll want to pay attention to the length, insulation quality (fill power), and insulation quantity (fill weight).
On the fill power spectrum, any rating over around 600 can be considered a relatively high insulation value. On this list, we’ve featured jackets with a fill power rating of up to 850. When comparing jackets of equal fill power, it’s likely that the one with the greater fill weight will ultimately be warmer. The North Face McMurdo Down Parka has a relatively lower 600-fill-power rating, but is one of the warmest winter jackets that we tested, thanks to its heavier weight.
Other factors play a role in the overall warmth including baffling, cuff closures, and exterior materials. Fill weight is a good starting point for research but not the only indicator of warmth. Extra-long and thigh-length jackets will often be warmer than standard jackets of equal fill power.
The Patagonia Stormshadow and the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka are two other models that stand out for their exceptional warmth.
Some winter jackets are waterproof while others are only water-resistant. The key difference between these labels is that truly waterproof jackets have fully taped seams and a waterproof membrane. Jackets like the Patagonia Stormshadow and the Outdoor Research Stormcraft have fully waterproof GORE-TEX shells that can reliably keep you dry, even in a severe downpour.
Also, winter jackets with synthetic fill are more resistant to moisture than down, which becomes ineffective when it wets out.
It depends on your style and preferences. With that said, hoods can offer lots of protection against various weather conditions including wind, rain, and snow.
While hoods aren’t a substitute for a warm hat in terms of insulation, they are very useful — especially during storms. All of the jackets we’ve included on this list come with hoods.
Some winter jackets include hoods that are removable, which is the best of both worlds.
Winter jackets can be expensive relative to other kinds of jackets and winter clothing. On this list, we’ve included jackets that range in price from less than $300 to nearly $1,000.
Though it’s not strictly necessary to buy a top-end and expensive jacket, you should consider that higher-quality jackets often prove to be a better value in the long run.
Features such as taped seams, handwarmer pockets, durable DWR coating, and two-way zippers will increase the price of a jacket.

The Best Down Jackets of 2025
We tested the best down jackets on the market from Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Rab, Mountain Hardwear, and more to help you find the best jacket for your needs and budget.

The Best Women’s Winter Jackets of 2025
Whether you’re looking for a warm, stylish coat to commute in a snowstorm, spectate a hockey game, or enjoy après-ski, we’ve got you covered with the best women’s winter jackets.