Best Winter Jackets for Extreme Cold: Wrap Up Warm This Winter!

Budget is pretty subjective when it comes to winter jackets, as anything designed to keep the cold and wet out will almost certainly not come cheap. While not the least expensive coat on this list, in terms of feature-stuffed value for money, this one is a winner. “The Alpha 4.0 Jacket by Helly Hansen uses proprietary waterproofing and insulation to keep you warm and dry,” says Evans. “It's a great bang for your buck!” Helly Hansen also made our lists for the best fleece jackets for men and the best ski pants for men, in case you need to round out your winter outdoor wardrobe.

For hardcore insulation, nothing beats down. Think about it—have you ever seen a shivering goose? Our pick for the best down jacket for extreme cold is this super-warm option from Rab. “The Rab Infinity Down Jacket is worth the price for the added protection of Gore-Tex Windstopper in the outer layer,” says Manville. “It also boasts 800 fill power down for added warmth.” For the truly chilly, pair it with heated gloves for unparalleled coziness.

For a more streamlined and sporty take on the classic puffer, the ‘67 down jacket is worth your time. “This jacket features 800 fill power, water resistant down, and a water resistant, recycled nylon shell,” says Manville. “It has best in class warmth in the puffer style category and is packable into its attached stuff sack for a great on-the-go option.” The included stuff sack also makes this a great jacket to toss into your luggage for vacations to colder climates.

“Due to their length, parkas are the best option overall for extreme cold,” says Manville. “The North Face McMurdo parka has great features and style to keep you warm and dry.” These features include lined pockets, a faux fur-trimmed hood with an adjustable drawcord, and 600 fill power recycled down insulation. Shopping tip: The North Face also makes some of the best winter boots for men.

“For more active pursuits, you want something with synthetic insulation in combination with a waterproof, breathable shell fabric,” says Manville. “You also want to make sure your jacket has features that are sport specific, like a powder skirt to help protect snow or even wind gusts from coming up your jacket.” Her pick to cover all these bases is the Helly Hansen Carv Lifaloft ski jacket, which does all she says, and more.

“The difference between a parka and a long coat can be subjective, but generally parkas can be considered at least thigh-, and long coats at least knee-length,” explains Manville. “This Helly Hansen parka has more of the traditional long coat, knee-length style, but is a great option for a less traditional long jacket, featuring more active styling and synthetic insulation for better performance in a range of conditions.”

Since this jacket was designed for speeding down ski slopes, it’s warm, but also lightweight enough to fold easily into a small backpack, or even just be tied around your waist when not needed. Featuring a windproof, water-repellent design, with a helmet-compatible hood for those using it on the mountain, it’s supremely practical for pretty much any outdoor winter activity.

When looking for a waterproof winter jacket, Manville recommends checking for one with seam-sealed, multi-layer construction. Her personal pick is the Mountain Hardwear Weather Down Parka: “The hardshell face is waterproof and windproof, and in terms of insulation, it has 650 fill power down to keep you warm.” It also has lots of pocket space, and a snap-close split hem for better mobility.

Stylish and practical don’t always go hand in hand—that’s why Triple Fat Goose’s insanely warm but beautiful coats are such a good find. They’re definitely not cheap, but with their sleek look, waterproofing, windproofing, 750 fill power recycled down, fleece-lined pockets, and insulated, detachable hood, they’ll get you through the worst of the winter while standing out from the sea of black puffer jackets.

While there are plenty of cheaper options on Amazon, in terms of a winter jacket that really stands up to the elements, this one is hard to beat. “Canada Goose comes to mind when talking down jackets or extreme cold,” says Manville. “You’re paying a premium, but the warmth ratings by degree, the attention to detail, and the lifetime warranty are elements not to be missed.”