I’ve forgotten what it’s like to step outside without wincing. Around the US, frigid temperatures are holding strong.
To get you through winter’s final stretch, or help you kickstart next year’s cold-weather wardrobe, we got recommendations for long-lasting, ultra-warm jackets from some people who need them most: workers who spend a bulk of their day outside instead of in a heated office. They include a former project manager stationed in Antarctica and a broadcast journalist who reported from chilly Toronto.
Here are eight of the very best men’s winter jackets to buy for life – including a meteorologist-approved parka that’s on a late-season sale for 70% off. You’ll never be caught off guard by snow, rain or wind again.
At a glance
Best affordable men’s jacket:
Marc New York Holden Hooded Parka
Best packable men’s jacket for travel:
Goldwin Pertex Quantum Down Jacket
Best lightweight men’s jacket:
Shackleton Hercules Ultralight Down Jacket
Best men’s jacket for extreme cold:
Canada Goose Langford Parka
***
Meet our experts who work outside
Matty Jordan, a former project manager for Antarctica New Zealand’s Scott Base Redevelopment Project. He’s been on expeditions to the south pole several times.
Matthew Cappucci, an atmospheric scientist and senior meteorologist at MyRadar. He tracks winter storms and authored a children’s book about extreme weather.
Jordan Bunker, a photographer and menswear content creator based in Manchester, England.
Carl Murawski, a licensed electrician who’s worked as a tradesman for over two decades. He’s also a product reviewer who helps people find buy-it-for-life items.
Winston Sih, a journalist and television host formerly stationed in Canada. He spent years reporting outdoors during the frigid winter months.
Michelle Endo, formerly a support staff worker stationed in Antarctica.
An affordable, mid-thigh jacket<em>: </em>Marc Men’s Holden Hooded Parka
This is my go-to jacket for days that remain below 0F in the afternoon. The hood is a little more elastic, which molds to your head for an extra layer of wind protection. If you have a wool beanie under it, you won’t even notice that it’s cold. I also love the length – a jacket that runs down to mid-thigh prevents any cold air from riding under it and chilling your torso. Keeping your core warm is half the battle. – Matthew Cappucci, senior meteorologist at MyRadar
***
A stylish, ultra-warm jacket: Goldwin Pertex Quantum Down Jacket
I’m three winters in and still speak so highly of this coat. Manchester certainly gets the cold, the rain and the wind. The trifecta of winter conditions, you could say. My big winter coat is made of Pertex Quantum down, which makes it lightweight yet resistant to tears. It’s the coat I turn to the most when the temperatures dip, and when I’m on the road, it packs down into a little bag. – Jordan Bunker, photographer and menswear content creator based in Manchester, England
***
An eco-friendly, breathable jacket: Shackleton Hercules Ultralight Down Jacket
This lightweight puffer is always hanging on my door, and I grab it almost every time I step outside. It’s perfect on its own in temperatures down to about 14F, and it makes a great mid-layer for even colder days. The versatility is why I like it. Plus, it has 800 fill down and 100% recycled fabric. This fits my ethos of environmental protection. – Matty Jordan, former project manager for Antarctica New Zealand’s Scott Base Redevelopment Project
***
An outdoorsy wool jacket<em>: </em>WeatherWool All-Around Jacket
The unique thing with the WeatherWool jacket is that it’s comfortable and quiet – two things most winter jackets can’t claim. So on winter hikes, you can appreciate the peace of freshly fallen snow. This small, family-owned company produces all of its clothing in the US, and this one is made of 100% wool from my home state of Connecticut. Wool is water-resistant, warm even when its wet and far stronger than cotton. Moreover, this jacket is incredibly well thought out. There is no lack of external or internal pockets, each with zippers and buttons. – Carl Murawski, licensed electrician and workwear reviewer
***
A luxurious, classic jacket<em>:</em><em> </em>Canada Goose Langford Parka
After years of reporting outdoors in Canadian winters (often standing still for long stretches), the jacket I consistently recommend is the Canada Goose Langford Parka. It delivers serious warmth without feeling overly bulky, and the longer length provides excellent coverage. The insulation also holds up in truly cold conditions, wind and snow. This is essential when you’re standing outside for extended periods rather than constantly moving. It’s also clean and understated enough to work in a professional setting, which matters when you’re on assignment. – Winston Sih, broadcast journalist formerly stationed in Canada
***
A jacket for extreme cold:Shackleton Titan Challenger Expedition Down Jacket
For extreme cold, I like this Shackleton jacket. It’s got pockets exactly where you need pockets, which I love as I’m always carrying so many things with me. I love that it packs down small enough to fit in my bag. Space-saving is essential in Antarctica, especially with plenty of other layers to carry around! It kept me warm at the south pole and has been worn on several Antarctic expeditions. – Matty Jordan, former project manager for Antarctica New Zealand‘s Scott Base Redevelopment Project
***
A jacket beloved outside the US: Rains Alta Longer Puffer Jacket
Scandinavia’s long, frigid winters make its locals unofficial experts on dressing for the cold, as we learned in our roundup of warm clothing that Scandinavians swear by. With an insulated hood and durable PU fabric, this long puffer from Rains is worn by one Stockholm resident for braving frosty weather.
***
A jacket issued to Antarctica workers:Canada Goose Expedition Parka
When I lived at the south pole for a year, I wore my Macpac Jupiter jacket the most, but it’s not sold in the US. However, we were also issued Canada Goose parkas, which definitely keep you warm for extended periods of time outside. – Michelle Endo, former support staff worker stationed in Antarctica
