The Best Winter Hiking Jacket: Stay Warm!

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How To Choose The Best Winter Hiking Jacket

What do you want to think about when you choose the best winter hiking jacket? While you often think about price, you want to think about the following:

Warmth

How warm is your jacket?
- The warmth depends on several factors. Important factors are the Lining and Fill Power.
- When used as a Lining, Down is very warm.
- Synthetic is warm too, but not usually as warm as Down.
- In addition to warmth, Down’s benefits also include:
  - Durable
  - Lightweight
  - Compressible
  - Springy
- What kind of Lining does your jacket have?
  - Most of these jackets have a Down Lining which comes from the soft, fluffy feathers that lie next to the skin of geese and ducks.

Fill Power

What is the Fill Power?
- Fill Power reflects the quality of a jacket’s Down.
- Generally, the higher the Fill Power, the warmer your jacket.
- Fill Power also measures volume. The higher the Fill Power number, the greater the amount of space 30 grams of down fills.
- The higher the Fill Power, the less bulk your jacket has.
- Usually, more Fill Power means a higher price.

Ethical Down

Some people have valid concerns for the the welfare of the birds used for Down. Most companies now take a humane approach to taking Down.
Please read “Everything You Need to Know About Buying Ethically Sourced Down Products“, from the Audubon Society, December 18, 2020, for more information about ethically sourced down.
- Many find that synthetics offer a good choice to Down. Some good choices include:
  - Primaloft
  - Thinsulate
  - Polartec

Think about this too:

How much does your jacket weigh?
- The jackets below are suited for mid-distance day hikes and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds.
Is your jacket waterproof or water resistant?
- Each of these jackets are waterproof or resistant.
Does your jacket have a hood?
- Each of the best winter jackets here has a hood.

Jacket	Fill	Weight	MSRP
Men’s and Women’s
Columbia Whirlibird IV	Synthetic	not available	$199
Outdoor Research Super Alpine	800 Fill Power – Down	1 lb. 13.1 oz.	$399
*Just for Women*
Columbia Heavenly Long	Synthetic	not available	$150
Marmot Montreal Down Coat	700 Fill Power – Down	2 lbs. 2.2 oz.	$285
The North Face Arctic Parka	550 Fill Power – Down	2 lb. 11.7 oz.	$299
*Just for Men*
Marmot Fordham Jacket	700 Fill Power – Down	2 lbs. 11.8 oz.	$325
The North Face McMurdo Parka	550 Fill Power – Down	3 lbs. 4.56 oz.	$350

Best Winter Jackets for Hiking

The Best Winter Hiking Jacket (For Women & Men)

You can buy one of these best winter jackets for men or women, and stay warm when you hike.

Columbia – Whirlibird IV Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket

Description

The waterproof shell keeps you dry. The thermal reflective, insulated liner keeps you warm. The feature reflects and keeps your body warmth. Think of thermal reflective like a space blanket.

The shell and liner can be worn separately or together for the most warmth. The breathable shell adds to your hiking comfort. In addition, the Whirlibird’s features include a warm hood, underarm vents, chest pockets, and hand pockets.

the best winter jacket — **Women’s Whirlibird IV**

Features & Benefits

Waterproof, breathable, critically seam sealed for warmth
Thermal reflective to retain body heat for warmth
3-in-1 Jacket for more options
Attached hood for warmth
Draw cord adjustable hood for custom fit
Underarm vents
Zippered chest pocket
Interior security pocket
Glasses pocket
Zippered hand pockets
Adjustable cuffs
Draw cord adjustable hem

Specifications

Fill: Synthetic
Weight: not available
Price: MSRP $199.00 (Check for sale prices.)

Columbia – The Company

The company values include:

Enjoy an active life.
Compete to win.
Relentless improvement
Culture of honesty, respect, and trust
Doing the right thing for customers, workers, the company, and communities

Outdoor Research – Super Alpine Down Parka

Description

The super powered warmth of the Super Alpine Down Parka was built for even the coldest mountain hikes. The jacket’s heat trapping features, interior pockets, and technically focused features confirm that.

The Super Alpine was remade with help from the world class Outdoor Research Ambassador team. The Super Alpine Down Parka has a durable outer shell with an 800 fill power down insulation. Together the shell and down keep you warm in the coldest climates. All of this makes the Parka one of the best winter jackets for hiking!

Features & Benefits

Quilt free exterior on hood sleeves and side body for added weather protection
Adjustable hood for a great fit
Tall front collar with brushed tricot at chin for warmth and comfort
Insulated, internal storm flap to keep you warm
Adjustable wrist cuffs keep the cold out
Double separating center front zipper for a secure fit
Sturdy, YKK® Zippers
Zip chest pocket for secure storage
Brushed tricot knuckle side hand pockets
Dual internal mesh stash pockets
Single small mesh stash pocket to keep your keys secure
Elastic draw cord hem for more warmth
Sold with stuff sack for easy storage

Specifications

Fill: 800 Fill Power – Down
Weight: 1 lb. 13.1 oz.
Price: MSRP $399.00

Outdoor Research – The Company

Outdoor Research’s main value: Respect.

The company shows Respect by:

Listening
Valuing company workers
Helping hikers and others who love the outdoors have fun
Protecting the planet we live on
Innovating – making better gear, not just new or different gear.
Improving each day – caring about the details and working hard to be better in everything the company does
Making beauty in function – making unique products through clean, simple solutions.
Enjoying each day – taking challenges, growing, and having fun along the way

The Best Winter Hiking Jacket (For Women)

These best winter jackets are just for women.

Columbia – Heavenly Long

Description

This hooded jacket combines light yet toasty synthetic down insulation and thermal reflective technology. The combination keeps you warm without the bulk.

The jacket keeps moisture out moisture with a water resistant shell. Comfort cuffs with thumbholes and a drop tail design provide extra protection from the chill. If you want one of the best winter jackets for hiking, choose the Heavenly Long.

Features & Benefits

Thermal reflective to keep you warmer
Comfort cuff with thumb hole to keep your hands warm
Water resistant fabric so you stay dry
Interior security pocket to secure your keys
Zippered hand pockets for secure storage
Drop tail protects you from wind and water

Specifications

Fill: Synthetic
Weight: not available
Price: MSRP $150.00

Columbia – The Company

The company values include:

Enjoy an active life.
Compete to win.
Relentless improvement
Culture of honesty, respect, and trust
Doing the right thing for customers, workers, the company, and communities

Marmot Montreal Down Coat

Description

The Montreal Coat provides ample protection with its tough, water resistant fabric and new high quality, water-resistant 700-fill power down insulation. You will love the many cushy linings and handy pockets.

Features & Benefits

Zip off hood with removable synthetic fur ruff for less bulk
Micro fleece lined zip handwarmer pocket keeps your hands warm
Inside zip pocket keeps valuables safe
Interior drop pocket for storage
Plush fleece lined torso for comfort and warmth
Micro fleece internal cuffs for comfort
Two way zipper prevents bunching

Specifications

Fill: 700 Fill Power – Down
Weight: 2 lbs. 2.2 oz.
Price: MSRP $285.00

Marmot – The Company

Marmot bases its values on three things:

People
- Social Sustainability
- Fair Trade
Product
Planet
- Bluesign partner

The North Face Arctic Parka

Description

The North Face Arctic goose down parka keeps you warm in extreme, cold weather without being too heavy. This is certainly one of the best winter jackets for hiking!

Features & Benefits

Standard fit for comfort
Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed shell so you stay dry and warm
100% windproof fabric keeps you warm
Internal fleece cuffs for added warmth
Fully adjustable, removable hood and removable faux fur ruff for warmth, comfort, and less bulk
Tall stand collar for added protection and warmth
Storm flap covers two way, center front zip seal out the cold to keep you warm
Covered, zippered handwarmer pockets for warm hands
Darting at front and back of waist for comfort
V-shaped, drop tail split hem for comfort and more wind & water protection
Adjustable waist bungee inside hand pocket for a better fit

Specifications

Fill: 550 Fill Power – Down (Certified To The Responsible Down Standard By Control Union.)
Weight: 2 lb. 11.7 oz.
Price: MSRP $300

The North Face – The Company

The North Face believes that exploring makes a lasting bond with the outdoors. The bond inspires people to protect our shared land. Moreover, the bond encourages nature lovers to pass their beliefs from generation to generation. In fact, this belief makes them another of the best outdoor gear brands.

The North Face’s values stress:

Using recycled materials
Using responsible cotton
Making long-lasting products
Responsible chemical use

The Best Winter Hiking Jacket (For Men)

These best winter jackets are just for men.

Marmot Fordham Jacket

Description

With a rugged, outdoorsman look, the Fordham goes back to Marmot’s roots. Finished with warm insulation, protective weather shielding fabrics, and many other features, this jacket serves you very well.

Features & Benefits

2-layer waterproof, breathable fabric repels water and reduces internal condensation
Zip off hood lets you reduce bulk
Flapped chest pocket for secure storage
Zippered hand pockets for more secure storage
Internal zippered media pocket to protect your electronics
Micro fleece interior cuffs add warmth
Adjustable Velcro® cuffs for a better, warm fit
Elastic draw cord hem to help keep out the cold with a better fit

Specifications

Fill: 700 Fill Power – Down
Weight: 2 lbs. 11.8 oz.
Price: MSRP $325

Marmot – The Company

Marmot bases its values on three things:

People
- Social Sustainability
- Fair Trade
Product
Planet
- Bluesign partner

The North Face McMurdo Parka

Description

The McMurdo Parka is The North Face’s longest men’s coat. In addition, the coat also has a long list of must-have features.

The features include windproof, waterproof, breathable, and insulated with 550-fill goose down. The McMurdo features and benefits make it a very good prospect for the men’s best winter hiking jacket.

Features & Benefits

100% windproof fabric so you stay warm
Low profile, reverse coil, zip chest handwarmer pockets for warm hands
Internal emergency gaiter built into hood keeps your face warm
Secure zip, internal media pocket to secure your phone
Removable faux fur ruff lets you reduce bulk
Relaxed fit for comfort
Adjustable cuff tabs for a great fit

Specifications

Fill: 550 Fill Power – Down (Certified To The Responsible Down Standard By Control Union.)
Weight: 3 lbs. 4.56 oz.
Price: MSRP $350.00

The North Face – The Company

The North Face’s values stress:

Using recycled materials
Using responsible cotton
Making long-lasting products
Responsible chemical use

Summary – The Best Winter hiking Jacket

Remember, you want to consider this as you shop for the best winter hiking jacket:

How warm do you need to be”
What is the jacket’s Fill Power?
Was the down ethically sourced?
How much does your jacket weigh?
Is your jacket waterproof or water resistant?
Does your jacket have a hood?
- Do you want a hood?
- Can you remove or stash the hood?

Many of these jackets were made for extreme, cold, high mountains. Still, if you want to have a warm, dry hike wearing one of the best winter jackets for hiking, choose one of these!