Wardrobe Warm-Up: The Best Parka Jackets to Buy This Winter
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At a Glance: The Best Parka Jackets to Buy This Winter
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Editor’s Pick: Canada Goose Emory Parka
For Extreme Cold: Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka
Stylish Pick: Arc’teryx Therme Parka
Nineties-Inspired: The North Face McMurdo Parka
Premium Materials: Todd Snyder Italian Short Tech Parka
Minimal Style: Everlane ReNew Long Parka
Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
When the temperature starts to plummet, parkas are the only option. Built for sub-zero temperatures, the best parka jackets can handle just about any weather — be it chilly rain, snow, or gusty winds.
The best parka jackets are typically distinguished by a water-resistant outer shell that houses thick insulation. Parkas (a.k.a. anoraks) also feature a hood — usually one big enough to fit over a beanie. They’re also typically longer than most lightweight coats and down jackets, sitting around the mid-thigh for optimal wind protection (I.e. where you really don’t want to be cold).
What Are the Best Parka Jackets?
If you’ve been unable to stay warm this winter, or you’re just looking for an outerwear upgrade, read on. We’ve rounded up some of the best parka jackets to buy online right now, including hardcore mountain jackets and stylish, city-ready parkas that all come highly rated by shoppers and our editors alike.
1. Canada Goose Emory Parka
Considered the gold standard of parkas by many, Canada Goose jackets live up to their reputation. This one, the Emory, is one of our favorites from the esteemed brand, as it combines civilian wearability and serious warmth. The parka uses premium 625-fill down, rugged DWR (durable water repellent) cotton for its shell and a removable coyote fur ruff. You’ll also find some clever features for added warmth, such as a mid-length hem, a lined chin guard, and elasticized skirt seals to keep out the cold. Plus, although it’s ready for the tundra (you’ll be comfortable in temperatures as low as -13° Fahrenheit), the Emory parka is stylish enough to wear around any city.
$1,495
2. Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka
This Superior parka from Eddie Bauer delivers classic looks and impressive protection from the cold. Thanks to 650-fill down insulation and a wind and water-resistant nylon shell, the parka is rated at temperatures as low as -40° Fahrenheit. It’s also very lightweight (2.36 pounds) and features a removable vegan fur ruff to keep your face warm. Reviewers also note that this features hand-warming pockets, which will come in clutch if you leave the house without your gloves. Wear it while hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, or walking to the grocery store.
$349
Promising Customer Feedback: “The first day that I received the coat, it was raining and cold so while walking my dog, I thought I would try out the durability and comfort. The coat’s outer shell repels water, while the inner down filling kept me warm. The versatility of the hood is wonderful and I love the faux coyote fur on the hood, you can even position it to be an ear warmer on days when you want to wear a hat and not pull the hood over your head. I have worn this coat when temperatures dropped into the teens in Chicago and I remained warm and toasty. I am very pleased and I love my coat!” —Amazon Customer
3. Arc’teryx Therme Parka
Arc’teryx has recently enjoyed newfound popularity among the streetwear community. But, although the brand’s jackets are now a style statement, they’re still extremely capable pieces of outerwear. Built for urban winters, this Therme parka promises warmth without sweat — even after brisk walks or bike rides. This is due to a sealed Gore-Tex shell and insulation that mixes 750-fill down. The jacket is also slightly shorter than most, hitting the upper thigh for increased mobility.
$800
Promising Customer Feedback: “Great coat! I bought this coat because I needed an every day parka for all types of Canadian weather (wind, rain, freezing rain, snow and just plain cold). So far so good. I’ve had it for almost a month and have experienced everything except severe cold. One more test to go – severe cold. But I’m sure it will do the job! The fit is good with a little extra room through the body for layering or a nice warm hoodie. Love the storm hood and cuffs inside the sleeves. The shell is soft and fairly noise free. Highly recommend this coat.” —BMcKay
4. The North Face McMurdo Parka
The North Face’s parkas have always provided top-notch warmth in the wintertime, but, right now, we’re also loving the brand’s Nineties aesthetic. This McMurdo parka is one such piece, showcasing The North Face’s signature color block design. A triple-layer build, meantime, offers protection from the elements. The outer layers — a DryVent membrane and recycled nylon — fends off gusts, rain, and snow, and the inside layer is a heat-trapping 600-fill recycled down.
$399.95
$350 $399 12% off
Promising Customer Feedback: “I’m 6’4” so the XL was perfect fit for Me. Arrived right before a massive Midwest winter storm. The fur hood blocked all the snow flying around. Next day it dropped to -10 and that’s when the coat showed its true colors. It’s very warm for clearing the car and walking to work, walking the dog, or just being outside for a long time. I plan on taking it skiing and snowmobiling as it is relatively waterproof and windproof. Plus it’s very stylish and received over a dozen compliments.” —Jonathan P
5. Todd Snyder Italian Short Tech Parka
Down puffer jackets are some of the most functional everyday parkas around, delivering tons of warmth with minimal weight. They look great too, especially with Nineties styles so in vogue right now, but some puffer jackets feel too casual to wear with dressier outfits. Here’s where this Italian Short Tech parka from Todd Snyder shines. Its premium build and classic, minimal lines make it wearable with office attire and date night gets up, as well as casual outfits. But you still get all the functionality you want out of a down jacket thanks to 650-fill down, a removable hood, and a bevy of pockets.
$389 $948 59% off
Promising Customer Feedback: “5 stars — Perfect fit. Looks great.” —Stephen
6. Everlane ReNew Long Parka
Like most of its pieces, Everlane’s ReNew parka gives the winter jacket a minimalist makeover. The result is a stylish parka that’s great for commutes, errands, or chilly outdoor hangouts. But don’t let the looks distract you; thanks to PrimaLoft insulation, a water-repellent polyester shell, and a long length, the ReNew provides ample protection from the elements. Added features like fleecy hand-warmer pockets and an oversized, cinch hood turn up the jacket’s usability even more.
$111 $278 60% off
Promising Customer Feedback: “I love the weight and feel of this parka. Comfortable and easy to move in it. Warm enough for northeast winters.” —Chico
7. Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
Weighing a mere one pound and 10 ounces, this Mountain Hardwear stretchdown park is extremely lightweight, meaning it won’t add to your load while commuting, hiking, or backpacking. But, despite its lightness, the jacket is seriously warm thanks to 700-fill goose down. The nylon exterior provides a windproof finish, and the soft, pliable stretch-woven fabric affords you with ample mobility so you’ll never feel stuck inside something rigid when you’re just trying to stay warm. Loved by shoppers, this also features a fully adjustable hood that can be cinched in for a perfectly customizable fit.
$340
Promising Customer Feedback: “I recently purchased the Men’s Stretchdown Parka and absolutely love it. The stretch outer fabric is a game changer….all the warmth, comfort and benefits of a down jacket built into a fabric that actually moves with you. I noticed a big difference compared to my previous down jacket. I also really appreciate the convenience of the two chest pockets and love the fleece-lined hand pockets, which are super warm when walking around without gloves. I sized down after reading other reviews and would recommend the same. I’m 6 foot and 185lb and fit the Medium perfectly.” —REI Customer
How to Choose the Best Parka Jacket
Because parkas have such an important (and difficult) job of keeping us warm, there are more tech-y factors to consider when shopping. Here are a few things we looked into while testing out Parka jackets to find the best options; we recommend that all shoppers consider them as well as they figure out the best pick for them.
Insulation: Down feathers are the most common form of insulation with modern parkas. This fill is lightweight and excellent at regulating temperature (think warmth without sweat). When shopping for any down product, you’ll see a down-fill power rating. This rating, which typically hovers around 600 to 700, indicates a down fill’s quality. A higher down-fill power rating means the down is of better quality, delivering more warmth with less weight. However, a higher rating doesn’t necessarily mean a jacket is warmer.
Of course, if you’re looking for a more sustainable or vegan option, there are plenty of alternative down-fill parkas as well, which use synthetic down or other materials rather than real goose down.
Weight: Although they can be cozy, heavy winter coats are usually very cumbersome. In our experience, when it comes to parkas, the lighter the better (look for weights below five pounds). The old thinking that heavyweight is better for warmth doesn’t apply anymore — all of the jackets on our list are light in weight but still provide superior insulation and protection.
Length: As mentioned, the best parka jackets are around mid-thigh in length. This provides ample coverage without restricting movement or adding too much weight and material. Still, some people prefer a waist-length parka for more range of motion (maybe for cycling), and others like a longer hem for extra coverage.
Style: No need to sacrifice fashion for warmth. We’ve rounded up some good-looking parkas, whether you prefer a more casual vibe or a sleek office-friendly look.
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
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