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Outerwear can make or break a cold-weather trip. Choosing the best winter jacket or coat requires lots of considerations, such as warmth and thermoregulation, weight and packability, and technical features. All these elements should come together to complement the type of travel you’re taking.
“People should ask themselves what climate they’re going to be facing, whether it’s possible they’ll get wet or if it will be super cold—or both,” says Helen Spenceley, co-founder of Pirhuk, a mountain guiding company in East Greenland, where weather conditions are often harsh and unpredictable. “If there’s any chance of getting wet, I’d choose synthetic insulation over down every time.”
The best winter jackets and coats for women also include thoughtful details tailored to the outdoors. “I’m obsessed with a perfectly fitting hood, which is crucial in cold-weather environments,” says Alison Criscitiello, an ice core scientist and National Geographic Explorer. “Even -40 plus windchill can feel reasonable if you have the right armor on.”
Whether you’re summiting an icy mountain peak, sledding, or exploring a city under wet skies, we’ve rounded up our top picks for winter coats and jackets. Based on expert advice, extensive online research, and personal experience as travel journalists, we’ve determined that the Arc’teryx Beta Down Parka will suit most travelers because of its versatility, warmth, and weather protection.
We also gave special consideration to outerwear featuring Responsible Down Standard-certified goose down—the gold standard for ethical down—or sustainably manufactured synthetic insulation. But it’s how different layers work together that’s most important when embarking on a winter adventure. Here are all of our favorites.
The best winter jackets and coats for women
Below, we break down the pros and cons of our favorite winter outerwear for women.
Best overall winter coat for women: Arc’teryx Beta Down Parka
Photograph Courtesy Arc’teryx
Buy it now at Arc’teryx
Why we like it: If you’re going to invest in one piece of winter outerwear, we recommend the versatile Arc’teryx Beta Down Parka. Inspired by the brand’s best-selling Beta rain jacket, which was first released in 1998, this coat covers all the bases. It’s warm, waterproof, windproof, and breathable with a classic fit for freedom of movement, that goes from mountain trails to slick city streets.
“The Beta Down Parka was purposely designed to satisfy the female athlete’s desire for style in her mountain apparel, while still offering durability,” says Ashley Anson, vice president of women’s design at Arc’teryx. The parka features RDS 850-fill goose down, a Gore-Tex outer layer, an adjustable hood with a protective neck collar, and a two-way front zipper for quick and easy ventilation.
Keep in mind: We chose this coat for its performance in a variety of winter climates, but there are other options better suited to extreme cold, such as jackets with a high fill weight (the amount of down in the jacket, often indicated in grams) or synthetic insulation, if you’re planning high-intensity activities.
Product details: Activity: Hiking and casual wear | Jacket weight: 1 lb. | Material: RDS-certified 850-fill power goose down insulation with synthetic insulation in moisture heavy areas; PFAS-free Gore-Tex | Weather protection: Waterproof and windproof | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: Stratus, Black, Eden, Rune
(Are PFAS in your clothes? Here are alternatives.)
Best affordable winter jacket for women: Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket
Photograph Courtesy Cotopaxi
Buy it now at Cotopaxi
Why we like it: This lightweight, insulated jacket packs down to almost nothing inside its own pocket, making it easy to throw in your suitcase for trips where you plan on running, hiking, or climbing. It’s made with sustainably manufactured synthetic insulation designed to stay warm when it’s wet and a 100-percent recycled nylon shell, plus thoughtful technical features. Knit side panels and sleeves help enhance mobility and a fitted elasticized binding at the hood, cuffs, and hem help lock in warmth.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say this jacket runs small. If you’re in between sizes or want room for layering, consider sizing up.
Product details: Activity: Running, hiking, climbing | Jacket weight: Not listed | Material: Recycled synthetic PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. insulation; 100% recycled 20D ripstop nylon with PFAS-free durable; water-repellent (DWR) finish shell and lining | Weather protection: Water-repellent | Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: Black, Rusty, multicolor
Best winter coat for extreme cold: Fjallraven Polar Expedition Parka
Photograph Courtesy Fjallraven
Buy it now at Fjallraven
Why we like it: “Not only is this jacket really warm due to its down fill, but it has a tough, durable outer fabric that protects against everything the weather throws at me,” says Melanie Sommerfeldt, a dog musher and guide at Fjellborg Arctic Lodge & Journeys in Sweden. “It has thoughtful technical features made for snowy expeditions, like a two-way zipper for easy ventilation, an adjustable hood with a bendable brim, numerous exterior pockets for extra gloves, and secure inner pockets that keep a phone or GPS radio warm.”
Oversize zipper pulls make adjustments easy without needing to remove gloves, and a fur attachment on the hood protects the face from hail, snow, and gale-force winds.
Keep in mind: This coat will keep you warm in a blizzard but it’s a hefty piece of gear that takes up room in a suitcase. You may want to wear it as a carry-on item.
Product details: Activity: Trekking, dog sledding | Jacket weight: 5 lbs. | Material: 700-fill power ethically produced Fjallraven Down insulation; DWR recycled polyester outer shell | Weather protection: Water- and wind-resistant | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: Iron Grey-Black, Blue-Mountain Blue, Laurel Green-Deep Forest
(Brave the rain on your next trip with these top rain jackets for women)
Best hooded winter coat for women: Helly Hansen Verglas Polar Down Jacket
Photograph Courtesy Helly Hansen
Buy it now at Helly Hansen
Why we like it: You’ll reach for this jacket when you stop for a break along a snowy trail or want an ultra-warm layer around a campfire at night. Touted as Helly Hansen’s “warmest down jacket ever created,” the Verglas Polar Down Jacket is made with RDS 800-fill power goose down and strategic construction to help eliminate cold spots, plus a down-filled collar and a shock cord to keep the chill out. The finish is made to be durable, water-repellent, and windproof with a cut designed to enhance mobility.
Keep in mind: While this jacket is water-repellent, down is rendered useless if it gets wet, so a waterproof shell is crucial if you’re in wet weather. That means this jacket isn’t the best option if you’re really working up a sweat, either.
Product details: Activity: Camping, hiking, ski touring | Jacket weight: Not listed | Material: RDS-certified 800-fill power goose down insulation; durable, water-repellent shell | Weather protection: Water- and wind-resistant | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Black, Ultra-Blue
Best hooded winter jacket for women: Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Photograph Courtesy Patagonia
Buy it now at Patagonia
Why we like it: This best-selling style is built for warmth, with windproof and water-resistant materials and 60g sustainable synthetic insulation, so it can handle a bit of sweat too. “For cold-morning starts or windy summits, I’ll often add the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody as a top layer,” says Spenceley. “I’ll wear it on really cold days when I head out training too, either running or going for it on my light ski-mountaineering setup.” We also love that this jacket is one of the most lightweight options we’ve found and packs easily for traveling.
Keep in mind: Synthetic insulation will keep you warm if you get sweaty and damp, but it isn’t quite as warm as goose down, so another layer is ideal for colder evenings outdoors.
Product details: Activity: Hiking, snowshoeing, ski touring, running | Jacket weight: 0.68 lb. | Material: Recycled synthetic PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. insulation; 100% recycled polyester shell Sizes: XXS-XXL | Weather protection: Windproof and water-resistant | Colors: Stormy Mauve, Lagom Blue, Black, Burnished Red, Torrey Pine Green, Thermal Blue
Best winter parka for women: Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka
Photograph Courtesy Outdoor Research
Buy it now at Outdoor Research
Why we like it: This full-length puffy parka will keep you cozy and comfortable during cold-weather travel. Responsibly sourced, 700-fill down helps lock in body heat, while a recycled nylon shell helps block the wind. For added warmth and softness, wrist gaiters and an adjustable hood with a baffle ruff help keep out cold air, and the collar is lined with a brushed fabric at the chin. This is a stylish option for chilly urban getaways, winter walks, or late nights outdoors spotting northern lights.
Keep in mind: This style is water-resistant, but it isn’t meant to withstand heavy rain or wet snow.
Product details: Activity: Casual wear | Jacket weight: 2.2 lbs. | Material: RDS 700-fill power goose down insulation; 100% recycled nylon shell | Weather protection: Water- and wind-resistant | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Oyster, Black
(Here’s all the gear you need for your next hiking adventure)
Best casual winter jacket for women: The North Face Aconcagua 3 Hoodie
Photograph Courtesy The North Face
Buy it now at The North Face
Why we like it: This highly rated insulated style from The North Face is a warm, midweight option that reviewers say is their tried-and-true everyday jacket. The streamlined style is made from recycled polyester with a water-repellent finish and a 50/50 combination of 600-fill down and zoned synthetic insulation to help keep you warm if you get a bit sweaty or wet. A cinch-cord hood and elasticized cuffs help keep cold wind at bay.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say this jacket runs small. If you’re in between sizes or want room for layering, consider sizing up.
Product details: Activity: Casual wear, light hiking | Jacket weight: Not listed | Material: 50% RDS 600-fill power recycled waterfowl down and 50% recycled polyester insulation; 100% recycled polyester shell with PFC-free DWR finish | Weather protection: Water-repellent| Sizes: XS-3XL | Colors: Black, Fawn Grey, Forest Olive, Beet Root, Midnight Patrol, Khaki Stone, Midnight Mauve
Tips for buying women’s winter jackets and coats
When shopping for a winter jacket or coat, start by thinking about how you’ll be wearing it. The type of adventure you’re embarking on will dictate the ideal level of warmth and weight, as well as whether to opt for synthetic or down insulation.
If you’re heading into the backcountry ski touring, climbing, or snowshoeing, you’ll need multiple layers that work together so you’re never left damp and cold. That’s especially important at the end of the day when you won’t be generating more body heat. “Getting my layering right is a safety thing as much as it has to do with comfort,” says Spenceley. The key is to minimize sweating, which can get your inner layers wet. Topping everything with a big, insulated jacket (unless it’s raining) can then help reduce heat loss.
“For me, no one jacket covers all bases,” says Spenceley. “It’s the layering system I use that brings it all together.”
Synthetic vs. down insulation
The most important element to remember is that when down gets wet, it loses its ability to keep you warm. “Down insulation thrives in dry, cold environments and offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio,” says Anson. “Synthetic insulates when it’s wet and dries quickly, making it ideal for higher output activities or wetter climates.”
Responsibly produced insulation
When buying a down jacket, look for Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification to ensure the down is ethically sourced. “RDS is an independent global standard that ensures animal welfare is respected and provides certification at each step of the supply chain, from hatchling to final product,” says Anson.
Other brands have their own trademarked ethically sourced down, which will be noted under the product description. If you’re purchasing a jacket or coat made with synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft P.U.R.E. technology is one of the leading sustainably produced materials on the market.
Weather protection
Look for outer fabrics that have a durable, water-repellent finish (DWR) as opposed to water-resistant fabrics. But with most insulated layers, if you’re headed into wet weather, be prepared to pack a fully waterproof shell too.
Warmth
Opting for a product with mapped insulation is best for temperature regulation, with more breathability in high-touch areas and more warmth around the core. Down fill power indicates the quality of down and its insulating efficiency. The amount of down is also important, and the higher the fill weight the warmer the jacket will be overall (weight is often indicated in grams on a product description).
Small design elements can make a big difference in keeping the cold out too. “I pay attention to details like an adjustable hood that fits perfectly with and without a helmet, wrist cuff design that’s comfortable inside gloves, and a high collar that fits well for chin and face protection,” says Criscitiello.
Weight
“I search especially hard for that balance between very lightweight and packable but also durable,” says Criscitiello. While synthetic insulation is better in wet weather, it will be slightly heavier than goose down. When packing multiple insulated layers, look for items that pack into their own pocket or stuff easily into a compression bag.
Frequently asked questions
What coat keeps you the warmest in winter?
For everyday wear and less active trips, opt for a full-length, goose down parka with an insulated hood. For high-intensity winter adventures, pack a breathable, lightweight layer made with synthetic insulation, such as the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, as well as a warmer goose down coat to use at rest, like the Helly Hansen Verglas Polar Down Jacket.
What’s the best material for a winter jacket?
Ideally, winter jackets and coats are made with a recycled polyester or nylon face fabric with a DWR finish.
Do winter coats have PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of synthetic “forever chemicals” that take a long time to break down in the environment and have historically been used in Gore-Tex and other outerwear materials. To ensure the jacket or coat you’re purchasing has a lower environmental impact, look for “non-PFA” or “PFA-free” in the product description.
Chloe Berge is a freelance journalist based in Vancouver, Canada, covering travel, environment, and adventure. Drawn to cold-weather journeys, her reporting has taken her to the polar regions, including Antarctica, Svalbard, and Arctic Canada.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
