Last weekend, it felt like -15F (-26C) in New York City. If it weren’t for my Super Puff coat, I wouldn’t have mustered up the courage to leave my apartment.
Whether this year’s brutal winter has put you in the market for a warmer jacket or you’re stocking up for next year, we asked eight outdoorsy people to recommend their favorites.
From a ski instructor to a former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, our experts highlighted women’s winter jackets designed to last more than a few winters.
And with President’s Day sales approaching, we highlighted any late-season deals on our picks – including a belted puffer jacket you can grab for nearly 75% off.
At a glance
Best affordable women’s jacket:
Michael Kors Faux Fur Trim Belted Puffer Jacket
Best women’s jacket for outdoors and activewear:
Lululemon Another Mile Jacket
Best long-length women’s jacket:
Patagonia Down With It Parka
Best heated women’s jacket:
Venustas Heated Jacket
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The best women’s jackets for winter
Stylish and warm women’s jackets
Michael Kors Faux Fur Trim Belted Puffer Jacket
Now $95.20, originally $375 at Michael KorsFor the past five years, I’ve worn the same coat everywhere. I love it because it goes all the way down to my knees and has a belt around the waist, which gives it a cinched look. The upright pockets never let my phone fall out. – Shelby Christopher, dog walker
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Venustas Women’s Heated Jacket
Now $149.99, originally $189.99 at Venustas $199.99 at AmazonBased in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Breanna Wilson, a travel journalist, recommended her Venustas Heated Jacket in our roundup of winter gear worn in the coldest places on Earth. With adjustable heat settings and advanced carbon fiber heating, she wore this jacket on a frozen trek through the Mongolian countryside.
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Patagonia Down With It Parka
Now $243.99, originally $349 at Patagonia $349 at BackcountryI typically wear Patagonia’s Down With It Parka. It’s 600-fill down, has a hood, is water-resistant and goes down to my knees. The jacket also has a two-way zipper on the bottom of the jacket that I can loosen up if I need to move around more. On the coldest days, I’ll layer with a heated vest underneath. – Danielle Pittman, travel photographer
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Cotopaxi Fuego Max Down Hooded Jacket
Now $205.93, originally $295 at REI Now $210, originally $350 at CotopaxiFor a winter hiking jacket, I love the Cotopaxi Fuego Max Down Hooded Jacket. It’s super warm, can be worn cropped or not and has a nice, large hood and pockets. However, it does need to be worn with a waterproof shell on top if it’s raining, wet or snowy. – Julia Davila, founder of Colorado Hiking Girls
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Aritzia Super Puff
$250 at AritziaI raved about this coat in our recent guide to cold weather apparel, and I still stand by every word: “I credit this coat with helping me bear the last three winters. Its 800+ premium down keeps me warm, and I love that it’s both wind- and water-resistant.”
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Lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Long Jacket
$448 at LululemonThis Lululemon puffer is “so soft and warm I could sleep in it”, says Karen Yuan, the Filter commissioning editor. She’s worn it for six winters straight and loves that it’s roomy enough for a thick sweater underneath. “It’s freezing in New York City right now, but this coat has kept me toasty.”
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Women’s jackets for outdoors and activewear
Lululemon Another Mile Jacket
$228 at LululemonMy absolute favorite winter running jacket is Lululemon’s Another Mile Jacket. It’s incredibly lightweight yet insulated, has a slim fit and includes thumb holes. It’s also windproof and water-repellent, which makes a huge difference on cold, windy runs. I typically wear it when temperatures drop to 40F or below, and it has always kept me warm, sometimes even a little too warm. I am a Lululemon Ambassador until the end of February, but even if I wasn’t an Ambassador, it would still be my favorite winter running jacket. – Stephanie Platt, organizer of Fort Worth’s Social Run Club
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Oysho Minardi Piume Ski Jacket
$399 at OyshoI absolutely love my brown Oysho Minardi Piume Ski jacket. It’s water-repellent and windproof, which are the most important features for me when spending long days on the mountain. On top of that, it has everything a good ski jacket should have: a snow stopper, a lift pass pocket and multiple inside pockets, and it’s super warm without feeling bulky. (Editor’s note: Van Delen is currently a brand ambassador for Oysho.) – Tamar van Delen, ski instructor
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Lululemon Down for It All Jacket
$228 at LululemonThis is the best winter running jacket I have owned. As a plus-sized woman, this jacket is the only technical winter running jacket that 1) fits me, 2) is made for performance rather than looks, although it does look cute and 3) actually helps a plus-sized body move athletically. It is almost weightless and very warm, great for super cold days. The best part is perhaps all of the pocket space! I’m a Lululemon Ambassador, but I’d absolutely buy it full price as a serious runner and outdoor athlete. It is a jacket that I’ve worn over and over again, and has not decreased in performance. – Mirna Valerio, trail runner and former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year
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Women’s jackets for the extreme cold
Patagonia Downdrift Parka
$399 at Backcountry $399 at PatagoniaWith warm 600-fill-power recycled down and a water-resistant shell, the Patagonia Downdrift Parka has Anchorage local Julia O’Malley’s stamp of approval. Patagonia also offers inexpensive repairs, making this jacket a worthwhile investment.
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Canada Goose Expedition Parka
$1,675 at Canada GooseWhen 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
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Fjällräven Polar Expedition Parka
$1,100 at FjällrävenI got the Fjällräven Polar Parka when I was participating in its polar expedition. When I went on my 24-day winter hike in the north of Sweden with my two dogs, I was grateful I packed it. Sometimes it feels like a big sleeping bag – it covers my bum and half my thighs, which keeps me warm. The jacket is made from durable G-1000 fabric, which is especially important when dog sledding, as you’re dealing with a lot of rough equipment. While I was gifted this parka as a brand ambassador, I genuinely use Fjällräven pieces for working with sled dogs. – Maiu Lünekund, sled dog musher and artist
