The 7 Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2024

Best Overall Winter Jacket for Men

Fjallraven Nuuk Parka

Insulation: Supreme Microloft | Number of Pockets: 8 exterior, 5 interior
The Swedish-born Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is no stranger to cold, dark, wet winters. This jacket is dense, heavy, waterproof, and warm. Admittedly, it isn't designed for competitive dog sledding or polar expeditions, but it certainly can hold its own for just about any other urban or wilderness adventure you have planned. This jacket is rooted in Scandinavian heritage. It showcases Fjallraven's familiar iconic style by successfully blending native, traditional, and urban vibes. The Nuuk's rugged canvas-like shell is actually made of 100% recycled polyester (polyamide), and its proprietary synthetic insulation (Supreme Microloft) provides superior warmth by mimicking actual down. At its core, the Nuuk is a cold-weather parka built for more prolonged exposure to the elements. We like to think that you wear this jacket to experience events, as opposed to just passing through them. You wear this coat to chase the Northern Lights, brave an outdoor New Year celebration at city center, or to shrug off frigid temps while you enjoy a winter bonfire with friends. That said, the Nuuk's trendy style also lends it to being a great daily wear jacket for life's normal routines.

When combined with a beanie, gloves, insulated pants, and some dense top layers, we feel the Nuuk can keep you warm down to about -15°F, if you're moving.

The Nuuk does have a few flaws. Its main zipper connects on the opposite side (more common in Europe or Scandinavia), so it's a little confusing at first. It's also quite stubborn, often requiring more finagling than we had patience. After three months of use, we're still struggling to get it right. The polyamide shell likes to absorb water. This isn't a waterproofing problem, thanks to an interior polyurethane membrane. However, it does weigh the jacket down a bit during a rainstorm. Lastly, the Nuuk doesn't travel well, so if you're traveling by airplane or public transit, plan on carrying it. We also highly recommend the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka. Its performance scores are on par with the Nuuk, but it insulates with down and it has a totally different style. If you like the idea of down but are drawn to a more basic, daily wear jacket, the Marmot Fordham is one of our favorites.

Read more: Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Review

Best Bang for the Buck

Marmot Fordham

Insulation: 700-fill down | Number of Pockets: 4 exterior, 1 interior

A distinctively rugged shell and a tailored athletic fit are the key characteristics of the Marmot Fordham. Its outdoorsy style mixes well with its macho, work jacket vibe to create a coat that is fun to wear and adapts as well to urban settings as it does to the great outdoors. In short, it's a great all-purpose winter jacket that is as warm as it is weatherproof. When you look past simple aesthetics, you'll find dense fabrics, high-quality down, tight stitching, and several extras that make the Fordham seem underpriced when you consider its overall value. This, along with how it performed during our testing, is why we feel it is the best bang for your buck on our list.

The recycled polyester shell tends to absorb water during longer exposure to precipitation, although we never had problems with moisture penetrating the insulation or interior lining. The Fordham also has a shorter hemline (like a standard down puffy), so it doesn't cover below the hips. Its athletic fit may be too constrictive for larger bodies, and its hood is a little too shallow. However, we never questioned this jacket's construction quality or warmth, making it a serious consideration for one of the best daily wear jackets on the market.

The Rab Neutrino Pro is another one of our favorite jackets for people who like down. It has the soul of a mountaineering jacket, so it's also super warm but weighs a lot less because of its thinner shell. If you are looking for a different take on a general-purpose jacket, we think you should look at the Patagonia Downdrift. It also uses down but has a thick nylon shell.

Read more: Marmot Fordham Review

Best for Tight Budgets

Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket - Men's

Insulation: Synthetic| Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 1 interior

The Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket is an extremely affordable winter weather coat designed for moderate exposure to the elements. Its polyester shell, synthetic insulation, and shaggy-fleece interior lining give the appearance of warmth, but our verdict was more like — warm enough. Perfect for shoveling snow, ice skating, running errands, or sledding, we used this jacket mostly for daily wear. However, at its core, it's built more for recreation and leans toward being a ski jacket. However, we feel this versatility is a great feature when we consider this jacket's price tag. We didn't dig the Snow Jacket's style (1990s), but we really liked its features: elastic wrist gaiters, powder skirt, removable hood, storm flaps, and even waterproof zippers. We doubted its construction quality, but impressively haven't seen any problems yet. That said, this jacket's overall quality is definitely reduced by its affordability — you simply get what you pay for in the winter jacket arena.

We don't feel this jacket is a stylish option for dinner and a movie - but to each their own. Its seams are loosely stitched (8-9 stitches per linear inch), which will eventually lead to durability issues, like popped seams. Zipper quality is so-so, its hemline stops at the waist, and it isn't built for really cold temps. But cash is king, and the Snow Jacket is simply a bargain. If you like the price point of the Wantdo but don't care for its ski jacket accessories, take a look at the Moerdeng ArcticPeaks. It is very similar and about as warm, but it doesn't have all the extras. If you like the versatility of the Wantdo but need a better-performing jacket, we think the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a great option. It's loaded with high-performance features but has an affordable price. Lastly, if you just want a reasonably stylish, cheap puffy jacket, the Tommy Hilfiger Men's Hooded Puffer Jacket may be your best bet.

Read more: Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket - Men's Review

Our Most Versatile Option

Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka

Insulation: Inner Jacket: 700-fill down | Outer Jacket: none | Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 3 interior

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is an extremely versatile cold-weather jacket with a layering system that can adapt to a wide variety of temperatures, weather conditions, and activities. It is the most versatile jacket in our current lineup and was a fan favorite among some of our testers for its style, appealing fabrics, and noticeable comfort. The Tres 3-in-1 features two independent jackets in one, giving the user three entirely different layering systems to do battle with a wide variety of elements and temperatures. When fully layered, it can provide warmth on the coldest winter days, and it is roomy enough to accommodate the addition of a sweater, beanie, and scarf without looking or feeling too bulky. It's durable enough for winter recreation, yet dressy enough for casual to semi-formal events.

We don't like this jacket's large front pockets — at least not for hand warming. There are no side-entry pockets on the Tres 3-in-1, and the top-down opening of the existing pockets are not an ergonomic fit, making them uncomfortable to use while walking. Additionally, they are zippered pockets, so the zipper teeth grind against the hands and wrists. That said, these pockets are weatherproof, very secure, and excellent for storing valuables. We also have two lightweight 3-in-1 options in our lineup: the The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate and the Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka. Neither can match the warmth of the Patagonia jacket, but they are both very weatherproof and are an excellent option if you're in the market for a thinner jacket that can double as active wear.

Read more: Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka review

Best for Extreme Cold

Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage

Insulation: 625-fill down | Number of Pockets: 8 exterior, 2 interior

While bitter cold, feet of snow, and icy sidewalks do not describe cold conditions for everyone, for those living in extreme latitudes or at high elevations, a winter jacket that protects you from prolonged subzero temperatures makes a lot of sense. Enter the Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage. This model is the pinnacle of warmth, with abundant features, and it's the coziest jacket we reviewed. It's no wonder this protective parka provides such comfort and warmth — it was designed for scientists and researchers working in some of the coldest conditions on the planet at our poles. This seriously insulative jacket is rated to be worn at -22°F on its own, and effective layering can extend that range even further. If you live in the frozen, wind-whipped plains of the Midwest or spend time ice fishing in the early hours of the frigid Northeast or Canada, this parka may be perfect.

The primary drawbacks of the Canada Goose Expedition are its weight, bulk, and very high price. It is an oversized jacket in every way. The quality and performance are impeccable, but such specialized performance comes at a high cost. It is likely not your everyday winter jacket —- only those exposed to the truly bitter cold should accept the drawbacks. If you need a truly warm and durable coat, you won't do better than the Expedition Parka. It's the gold standard among polar researchers and adventurers for a good reason, and Canada Goose offers a comprehensive warranty and repair program to protect and extend the life of your investment. If you want this level of protection and warmth, no other jacket we tested comes close to matching the Expedition Parka. However, for a similar experience in less extreme conditions, the TNF McMurdo and Fjallraven Nuuk are in the same ballpark but are more stylish — and more reasonably priced.

Read more: Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage review

Best for Active Winter Recreation

Rab Neutrino Pro

Insulation: 800-fill down | Number of Pockets: 2 exterior, 1 interior

The Rab Neutrino Pro is a technically-minded down jacket that provides excellent warmth and comfort in a lightweight package. Designed with active winter pursuits in mind, this is a perfect parka for anyone who goes outside in the cold during activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding to sledding, hunting, and ice fishing, or even just chopping wood and shoveling the driveway. It packs high-loft down insulation into thoughtful baffle patterns and a comfortable and cozy hood. It is tailored to fit the body's contours, making it very comfortable to wear, especially while moving.

We also like the style of this puffy. It feels right at home in various situations, from small towns to big cities and everywhere in between. It doesn't have as many pockets as other jackets, but the pockets it does have are handy and well-placed and will fit large items like binoculars. Two drawstrings on the hem and two drawstrings on the hood, as well as velcro wrist straps, help seal out the elements during brutal winter storms. However, the shell material isn't as waterproof as other jackets on the market, and it is thin enough to make us worry about its longevity up against sharp objects or rough surfaces. If you spend a lot of time outside in the winter and need a packable jacket to keep up with your active lifestyle, look no further.

If you live in a place with wet winters, the thin shell of the Neutrino Pro may not be enough to keep you dry. Instead, you could turn to a ski or snowboard jacket to get the protection, mobility, and ventilation you seek, such as the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft. If you prefer the option to layer, you might consider adding a high-performance hardshell overtop instead, like the Norrona Trollveggen, or the more affordable Ortovox 3L Ortler.

Read more: Rab Neutrino Pro review

A Great Value - When It's Available

REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka

Insulation: 850-fill down and synthetic fibers| Number of Pockets: 3 exterior, 2 interior

The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a lightweight, reasonably warm, weather-resistant winter jacket. It offers features and protection — on par with more expensive models — at a more appealing price point. Its hybrid insulation is more than just a casual blend of down and synthetic. Instead, designers devised a mapping system to strategically place both types of insulation throughout the jacket. For example, the Stormhenge's cuffs and lower sleeves are more likely to get wet, so they contain synthetic insulation because it can retain heat even when saturated — down can't. Staying true to REI form, every inch of the Stormhenge is engineered with purpose. Sleeves are sealed off by elastic wrist gaiters; the hood cinches down to create a near-perfect line of vision; seamless shoulders provide a smooth ride for backpack straps; hand-warmer pockets sit low so they can still be accessible while wearing a hip belt or harness; and a nylon waterproof shell sheds water like a duck.

Style is not this jacket's forté. It's not ugly, but rather simple and understated. Its overall shape, or cut, is also slightly strange. The Stormhenge flares out at the bottom, creating pear-shaped lines that are a little too roomy. All said, this jacket is laden with performance features, but it won't break the bank quite like many similar options.

The Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka is another one of our favorite down jackets. It is chocked full of premium 700-fill down, but it is protected by a dense GoreTex shell, so it's a great consideration if you live in a wetter climate. If you are looking for a more general-purpose jacket, we think you should look at the Patagonia Downdrift. It also uses down, but has more of an urban style.

Read more: Rei Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka review

Best Overall Down Jacket

Rab Electron Pro

Insulation: 800-fill recycled European goose down | Number of Pockets: 2 exterior, 1 interior

If you're searching for a more packable puffy that will still keep you warm in frigid temps, the Rab Electron Pro is our favorite choice. In our side-by-side testing of the top-rated down jackets, this thickly filled model kept us cozy and warm on all our backcountry adventures and mid-winter urban explorations. Though down jackets can't offer the same kind of weather resistance as the shell-covered coats in this lineup, the Electron Pro is filled with hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum Pro exterior and kept out wind and rain better than almost any other similarly-designed model we tested. It feels great against the skin and has a ton of adventure-ready features, including an adjustable hem, an adjustable and helmet-compatible hood with an eye-protecting brim, stretch panels at the cuffs, and hand pockets high enough to accommodate a backpack belt or climbing harness.

Compared to more everyday-focused winter jackets, the Rab Electron Pro doesn't have a lot of pockets for storing things while you're out and about. We particularly miss having internal slip pockets. It's also one of the heaviest and bulkiest down jackets we tested — though is still more packable than just about any winter jacket. If you want the most packable down layer we've found, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 weighs just 8.3 ounces and breathes like a dream, making it a great choice for high-output winter activities like running or biking.

Read more: Rab Electron Pro review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	84	Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Best Overall Winter Jacket for Men	$500
	81	Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Our Most Versatile Option	$699
	78	The North Face McMurdo Down Parka	$400
	77	Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage Best for Extreme Cold	$1,775
	76	Marmot Fordham Best Bang for the Buck	$325
	72	Patagonia Downdrift	$329
	71	Rab Neutrino Pro Best for Active Winter Recreation	$400
	70	REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka A Great Value - When It's Available	$299
	68	Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka	$549
	65	The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate	$320
	64	Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka	$399
	63	Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka	$479
	61	Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket - Men's Best for Tight Budgets	$69
	61	Moerdeng ArcticPeaks	$120
	53	Tommy Hilfiger Men's Hooded Puffer Jacket	$90
	50	Carhartt Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket	$110

Why Trust GearLab

We've studied winter jackets for over a decade and have had hands-on experience wearing and testing over 90 different men's coats. We've also refined our testing process and metrics to a rigorous and thorough standard through the years. We've worn these jackets in every type of winter weather, doing every kind of winter activity — from cities to the wilds to the small towns in between.

Our winter jackets are tested side by side and then individually scored against five rating metrics:

• Warmth (30% of overall score weighting)

• Weather Resistance (25% weighting)

• Comfort (25% weighting)

• Versatility and Style (10% weighting)

• Construction Quality (10% weighting)

Our winter jacket test team is headed up by full-time Utah resident Jason Wanlass, who is no stranger to wild winter weather. Jason is an avid trail-seeker who has backpacked routes in Iceland, Nepal, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and the Patagonia Region of Argentina and Chile. He has also braved the wilds of Sweden, Finland, and Estonia in the dead of winter. He's weathered decades of Utah winters and faced fierce weather in remote corners of the globe, giving him the expertise to distinguish between jackets that are the real deal and those that won't handle real winter weather.

Licensed Mountain Guide, Jeff Dobronyi. leads backcountry skiing and mountaineering trips all over the globe in the winter and spends his summers leading alpine climbs and expeditions. He has ventured on four expeditions to Denali and many trips to the Andes, Alps, Canadian Rockies, and Alaskan mountains, in addition to winter camping for ski mountaineering in the Tetons. He knows what it means to brave the worst weather on earth.

Jediah Porter works both as a mountain guide and for OutdoorGearLab. He climbs, skis, and engages in binges of mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and trail-running.

Analysis and Test Results

We rated each jacket's performance in the key areas, and through our testing process, we learned exactly what to look for in a winter coat and how to narrow down the options. Read on for specifics about how the jackets fared in the individual metrics that comprise the overall scores.

Value

Winter jackets can be pricey and might be the most expensive piece of clothing many users own. That said, they are one of the most essential pieces of clothing for users who live in cold climates and can make the difference between enjoying beautiful winter days and shivering miserably, wishing summer would arrive sooner. In general, the warmest jackets are the most expensive, but there are still good deals to be found. Consider how much warmth you'll need, making sure you don't buy a jacket that is unnecessarily warm (and expensive) for your region.

We love the value of the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka, which provides a blend of down and synthetic insulation, a waterproof membrane, and excellent features. Plus, it is well-constructed and durable for a range of uses. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka and The North Face McMurdo are also great values, especially if you live in colder climates. Both perform nearly as well as the best jackets on the market at a much lower price. We also love the value-added features and performance of the Marmot Fordham, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, and Patagonia Downdrift. However, if you genuinely need warmth and weather resistance to resist the most brutal winter climates, more expensive jackets, like the Canada Goose Expedition Parka are worth the investment. Refined design characteristics, down insulation, and effective waterproofing require time, effort, and money on the manufacturer's part. This extra effort drives up the sticker price, but in the long run, a well-designed winter jacket made from durable materials will prove its worth. In more temperate areas, users might be able to get away with less. While it can't match the performance of the best jackets, the The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate and Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka offer decent performance at reasonable prices.

Warmth

Warmth is the most heavily weighted metric in our testing model, accounting for 30 percent of each product's total score. Warmth directly corresponds to how much insulation is used in a jacket, be it down or synthetic insulation. The more insulation a jacket contains, the warmer it is. The most helpful measurement for warmth is, of course, comparative testing in actual conditions. To do this, we wore each coat extensively and collected anecdotal data. Then we strapped Bluetooth thermometers to our body and stood out in the cold in order to record each jacket's maximum interior temperature.

Our elite performer in this metric was, without question, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. It is truly built for frigid conditions and is by far the warmest parka in our lineup. Right on the heels of the Canada Goose are the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka and the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka.

The Nuuk and the Mcmurdo share identical warmth scores. Both parkas are warm and built for long-term exposure to cold. Their defining difference is insulation. The Nuuk is lined with Supreme Microloft synthetic insulation, while the McMurdo is stuffed with 600-fill down.

One common feature among the top performers is fur. The Canada Goose lines its hood with real coyote fur, while both the Nuuk and the McMurdo are lined with synthetic fur. Either way you go, having this extra line of defense against the elements keeps you warmer longer.

Other top performers include the Rab Neutrino Pro, Marmot Fordham, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, Patagonia Downdrift, and the Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Park. All five are down jackets, allowing them to be lightweight but warm. Our favorites among the five are the Fordham and the Tres. Specifically, we loved how the Marmot kept us warm outdoors for extended periods of time. It has a very tough shell that is packed with 700-fill treated down.

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka got our votes because of its versatile warmth. This jacket has two separate layers, a long, stylish outer jacket, and a decently warm inner down puffy. Each can be worn separately in a wide range of climates and temperatures. However, when combined, they collectively really pack a punch in terms of warmth. The Tres 3-in-1's greatest warmth feature is its extra-long fit. It is the longest jacket on our list.

Lastly, we were quite impressed with the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka. It didn't garner super high warmth scores because it was compared directly against the much heavier parkas; however, when judged on its own merits, we think it is quite warm for its weight. The Stormhenge is insulated with a very unique mixture of 850-fill goose down and synthetic fibers and is the lightest full parka in our lineup.

Weather Resistance

Heavy storms are an inevitable part of winter life, making weather resistance a vital factor to consider when purchasing a jacket to do battle with the elements. This metric makes up 25 percent of each jacket's overall score. Winter jackets need to be proficient at protecting against wind, snow, rain, and sleet — with the ultimate goal of keeping you and the insulation dry. Key features for this metric include jacket length, pocket design, adjustable cuffs, drawstring hems and hoods, storm flaps, resistant shells, and waterproof membranes.

Surprisingly, our very toughest jacket in this metric is the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka It received the highest overall score for weather resistance. More specifically, the Stormhenge proved itself during our water tests by outperforming all the jackets on our list. The Stormhenge's treated nylon shell is also laminated with REI's HydroWall 2L waterproof membrane. Combined, the two create an incredible barrier against precipitation.

Our next top performers include the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka, Canada Goose Expedition Parka, Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka, Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka, and Moerdeng ArcticPeaks. All six jackets received identical scores in this metric, but the most surprising performer was, hands down, the ArcticPeaks. Its polyester shell is backed by a polyurethane membrane, which allows it to be very resistant to water and wind — quite surprising for being one of the least expensive jackets on our list.

The Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka also performed very well in this metric. The Foray is a very lightweight winter jacket. It consists of two individual layers that can be worn independently. The outer polyester Gore-Tex shell protects very well against wind and rain.

We were also quite impressed with the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka, Marmot Fordham, Patagonia Downdrift, The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate, and Wantdo Waterproof Snow Jacket. All six offer great protection from the elements. Worth specific mention is the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka. The combination of its nylon shell, waterproof DryVent membrane, and 600-fill down blocks wind and rain like a brick wall.

Comfort

Ideally, a good winter parka combines insulation and weather-resistant into a comfortable package you can easily wear and move in all day. Often, the sheer volume of material can be restricting, which is why our testing pan weighted Comfort as 25 percent of each jacket's final score.

Leading the pack is the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. Our testers wore this jacket almost every day for three months and never grew tired of it. Particularly, the herringbone polyester shell is incredibly pliable, allowing it to hang similarly to a men's suit coat.

Other comfy jackets include the The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate, Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, Marmot Fordham, Rab Neutrino Pro, Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka, and Tommy Hilfiger Men's Hooded Puffer Jacket. Our favorite of these six is the Thermoball Eco Triclimate, particularly its soft, pliable shell that is very breathable. It also comes with pit zips to let off a little steam. This jacket is so light that we sometimes forgot we were wearing it, making it perfect for high-energy activities.

Additionally, we absolutely loved wearing the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka. This jacket is weighty and dense, which gives it certain heft that we enjoyed carrying on our body. The liner is also very plush, and the hood and pockets are fleece-lined.

Versatility and Style

Style varies from one individual to the next, and our personalities show through our clothing choices — winter jackets included. This review includes parkas that have a slightly formal edge and others that convey simpler taste. It really comes down to what you like and what you don't. Versatility, on the other hand, is a bit easier to pinpoint. Owning a jacket that not only looks good but one that meets or exceeds your needs is key. Our Versatility and Style metric accounts for 10 percent of each jacket's overall score.

Our hands-down favorite in this metric is the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. If you haven't checked this jacket out yet, it's worth a quick read. In short, its layering system can provide protection for three full seasons of the year — close to 9 months.

We also really liked the versatility and style of the The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate. It's also a 3-in-1 jacket, and its scores are just barely below the Tres 3-in-1 Parka. The biggest difference between the two is the Triclimate is a very lightweight winter jacket that is designed for lots of movement. We love this jacket's sporty style and its incredible versatility — wear it to the store, gym, movies, and even on the slopes.

Following closely behind these top performers are the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka, The North Face McMurdo Down Parka, Marmot Fordham, Patagonia Downdrift, and Rab Neutrino Pro In particular, we really loved the McMurdo's ability to be somewhat of a technical jacket, but at the same time have that iconic The North Face vibe that just looks cool in any setting.

Likewise, the Fjallraven Nuuk's urban-native vibe looks great in any setting. However the Nuuk isn't just all looks, it's also versatile enough to perfectly balance between outdoor life and city life.

Lastly, we really like the Patagonia Downdrift's relaxing, understated look. It is warm and rugged enough for a full day of sledding, but it's also versatile enough to wear to the movies or dinner and still look good.

Construction Quality

Purchasing a winter jacket can sometimes be a significant investment. This generally comes with the expectation of reasonable durability and longevity. Overall, you should get what you pay for. This metric is 10 percent of each jacket's overall score.

Our most durable performer jacket is the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. Given its price tag, one would expect it to be the most durable. Right behind it is the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka. This jacket has tight stitching, rugged materials, leather accents, and quality insulation.

Other top-notch jackets include the Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka, Patagonia Downdrift, Carhartt Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jacket, Marmot Fordham, The North Face McMurdo Down Parka, and Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. More specifically, we really like the pure ruggedness of the Fordham. Everything about this jacket is tough — the zippers, the snaps, the drawstrings, and the dense shell.

We also appreciate the Carhartt's rugged duck cotton shell, the McMurdo's tough nylon exterior and high-end stitch patterns, and the Tres Parka's incredible fabrics and reverse seams.

Conclusion

Choosing the right winter jacket for your needs and your budget can be somewhat daunting. Just one search can bring up an endless scroll of brand names, styles, features, qualities, and functions. This list is nearly endless. Lucky for you, our experts have already been down many of those rabbit holes to find a wide variety of jackets that could suit your needs. We've looked at hundreds, whittled those lists down to dozens, and then got our hands on many of the very best options for side-by-side testing. In the end, we hope our efforts will help you find the best product your money can buy.