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The 11 Best Men’s Winter Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer stylish outerwear or weatherproof puffers, check out our favorite winter jackets for men.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Maria Rowella

From peacoats, Canada goose jackets , and wool jackets to puffers and parkas, there are many different winter styles made for braving the elements. While staying warm is the priority, the best winter jackets will also protect you from wind, snow, rain, and other harsh weather conditions.

Our expert outdoor enthusiasts tested a range of winter jackets to find the best ones on the market. We evaluated each piece of outerwear based on design, comfort, and warmth after wearing the jackets while hiking, attending sporting events, and going on brisk morning dog walks.

Our favorite men’s winter jacket is the Rab Neutrino Pro puffer jacket. It’s exceptionally warm and lightweight, and it can compress down into a small stuff sack, making it portable for travel. If a puffer jacket isn’t your style, other coats like a luxurious Ralph Lauren peacoat and a versatile L.L.Bean parka made our list, too.

Best Overall

Rab neutrino pro.

The jacket's fit can be adjusted in the hood, wrists, and waist.

It has a loose and baggy fit without adjustments.

You can never go wrong with a puffer jacket like the cozy Rab Neutrino Pro when the weather turns. At first glance, the jacket may appear to be too large, but once we put on the coat and adjusted the velcro wrists and bungee cord at the waist, it was a perfect fit. The 800-down fill insulation is incredibly warm and marshmallow-like, but the best part is how lightweight the jacket feels despite the ample puffiness. Plus, the coat can fold into a compact carrying bag so you can easily store it in the summer or travel with it seamlessly.

We also love the design of the jacket thanks to the multitude of thoughtful features for staying warm in the winter. The wrists have velcro straps, the waist has an adjustable bungee, and even the hood has drawstrings — all of which helped lock in the warmth, keeping cold air from seeping in. And the helmet-compatible hood has a little visor built into the brim so your eyes won’t get rain or snow in them quickly. To sweeten the deal further, the brand has a generous lifetime warranty on the jacket. No matter what kind of cold-weather activity you need a jacket for, the Rab Neutrino Pro is the best option for versatility and warmth.

The Details: Size S to XL | Recycled Pertex Quantum Pro

Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung

Best Budget

Carhartt quilted flannel lined jacket.

Comfort 5 /5
Warmth 5 /5
Design 4 /5

It’s a very warm and cozy hoodie-like jacket for those who don’t like puffers or parkas.

The hood is a bit bulky.

If down jackets aren’t your thing, this Carhartt quilted jacket is a great alternative and it’s budget-friendly, too. The coat resembles the design of a zip-up hoodie , but it’s definitely warmer and heavier than a traditional sweater thanks to its thick cotton outer layer lined with cozy quilted fabric on the inside. We love how comfortable and warm it is without making us feel overheated. The design of this piece of outerwear is simple and no-frills and, while the hood is a little bit bigger than we would have liked, it wasn’t a big inconvenience. Since Carhartt is known for having durable clothing, we paid close attention to the design and materials of the jacket, and we feel confident that it will last for plenty of winters to come.

The Details: Size S to 5XL | Cotton

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Best Sustainable

Everlane long parka.

Comfort 4.5 /5
Design 4.5 /5
Value 4.5 /5

The jacket has a minimalist design and is made with 100 percent recycled polyester.

It feels heavy to wear and the zipper snagged easily.

We love that Everlane’s ReNew Long Parka is made with 100 percent recycled polyester and PrimeLoft insulation sourced from 64 renewed plastic bottles. The minimalist design of the jacket makes it a versatile option for a variety of winter activities and we found that it’s exceptionally warm and weatherproof on windy or rainy days due to its water- and wind-resistant materials. After using the coat for two months, we never felt as though we could rip or snag anything.

Although the jacket might feel a bit heavy to wear, the ample warmth and protection it provides is well worth the slight bulkiness, and if you wanted a more form-fitting look, we suggested sizing down to eliminate the extra weight. The zipper did snag a bit, but because it’s a self-lubricating YKK zipper, we’re hopeful that it only gets smoother with more use.

The Details: Size S to XL | Recycled polyester

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Danielle St. Pierre

Best Puffer

Mountain hardwear stretchdown parka.

Warmth 4.5 /5
Design 5 /5

It’s easy to layer underneath the jacket while still being able to move around.

This parka runs slightly big.

The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka is the perfect puffer jacket for every type of winter activity, from snowshoeing to running errands. The jacket provides the same warmth as a traditional parka, but it has better mobility thanks to the lightweight design, making it easy to move around in. We found it to be very roomy, and even though we sized down, there was still lots of room for several layers underneath the jacket, which is ideal for activities in the snow or exceptionally cold weather. This jacket is very warm and comfortable, and the fact that it runs a little bit large makes it great for layering additional jackets underneath if needed. The material does stretch, but it is not necessarily elastic — this makes moving around when layered up very easy.

The only time we felt a bit too hot while wearing the coat was during a hike when they ended up shedding a layer, but they were still impressed with the jacket's breathability while remaining at a comfortable temperature. Plus, we love that the hood is structured so it shields your face from inclement weather without impairing your vision.

The Details: Size S to XXL | Nylon, elastane

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / John Somerall

Eddie Bauer Seabeck Down Parka

The materials are thick and warm without feeling cumbersome to wear.

It runs slightly big.

Parkas are the perfect combination of style and function in the winter, and the Eddie Bauer Seabeck Down Parka is no exception. Filled with ultra-soft 650-down insulation, we loved the feel of the jacket for being exceptionally cozy with down panels that are incredibly soft — wearing the jacket feels like putting on a blanket.

This jacket is also designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and we noticed right away how warm it was. Based on our reviewer’s experience with the coat, we’re confident it lives up to its promise of keeping you warm in sub-zero temperatures . This jacket runs large, so it’s ideal for layering for added warmth, and the fabric cuff at the end of the sleeves keeps cold air out, even if the arms are a bit too long.

The Details: Size S to XL | Cotton, nylon

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Andrew Whalen

Best Design

L.l.bean men's maine warden's 3-in-1 parka.

The jacket has a removable puffer liner that can be worn as a separate coat on warmer days.

It could be too warm for above-freezing temperatures.

The L.L.Bean Men's Maine Warden's 3-in-1 Parka was designed with the help of Maine Wardens who enforce fish and wildlife laws in the state of Maine . With 15 pockets, a removable puffer liner, and a waterproof shell, this jacket is an all-in-one purchase. The shell of the jacket has a handy storm flap and is made with a waterproof, breathable Gore-tex fabric to keep you shielded from harsh winter weather.

Arguably the best part of this jacket is that it has a removable puffer liner that can be worn on warmer days since both the shell and liner can be a little too warm for above-freezing temperatures. While this is one of the pricier jackets we tested, the option to wear the shell, the puffer, or both at once makes the value well worth the cost.

The Details: Size S to XXL (regular and tall) | Nylon, polyester

Travel + Leisure / Nick Maslow

Best for Extreme Weather

Outdoor research stormcraft down parka.

It’s made with 700-down fill without feeling too puffy or bulky.

The material feels thin but it doesn’t affect the performance of the jacket.

We loved how warm the 700-down fill Outdoor Research Stormcraft Down Parka is for below-freezing temperatures. It has a variety of thoughtful features for those living in harsh environments like wrist gaiters for preventing snow or cold air from seeping in, an adjustable hood, a chin guard, and so many pockets so you can fit everything you need for a day out.

Although the jacket feels a bit thin, we found that it does an excellent job of retaining warmth thanks to the water- and windproof Gore-tex 2L shell, and it doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome to wear for long periods of time. We also love the breathability of this lightweight parka. For extra chilly winters , it's a must-have for staying warm without overheating.

The Details: Size S to XXL | Gore-tex, polyester, nylon

Best for Everyday Wear

Rei co-op stormhenge down hybrid parka.

It has all the right features to keep you warm, but not overheat you.

It runs unusually large so you'll want to size down.

The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a no-frills parka that is ideal for wearing any day during the winter. It’s made with a cozy 850-down goose fill that is the perfect balance of warm and soft without feeling bulky or too puffy to wear on a typical day. Plus, we found that the mid-thigh length isn’t too long or too short for staying warm and still having plenty of mobility.

We also loved that the jacket has a variety of fleece-lined pockets for keeping your hands toasty, and the sleeves have a wrist gaiter for extra protection in cold weather. While we normally recommend sizing up for winter jackets so you can layer, we found that this coat runs unusually large so we sized down and still had plenty of room for additional layers — though we think this jacket is plenty warm without extra clothing underneath.

The Details: Size S to XXL | Recycled nylon

Kühl Spyfire Hoody

The jacket is not bulky or cumbersome and you can maintain a full range of motion when wearing.

The jacket runs slightly small, so you may want to size up if you intend on layering.

Kühl's lightweight, goose down Spyfire Hoody is a perfect option for travelers who need to pack their jacket or want a warm layer that doesn't add bulk. Well designed without feeling (or looking) baggy, this jacket keeps users warm even without base layers. It features a plethora of pockets and an adjustable hood, so you can wear the coat while hiking, running errands, or exploring new places. The exterior and interior fabrics of the Spyfire Hoody feel very high-quality. The down is definitely lightweight with thoughtful positioning in different areas of the jacket — Kühl used larger baffles at the front and back of the jacket for increased warmth, and smaller baffles at the sides and arms of the jacket to avoid looking overly bulky. One of the best things about this down coat is that throughout our extensive testing, it never leeched any feathers and has remained perfectly puffy and comfortable.

The Details: Size S to XXL | Nylon, spandex

Best Packable

Eddie bauer men's cirruslite down jacket.

Ease of Use 5 /5

It folds up to be very compact and the down material prevents excessive wrinkling.

It's best for shoulder season and may not be warm enough for super cold weather.

TheCirrusLite Down Jacket is the kind of jacket you rarely see — both warm and thick, but not overly puffy. It's perfect for a 40-to-50-degree day, but it's also good to pack for a wide range of temperatures since it's so portable. Folded up, it can fit in a suitcase easily and can stuff into small spaces for use in colder weather. The coat is thoughtfully designed with handy zipper pockets in the front, perfect for storing wallets or keys, and a nice hood that feels both light and fairly stable.

We love that the jacket is comfortable and versatile and would work for active or passive activities. It's so well-made, that we can see it lasting for years to come. It's perfect to use for the transition from fall to winter or back to spring and those who live in mild weather for more frequent use.

The Details: Size S to XXL (regular and tall) | Recycled nylon, polyester

Best Peacoat

Polo ralph lauren wool-blend melton peacoat.

Warmth 4 /5

The jacket fits very well around the shoulders, arm, and chest without feeling constrictive.

It’s not suited for rain, snow, or extremely cold temperatures.

A peacoat will never go out of style, especially this timeless Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-blend Melton Peacoat. As soon as we put on this jacket, we reveled in its luxuriously soft and thick wool outer material. And, it’s outfitted with sleek buttons that depict the initials “R” and “L” on either side of an anchor for an extra touch of elegance and style.

One of the best parts of this jacket is the design that doesn’t feel bulky or restrictive, as it fits just right in the shoulders, chest, and arms. We found the jacket to be warm enough for 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but because it’s not meant to be worn as a jacket in extreme weather, you may want to opt for a true puffer or parka in snow or rain. However, for those in the market for a wool peacoat, this jacket is a classic design you can wear forever, thanks to the high-quality materials and classy structure.

The Details: Size 32 to 54 (short, regular, long) | Wool, nylon, cotton

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Other Men's Winter Jackets We Liked

There were a few jackets that almost made our list for the best men’s winter jackets, but they fell short during testing due to some minor inconveniences.

The North Face McMurdo Down Parka : While the jacket was comfortable and warm to wear, it didn’t have any standout features to completely justify the $400 price tag.

Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka : The jacket is very versatile thanks to its removable liner, but we liked the other 3-in-1 jacket from L.L.Bean better, and it’s nearly half the price of this one.

Marmot Fordham Jacket : This jacket was extremely warm for subfreezing temperatures, but it’s very bulky, which made it constrictive to wear.

Marmot Men's WarmCube Active Alt HB Jacket : We love how comfortable this jacket is, as well as the slim fit and outdoorsy look, but the hood is a bit uncomfortable and can lead to chafing.

Travel + Leisure / Michael Navarro

We tested 53 different types of winter jackets, ranging from puffers to peacoats. We wore the jackets for a variety of activities in a real-world environment over a six-month period. From hiking in the woods to commuting to the office, we rated the jackets on a scale of one to five in categories for comfort, warmth, and design.

The best jackets for comfort were easy to move around in, even with multiple layers on, and the materials on the inside and outside felt comfortable to wear for long periods of time. To test for warmth, we wore the jackets for a variety of activities like hiking, sporting events, and early morning dog walks in temperatures ranging from below freezing to 50-degree weather. The best coats for warmth were toasty enough that we weren’t cold, but there was still some breathability to prevent overheating and excessive sweating.

Then, we evaluated the design of each jacket by noting how functional the pockets, hood, zippers, and other features were while wearing. Some jackets we tried had removable liners and detachable hoods, so we paid close attention to how useful those special designs were. Lastly, we were unaware of the price of each jacket prior to testing and only found out the cost after testing was complete when they decided if the performance of the jacket justified the price.

Tips for Buying Men's Winter Jackets

Buy for your intended use.

Depending on the climate of where you live, you’ll want to get a jacket that will keep you warm or cool enough for a variety of winter activities. If you like to snowshoe or hike in the winter, consider getting a thick puffer jacket that has enough room for layers to be taken off or added. And if you’re looking for a jacket that is ideal for running errands, sightseeing, or commuting, consider purchasing a cozy parka with a longer length for additional warmth. Or, you can get a 3-in-1 jacket that has the option to wear the liner or shell separately or together on extra chilly days.

Consider sizing up

While the general rule of thumb is to size up for winter jackets so you can layer underneath — with a cozy fleece jacket , for example — we found it’s important to check the reviews for sizing recommendations, as some jackets run very large. If you prefer a more form-fitting style, you can purchase your usual size and wear a light layer underneath.

The label on the jacket should come with cleaning instructions for safely washing your outerwear. Usually, all types of jackets can be washed (yes, even puffer jackets), it just depends on if the jacket needs to be machine-washed, dry-cleaned, or spot cleaned in the event it can’t be submerged in water.

There are several styles of winter jackets and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences for style, warmth, and fit. Puffer jackets are popular among outdoor enthusiasts because they’re lightweight and breathable, but those heading into an office might prefer something less sporty, like a parka or a peacoat.

When it comes to selecting a winter coat, you always want to prioritize warmth. Generally wool coats tend to be the warmest styles as they are warm, durable, and water-resistant; perfect for light precipitation. If you prefer to opt for a puffer coat, it's important to consider both external materials and internal insulation. Goose or duck down puffer coats offer a heavy layer of insulation (and come in different types of grades, so you can select the one best for your environment). Paired with thick outer materials, like nylon or polyester, that can protect you from snow or rain, these types of winter coats are likely to keep you the most comfortable throughout the season.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes about and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best men’s winter jackets based on a series of tests completed by our expert product testers.

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Man sitting on porch during a light snow next to a pile of chopped wood

10 Warm, Lightweight Jackets and Coats for Travelers

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Bulky jackets are the bane of cold-weather travelers. If your coat isn’t taking up precious space in your carry-on, you’ll have to lug it around the airport to avoid sweating profusely and looking like a nervous security risk. Here are 10 of the best packable, lightweight winter jackets for travelers that will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish on the road.

Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket

Travel clothes that do double duty are invaluable, and this jacket from Columbia gives you three outerwear options in one. The waterproof shell and fleece lining can be worn independently or zipped together for extra warmth. Although thin and lightweight, the outer shell is designed to lock in body heat, perfect for rainy autumn days. The removable hood and adjustable cuffs add extra customization.

Arc’teryx Men’s Atom Hoody

The Arc’teryx Men’s Atom Hoody is a packable jacket that delivers the warmth needed in a whole host of situations and environments. Insulated with lightweight, water-resistant Coreloft™, this hoody maintains thermal performance if exposed to moisture, and compresses into the tiny nooks of your backpack when not in use.

L.L.Bean Quilted Riding Jacket

Most easy-to-pack winter jackets look like activewear and are tough to pull off on a city trip, but L.L.Bean’s Quilted Riding Jacket is the ultimate winter coat that can do both. Its classic design goes with any outfit and won’t make you look like a tourist who just wandered into town off a hike. Thanks to the insulated synthetic lining, it will keep you warm without weighing you (or your suitcase) down. Want to layer this jacket? It has adjustable waist tabs that let you customize the fit based on what you’re wearing.

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The North Face ThermoBall Eco Hoodie 2.0

The ThermoBall Eco Hoodie, available for women and men , is water-resistant and made of recycled polyester and nylon, made with ThermoBall™ Eco Insulation that performs even in wet conditions. Best of all, this jacket packs down into its own chest pocket, which transforms into a zippered carrying case when not in use.

Columbia Women’s Mighty Lite Hooded Jacket

Omni-Heat lining and insulation give Columbia’s Mighty Lite Jacket plenty of warmth. It comes in a range of colors and can be found for a surprisingly low price when on sale. This lightweight coat won’t add much bulk to your bag and has a handy interior security pocket to stow valuables.

The 10 Most Packable and Comfortable Shoes for Travel

Obermeyer Women’s Tuscany II Jacket

Based in the snow sports mecca of Aspen, Colorado, since 1947, Obermeyer knows a thing or two about cold and wet weather. It’s developed a patented HydroBlock Sport fabric tested to resist nearly 400 inches of rain (and roll stain-causing liquids right off). Find it in the Tuscany II Jacket , which also uses another unique Obermeyer material: Thermore Classic insulation, which is thin and light but still warm. The hood is removable and adjustable, as is the faux fur trim.

Patagonia PrimaLoft Nano Puff Coat

Patagonia’s PrimaLoft Nano Puff Hoody (available for men and women ) is the lightest jacket I’ve ever owned. The women’s version weighs just 10 ounces (the men’s is 12.8 ounces), yet is ultra-warm and water-resistant. Unlike some other methods of insulation, you can feel good about this jacket: Its 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.

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The Antora Triclimate Jacket

The North Face’s versatile Antora Triclimate Jacket (available for women and men ) is a three-in-one coat that’s perfect for travel: You can wear the waterproof shell or comfy inner liner by themselves, or combine them to make a warm winter jacket. The hood and wrist cuffs are adjustable for a better fit and to accomodate ski and general winter gear. This breathable coat is designed for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket

The Pack It Down Jacket can be folded up into its own small carrying case, making it one of the best packable down jackets for women. The fabric is weather-resistant, and the 700-fill-power goose down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard. You can remove the hood to further cut down on weight and space.

What to Pack for a Weekend Trip

Arc’teryx Men’s Cerium Hoody

The Cerium Hoody from Arcteryx is incredibly lightweight—just 11.9 ounces—yet it’s surprisingly warm thanks to its combination of goose down and synthetic insulation. (Note that on rainy or extremely cold days, it’s best combined with a weatherproof shell .)

Caroline Morse always packs lightweight winter jackets for travel to cold destinations. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for style and travel photos from around the world.

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