When the temperature drops and rain, snow, and wind start to howl, you’ll want a winter coat you can trust to keep you warm and dry. Quality matters when it comes to the weather performance of outerwear, especially when conditions are severe. That’s why your decision on which winter coat to buy is such an important one.
We’ve spent the past five winter seasons researching and testing over 40 of the warmest, comfiest, and most stylish winter jackets to put together our list of the best coats available. No matter your budget, we’ll help you make the most of this chilly season with the best winter coat for your needs.
Need a complete new winter outfit? We can also point you to the perfect base layers, winter gloves, and winter boots for your next cold-weather adventure.
Quick Picks for Women’s Winter Coats
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best winter coats for women with in-depth reviews.
Best winter coat overall: REI Stormhenge ($279)
Warm & stylish winter coat at a value price: The North Face Arctic Parka ($350)
Best winter coat for technical use: RAB Neutrino Pro ($400)
Versatile two-piece winter coat: Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699)
Comfortable & durable winter coat: Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka ($340)
Best budget winter coat: Columbia Heavenly Long ($160)
High-quality winter coat with sophisticated style: Arc’teryx Patera Parka ($800)
Comfortable & stylish winter coat with a warm fleece lining: Marmot Montreal ($300)
Lightweight winter coat with maximum coverage: LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 ($299)
What’s new
We’ve been cozying up in our tried-and-true top winter coat picks as well as testing some new jackets this winter.
- The REI Stormhenge remains our number one pick for the best winter coat due to its versatility, low bulk, and approachable price.
- The Arctic Parka from The North Face takes the second spot on our list because its a stylish coat at a lower price than similar models.
- The Arc’teryx Patera Parka is our favorite luxurious winter coat – it’s very stylish, perfectly warm, and resists precipitation.
REI Stormhenge
Best winter coat overall
Price: $279
Weight: 1 lb. 6.9 oz.
Insulation: 850-fill-power down / synthetic blend
Pros
- Affordable
- Very warm
- Waterproof
- Lightweight & compressible
- Breathable (pit zips)
- Shorter lenght is easy to move in
Cons
- Less coverage than a parka
The REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket is an all-around excellent choice for active people who want a warm and waterproof coat for an affordable price. It’s packed with top-quality 850-fill-power down, which makes it exceptionally efficient at trapping body heat without feeling bulky or weighing you down. The shorter length of the Stormhenge doesn’t provide quite as much coverage as a parka-length coat, but it stays out of the way and it’s easier to move in for sporty activities. And, if you start to overheat, this is one of the few winter coats that has pit zips for ventilation. The Stormhenge is hands-down one of the best values around, and it’s one of our favorite winter coats for walks, chilly camping trips, and snow days in the mountains.
The North Face Arctic Parka
Warm & stylish winter coat at a value price
Price: $350
Weight: 2 lb. 13.5 oz.
Insulation: 550-fill-power down & synthetic fibers
Pros
- Very warm
- Waterproof
- Knee-length provides extra warmth
- Zip-off hood with removable faux-fur ruff
Cons
- A bit heavier and bulkier than some
The North Face Arctic Down Parka is a truly excellent value, considering that similar coats often cost twice as much. The Arctic Parka is fully waterproof and its oversized baffles are packed with a ton of 550-fill-power down to keep you warm and comfortable in harsh conditions. We love how protective this coat feels when the wind is howling, and the deep hood and long length add even more of a sense of shelter. We recommend the Arctic Parka to budget-conscious people who want a stylish and substantial-feeling winter coat that works just as well in the mountains as it does in town.
Rab Neutrino Pro
Best winter coat for technical use
Price: $400
Weight: 1 lb. 3.9 oz.
Insulation: 800-fill-power down
Pros
- Very warm
- Lightweight & compressible
- Breathable
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Less coverage than a parka
The Rab Neutrino Pro is a technical coat loaded with top-quality 800-fill-power down for maximum heat retention with minimal weight and bulk. The Neutrino Pro features solid hardware, durable high-tech fabric, and excellent craftsmanship that make it worth every penny. It’s one of our favorite winter coats for backcountry trips because it’s incredibly warm, yet it compresses down to the size of a one-liter water bottle when not in use. The Neutrino Pro is also a great choice for travel or whenever you need lightweight insulation for bitter cold conditions.
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
Versatile two-piece winter coat
Price: $699
Weight: 3 lb. 3 oz.
Insulation: 700-fill-power down
Pros
- Versatile (layers can be worn together or separately)
- Waterproof
- Mid-thigh length provides extra warmth
- Removable hood
Cons
- Expensive
- A bit heavier & bulkier than some
- Not as warm as some
A top-quality coat like the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is well worth the price if you’ll be wearing it every day for months at a time. The bombproof shell and midweight down inner are perfectly suited to climates that have wet, chilly winters. The Tres is beautifully designed with a tailored fit and high-end materials that make it feel both durable and luxurious. What we love most about this coat is that it’s essentially two high-end jackets in one. Wear the waterproof shell as a raincoat in mild temperatures, use the down inner jacket alone on dry days, or wear them together when you need ultimate warmth and weather protection. Because the Tres is so versatile, it works great for many seasons from fall to spring, which makes it well worth the price in our eyes.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
Comfortable & durable winter coat
Price: $340
Weight: 1 lb. 5.7 oz.
Insulation: 700-fill-power down
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Great mobility
- Durable outer fabric
- Lightweight & compressible
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not water proof
- Not as warm as some
We’re loving the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka – a warmer version of the Stretchdown Hoodie, which holds down a place on our Best Down Jackets list for its exceptional comfort. The Parka is longer for more backside coverage, and it has a high collar and insulated fleece-lined hand pockets for cozy protection in winter conditions. Our favorite thing about the Stretchdown is the ultra-stretchy fabric that makes it easy to move in and highly durable. Because of these features (and being reasonably packable), the Stretchdown Parka is perfect for everyday wear, travel, and for anyone who tends to be tough on gear.
Columbia Heavenly Long
Best budget winter coat
Price: $160
Weight: 1 lb. 7.8 oz.
Insulation: Synthetic down (polyester) & reflective lining
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Not bulky
- Mid-thigh length provides extra warmth
- Thumb-hole cuffs
- Fleece-lined hood
- Lots of size options
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Less breathable than some
- Not as warm as some
- No hood adjustments
If you’re after an affordable coat for mild winter weather, consider the flattering and comfortable Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket. Its synthetic insulation and space-blanket-like lining trap body heat to keep you warm without being cumbersome or bulky. It’s unclear how much thermal reflection the silver-dot lining actually does, but it works well as a vapor barrier. This means it’s very effective at retaining significant warmth, especially while you’re active. Because the Heavenly is lightweight and a bit less breathable than some coats, we recommend wearing a base layer top and a fleece under it to help manage moisture and dial up the heat. The Heavenly is an attractive and practical budget coat that you can wear from town to trail. If parka length isn’t your style, the Heavenly also comes in a standard-length version.
Arc’teryx Patera Parka
High-quality winter coat with sophisticated style
Price: $800
Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz.
Insulation: 750-fill-power down & synthetic fibers in moisture-prone areas
Pros
- Waterproof
- Stretchy wrist cuffs
- Protective hood with excellent coverage
- Mid-thigh length provides extra warmth
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as warm as some
If quality is important to you and drizzly winters tend to drag on where you live, a primo parka you can wear every day is well worth the investment. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the Arc’teryx Patera for its incredible comfort, confidence-inspiring weatherproofing, and sophisticated style. We also find its mid-level warmth to be just right for layering in the rainy, somewhat mild winter conditions of the Pacific Northwest. It comes with a high price tag, but the Patera is a versatile, top-quality coat that you’ll look and feel good in for many winters to come. If you want even more coverage, the Patera Long Down Parka extends past the knee.
Marmot Montreal
Comfortable & stylish winter coat with a warm fleece lining
Price: $300
Weight: 2 lb.
Insulation: 700-fill-power down
Pros
- Fleece lining and cuffs
- Mid-thigh length provides extra warmth
- Zip-off hood with removable faux-fur ruff trim
Cons
- Not waterproof
You can’t go wrong with the classic Marmot Montreal Coat if you want warmth, comfort, and a touch of feminine style when you walk out the door. Its flattering chevron-shaped baffles are brimming with fluffy 700-fill-power down to protect you on even the most frigid winter days. To top it off, a plush fleece lining in the torso and collar adds an extra dose of insulating value and next-to-skin coziness. The Montreal Coat’s medium length is ideal for most activities from the city to the mountains. And, though it’s not fully waterproof, it holds up well in snow and light precipitation. We recommend the Montreal Coat to those who prioritize comfort and want the option to change their look easily with the removable hood and faux fur ruff.
LL Bean Long Ultralight 850
Lightweight winter coat with maximum coverage
Price: $299
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Insulation: 850-fill-power down
Pros
- Very warm
- Lightweight & compressible
- Breathable
- Packs into its pocket
- Past-knee lenght provides full-body warmth
Cons
- Not waterproof
The LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 Down Coat is perfect for travelers and people on the go since it provides maximum warmth and coverage, is super lightweight, and is compressible enough to be packed into its own pocket. The Ultralight 850 Coat is also an awesome value because it’s made with the best quality down on the market, yet it’s priced competitively. If you’re the type that always seems to be cold, the Ultralight 850 is the perfect coat to add to your wardrobe, since it delivers efficient, full-body warmth while being sleek and low-profile enough to wear indoors or out. We also like the shorter version of this coat for technical use, but the Long’s extra coverage is a luxury we truly enjoy when we’re less active or in town.
What’s Most Important to You in a Winter Coat?
PRICE
We can attest that expensive winter coats are often well worth the cost for their high-quality materials, weather performance, and flattering fit. But there are also some great value options out there that perform nearly as well for a more affordable price. Whatever your budget, we’ll help you find a winter coat that keeps you toasty in our picks below.
Best value winter coats
- REI Stormhenge
- The North Face Arctic Parka
- RAB Neutrino Pro
- Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
- LL Bean Long Ultralight 850
Best budget winter coat
Best high-end winter coats
WARMTH
In places with mild winters, a light or midweight coat might be all you need to stay comfortable outside. For those in climates with frequent sub-freezing temperatures, it’s worth considering warmer and heavier options.
Warmth is also greatly affected by your activity level. You’ll heat up quickly once you get your heart rate up, so those looking for a coat for hiking, snowshoeing, and the like will be better off going with waist length coat with moderate insulation.
Best winter coats for high activity level / mid temperatures
- REI Stormhenge
- Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
- Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
- Columbia Heavenly Long
- Arc’teryx Patera Parka
Best winter coats for low activity level / cold temperatures
WATERPROOFING
Many of the winter coats on our list are made with tightly-woven fabrics and a DWR coating that repels water if you get caught in light precipitation. While most aren’t fully waterproof, they’ll withstand light precipitation without absorbing water. If you choose a winter coat that’s not waterproof, we recommend grabbing a rain shell from our Best Rain Jackets list that has enough room to accommodate your coat.
We typically prefer to cut bulk from our layering system when possible, so we’ll often opt for one of the waterproof winter coats below.
Best waterproof winter coats
Best water-resistant winter coats
LENGTH
While the choice between a long and a short coat generally comes down to style preferences, we can offer a few pieces of advice that might help you decide. Parka-length coats are usually warmer because they provide more coverage. More length can be a good thing if you’ll be sitting or inactive outdoors, but long coats can be a bit more awkward to move in.
Shorter jackets that come just to the hip don’t offer quite as much warmth, but they’re generally easier to walk in and work better for high-output activities. If your coat isn’t waterproof, you’ll also need to consider whether you have a rain jacket in a length that will layer with it.
Best long winter coats
- The North Face Arctic Parka
- Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
- Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
- Columbia Heavenly Long
- Arc’teryx Patera Parka
- LL Bean Long Ultralight 850
Best standard-length winter coats
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
The North Face Arctic Down Parka – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 Down – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Patagonia Tres – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Critical Winter Coat Considerations
WHAT IS FILL POWER?
Fill power is a measurement of the “fluffiness” of the down. The higher the number, the more efficient the down is at insulating. Fill-power can tell you a lot about the quality of insulation, but you should also look at fill weight to get a good idea of how warm a winter coat is. It takes a smaller amount of high-quality down to trap the same amount of body heat that a larger amount of low-quality down would. For example, a 700-fp down jacket with 14 oz. of fill won’t be quite as warm as a 900-fp down coat with 14 oz. of fill.
High-fill-power jackets are usually slimmer, lighter, and more packable, so it may be a good idea to go with one if you plan to travel a lot with your down coat. The warmest down jackets will also have hoods, cinches at the cuffs/hem, and wind-proof fabric to help retain maximum body heat.
