It’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The weather conditions shouldn’t be a limitation for you when hiking and getting the most benefits. Some of the most amazing landscapes you could ever see are wintry ones. It’s important to pay close attention to the hiking gear you use for these journeys. Most importantly: pay attention to your clothing like best hiking jackets for cold weather.
We want to help you make an informed decision. Once you know what the best winter coat for you is, you’ll be ready to go on your next hike. You’ll be ready even when it’s freezing out there.
With all these features in mind, we’re ready to list our best picks for your next hike:
10 Best Hiking Jackets For Cold Weather 2024
1. Mountain Hardwear Men’s Absolute Zero Parka
“Your ultimate companion for chilly weather!”
Premium Pick
Main Features
- Comfortable parka for backpacking
- Fixed hood for proper coverage
- 800-fill down for proper warmth
- Sufficient pockets for essentials
“An excellent choice for cold weather hiking.”
This Mountain Hardwear Men’s Absolute Zero Parka was designed for professional mountaineers and all high mountain hikers out there. This synthetic design is 100% made of durable 30D nylon fabric and reinforced with 140D in the arms, shoulders, and waist.
Amazing Resistance to Bad Weather
Due to the materials, it’s made of, this garment offers amazing resistance to bad weather conditions. Warm and comfortable, the AirShield technology incorporated into this makes it windproof and breathable at the same time.
Suitable for mild weather
On the other hand, this isn’t waterproof and there’s no down in it. It’s listed here because as long as you’re not exposed to extreme cold or rain, this will hold on beyond your expectations. There is also a powerful down version of this parka that you can check out.
Enough Pockets for Essentials
This parka has tons of space for your hiking essentials. It comes with two vertical-entry chest pockets and two hand-warming pockets. The zip-off detachable hood gives this brand extra versatility and helmet compatibility.
Lightweight design
It’s still pretty light and packable and you can be sure the body of the jacket will still be big enough to fit adequate layering for the expedition. It’s within a normal price range for winter jackets.
Finally, we think it looks great. It’s worth giving this brand a try.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Adjustable drawcords
- Lightweight:2.81 pounds
Cons
- Expensive
- Hood is fixed
2. The North Face Men’s Gotham Jacket III
“Best affordable jacket in the premium category!”
Top Choice
Main Features
- Well insulated with 550- fill down
- Sufficient pockets for storage of essentials
- Breathable and permits water to evaporate
- Customize the design as per the requirement
“An excellent choice for a day hike and mild weather.”
Of all the jackets featured in this article, this one has a special mention because of its remarkable value. It truly does have many features you’d expect to find in a much more costly brand.
Quite Decent Insulation
There is a 550-fill down which provides quite decent insulation. We stated before that usually down jackets aren’t waterproof; this one, however, is an exception. It’s also windproof and breathable to a good extent in colder conditions that don’t go far below zero.
Enough Pockets for Essentials
There’s too much of a casual look to it, though. In other words, this doesn’t seem to be the ideal jacket to go on an expedition. If you’re hiking in an urban park or you’re taking a one-day hike, this is the jacket for you.
Suitable for longer trail
Another good reason to state this isn’t the best option for a longer trip is that this jacket isn’t as packable as others.
All in all, it’s an excellent option and it’s highly recommended.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Worth the price
- Fits perfect
- Attractive colors
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme cold
- Not waterproof
3. Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
“Best value pick from a top brand Arc’teryx!”
Best Value
Main Features
- Waterproof and windproof
- More durable materials
- Lightweight design: 1 lb 0.3 oz
- Drawcord for adjustment
“An excellent choice for extreme cold weather hiking.”
The Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket is probably the most technical jacket on this list. It’s a little pricey, yet you’d be getting what you pay for. Our definitive choice for a purely synthetic coat. The membrane material is a Gore-Tex Pro in three layers. The face fabric is N40d, a top-quality nylon. These materials give extraordinary windproofing and abrasion resistance to the jacket. The critical seams are sealed with a narrow 8mm Gore seam tape.
Awesome Style
There’s virtually no bulk when you wear this jacket but the one caused by the sanely mandatory layering. There are two external chest pockets another one on the left bicep, and two internal pockets. As for ventilation, you can rely on cord-based Custom Cohesive technology.
Freedom of Movement
The star in this jacket’s construction has to be the articulated design. This construction gives you freedom of movement. The cords are adjustable and its helmet-compatible hood avoids visibility restrictions.
Overall, it’s a beautiful jacket, ideal for ice and rock climbing, but suitable for other sports as well, including hiking, of course.
Pros
- External zip for water-tight
- Sufficient pockets
- Laminated zip for internal chest pockets
Cons
- More expensive
- No front pocket
4. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
“Best versatile gear suitable for adverse weather conditions!”
“A high-performance and durable Canadian brand design.”
Within the many charms of the Arcteryx Men’s Atom LT Hoody, we find it has incredible waterproofing. This is possible because of the materials it is made of. These are mostly Coreloft, Polartec Power Stretch with Hard Face Technology, and Luminara-nylon weave fabric treated with a powerful DWR.
Synthetic Jacket
This synthetic jacket offers amazing windproofing, breathability, and something that could be considered great insulation for a synthetic jacket.
Hood for additional coverage
It comes with a hood that is said to fit under a helmet, although some people consider it too big for a hoodie, and thus, a bit uncomfortable. It comes with two spacious hand pockets and a very convenient internal chest pocket. The total weight is 14.6 oz.(415 gm).
Stylish and comfy
It has an athletic fit and is hip length, which ensures it is stylish and allows comfy coverage.
Most people recommend its use mostly but not limited to light hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Pros
- Breathable and insulated
- Quality front zip
- Easy to pack and compress
Cons
- Not so lightweight, weight: 415 gm
5. Outdoor Research Men’s Floodlight Down Jacket
“An awesome pick for your outdoor excursions!”
“The best gear for your cold-weather trails.”
This outstanding jacket has all it takes to handle the elements well during a hardcore mountaineering trip. It’s made of Pertex Shield+ 2L, 100% nylon 30D ripstop on the outside and the lining is Pertex Quantum, 100% nylon 22D ripstop.
Powerful insulation
With an interesting composition of materials, it won’t stop there. The powerful insulation this jacket offers is given by its 800+ fill power goose down. According to Outdoor Research, their down is responsibly sourced.
Waterproof and windproof
It’s amazingly waterproof and windproof while preserving breathability. The design includes Dynamic Reach Underarm Panels technology. This feature grants your arms a great range of movement, however, this is the very reason this jacket doesn’t have underarm ventilation.
Helmet compatible
The hood, while adequately sized and helmet-compatible, is not detachable. We need to say, this garment doesn’t come with much space in the waist area. People with a little extra weight in this area, consider yourselves warned. These are certainly downsides to this jacket but ones we sure can live with.
The warmth-to-weight ratio is exceptional in this jacket; impressible packable, the serious performance of this jacket is worth every dollar you invest in it.
Pros
- Adjustable hood
- Soft material
- Internal pockets
Cons
- Little expensive
6. Mammut Stoney Jacket
“Best suitable for extreme cold weather!”
Reliable Pick
Main Features
- Dry technology
- Lightweight with more comfort
- With hood compatible with helmet
- Removable snow skirt with elastic
“A great option for snow tours and cold weather.”
This brand strikes us as expensive. Yet again, we won’t deny that as long as you can afford it, the investment you make will pay off. The Mammut Stoney Jacket is a technical parka designed specifically for high alpine terrain.
Comfortable and warm
You will find yourself surprised by how warm it is. The insulation provided is due to the fact, that this jacket is filled with 80 gm Ajungilak OTI element, resulting in great coverage from cold.
GORE-TEX Material
The combination of materials in a box construction results in extreme compressibility this jacket is packable. The soft face GORE-TEX fabric has been treated with DWR meaning this is a waterproof jacket. The body mapping design is all about giving extra protection against the toughest weather conditions with reinforced shoulders and hood.
Zippered pockets
There are two conveniently placed side pockets with zippers in them. In addition, there are chest pockets, goggle pockets, and hand-warming pockets.
This garment is a great ally for professional mountaineers, hikers, and camping lovers.
Pros
- More insulation
- Perfect coverage
- Awesome hood and design
Cons
- Not much space in the waist area
7. RAB Men’s Alpine Down Jacket
“A reliable quality jacket suitable for cold weather hiking!”
Reliable Pick
Main Features
- Filling: 800 fill hydrophobic down
- Easy to pack and lightweight
- More warmth and quality material
- The hood filled with down for more protection
“A perfect material choice and design features.”
Rab’s jackets are all about incredible performance and resistance, and they sure deliver. This is one of the two Rab garments on this list. Pertex Endurance on the outside and Pertex Quantum lining are essential characteristics of this jacket.
Awesome endurance
There’s optimum insulation of 800 fill power courtesy of 225 grams of European goose Hydrophobic down. The Pertex fabric in this jacket grants it great endurance, great packability, and lightness. The jacket’s total weight is 635 gm Rab is into serious details.
Waterproof
An example of this is the 2-way YKK AquaGuard front zipper. Plus, the 2 YKK AquaGuard zipped hand pockets, and you better believe they increase the waterproofing capacity of this coat.
Down-filled hood
The Rab Neutrino has a helmet-compatible, down-filled hood. Some people may consider this garment a little bulky.
It’s still a highly recommendable jacket.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable hood
- Internal pockets with zipper
Cons
- Avoid scratching from pets
8. Triple F.A.T. Goose SAGA Collection Men’s Jacket
“Best down-filled jacket to provide extreme warmth and protection!”
Reliable Pick
Main Features
- Filling: 15.5 oz. 675 premium white goose down
- Removable coyote fur on the hood
- Advanced nanotechnology for water resistance
- Soft external pockets and hand pockets
“A must-have product hiking through heavy snow and rain.”
While you may or may not be a big fan of the real coyote fur, it’s still a wonderful parka. It’s worth taking a closer look at it.
Water resistance
The SAGA Collection is made of premium nylon Taslan. This fabric is equipped with DWR, plus a Teflon Shield that covers the jacket and makes it water-repellent. The water resistance is for up to 10,000 mm of rain. We talk about serious waterproofing here.
Goose down fill
Knowing this and considering this parka is outstandingly breathable make this parka one of our true favorites. As for the down, there are about 15.5 oz of goose down and a decent 675 fill power. According to the brand, this number varies according to the size of the jacket.
Awesome style
The SAGA collection features a pair of side vents proudly and we agree it’s something most jackets don’t have. Another exceptional detail about this parka is the storm cuffs that retract when they’re not in use. We just love the Triple F.A.T. Goose SAGA Collection Eldridge Men’s Hooded Goose Down Jacket Parka looks.
Removable coyote fur
This jacket can be casual or ready for a real hiking adventure. Oh! And in case you were wondering, the coyote fur is detachable for even more customization.
The warmth-to-weight ratio is exceptional in this jacket; impressibly packable, the serious performance of this jacket is worth every dollar you invest in it.
Pros
- Down fill
- Superior design
- Awesome accessories
Cons
- Expensive, but worth
9. RAB Microlight Alpine Jacket Men’s
“Reliable designs for cold-weather outdoor excursions!”
Reliable Pick
Main Features
- Filling: European goose down of 750FP
- The reliable inner material of 100% nylon ripstop
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
- The hood can be customized with a flexible wire
“A warm solution for chilled weather.”
This is the second Rab jacket on this list. The thing with Rab is they make excellent models that are all about functionality.
Durable material
Again, we’re speaking about the substantial insulation of goose down with 750 fill power. The face fabric and the lining are Pertex, this material provides good resistance to the jacket. Pertex makes the coat lightweight and water-resistant. To optimize the waterproof capacity of this garment, you have a YKK front zip.
Awesome performance
Unlike the Neutrino, the Microlight Alpine Jacket has an internal insulated baffle and chin guard. According to many, users, the sizing is completely adequate in this brand, so it’s one less concern. Durable, good performance, is there anything else we need to say about this jacket?
Pros
- Quality outer material
- European goose down
- Stylish look
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme cold
10. Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket
“A reliable high-performance jacket suitable for outdoor adventures!”
Reliable Pick
Main Features
- Gore-Tex technology for keeping dry
- More protection with a detachable thermal R liner
- DWR treatment is done for the protection
- A relaible Marmot brand product
“A top-notch product for extreme weather solution.”
The Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component jacket is ideal for skiing or light hiking. The Marmot’s MemBrain Fabric is responsible for this garment’s waterproofing and breathability.
Awesome insulation
Its superb 700 Fill Power Down gives the jacket awesome insulation and compressibility for great packing. The reinforced sleeves and shoulders are a big plus, giving you some extra protection against rain and snow.
High-performance technology
We need to mention the chest pocket is water-resistant too. All the little details you want to pay attention to when buying a winter jacket come together in this 100% nylon-manufactured masterpiece.
Pros
- Protection from snow, wind, and rain
- Repels water and keeps dry
- Detachable extra layer
Cons
- Limited color choice
The brands we reviewed here are only suggestions. We’re, by no means, restricting anyone to go for any of these brands. They’re quite popular and reliable, yes. But they’re not the only brands out there.
Cold Weather Clothing: Video
What Makes Winter Jackets An Outdoor Essential
Winter jackets are different from regular jackets because they’re designed to keep you warm. They do this by preventing the loss of the heat produced by your body. This is possible when designers choose adequate materials for the construction of these garments.
In the materials designers use for winter jackets, the fibers in the fabric are very close to one another. For this reason, some materials used in the elaboration can prevent to some extent, the penetration of external elements into the jacket.
When it comes to winter jackets, there are two major groups: synthetic and down.
Synthetic Jackets:
Synthetic jackets can offer you some protection against wind or wet weather conditions. Down jackets are made from duck or goose feathers. To be precise, from the layer of feathers that are softest and the closest to the skin of the bird.
Down Jackets:
Down is considered the best insulation material in the industry. It also has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio. It’s incredibly light! This is a very important aspect to consider before saying a jacket has good performance.
Not so fast! Before you rush into thinking you need to get yourself a down jacket right now, you need to know that synthetic jackets dry faster than down jackets. The bottom line is a synthetic jacket is a better pick if you’re facing wet weather conditions when you go hiking. When you know for a fact that the weather during your hike will be dry, then a down jacket is more recommendable.
Essential Features Of A Hiking Winter Jacket
We talked a bit about materials and insulation. Still, some other features are worth considering before buying a winter jacket for hiking. These factors are face fabric, weight, breathability, and fill power, amongst others.
Face Fabric
The face fabric or shell material is the most external part of a jacket. High-quality material will have good abrasion resistance. If the material shows abrasion resistance, you can say the fabric is durable. The fibers of materials are intertwined in such a way that the material will prove to be windproof. But breathable at the same time.
Breathability
Breathability measures how capable a material is to let vapors and moisture (a.k.a. sweat) be released to the exterior. Many face fabrics are made with nylon or polyester. These nylon fabrics are treated with a DWR (durable water repellent). Therefore, nylon fabrics are mostly waterproof.
Weight of the Jacket
More fabric is needed to provide a high warmth-to-weight ratio when a winter jacket is made mostly of synthetic materials. Also, if the materials meant for insulation are not high quality. This ratio is a measurement of how much of a good insulator is in any given material. Good jackets are very light.
Maybe you’re wondering why this feature is relevant when picking a jacket. Maybe you think a 5-pound jacket is not too heavy. Consider you carry many more things. Little by little, that weight becomes real torture to carry around. It’s vital: keep all your gear including your backpack as light as possible!
Pockets for Storage
When a jacket has at least four pockets, it’s a good sign. You get to have the things you use the most within the reach of your hand. It’s even better if the pockets are located strategically. Well-sized hand-warming pockets and chest pockets come in handy when you’re hiking. The ultimate thing to look for in external pockets is waterproof zippers.
Vents
Yes, even when it’s freezing ventilation is necessary. Think about it this way: physical activity produces heat. While breathability focuses more on sweat, vents give you more of an instant relief regulating body heat. Some jackets have vents under the armpit. Vents are not present in all models. You won’t say no to a jacket because it has no vents but it’s a bigger yes to the ones that do.
Hood
There are two major things concerning hoods that are important. The importance of these two things is a matter of personal taste. If a hood is helmet-compatible, the hood is big enough for your head and a helmet. Some people find it absurd to have a helmet-compatible hooded jacket. And they’re right. When you buy a coat to go hiking, you don’t need a big hood meant for climbers.
The other important thing for some people is for the hood to be detachable. This is desirable for some and irrelevant for others. Again, a matter of personal taste.
Price
We have to be honest here: a high-quality winter jacket will never be cheap. Winter jackets with prime materials used in their construction never go anywhere below $200. Think about this as an investment. A good winter jacket provides protection. All you have to do is enjoy your trip.
Packability
Winter jackets provide good insulation, have a good warmth-to-weight ratio, AND need to have good compressibility. The more you can compress a jacket, the easier it will be to transport it. After all, you always need space for other gear in your hiking backpack.
A Final Word On Buying The Winter Jacket
First, we explained the elements to consider in these jackets. We learned that materials used for construction in a coat give it basic standards of fabrication. Manufacturers keep in mind these elements when designing and putting a jacket on the market.
Performance and Insulation
You’ll find it’s all mostly about performance and insulation, but also, about windproofing, breath-ability, hood, pockets, pack-ability, and why not? Also about looks and price. You’re certainly not going to buy a jacket you don’t like, are you?
Know your requirement
You must take the time to figure out what your needs are. Then, do some research. What are the jackets that cater to your taste and needs? Compare your pics for the jackets that offer you what you want at the best possible price. Also, remember to take good care of your investment. Check the care and washing instructions tag on your jacket.
Comfy and enough warmth
Another clarification is needed here: remember being warm and comfortable during your trip is one of the most important variables that will make or break your trip. You’ll find no high-quality winter jacket that is cheap. It’s an investment you are making. What you’re paying for is the peace of mind that you’ll have once you’re protected and carefree during your trip.
FAQs:
Let us see some FAQs related to hiking jackets:
What are the best winter jackets for extreme cold?
Quick view list for winter jackets for extreme cold weather:
1. Mountain Hardwear Men’s Absolute Zero Parka (Premium Pick)
2. The North Face Men’s Gotham Jacket III (Top Choice)
3. Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket (Best Value)
4. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody – Men’s
5. Outdoor Research Men’s Floodlight Down Jacket
6. Mammut Stoney Jacket
7. RAB Men’s Alpine Down Jacket
8. Triple F.A.T. Goose Men’s Goose Down Jacket
9. Rab Microlight Jacket – Men’s
10. Marmot Men’s Minimalist Jacket
At what temperature do you need a jacket?
The general thumb rule is to always have your coat on whenever you start feeling the chill. Depending on the prevailing weather or health conditions, this may be unique to every individual. Nevertheless, consider putting on your jacket at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is fleece warmer than wool?
Both fabrics boast great insulation properties. The game-changer lies in the water-resistance capabilities of each fabric. While wool can repel water for a long, fleece tends to soak up quickly. This has a great impact on warmth or insulation. So as you can guess, wool is warmer.
Is Linen good for cold weather?
Linen may not be a great option for cold weather. The fabric’s weave and fibers are quite open making it more breathable. Its inability to trap air makes it a poor insulator. It is better for the summer.
What should you wear for hiking in cold weather?
Thinking about heading out for a hike with your friends or family in frigid temperatures? Here are a few suggestions for apparel and gear that will help you keep warm and cozy, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the sun or moon. Extra layers of socks, extra layers of wool, insulated hiking boots, cold weather hiking jackets, large outerwear such as parkas, cold weather hiking pants, etc. are suitable for cold weather protection.
A little bit of extra insulation can make the difference between the beginning of spring when your toes start to tingle and the end of winter when your legs hurt. Consider toggling on too-long johns when the mercury starts to go below freezing, and adding a pair of underlayers when you’re shivering and ready for a warm oasis. Read more here.