woman standing outside in winter jacket
(Photo/Eric Phillips)

The Best Women'southward Winter Jackets of 2022

Whether you're looking for the perfect glaze to commute in a snowstorm, an extremely durable layer for adventure, or a cozy jacket for après, nosotros've got you covered with the best women'south wintertime jackets.

If y'all live in a wintry environment or plan to visit one, you lot definitely don't want to be sidelined for lack of cold-atmospheric condition protection. Whatever activity you plan to savor, be information technology ice fishing or hunting, alpine skiing, or strolling snow-covered streets, these winter jackets will help regulate your torso heat at just the correct level. The best women's wintertime jacket besides shields y'all from wind, snow, or drizzle.

If you'd similar to learn more than nigh the types of wintertime jackets and their nitty-gritty features, scroll through our buyer's guide and FAQ at the lesser of the page. Otherwise, leap correct to a specific jacket category below:

  • Best Overall
  • Best Budget
  • Best for Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Best DWR-Free Shell
  • Best Synthetic Downwards Jacket
  • All-time for Backcountry Run a risk
  • All-time Down Jacket
  • Best Lightweight
  • All-time for High Cardio
  • Best for Plus Sizes
  • Best of the Rest

The All-time Women's Winter Jackets of 2022

Best Overall: Patagonia Downwards Sweater Hoodie

patagonia down sweater hoody

This 800-make full Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie ($279) withstands current of air, resists moisture, and is lightweight for its level of warmth. We took this jacket on rolling hikes, bicycle rides, and walks on crisp bluebird days during 5-degree lows and with dry blizzard conditions in Colorado's Elk and Sangre de Cristo mountains. Nosotros stayed dry out throughout, thanks to the beat out's DWR finish, which resists wet.

Heavier amounts of water noticeably dampen the exterior, though information technology rebounds. This hoodie easily withstood bitter gusts, and the elastic cuffs are comfortable and cake current of air. When fully zippered, the reinforced cervix rise doesn't slouch, which protects the lower one-half of the face. Only the hood shape is a fiddling too snug to comfortably wear a helmet.

We found this is an excellent everyday down jacket with great mode and protection for the winter season. It'southward crawly to pull on after cardio activity, similar a winter run. And it maintains loft and warmth even with snow and some moisture.

Specs:
  • Weight: 400 thousand
  • Key features: Ethically sourced Traceable Downward, 100% recycled ripstop polyester shell and liner, interior chest pocket doubles equally a stuff sack with clip-in loop for a carabiner
Pros:
  • Stylish
  • Cozy
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Not waterproof

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Best Budget: Land's End Ultralight Packable Down Glaze With Hood

land's end ultralight packable down coat with hood

The 800-make full Country'south End Ultralight Packable Downwardly Coat With Hood ($186) is a warm hug on a freezing day. This knee-length jacket protects our pants from getting soaked when we're knocking snow off the rig and keeps us warm when running errands.

It'southward the perfect choice for heading to the gym or riding a bike around town in common cold or snowy conditions. For this amount of protection at less than $200, the price is a steal.

The jacket's temperature rating is to continue you cozy in 3 to 29 degrees, which we plant authentic. The jacket is filled with HyperDry downwards, then the downwardly is water repellant and retains warmth. Overall, we found the jacket was surprisingly durable and shielded snow and weather condition well.

Specs:
  • Weight: Unavailable
  • Primal features: Length reaches simply above the knee, hooded, two-manner forepart zipper, packable into its own pocket
Pros:
  • Water-resistant trounce
  • Down is hydrophobic
  • Economic price tag
Cons:
  • Zipper feels a bit cheap (but hasn't failed)
  • Inherently less packable than other hip-length jackets

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Land's End

Best for Tall Skiing and Snowboarding: Picture Organic Haakon

picture organic haakon

Moving-picture show produced this hardshell with sustainability at the forefront. The polyester face fabric of the Picture Organic Haakon Jacket ($350) is made with 58% biosourced polyester fibers from sugarcane byproducts and doesn't cede durability or warmth. The design boasts pockets galore: half-dozen exterior cipher-enclosed pockets and two interior pockets.

We tested the Haakon throughout a winter season of skiing and snowboarding at Colorado'due south Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where the high-altitude lifts are often met with vicious wind chill and temperatures oft drop below zilch degrees.

The jacket kept us warm while sitting on the lift or skiing in sub-freezing conditions, cheers to the trunk-mapped construction and Coremax liner, which blocks the cold in just the right spots. The jacket is beefy enough that nosotros won't article of clothing it backcountry skiing, but information technology's perfect for enjoying in-bounds terrain in a multifariousness of temperatures.

We can wear a long-sleeve fleece beneath it mid-winter and experience cozy. The waterproofness withstands big snowfalls without soaking up moisture. On warm leap days, we appreciate the underarm vent because the jacket can become toasty — it isn't the nearly breathable.

Specs:
  • Weight: one,060 grand
  • Central features: YKK zippers, fully taped seams, wrist gaiters with thumbholes
Pros:
  • Tons of pockets
  • Provides great warmth while riding or skiing at the resort
  • Eco-friendly focus in the design
Cons:
  • Heavier-prepare shell
  • Hood is a tad tight when pulled effectually a helmet

Check Price at evoCheck Price at Mountain Steals

All-time DWR-Free Beat: Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Jacket

helly hansen elevation infinity jacket

The Height Infinity Shell Jacket ($750) is pushing the possibilities of sustainable design. This jacket features the brand's proprietary LIFA Infinity Pro textile, an eco-friendly, waterproof/breathable, wind-resistant, and hydrophobic material that nixes the need for a toxic chemical DWR handling. The water repellency is inherent to the fiber, so the face fabric won't need a follow-up waterproof treatment.

The brand start introduced the tech in 2 men's ski jackets in 2020: the Odin and Elevation Infinity shells for backcountry and freeride skiing. Now, the women's jacket volition hitting the snow for the get-go time in 2021.

Designed for resort riding and skiing and an overall agile lifestyle, the Top Infinity jacket features a Life Pocket, lined with PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel to keep smartphones three times warmer than a traditional ski jacket pocket.

The ergonomic hood is helmet-compatible, and a soft zipper guard is appreciated confronting the lower confront. The underarms have zip ventilation. Five exterior stash pockets provide plenty of room for goodies.

Specs:
  • Weight: 670 g
  • Key features: Inherently waterproof fabric free of toxic DWR handling
Pros:
  • Environmentally friendly design
  • Toasty pocket to preserve smartphone battery
  • Lots of pockets
Cons:
  • Expensive

Check Price at REICheck Price at evo

Best Synthetic Down Jacket: Sync Operation Stretch Puffy Jacket

sync performance stretch puffy jacket

Have you ever gone snowshoeing or fat biking with a down jacket on beneath a shell? The internal heat that builds up can be stifling, as many lack ventilation and underarm zippers.

Our solution: the Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket ($299) with synthetic insulation. We've reached for this jacket countless times for nail-bitter temperatures — between -ten and x degrees — while skiing and riding the slopes at Crested Butte Mount Resort and Telluride Ski Resort in Southwest Colorado.

Even with windchill, this jacket holds the torso heat yet is breathable when nosotros hop into the trees or charge moguls and work up a sweat. This functioning puffy is very pliable and stretchy — including the hood — and doesn't feel fragile. The shoulders feature boosted textile reinforcements, then skis can't piece in when we carry gear around.

Specs:
  • Weight: approximately 453 g
  • Key features: 50/50 PrimaLoft Black ThermoPlume and polyester insulation
Pros:
  • Extremely warm
  • Breathable
  • Flexible
  • Streamlined fit
Cons:
  • No underarm vents

Check Toll at Sync Performance

Best for Backcountry Adventure: Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Jacket

ortovox 3l guardian shell jacket

One of our near undecayed jackets in the backcountry has been the Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Jacket ($750). The interior merino wool is paired with a waterproof/breathable Dermizax EV fabric fabricated by Toray for the exterior.

Whether we throw this windproof jacket over a puffy for a freezing snowmobile ride to our backcountry ski line or vesture it uphilling on ridgelines with piercing wind, this hardshell is among the most breathable we've used.

The cutting is super comfortable with a tall, soft neckband. An ergonomic, protective hood slides over a helmet. The fabric is stretchy, supple, and soundless yet tough, showing no wear and tear after four seasons of use with a heavy daypack. It's never been soaked from heavy snowfall.

The two front pockets are deep, compatible with a pack's hipbelt, and fit a notepad or big device. One features a merino mesh layer to preserve a cellphone bombardment. There are zipper-enclosed pockets on the arm and interior chest.

Fortunately, the ii-way underarm zippers dump estrus while on the climb. The jacket is besides free of PFCs, which are harmful to the environment. This is a nifty jacket for high-output activities and outside work.

Specs:
  • Weight: 741 g
  • Key features: Merino wool insulation, 20K/20K waterproof-breathability
Pros:
  • Very breathable
  • Tenacious construction
  • Soft and mobile with no crunch
  • Well-constructed pockets
Cons:
  • An investment
  • Other jackets feature a greater quantity of pockets

Check Price at Ortovox

All-time Down Jacket: Dark Summit NESSH

dark peak nessh

Dark Meridian snuck in as a dark horse in our testing and, girl, did it impress. This Kickstarted brand hit the scene with a assuming hope to be "the warmest jacket in the world."

But an Arctic expedition jacket this is not. Rather, for every jacket purchase, Dark Peak donates another jacket to someone in need without a dwelling house. ("Each jacket sold keeps two people warm," hence, the warmest jacket in the world.)

But across its charitable commitment, Dark Peak makes a stunningly capable and good-looking puffy. The outer and inner fabric utilise 10-denier ripstop nylon, and 850-make full goose down provides both high-loft warmth and packability. Two-way zippers accommodate belays, and the hood is both cinch-able and helmet-compatible.

Plus, Nighttime Summit uses those designs and materials in a very thoughtful way. The fit is a good compromise between athletic and roomy, then it'south great for layering nether a big shell, or with a midlayer underneath.

A DWR coating on the outer is a standard but too welcome add-on. And a pair of wrist gaiters with thumb loops make a unique, comfy, and useful addition. There are too two mitt pockets, two big interior stash pockets, and a zippered chest pocket on the inside. Y'all can bring all your stuff!

What'south more, the NESSH ($206) comes in five colour options (nosotros're partial to maroon), and the price beats out many competitors thanks largely to the brand's straight-to-consumer model. If you're looking for something that does everything well, this should be among the options y'all consider.

Specs:
  • Weight: 320 m
  • Key features: Able-bodied yet roomy, wrist gaiters with thumbholes, DWR coating
Pros:
  • Five pockets
  • Pocket-sized price
  • Philanthropic mission
Cons:
  • Down is not hydrophobic

Check Price at Dark Pinnacle Gear

Best Lightweight: Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoody

arc'teryx cerium sl hoody

This light, packable, 850-fill up lofty down jacket is exemplary for adventuring and hiking in the wintertime or year-round. It's a solid layering piece to stuff into the backcountry ski pack.

One tester used this jacket as an outermost layer for backcountry ice climbing in Colorado's San Juan Mountains in naught- to 10-caste temperatures. Her routes included multipitch and mixed (stone and water ice), vertical and overhanging frozen faces, and chimney moves.

The jacket and hood's insulation kept u.s.a. warm fifty-fifty with wind, which we couldn't experience through the fabric. The Cerium SL Hoody ($359) gets tiptop marks for range of movement. We also actually liked the elastic cuffs on the sleeves, which our easily tin can hands constrict into.

The exterior textile is supple, fairly durable, and DWR treated to repel moisture — though in a blizzard or rain, it's a safer bet to wearable this jacket beneath a shell. There's ane interior breast pocket and two mitt pockets to hold a few items.

After several years of testing, the pocket-size, robust zipper has yet to fail. This is a solid choice to keep on mitt for emergency scenarios and outdoor missions.

Specs:
  • Weight: 204 g
  • Key features: Potent zippers, splendid packability, high warmth-to-weight ratio
Pros:
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Highly tear-resistant
  • Super warm
Cons:
  • Not a top choice for super clammy, rainy, wet weather

Cheque Toll at Arc'teryxCheck Price at CampSaver

Best for High Cardio: Stio Alpiner Hooded Jacket

stio alpiner hooded jacket

We often reach for the Stio Alpiner Hooded Jacket ($289) for big-output uphill sessions when we work upward a sweat but need protection from the common cold, mist, or fluffy flakes. It'southward a perfect piece for outdoor runs or nordic ski sessions. This is also a groovy layer for longer backcountry tours or in-bounds ski or snowboard runs when we need an extra layer beneath a non-insulated vanquish.

This comfortable lightweight shell offers great mobility, like when bending over to adjust bindings or reaching for pole plants on steep segments. The material is breathable yet provides enough warmth for precipitous null-degree morning uphill workouts on the ski slopes.

Specs:
  • Weight: 312 g
  • Key features: xx-denier nylon face fabric is DWR treated, two exterior hand pockets, ane exterior breast pocket
Pros:
  • First-class performance piece
  • Very breathable
  • Water-resistant
Cons:
  • Fabric shows pilling below pack straps afterward two seasons
  • Fitted wrist cuffs are stretchy but non the easiest to pull over a beefy sentinel
  • A bit snug across larger chests in the women's cut
  • Non completely waterproof or windproof
  • Only three pockets

Check Price at Stio

Best for Plus Sizes: Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece 3-in-i Interchange Jacket

columbia bugaboo ii fleece 3-in-1 interchange jacket

For the price and quality, this jacket is darn hard to beat. Columbia's Bugaboo II Interchange Jacket ($200) comprises ii pieces: a separate fleece liner layer and an Omni-Oestrus-equipped two-layer crush. Critical seams are sealed, and when worn with both layers together, the fleece provides a boost of actress warmth. Reviewers rave nearly its warmth, good price, and overall quality, and yous get three winter jackets in 1.

One affair we look for in our all-time jacket choices is fit accuracy, particularly in this instance. The majority of plus-size reviews said this jacket fits well overall and in the chest, arms, and hips. Plus, it was stylish and flattering when on. Nevertheless, a few thought the fit felt a bit tight when sitting and bending.

This jacket comes in 1X, 2X, or 3X sizing. To become the best fit possible, the jacket also has an adjustable hood, adaptable cuffs, and adjustable hem.

Specs:
  • Weight: Unavailable
  • Primal features: Omni-Heat thermal cogitating liner, hood, seam-sealed waterproof and breathable, zippered hand pockets
Pros:
  • 10,000mm waterproof rating on exterior trounce for rainfall
  • Removable hood
Cons:
  • Could use more pockets

Check Price at AmazonCheck Toll at Columbia

Best of the Residuum

Bowl and Range New Wingate Downwardly Jacket

basin and range new wingate down jacket

Looking for an effectually-town winter jacket that will keep you warm and stylish? Then you need to encounter the New Wingate Downwards Jacket ($190). The 550-fill up down is lofty and warm. And the nylon outer shell is durable enough to withstand years of utilize. Nosotros've worn this during blizzard conditions and stayed toasty running mountain town errands.

Nosotros especially similar that the adaptable tempest cuffs keep cold wind out. And the insulated hood kept our ears warm even when we forgot our chapeau at home. The hood has a faux fur lining, which is removable if that's non your style.

We've heard concerns well-nigh this jacket being also narrow through the hips, but our testers had no such problem. We were hands able to layer a sweater underneath and nix it fully.

This isn't the jacket to choose for calorie-free packing or backcountry adventures. But for après-ski outings and in-town adventures, it's a wintertime winner.

Specs:
  • Weight: Unavailable
  • Key features: Length reaches the thigh, 100% nylon face textile, fixed hood, four exterior pockets
Pros:
  • Super stylish
  • Durable material
  • Blocks current of air
  • Deep manus pockets
  • Elastic storm cuffs protect the wrists
Cons:
  • Not a very packable choice
  • Doesn't double equally an athletic down jacket
  • Front snaps atop the attachment can be cumbersome to use

Check Price at Amazon

Patagonia Pulverisation Bowl Jacket

patagonia powder bowl jacket

The Patagonia Pulverisation Basin Jacket ($399) handles a heavy load of moisture yet is supple and roomy for midlayers. The recycled 150-denier fabric is tough and treated with a DWR finish.

In diverse snow atmospheric condition and climates, this eco-friendly 100% recycled polyester face cloth kept united states of america completely dry out and comfortable. On Colorado powder days, the jacket never absorbed snow while making deep powder turns on a snowmobile in a blizzard.

When snowboarding on Vancouver Island, the clammy chairs and loftier humidity at Mountain Washington Alpine Resort never soaked our back or arms thank you to this two-layer GORE-TEX jacket. The waterproof/breathable and windproof pattern has watertight zippers.

With the underarm vents, helmet-compatible hood, and visor, this trounce is a solid, environmentally conscious pick for inbounds or uphill exercise. It's prepared to meet all weather condition from blizzards to rain. The interior feels soft, and the exterior is supple.

Specs:
  • Weight: 814 g
  • Fundamental features: 28K/20K waterproof/breathability rating, eco-friendly
Pros:
  • Very waterproof
  • Super supple fabric
  • Durable
  • Eco-friendly face up fabric
Cons:
  • Non the best choice if insulation is needed against frigid wind
  • Pricier end

Bank check Price at PatagoniaCheck Price at evo

Wintergreen Northern Habiliment Expedition Trounce Anorak

wintergreen northern wear expedition shell anorak

An accommodating arctic powerhouse, Annie Aggens is the managing director of polar expeditions at PolarExplorers, a guide service for North Pole, South Pole, and subpolar adventures. She's a certified International Polar Guide Association Primary Polar Guide and co-author of the "Encyclopedia of Outdoor and Wilderness Skills."

To protect against wind, Aggens wears the Wintergreen Northern Wear Expedition Vanquish Anorak ($365). Typically, she wears the jacket on North Pole Last Degree Ski Expeditions, Due north Pole Dogsled Expeditions, South Pole Ski Expeditions, and crossings of the Greenland Icecap. She's usually on skis when she wears the Anorak.

The Anorak is ideal for dry, cold environments. The design offers full wind protection but no insulation. This is perfect when she's generating a ton of rut by pulling a sled or working alongside a dog sled. The pattern is roomy, extends to the mid or upper thigh, and has a fur ruff that protects her face from icy wind.

Specs:
  • Weight: 1,361 1000
  • Key features: long, protective hood, DWR treated nylon crush, two-way attachment
Pros:
  • Shield against air current
  • Ideal for dry conditions
  • Great for high-output activity
Cons:
  • Not insulated or a skilful choice for depression move
  • On the heavier side

Check Price at Wintergreen Northern Wear

The North Face Mount Light Triclimate

the north face mountain light triclimate

Nosotros used The North Face Mountain Light Triclimate ($399) in 15-degree lows, wet snow, rain, sleet, and loftier freezing winds on frigid walks and ski patrol tail guiding. The jacket is a two-in-1 style: The 550-make full jacket increases the current of air and water repellency of a downward by pairing information technology with a zip-on waterproof GORE-TEX exterior crush that's 100% windproof.

This jacket is amazing for variable weather condition and high wind. With the vanquish, we establish the jacket'south insulation compares to the 800-fill Meridian L3 Down Hoodie. We didn't experience any movement restriction while raising our arms or bending at the waist, and the hood covers a helmet.

Specs:
  • Weight: 771 g
  • Key features: Responsible Down Standard, 100% recycled polyester liner with non-PFC DWR stop
Pros:
  • Waterproof and windproof
  • Pit zips
Cons:
  • Arms don't offer much extra length
  • The trounce and liner shrink better when detached

Check Price at The North Face

Helly Hansen LIFAloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket

helly hansen lifaloft hybrid insulator jacket

The Helly Hansen LIFAloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket ($200) is very wind- and h2o-resistant and kept u.s. warm while glassing for animals. This lightweight synthetic insulator fared well in a frigid environment while hunting in 6- to 26-degree temps, during snowfall, and 30mph gusts.

While hiking from ix,000- to 12,000-foot altitudes, the breathability was impressive. The side panel stretch allowed us to comfortably layer the jacket over a belt'south knife and pistol.

The zipper is backed so cold air doesn't leak in and when closed, the collar offers face up protection. Plus, the jacket is super compressible with big zippered mitt pockets.

Specs:
  • Weight: 350 g
  • Key features: PFC-free fabric
Pros:
  • Water-resistant and windproof
  • Very lightweight
  • Hybrid pattern dumps heat while providing insulation around core
Cons:
  • Beat fabric was extremely loud

Cheque Price at Helly HansenCheck Cost at evo

Norrona Trollveggen PrimaLoft100 Nix Hood

norrona trollveggen primaloft100 zip hood

The Norrona Trollveggen PrimaLoft100 Cypher Hood ($269) is an all-around solid jacket for working and playing outdoors. A whitewater raft guide and ski instructor worked 12-hour shifts at a sugar beet farm in North Dakota while wearing this synthetic jacket. She pulled information technology on in early mornings and late evenings, in 25-degree lows and 15 mph gusts. Despite a scrap of rain, the water beaded on the outside of the shell, and she felt protected from the sting of air current.

Through shoveling dirt, beet sample collecting, and trail running, the jacket's freedom of movement was tiptop-notch. The jacket'due south low profile delivers plenty of insulation fifty-fifty though it feels especially lite. It works every bit an outer shell or layered under a piece of work jacket without calculation majority. And the hood fits over a ski helmet.

Specs:
  • Weight: 482 g
  • Cardinal features: Packs into stretch interior pocket, soft interior face neckband, YKK front zipper, harness-uniform mitt pockets, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign and Oeko-Tex Certified textile
Pros:
  • Extremely durable
  • Highly windproof
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Not the most breathable option

Check Price at CampSaver

Heir-apparent's Guide: How to Choose the All-time Women's Winter Jacket

Non-Insulated

Some winter jackets offer no insulation, which makes them versatile for a huge range of conditions. Yous tin pull on this waterproof, breathable layer to stay dry out when yous're running errands and protected from the dominicus or snow chafing when you lot're sledding or skiing.

Designs without insulation typically take room to add a midlayer and base layer beneath for chilly or common cold days. They're nifty for warm spring turns at the ski resort or while wintertime hiking or snowshoeing when you lot accumulate heat.

Accept note of the ambience temperatures where you usually go on winter days, if there is windchill, your body temperature, and whatsoever health needs. A not-insulated jacket could be the correct one for you.

Insulated Jackets

Other winter jackets are insulated, offering warmth for cold or windy locations. It can accept less planning, as y'all tin can article of clothing an insulated jacket over a base layer without every bit much consideration for what midlayer to bring along.

In cold conditions, an insulated jacket is perfect for wearing afterwards a gym conditioning, before you step into a frigid car, and for running errands. Insulated jackets can exist prime for freezing atmospheric condition and long ski lift rides with hair-raising gusts.

They're a good idea for the backcountry to pull on at the height of sweaty climbs, which are often current of air-exposed. For some folks and conditions or activities, these jackets can pigeonhole them into donning likewise much warmth.

The type and warmth level of insulation varies across each jacket from flannel to down-filled panels or synthetic proprietary fabrics. As well, some insulated jackets are more than h2o- and wind-resistant than others based on the blazon of fill, surface material, and how both have been constructed or chemically treated.

Down vs. Synthetic

Some jackets in this guide are made with down, and others are filled with synthetic insulation that mimics down. A handful of designs blend the 2 materials.

Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers and designed to imitate downward clusters and properties with a few primal differences. If yous compare two equal-weight jackets, down is warmer than this culling.

Just constructed insulation retains warmth fifty-fifty when wet. It's besides easier to wash and unremarkably comes at a lower price point.

  • Pros of Down: excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, compressibility, lightweight, loftier inherent warmth
  • Cons of Downward: inability to insulate when moisture, more difficult to launder, pricier

Overall, in super-wet or mixed atmospheric condition and when weight isn't an consequence, synthetics can be a better, safer choice. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie is a downwardly-fill jacket. In comparison, the Sync Operation Stretch Puffy Jacket is a constructed insulated jacket.

If information technology'south common cold and dry, downwards is optimal despite a higher price. To go deeper, check out our guide to the best down jackets to keep you covered in the cold.

woman zipping up patagonia winter jacket
(Photograph/Eric Phillips)

Active Insulation

Within synthetic jackets, active insulation is some other progressive subcategory to know. These technical garments are designed to dump actress heat and dry fast so you don't have to remove the jacket during vigorous activeness.

Some designs are a visible hybrid with a breathable mesh fabric beneath the arms and insulation that surrounds the chest and back. But these layers also need to be durable, warm, and current of air-resistant. It's a tricky balance.

Agile insulation is best for high-output action. The Stio Alpiner Hooded Jacket and Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hybrid Insulator Jacket both offer active insulation.

Make full

Fill up power measures the loft and quality of the downwardly. To calculate fill, a one-ounce sample of down is compressed in a cylinder. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the warmer the jacket — though the fill power isn't the only variable affecting a jacket's warmth.

But the higher the make full quality, the less down is needed to create the aforementioned warmth. This is because it'due south able to trap more air and warmth inside the jacket. Higher fill power is also more than compressible, loftier, more lightweight, and pricier.

Fill up ability ratings range from 300 to 900 and even greater. Well-nigh of the jackets on this list are in the 800-fill range, with a few clocking in higher up or below. By and large, the quality increases with the fill up number:

  • 400-500: fair quality
  • 600: good quality
  • 700: great quality
  • 800: excellent quality
  • 900 and above: highest quality

The other thing to consider is make full weight.

Fill Power vs. Fill Weight

A down jacket's make full power is the down'south quality and corporeality of loft. Y'all'll see jackets labeled as 600-fill or 800-fill, for instance. The fill weight, which is measured in ounces, reflects the density or amount of that down stuffed inside the jacket.

And then when 2 700-fill jackets have different weights, nosotros know the heavier one is warmer.

On the other hand, if 2 down jackets weigh the same with different fill power (such as two 15-ounce jackets with 650 fill and 800 fill), the higher fill jacket is going to exist less bulky, lighter, and more compressible.

It's also trickier to compare jackets with differing fill power. But in full general, the lower the fill up power, the less loft and warmth are provided.

woman standing in snow wearing patagonia down sweater
(Photo/Eric Phillips)

Water Resistance & Hydrophobic Downward

Down does not perform well when wet. And this is ane of the places synthetic jackets tend to win out. In the past decade, there has been a growing employ of hydrophobic downward.

Essentially, the downwardly feathers are coated in a water-resistant polymer. It still doesn't lucifer the water-resistance of synthetics. Only for light precipitation, hydrophobic down can't exist beat. The face up fabric of some down jackets is treated with DWR to help block low-cal moisture, likewise.

Waterproofness

A waterproof jacket is ideal for beingness outside in wet snow, rain, or drizzly weather condition. The meridian-tier standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, which is a membrane integrated into various jacket designs. The textile is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Many brands also accept a proprietary version of waterproof/breathable fabrics.

Waterproofness is measured past the amount of water that can be placed atop a material before it leaks. The rate of waterproof jackets varies from v,000 to twenty,000 mm or greater. The latter cease of the spectrum leads to a less breathable fabric.

  • 0-5,000 mm: Resistant to light rain, dry snow
  • half-dozen,000-x,000 mm: Waterproof for lite pelting and dry, non-heavy snow
  • 11,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof for moderate rain and dry, non-heavy snowfall
  • sixteen,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof for heavy pelting and wet snow
  • 20,000 mm and greater: Waterproof for heavy rain and dumbo, heavy snow

One of the most waterproof jackets on our list is the Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket, which provides 28,000 mm. Many jackets are x,000 mm, which is adequate for many skiers and riders, for instance. What you demand depends on the environment.

Other factors that make a jacket waterproof are the confront fabric treatments, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals that are toxic for the environment. Jackets can as well accept sealed seams to block moisture.

Breathability

For high-output activities — like powder skiing, snowshoeing, or wintertime hiking — it'due south good to aim for a jacket with breathability of 10,000 to 15,000 g. Nordic skiers, winter runners, backcountry splitboarders and skiers, and uphill tourers should look for even more breathability: 20,000 g or more.

woman snowboarding in winter jacket
(Photo/Xander Bianchi)

Immovability

The crush fabric is an of import gene for both durability and packability. Ultralight jackets tend to exist made with a lighter, thinner shell material. Denier is the measurement used hither. A lower denier rating means the outer fabric is lighter and more prone to tears.

For backcountry excursions, the lower weight tin exist a worthy tradeoff. Simply for daily utilise, a higher denier is recommended. And if you do get a tear, there'south always the reliable duct record or Noso Puffy Patch repair pick.

Ventilation

Often, winter jackets offer ventilation by way of underarm zippers, which help to regulate trunk temperature. This feature is bang-up for warm-blooded folks or those who venture in warm atmospheric condition and for skiing on powder days when your torso works difficult to make turns.

Some underarm zippers are longer than others. Quality-wise, YKK zippers are the toughest. Not all jackets provide pit ventilation, including about down jackets like the Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket, which is fine for super cold conditions.

Neckband & Hood

An ergonomic collar and hood are significant features for face up, head, and cervix protection against sun, snow, sleet, hail, current of air, or pelting. Pulling upwards a hood can help the trunk retain heat in chilly conditions.

Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have an interior chin guard that feels snuggly against the face, a key component on a windy day on the sidewalk or a gusty chair elevator.

Hoods tin exist helmet-uniform, which is a priority if you lot demand actress protection and warmth around your face and cervix on a elevator ride or during a snow or air current storm. Some hoods are adjustable via rubberband pulls, similar the Ortovox 3L Guardian Crush Jacket.

Others have an integrated visor so they don't collapse beneath moisture. A handful of hoods are removable, while others are fixed.

skier wearing winter jacket in snow
(Photo/Volition Rochfort)

Sleeve Cuffs & Powder Skirt

Powder skirts tin can be a slap-up addition to a jacket for pulverisation days to preclude fluffy flakes from flying up and soaking your base layers or lower back. It's a nice improver for sledding or skiing. Some pulverisation skirts are removable, and some have zipper points to connect to your ski or snowboard pants.

Sleeve cuffs generally accept a Velcro closure, though some designs have boosted snaps that vary in width. Many cuffs have an inner wrist gaiter — a stretchy fabric for warmth that sometimes has thumbholes to help secure the material over the top of the manus.

Pockets

Most jackets include two exterior hand pockets with cipher closures, which can exist depression or placed higher for compatibility with a backpack belt or harness for ski or splitboard mountaineering. Other exterior pockets tin include pocket-size pouches on the arm or the chest. Deep, wide, college-placed exterior pockets can be nice for stowing a smartphone or notebook in the backcountry.

Interior pockets ofttimes take a zip closure, ports for headphones, or mesh structure with an elastic ring at the acme. These can be keen for chambering a credit card or ID.

Deep, wide interior pockets can be essential for belongings backcountry skins, specially if the temperature is well-baked and you lot need to forestall the glue from freezing over between use. Occasionally, a pocket is insulated to help extend the battery life of your smartphone.

Examine what you'll need to bear, the adequate pocket size, and if the pockets are located in the most comfy place for you.

Fit

Mostly, ski jacket designs land in two camps — trimmer with a more than streamlined, able-bodied fit or roomier and boxier with a more relaxed silhouette. Both tin can exist comfortable. If you're wearing a backpack in the backcountry, it can exist better to wear a well-fitted jacket so the fabric doesn't go pinched upwardly.

A handful of jackets are longer and stretch downwardly to the knees over the backside, which is so squeamish for bicycle commuting or staying warm in a cold seat. Some jackets fifty-fifty reach the ankles for a total-on blanket to-go.

Size-wise, each manufacturer has its ain size charts for male and female models. Be sure to take your personal measurements and friction match them up with the size charts, which tin differ across brands.

Some companies provides more than size inclusivity with broader offerings including Columbia, Obermeyer, and Fifty.Fifty.Edible bean. Everyone'south body is unique, so cheque the exchange and return policy before you buy.

group of women skiers wearing winter jackets
(Photo/Eric Phillips)

Weight

A jacket's weight can go an of import factor for climbers, backcountry splitboarders, and skiers who often demand to stash their jacket in a pack and can't cede space for bulk. Some uphill athletes desire to wear a jacket for weather protection just merely need a lite layer.

Occasional resort skiers and snowboarders take laps with a backpack on and might need to store their jacket equally the weather condition warm. If you're using your jacket for everyday errands and social events, weight volition be less of an issue.

The lightest weight winter jackets in our top picks are 200 to 400 one thousand. The Patagonia Downwardly Sweater Hoodie is 400 k, Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket is 453 g, and the Stio Alpiner Hooded Jacket is 312 g. The Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoody is the lightest at 204 g.

Many jackets range from 500 to 800 g, while heavier jackets can exist 900-1,400 yard. The heaviest options are the Pic Organic Haakon at 1,060 g and Wintergreen Northern Wear Expedition Beat Anorak at 1,361 g.

The tradeoff you'll run across is that lighter options frequently cost more, and heavier jackets can be beefier, more durable, and more affordable. Ultimately, don't compromise a jacket's safety or condolement features and adequate warmth to drop weight.

Responsibly Sourced Down

Outdoor manufacture brands have fabricated an effort to source down ethically without animate being cruelty and create transparency in the global supply chain. Various certifications exist such as the Responsible Downwardly Standard, the Patagonia Traceable Down Standard, and the National Sanitation Foundation's Global Traceable Down Standard.

Without meeting such standards, abuse can get part of the supply concatenation. Constructed choices can set some folks at ease.

Eco-Friendly & Recycled Materials

Across responsible down, winter jackets have an opportunity to include a bunch of eco-friendly design traits. Some jackets are created with PFC-free DWR treatments like The North Face Mount Low-cal Triclimate. Or the jacket is designed to withstand elements without a chemical DWR treatment at all.

Other designs are made with recycled materials from recycled down to recycled polyester. A few examples include the recycled ripstop polyester shell and liner in the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie, Patagonia Powder Basin Jacket, and The North Face Mountain Light Triclimate.

Other layers guarantee Fair Trade sewing. And the Norrona Trollveggen PrimaLoft100 Null Hood, for case, has both Bluesign and Oeko-Tex Certified fabric.

Price

It's easy to spend $250 to $500 on a winter jacket. And that'due south no small investment. The main thing to consider when looking at your budget is the end use.

If you're regularly packing into the backcountry, an ultralight, super-packable, rather expensive jacket may be necessary. On the other hand, if you'll mostly wear it around town, something like the budget-friendly Land'southward End Ultralight Packable Down Glaze With Hood ($186) or New Wingate Downwards Jacket ($190) will continue you warm for less than $200.

Why You Should Trust Usa

Our team has tested, reviewed, and published winter jacket guides for women for several seasons. For this guide, we considered the most popular, highly acclaimed, well-made, and size-inclusive winter jackets made for a range of atmospheric condition and beyond prices.

To challenge and determine the best designs, our product testers have worn these jackets across a spectrum of snowy environments in the Rockies including ski resorts across Colorado from Crested Butte Mount Resort to Arapahoe Basin Ski Surface area.

We've cruised on our bikes, walked in blizzards, and left the gym in these jackets. Nosotros also backcountry skied, splitboarded, snowmobiled, and skimo raced in Colorado'south Gunnison Valley, one of the coldest, snowiest destinations in the United states. The crew of testers ranged from AIARE-certified backcountry venturers to lifelong resort skiers.

woman climbing while wearing winter jacket
(Photo/Xander Bianchi)

FAQ

What Are the Dissimilar Types of Winter Jackets?

After you lot larn the different types of winter jackets, you might need to become one of each! Our favorite choices in this guide are all functional, well-made choices for being outside. They'll protect you in atmospheric condition on your commute, walking the dogs, or at the ski hill. But they're each a petty bit different:

Downward Jackets

  • Provides warmth
  • Some designs are stylish and tailored to everyday use, while others are great for winter activities like ice climbing
  • Length can reach the hip, knee, or ankle
  • Example: Patagonia Downwardly Sweater Hoodie

Constructed Jackets

  • Warmth layer
  • Ideal for very wet environments and a mix of snow and rain
  • A skilful choice for alpine skiing or snowboarding in very common cold conditions
  • To clarify, synthetic jackets tin can as well be called insulated shells
  • Example: Norrona Trollveggen PrimaLoft100 Cypher Hood

Active Insulation Jackets

  • Lightweight, streamlined, athletic jacket that is breathable yet insulated
  • Prissy for cardio activeness like nordic skiing or running
  • Some designs are hybrid with two types of visible fabrics strategically placed
  • Example: Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hybrid Insulator Jacket

Shells

  • Waterproof or water-resistant and block wind
  • These jackets are most oftentimes non insulated
  • Offer more than range of motion than insulated synthetic jackets
  • Great for high-output cardio activeness like shoveling, backcountry snowmobiling, or pulverization skiing
  • To clarify, a constructed jacket is oftentimes called an insulated shell
  • Case: Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Jacket

3-in-1 Jackets

  • A waterproof or water-resistant vanquish zips into a separate jacket liner
  • The interior jacket could be a fleece, constructed fill, or down fill
  • You can wear the jackets split or together
  • Good budget option
  • The functioning and material quality isn't as loftier as other vanquish or insulated options
  • Example: Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece 3-in-1 Interchange Jacket

How Do I Cull a Winter Jacket?

Take a look at the average temperatures and weather conditions where you about often go outside in the wintertime. Choose a jacket that will go on yous comfortable and dry in that environment according to how much torso oestrus yous'll build during your activeness.

Backcountry jackets are typically more robust and streamlined with features for off-piste travel. They're ordinarily more than expensive.

If you lot want a jacket that works well for heat-building activities like shoveling the driveway or snowshoeing, consider a non-insulated jacket you tin add layers below. If you want a cozy jacket for cold-weather condition walks, low-output commutes, or mellow groomer skiing in cold conditions, look at insulated jackets.

You'll also desire to mull over your preferred style and features similar the number of pockets, thumbholes in the wrist gaiters, and a hood.

At the end of the twenty-four hours, finding the best women's wintertime jacket is a affair of personal style, end use, and budget.

What Is the Warmest Wintertime Jacket?

The warmest wintertime jackets are downwardly jackets closely followed past constructed-filled wintertime jackets.

When Should You Wear a Downwardly Jacket?

A down jacket holds heat around your trunk's core in order to maintain a comfortable level of warmth when the temperatures driblet. Down jackets options exist that are costly, stylish, or longer for everyday utilise. And at that place are lighter, packable designs for year-round backcountry adventures.

What's the Deviation Between a Down Jacket'due south Fill up Power and Fill Weight?

A jacket's fill up power is the down's quality and corporeality of loft. You'll see jackets labeled every bit 600-fill up or 800-fill, for case. The make full weight, which is measured in ounces, reflects the density or corporeality of that downwardly stuffed inside the jacket.

And so when two 700-make full jackets have unlike weights, nosotros know the heavier one is warmer.

On the other paw, if two downwardly jackets counterbalance the same with different fill up power (such as two 15-ounce jackets with 650 fill and 800 fill), the college fill jacket is going to exist less bulky, lighter, and more compressible.

It's also trickier to compare jackets with differing fill power. Simply in general, the lower the fill ability, the less loft and warmth are provided.

What Warmth Should I Choose for a Down Jacket?

Down jackets have a huge variance of warmth. Some jackets are constructed to withstand beneath freezing or sub-zero temperatures, while others are a match for summertime, spring, and fall backpacking or camping ground trips. Here are the broad categories of jackets depending on their fill up weight:

  • Lightweight: 85-113 g (3-4 ounces) of downwards make full, three-season jacket, skiing midlayer
  • Moderate weight: 141-170 g (5-6 ounces) of down fill, more than warmth for sub-freezing temperatures
  • Heavier weight: More than 170 g (6 ounces) of downwardly fill, tenacious design for winter conditions

The combination of the fill weight and fill up ability changes how warm a jacket is. The higher the fill power and higher the weight, the more heat the jacket retains.

How Heavy Should My Down Jacket Be?

Super lightweight and lightweight downwards jackets are very compressible and a dandy selection for cramming into your pack for emergency utilise. They oftentimes price more.

Those weights range from 226-425 g (8-15 ounces). Midweight options bump up to the 567 grand (20-ounce) range. Heavier-set down jackets are around 850 g (30 ounces).

How Should a Winter Jacket Fit?

You don't desire a winter jacket to fit tight, because activities like sledding, shoveling, or skiing crave a lot of liberty of movement. Plus, it's nice to wear a comfortable, wicking synthetic long-sleeve below the jacket, and likewise a fleece midlayer if the temperatures plummet. Normally, both athletic and relaxed winter jackets are a bit roomy, and so you tin fit a base layer and midlayer below, if needed.

Size-wise, each manufacturer has its own size charts. Be certain to check the size charts and make your personal measurements to match up your size, which tin differ across brands.

How Much Does a Winter Jacket Price?

Winter jackets are long-term investments and worth the coin for the protection and comfort they provide in a cold, wintry environment. The most economic options usually range from $150 to $300, and the average price is $300 to $400.

The hardiest designs tin achieve up to $750 and are skilful for long days in variable atmospheric condition like backcountry skiing, ice climbing, or snowmobiling.

How Long Should a Winter Jacket Concluding?

A winter jacket breaks downwardly for a multitude of reasons, including exposure to sunshine, rain, and snowfall. The materials article of clothing due to the rub points of a heavy pack, brushing against equipment, and even contact with human skin. Frequency of use, roughness of the activity, and overall user care are factors that dissolve a jacket, too.

If you employ your winter jacket for everyday action, the jacket will deteriorate faster. Be sure to follow the care instructions, which are unique for each jacket and located on the interior label.

With and then many variables, the exact lifespan of each jacket can't exist predicted. We typically find ourselves using our favorite well-constructed wintertime jackets for 5 or 6 years but less if we're donning it for the backcountry.

If you accept skilful care of your jacket or utilise it for select activities, you can hands assume the product life will exist longer — perchance a decade.


female skier in maroon jacket downhill skiing

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