Buying the right winter jacket can become confusing and difficult as they are expensive and one would rather like to invest their money in a good jacket rather than waste it. Hence, we have compiled a list of the best jackets with every detail about them.
Having the perfect winter coat is a top priority. We all have that one go-to jacket for the entire winter because it is warm, comfortable, and high-functioning. If you are looking for a new winter coat for yourself or for a loved one to gift for Christmas, this list is just the thing for you.
We have compiled the best coats and jackets after weighing all the pros and cons.
The North Face McMurdo Parka
The McMurdo Parka is the best overall jacket which is casual and not so pricey. It has a 550-fill-power down. It is warm and waterproof. It also blocks the wind and can be worn in milder weather as it is breathable. Because of the upper-thigh-length cut, the jacket offers both coverage and mobility to a great extent. Do not worry, the faux fur around the hood is removable. It is decent looking and can be layered with more clothing. A similar parka is available for women called the Arctic Parka with many similarities that have been stated above.
The only drawback is that it is on the heavier side and has a very casual look.
Patagonia Frozen Range Parka
This parka is both sleek and casual in look. It is the warmest parka for the Patagonia lineup. It has a 700-fill down weighing 9.5 ounces. The entire parka weighs about 2 pounds and 12 ounces. It is completely waterproof with a Gore-Tex shell. Moreover, it has thigh-length coverage which is cozy, warm, and mobile. The hood is designed in such a way that it protects your head and face from the bitterly cold wind but also offers face visibility. The big buttons in the front only add to the style of the parka. It is definitely on the expensive side but the investment will be worth it. It is available for both men and women.
Also, Patagonia makes the Frozen Range in a 3-in-1 version besides the one mentioned above. We would highly recommend getting the regular parka over this one for a couple of reasons. The 3-in-1 version only offers waist-length coverage and therefore provides less warmth. It is heavier than the regular parka because of all the zippers and attachments making it weigh 3 pounds and 9 ounces in total. The last point is that it costs $799 which is $100 more than our regular Frozen Range.
Mountain Equipment Lightline
If you are looking to buy a warm, sturdy jacket without burning a hole in your pocket, you should give this jacket a try. It is both performance and casual wear. It looks great. It has 10.4 ounces of 700- fill down and only for the price of $300! The jacket weighs 1 pound and 10.1 ounces. The pros do not stop here. It is both windproof and waterproof with the Drilite shell. It is also available in various colors to choose from. It is an everyday, versatile look which will easily become your go-to favorite. This jacket is also available for both men and women.
It may be a little heavier and not compress that small but it offers way too many advantages for its price. It is a steal. Even a fraction of the down in this jacket costs comparatively more in other winter jackets. Although, it may not be the best jacket for the backcountry.
Marmot Fordham Jacket
It is a casual-look jacket that is reasonably priced and quite warm. It is a good-looking jacket. It has a good amount of 700-fill down (higher quality if compared to the North Face McMurdo Parka) and the entirety weighs 2 pounds and 12 ounces.
This stylish jacket has a waterproof and tough 2-layer shell. Also, the hood is removable in case you do not need extra protection. The fabric is very durable with plenty of pockets.
The fit of the jacket is a little snug for layering especially the collar area if you want to add a scarf with it. It is heavier than the McMurdo Parka especially when it comes to the arms and shoulders area. The coverage is not like the McMurdo but it is very warm. It is very comfortable and has a great price.
Canada Goose Langford Parka
When you go to the other end of the price range, you will find the Canada Goose Langford Parka. It has everything that you need in a perfect winter coat.
It is a very sleek jacket for casual and performance wear. It has a 625-fill duck down (ironically not goose). The jacket weighs 3 pounds and 5 ounces. It is extremely warm and super well-built. It is also very fashionable. It has a thick and durable Arctic-Tech shell. The company claims that the Langford can be worn at a freezing temperature of – 15°F.
The only drawback is that it is really expensive. There is a men’s Canada Goose Langford and a women’s Canada Goose Trillium.
Kuhl Arktik Down Parka
This parka is casual wear that is more on the fashionable side. It has 9.4 oz. of 800-fill down and hence is super warm. It weighs 3 pounds and 4 ounces. It has a burly shell that provides great wind resistance. It also has wax and polyurethane coatings which makes it water-resistant and snow-resistant by keeping the moisture off it. Along with this, it has great coverage. The hood has faux fur at the brim and it is removable. It is available for both men and women.
All the buttons, zippers, shoulder panels, and elbow patches are there for a fashionable look but all of it can be a little distracting. The material is decent but not very high-end. The leather is of ‘faux’ variety which makes a difference over time in durability and looks of the material.
Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody
If you are looking for a super cozy and versatile jacket, Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody is the one. It has 5.6 ounces of 800-fill down. The jacket weighs 1 pound and 1.1 ounces. It has a super plush lining with a body-hugging fit. It almost has a down sleeping bag-like feel and fit. It is very warm with a high collar to block the cold wind. With a helmet-compatible hood, the jacket can be used for the backcountry. The quality and finish are great. You can layer it up with other clothing for more warmth. Specific designs for both men and women are available. Our only complaint is that more fill-down is available for a similar price in other winter jackets.
Fjallraven Singi Down Jacket
Fjallraven is very similar to the Canadian Goose. It looks great and is well-built for outdoor gear. It is both casual and performance wear. It has 10.4 oz. of 600-fill down. It weighs 4 pounds and 3 ounces. It is a very durable jacket that is extremely warm. It has a lot of storage.
One beautiful thing to note is that the jacket is the company’s Scandinavian heritage. As most Fjallraven gears do, the Singi down also has a G-1000 shell which comprises 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. This makes the jacket durable and moisture-resistant. The style of the jacket is particularly sleek. It also allows layering. It has different available designs for both men and women.
The fill-down of the jacket seems rather low for its price. Other jackets mentioned above have more fill-power-down for a lesser price.
These are the best winter jackets with their advantages and disadvantages clearly stated to help you get your perfect match. All of them are great and worth every penny.
