These Winter Coats Will Keep You From Needing to Thaw After Your Cold-Weather Hikes

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Temps are taking a pleasant dip and we’re excited to break out our favorite boots, and while we’re not looking forward to the trials of winter, we can’t wait to pull our cozy winter coats out of storage. If you’re looking for a new puffer or parka this winter, your options range from high-performance waterproof coats to classic wool jackets. Our list of the best winter coats includes options to keep you toasty going to work, carving lines on the slopes, or running around town.

The Best Winter Coats

• Best Overall: Eddie Bauer Down Alpine Parka Coat

• Best Waterproof: The North Face McMurdo Down Parka

• Best Budget Option: REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie Winter Coat

• Best for Hiking and Climbing: Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket
  

• Best Classic Puffer: The North Face 1996 Nuptse Down Winter Coat
  

What to Consider

Shell Material

The material of the outer layer of the jacket, or shell, needs to be something that cuts the wind, keeps out the cold, and preferably has some weatherproofing. Nylon and polyester shells that have a DWR—durable water repellent—coating are best for winter jackets because you’ll likely encounter some sort of precipitation whether that be rain, snow, or a wintry mix.

Some jackets are waterproof on the outer shell with an extra two to three layer construction of water-resistant materials that ensure you stay dry. For casual wear, you can skip the most waterproof options since they tend to be less breathable—but if you’re outside in snow, you might need it. It’s one thing to be wet or cold, but being both makes for a miserable (and potentially dangerous) excursion.

Durability

As far as durability, check to see if the shell has a denier count. Denier is a unit of measurement in fabrics that determines the thickness of fibers in each individual thread of fabric—in this case, nylon or polyester.

Retailers list these to let you know just how thick the shell of a jacket is, to give you insight on its durability and longevity. The higher the number, the thicker the threads, and the more durable the jacket. For those who plan to hike or work, or people who just wear their clothes hard, look for a high denier count—around 30 denier, or 30D—as it’ll give you the most abrasion resistance.

Insulating Materials

Your body generates heat and warms the still air trapped between the fibers and filaments of the materials.

“We know air is the best insulator on earth,” says Hsiou-Lien Chen, a textile researcher and associate professor at Oregon State University. “If you can create more spaces to trap that air, the material will have better insulation.”

You can determine how much of that space is in your down or down alternative jacket by checking the fill power. Fill power represents the volume of an ounce of down when it’s compressed. Down jackets typically have 450 to 900 fill power—the higher the number, the warmer the jacket. For true winter, your best bet is to buy a jacket with at least 550-fill-power.

If you opt for genuine duck or goose down, make sure it’s ethically sourced and carries one of two sustainable down certifications—either the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) or the Global Traceable Down Standard (Global TDS).

If you’re allergic to down or prefer synthetic fill, you can still stay warm. Synthetic down is just as effective and sometimes fares even better in wet, wintry mixes than the real stuff.

Wool is another common option for warm winter coats as it’s known for its natural insulating properties—that’s why we love it in our chunky sweaters and comfy socks. Wool topcoats and peacoats are dressier options to wear when you need to be more formal, though keep in mid these have virtually no water resistance, so keep an umbrella handy.

Features

A winter coat with a hood can protect you from the elements and trap more warmth around your head, and make sure to check for features like extra pockets to stash gloves or a hat before you buy.

How We Selected

To find the best winter coats, we considered price, insulating ability, comfort, materials, waterproofing, and style. We then consulted our test editors to get intel on jackets they’ve had personal experience with while hiking, skiing, and simply running everyday errands during the winter months.

We combed through customer reviews for further info and firsthand experiences in order to get a selection that would deliver on the promised features. Our selection includes picks that’ll cover a wide array of personal styles as well as give you the warmth and protection you want when the temperatures take a serious drop.

Down Alpine Parka Men's Winter Coat

I wore this jacket while snowmobiling in Alaska during snowfall and it successfully cut the freezing wind and beaded off precipitation.

The 800-fill goose-down is stacked in a zig-zag pattern instead of the typical horizontal rows of baffles, so there’s continuous insulation that prevents cold spots or down migration.

The large, internal mesh dump pockets have enough room for a water bottle, and the outer pockets keep your hands extra warm. The cut is close but spacious enough for adding plenty of layers underneath, though even without, it’s a bulky jacket.

McMurdo Down Parka Winter Coat

The McMurdo has a two layer construction and DWR finish to ensure you stay dry in any snow or wintry mixes. The 600-fill synthetic down will keep you toasty in frigid weather and it’s cut a bit longer to give you some added coverage.

There’s plenty of storage space with zip side-entry pockets behind the top flap pockets at the hip; there are also zip pockets at the chest to secure a phone or wallet. Adjustable cuffs and the hood can be snugged up to block out the wind and cold, and the faux fur trim can be removed for a more subdued style or when you don’t need the extra warmth.

It’s cut large so it’s easy to layer underneath but we still recommend taking your normal size. While it does have a hearty nylon shell, the extended length and bulkiness aren’t best for lots of backcountry activity.

Magma 850 Down Hoodie Winter Coat

REI’s in-house brand made this affordable coat that boasts a higher fill count than you see on others that are triple the price. The 850-fill power will keep you toasty in freezing temps and its DWR coating will keep you dry in rain and snow. It has a drawcord hem to keep out the wind and though the cuffs aren't adjustable, they're elastic and will hug your wrist.

The draft collar provides added warmth for your neck and the adjustable hood can be cinched down to minimize skin exposure. While it does have a hip-length, the jacket is cut larger and longer than a regular fit so you'll get some extra coverage and can still layer some underneath.

Buy Women's

Neutrino Pro Winter Coat

The Neutrino is kitted out to keep you warm both in the city and on your favorite hikes. The sturdy nylon shell won't easily rip if caught on something and the helmet compatible hood is perfect for climbers or cyclist. It has a substantial two-way zipper that's easy to use even if you have on your thickest pair of gloves.

It weighs just over a pound and packs into an included stuff sack so it's easy to clip onto gear or throw in your backpack. The adjustable cuffs and hem help you seal out the cold or whenever the wind picks up. The length is just past the hip so while it doesn't give you coverage like a parka, it'll keep your backend warm.

Buy Women's

1996 Retro Nuptse Down Winter Coat

The Nuptse is a retro puffer that's as at home in the city as it is in the backcountry. The oversized baffles have 700-fill power for warmth while still being compressible and it packs down into its right hand pocket.

It has a DWR treated shell to keep you dry in mild rain and snow. An adjustable hem and cuffs help you seal out the wind and rain, and the hood cinches for a customized fit. If you prefer the high-collar silhouette instead, the hood stows into the collar adding some versatility to the jacket. This classic silhouette has stood the test of time for almost 30 years and is a good bet if you're not sure where to start for a new winter coat.

Buy Women's

Balmacaan Winter Coat

Sometimes you can't wear a. bulky parka to a meeting or a night out with a significant other but still don't want to freeze. This topcoat has a wool blend that'll keep you warm and is cut generously for you to layer underneath as needed.

The sleeves adjust with a button tab and you can flip up the large collar for extra protection when the wind picks up. The length hits below the knee giving you a lot of coverage but has a center vent so it’s s comfortable to walk or sit.

Atom Hoody Winter Coat

If you’re looking for warmth without heft, pick the 13.2-ounce Atom LT. You'll be very impressed with the 60-gram Coreloft insulation that'll keep you as warm as a heavier jackets would, cinch the adjustable cords at the waist and on the hood to further seal in heat.

The height of the zipped-up collar perfectly hits right at the chin and offers wind protection without getting in the way. The Atom is versatile, ideal as a mid-layer, and can serve as a top layer in milder temperatures. The insulation used isn't the typical baffle stitch so it's easier to layer under a shell or coat.

Buy Women's

Wool Peacoat Winter Coat

Before synthetic down and techie fabrics, natural fibers were the only option—and wool was the go-to for winter. The peacoat was first created for sailors in the U.S. Navy and is an elegant staple of winter wear. Its thick wool construction keeps out the wind and the large collar and lapels provide coverage when buttoned all the way up. L.L. Bean's version stays true to tradition with anchor buttons and a double-breasted closure.

The polyester lining has a thin layer of Thinsulate insulation so there is some added warmth but it isn't as effective as down fill. Wool also won't repel water so don't go out on a coldy rainy day, lest you'll feel like a sponge by the time you get to where you're going.

A wool peacoat is ideal for those that are trying to keep warm but need something that fits with a dressy or business casual setting.

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