As the winter months loom ever closer, it’s time to start swapping out our autumnal frocks and light jackets for full-blown puffers.
Here in the UK, we’re no strangers to extreme weather conditions. Though half of the population prefers exposure to searingly hot temperatures during the height of summer, others are more comfortable at the northernmost tip of our tiny island, bracing themselves against wind, rain, sleet and snow.
People who hail from warmer continents often ask folk who are used to bearing the brunt of significant sub-zero temperatures how we do it. British stereotypes aside, our usual response isn’t some witty, sarcastic retort. Simply put, there’s no special, magic trick to keeping warm when the temperature drops below freezing. The answer is straightforward: a decent winter coat and a knack for layering (preferably with merino wool thermals).
Whether you’re planning a trekking holiday on the other side of the globe, are thinking about moving to jolly Canada, or frankly find English weather to be arctic – we’re here to help you find the best possible winter jacket crafted for extreme weather conditions.
What to look for in an extreme winter coat
- Down fill rating: the down fill rating of a winter coat references the quality of the down filling in your winter jacket. It is a measure of the loft – or ‘fluffiness’ of the down filling and its capacity to insulate. Measured in cubic inches per ounce of down, the higher the fill power the more insulating the jacket will be for its weight. The higher the quality of down used, the better the fill power. With a high-quality down, less of it is required for maximum warmth, which also means that the higher the fill rating, the more compressible the jacket. For more information on how down fill ratings work, Mountain Warehouse has an incredibly handy guide. All in all, a decent extreme weather jacket should have a hefty down fill rating.
- Windproof: as any experiencer of extreme weather conditions knows, it’s not the temperature that makes us suffer – it’s the sub-zero gusts of wind. Fabrics are made windproof by weaving threads tightly together while retaining their stretch to prevent gaps, or by a special membrane which is added to the inside of the garment. These membranes are often also waterproof, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
- Temperature regulation: your extreme weather winter coat shouldn’t be turning you into a hot potato. Though it may seem counterintuitive, it’s also important that your jacket is sweat-wicking and breathable to promote proper circulation and temperature regulation.
What’s the difference between down and synthetic insulation?
Down is notorious for keeping us toasty warm without weighing us down. Suitable for all temperatures, down is easy to compress and travel with. The only downside, however, is that down isn’t often entirely waterproof, and will lose its ability to insulate if soaked through. Not only will it take an age to dry, but a down jacket requires special cleaning and can’t just be popped in the washing machine. Synthetic insulation, however, is still brilliant. It’s cheaper than down and easy to clean, but a little bit heavier.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best winter jackets that’ll keep you extra toasty in the most extreme weather conditions. Keep scrolling to stay warm.
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The North Face Gotham Jacket
Insulation: 600-Fill 100% Recycled Waterfowl Down
Extreme weather-proof jackets are often extremely pricey, which is why we were impressed by this cosy-looking option from The North Face known as the Gotham Jacket. Made from recycled materials, this light and lofty piece will keep you toasty warm throughout the winter, and those front-facing dual-entry pockets are perfect for hiding cold hands.
Though water-repellent thanks to the non-PFC DWR coating, we still wouldn’t recommend getting caught in torrential rain while wearing this coat.
Buy now £250.00, The North Face
Arc’Teryx Nuclei Parka
Insulation: Synthetic - Coreloft continuous insulation
Designed specifically for severe weather conditions with ice and alpine climbing enthusiasts in mind, it’s safe to say you’ll remain protected from the elements in the Arc’Teryx Nuclei Parka. Though its puffed-up, Michelin Man-esque appearance might make you think that this jacket is filled to the brim with down, it’s actually powered by Arc’Teryx ‘s own Coreloft synthetic insulation. This means that it’s able to repel water and wind while remaining warm and comfortable. Plus, it’s machine washable.
Buy now £350.00, Arc’Teryx
Napapijri Chairlift Jacket
Insulation: Synthetic - Thermo-Fibre insulation
Aside from the unbeatable warmth it offers when fully assembled, what we love most about the Chairlift Jacket from Napapijri is its sheer versatility. With its customisable zip-off sleeves and snap-off hood, this is truly a year-round staple which is worth the investment.
Another brilliant touch is the handwarmer pockets, which will warm up the inside of your pockets without you having to clutch onto a flimsy handwarmer pouch.
Buy now £212.00, Fat Buddha
Arc’Teryx Ralle Parka
Insulation: Synthetic - Coreloft continuous insulation
Part of Arc’Teryx’s cult-favourite Gore-Tex range, this is one of the only extra-warm winter jackets on the market that is certifiably waterproof thanks to the two-layer Gore-Tex construction.
This, paired with durable, wonderfully insulating Coreloft synthetic insulation makes this jacket a winner in terms of thermal performance, loft and weatherproof-ness.
Buy now £600.00, Arc’Teryx
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
Insulation: 700 fill 100 per cent recycled duck and goose down
An extremely versatile piece for those who find themselves in rapidly changing climates, the 3-in-1 parka from Patagonia is equipped with an inner removal hip-length jacket which is insulated with 700 fill recycled down.
Providing all the incredible warmth of down filling without compromising on waterproofness, this is a brilliant choice for severe weather conditions of all types.
Buy now £599.99, Ellis Brigham
Columbia Pike Lake II Insulated Hooded Puffer Jacket
Insulation: Thermarator 100 per cent polyester
A slightly alternative extreme weather option, the Columbia Pike Lake Insulated Puffer delivers extra warmth thanks to the innovative thermal-reflective lining which has been designed to retain heat.
Buy now £124.00, Amazon
Antarctic Extreme Waterproof Down Jacket
Insulation: 75 per cent white duck down, 25 per cent white duck feather
Its pockets galore with the Antarctic Extreme jacket from Mountain Warehouse, making it suitable for storing valuables on long treks. It’s been thermal tested for up to -60°C which - though we found quite hard to believe given the lack of official down rating - the 393 five-star reviews from verified customers beg to differ.
With adjustable cuffs, hood and hem, you can customise this jacket for a great fit, while ensuring no snow or wind can sneak through any gaps. The best part about this fantastic jacket is that it won’t break the bank.
Buy now £179.99, Mountain Warehouse
Canada Goose Rhoda Parka
Insulation: 800 fill down
After being called out for inhumane practices relating to how the brand sourced its fur, Canada Goose has committed to going fur-free. Hurrah! People who experience extreme weather on a regular basis, but are committed to shopping ethically, will be particularly excited as Canada Goose specialise in sub-zero protection.
Field-tested for the coldest places on earth, the Rhoda Parka is equipped to help you survive temperatures beyond -30°C. The outer shell is made from Lumia - a recycled fabric which is water-repellent and wind-resistant.
The one downside? It’s extremely pricey and most definitely an investment, but one that’ll be worth it in the long haul - especially thanks to that lifetime warranty.
Buy now £1695.00, Canada Goose
Columbia Marquam Peak Fusion Insulated Parka Jacket
Insulation: Thermarator 100 per cent polyester
Complete with Columbia’s signature Omni-Heat thermal reflective insulation, this below-the-hip length parka features an adjustable draw-cord hood for extra protection from the elements, snap chest pockets for easy opening when your hands are extra chilly, and dual entry hand pockets.
Buy now £250.00, John Lewis
Shackleton Escape Expedition Down Jacket
Insulation: 800 fill RDS certified down
Made in Italy, this luxurious expedition-ready jacket from Shakleton is as stylish as it is practical. With an operating range of between -15°C and 7°C, the ultra lofty down is designed to keep you warm during cold and dry conditions. Not the most waterproof option on the market, the Escape Expedition Down Jacket has nevertheless been treated with a bluesign certified PFC-free Bionic Finish eo water repellent finish - so it’s most definitely resistant to the odd drizzle.
Buy now £695.00, Shackleton
