Best Winter Jackets 2024 17/08
These heavyweight jackets are designed to provide all the warmth you need during the coldest winter months
By: Ari Schlesinger | Last Updated: August 17, 2023
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As the coldest winter months approach, a reliable jacket becomes essential. Our selection of the finest winter jackets and parkas in 2023 showcases the warmest options available, equipped with ample down fill (or synthetic alternatives) to brave freezing temperatures and gusty winds. This collection encompasses a wide range, from stylish everyday choices suitable for urban environments to high-performance options tailored for backcountry adventures. Certain jackets strike a perfect balance, excelling in both realms. To gain further insights, refer to our comprehensive winter jacket comparison table and purchasing guidance located below our recommendations
Our top picks
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These heavyweight jackets are designed to provide all the warmth you need during the coldest winter months
By: Ari Schlesinger
Last Updated :
We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us.
As the coldest winter months approach, a reliable jacket becomes essential. Our selection of the finest winter jackets and parkas in 2023 showcases the warmest options available, equipped with ample down fill (or synthetic alternatives) to brave freezing temperatures and gusty winds. This collection encompasses a wide range, from stylish everyday choices suitable for urban environments to high-performance options tailored for backcountry adventures. Certain jackets strike a perfect balance, excelling in both realms. To gain further insights, refer to our comprehensive winter jacket comparison table and purchasing guidance located below our recommendations.
OUR TEAM’S WINTER JACKET PICKS
- Best Overall Winter Jacket Picks: The North Face McMurdo Parka ($400)
- Best Value in a Winter Jacket: REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid ($259)
- Most Versatile Jacket for Everyday Wear: Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($649)
- Best in Performance Use: Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket for Mountaineering ($385)
- Best Expedition Jacket for Extreme Cold: Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka ($679)
BEST OVERALL WINTER JACKETS
1. THE NORTH FACE MCMURDO PARKA ($400)
Category: Casual
Fill: 600-fill recycled waterfowl down
What we Like: Premium warmth, waterproof, and reasonably priced.
What we Don’t: Bulkier and less packable than other high-performance jackets
The McMurdo Parka from The North Face strikes an impressive balance between quality and value, making it an excellent option. This parka covers all of the important bases: it’s warm, waterproof, blocks the wind. It is also fairly breathable for a puffier-styled jacket, making it comfortable to wear in milder temperatures. The upper-thigh-length cut provides ample coverage while also allowing for plenty of mobility, which is a bonus. The North Face jacket has incorporated several sustainability measures into the latest version of the McMurdo, including the use of recycled down and fabrics and a PFC-free DWR treatment.
The McMurdo is not specifically designed for the backcountry and is more suited for casual wear. Which should not be a concern for those who are just looking for a jacket to stroll around your local town or any town for that matter! Additionally, it may not offer the same warmth for the weight or compressibility as some of the more expensive parkas that feature thinner shells and 800-fill-power down or higher. However, considering its reasonable price tag of $400, these limitations are minor when compared to its other outstanding features. The jacket is also quite stylish, and the faux fur along the hood is removable, which is a plus. The women’s version of the parka, the Arctic Parka, offers similar features and has a cozy interior and a removable faux fur lining on the hood, making it an excellent option for women.
See the Men’s The North Face McMurdo
See the Woman’s The North Face Arctic
| Best | Jacket | Price | Category | Weight | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperlite 2400 Southwest | $320 | undefined | Dyneema (50D & 150D) | 40, 55, 70L | https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/southwest-40?%40utm_source=www.switchbacktravel.com&avad=52463_b32756c95&utm_medium=affiliate |
| Hyperlite 2400 Southwest 1 | $320 | undefined | Dyneema (50D & 150D) | 40, 55, 70L | https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/southwest-40?%40utm_source=www.switchbacktravel.com&avad=52463_b32756c95&utm_medium=affiliate |
| Hyperlite 2400 Southwest 1 | $320 | undefined | Dyneema (50D & 150D) | 40, 55, 70L | https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/southwest-40?%40utm_source=www.switchbacktravel.com&avad=52463_b32756c95&utm_medium=affiliate |
| Hyperlite 2400 Southwest | $320 | undefined | Dyneema (50D & 150D) | 40, 55, 70L | https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/southwest-40?%40utm_source=www.switchbacktravel.com&avad=52463_b32756c95&utm_medium=affiliate |
| Hyperlite 2400 Southwest | $320 | undefined | Dyneema (50D & 150D) | 40, 55, 70L | https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/southwest-40?%40utm_source=www.switchbacktravel.com&avad=52463_b32756c95&utm_medium=affiliate |
| Hyperlite 2400 Southwest 2 | $320 | undefined | Dyneema (50D & 150D) | 40, 55, 70L | https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/southwest-40?%40utm_source=www.switchbacktravel.com&avad=52463_b32756c95&utm_medium=affiliate |
BEST VALUE IN A WINTER JACKET
2. REI CO-OP STORMHENGE DOWN HYBRID ($259)
Category: Performance/casual
Fill: 850-fill-power RDS goose down
What we Like: Proven warmth, waterproof, and reasonably priced.
What we Don’t: The combination of technical and casual features may not appeal to everyone.
REI’s Stormhenge 850 jacket caused quite a stir when it first arrived on the market a few years ago. It was a budget-friendly option that boasted top-notch technical capabilities, including 850-fill-power down and a waterproof shell. Since then, the Stormhenge has been updated to include synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas like the cuffs and hood, an extended cut for greater coverage, and more storage (the interior zippered pocket is particularly useful). The Stormhenge’s original core components, such as the 2-layer waterproof construction with full seam taping and pit zips, have been retained. At just $259, the latest iteration of the Stormhenge is an exceptional value.
Categorizing the Stormhenge and identifying its ideal user is a bit more challenging. Its waterproofness and technical features, such as pit zips, give it a similar feel to a belay jacket or ski shell, but its sleek appearance and elegant color options are also well-suited for city use. In addition, its warmth falls into an in-between spot: It’s insulated enough for temperatures into the low 20s Fahrenheit with only a light baselayer, but it can’t match a higher-end alternative like the Rab Neutrino Pro below. Despite these minor details, we believe that the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid is an excellent choice that offers an unbeatable combination of features, performance, and affordability.
See the Men’s REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid
See the Women’s REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid
MOST VERSATILE PARKA FOR EVERYDAY WEAR
3. PATAGONIA TRES 3-IN-1 PARKA ($649)
Category: Casual
Fill: 4.2 oz. of 700-fill-power down
What we Like: Clean styling, very versatile, excellent weather resistance and coverage.
What we Don’t: Pricey for a casual winter jacket.
When it comes to finding a winter jacket that combines warmth and everyday style, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka strikes a perfect balance. This jacket boasts excellent insulation, remarkable comfort, complete waterproofing, and a sleek design that suits various occasions. Its versatile 3-in-1 construction allows you to wear the waterproof shell alone during rainy days or zip in the down inner layer for added warmth when temperatures plummet. While the Tres may not match the mobility of more performance-oriented jackets, it remains an excellent choice for city use and tackling cold spells in regions like the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.
In comparison to other casual models on the list, the Tres 3-in-1 stands out with its higher-quality 700-fill-power down, surpassing the 600-fill used in our top choice, The North Face McMurdo. Moreover, the parka-length design provides superior warmth and coverage, rivalling the likes of Canada Goose. Admittedly, the jacket comes with a higher price tag (as expected from Patagonia), and achieving the perfect fit for a parka can sometimes be a challenge. However, we appreciate the Tres’ exceptional design and full waterproof capabilities, making it an incredibly versatile option for navigating wet shoulder seasons and enduring freezing conditions in the heart of winter. If you prefer a non-waterproof alternative, consider exploring Patagonia’s Jackson Glacier Parka.
See the Men’s Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
See the Women’s Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
BEST WINTER JACKET FOR PERFORMANCE USAGE
4. RAB NEUTRINO PRO JACKET FOR MOUNTAINEERING ($385)
Category: Performance/casual
Fill: 7.5 oz. of 800-fill-power down
What we Like: Easily packable for any climbing or mountaineering. Great price for almost performance quality jacket.
What we Don’t: If you’re not looking for a performance style winter jacket there are other options on the market.
The North Face McMurdo, while popular for everyday use, faces tough competition from a range of winter jackets that prioritize performance. Among these options, our top pick for 2023 is the Rab Neutrino Pro, which excels in terms of warmth, backcountry-ready features, and value. One standout feature is the impressive 7.5 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down, surpassing the quantity found in comparable down jackets from brands such as Arc’teryx and Patagonia, despite being similarly priced. It’s worth noting that the down insulation in the Neutrino Pro is certified to the Responsible Down Standard, reinforcing its ethical appeal. Although the Rab jacket is not fully waterproof (we advise against exposing down insulation to wet conditions), its 100% recycled Pertex Quantum Pro shell effectively repels light moisture.
Now, let’s consider the drawbacks of the Neutrino Pro. Firstly, it boasts a somewhat technical appearance, but its clean design and availability in dark color options make it versatile for urban use too. Secondly, the 20-denier shell fabric strikes a good balance between performance, weight, and packability. However, compared to the more casual alternatives on our list, the Neutrino Pro is relatively fragile, requiring caution to prevent snags and tears, as is the case with most down jackets. Lastly, it’s worth noting that Rab is a U.K.-based company, so American consumers may need time to adjust to the European-style left-hand zipper. Nevertheless, given its exceptional warmth, feature set, and reasonable price point, the Neutrino Pro earns its place on this ranking.
See the Men’s Rab Neutrino Pro
BEST FOR EXTREME COLD
5. FEATHERED FRIENDS KHUMBU PARKA ($679)
Category: Performance
Fill: 13.3 oz. of 900-fill-power down
Weight: 2 lbs. 1.8 oz.
What we Like: Warmest jacket of the list.
What we Don’t: If you’re not looking for a mountaineering style jacket then this isn’t for you.
Feathered Friends, a small company based in Seattle, specializes in crafting premium down products, with the majority of their manufacturing taking place in the United States. While we admire their lightweight Eos jacket for cooler weather, the heavyweight Khumbu Parka truly stands out as one of the warmest options available. What sets it apart is the abundance of high-quality down—specifically, a generous 13.3 ounces of 900-fill goose down. Additionally, the parka incorporates thoughtful features such as PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation around the collar, reinforced elbows, and a convenient two-way zipper.
However, the Khumbu Parka’s placement in this ranking is not higher due to its limited appeal for everyday use. While it is indeed possible to wear this jacket on the streets of Chicago or Boston during the harshest winter conditions, its true element lies on lofty mountain summits and in activities like high-altitude mountaineering. Ultimately, more casual alternatives such as the Outdoor Research Coldfront and Patagonia Fitz Roy below offer a cleaner aesthetic and broader appeal at a significantly lower cost. Nevertheless, when it comes to warmth and down fill, the Khumbu Parka undeniably emerges as the victor.
See the Men’s Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka
See the Women’s Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka
BEST OF THE REST
6. ARC’TERYX CAMOSUN PARKA ($649)
Category: Casual
Fill: 2.6 oz. 750-fill-power down; 140g Coreloft
Weight: 2 lbs. 1.9 oz.
What we Like: Super durable, waterproof, and tailored fit.
What we Don’t: The Arc’teryx Therme is the warmer option for only $50 more.
The Camosun, positioned just below the Therme Parka in Arc’teryx’s winter jacket lineup, boasts similar features to its counterpart. It relies on a reliable 2-layer Gore-Tex shell to provide dependable protection against moisture and wind. By ingeniously combining 2.6 ounces of high-quality 750-fill down with 140-gram synthetic Coreloft in strategic areas such as the cuffs, detachable hood, and under the arms, this jacket achieves a harmonious balance between warmth in cold weather and enhanced assurance on particularly damp days in urban settings. Without a doubt, it is another impeccably crafted and visually appealing garment from the esteemed Canadian brand, perfectly suited for regions with wet winters.
When comparing the Camosun and Therme, several distinctions emerge. The former comes with a $50 lower price tag, sheds approximately 2.5 ounces in weight, and boasts a thicker outer fabric (150D as opposed to the Therme’s 75D). Conversely, the Therme offers superior warmth and coverage, thanks to an additional 1.1 ounces of down and a length extended by 2 inches. Furthermore, it features an extra pocket located on the outer chest. However, the ultimate deciding factor for many individuals will likely be the style: while the Therme showcases a generous “regular” cut with an elegant and protective flap over the front zipper, the Camosun leans towards the more technical side, presenting Arc’teryx’s beloved “trim” fit and a sleek WaterTight front zip. For those seeking an all-synthetic alternative from Arc’teryx, the new Ralle Parka is worth exploring.
