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Cold weather is here, but before you can plan your outdoor adventures this season, you have to make sure you're equipped with the right cold weather apparel. From Merino wool socks, beanies, insulated boots, and of course, down jackets, all of these items are designed to keep you warm. More specifically, these items are also designed for pain points you'll experience during a cold winter day.
Sometimes a cold day also consists of rain and high winds. You want a jacket that can resist both. Between a jacket filled with waterfowl down (responsibly sourced, of course), and a water-repellent shell, you're ready to take on the day no matter how cold or wet it gets. Other reasons you'll want a down jacket is for the useful features. Many, if not all down jackets are made with roomy pockets made for keeping your hands warm (and store a few essentials). Some also have hoods and zippers to cover your entire face. If it's below 32 you'll be happy you have the option. Also, these jackets might look super heavy, but they're not. They don't feel heavy when you wear them, plus they're packable. See which down jacket you'll be wearing on your next outdoor excursion.
1. Best High Priced Option for Women
Ellison Packable Down Jacket - Nordstrom, $750
Ellison's lightweight parka is the perfect fit for anyone looking for a slim fit jacket. Even though it's slim, it's still warm enough to keep you cozy — even when it's raining or super windy out. We love the rear-covering drop tail cut and detachable hood on this jacket — both will come in handy when it's "raining sideways." You'll stay dry all around. The Canada goose jacket is equipped with interior and exterior pockets for your keys, hand warmers, and phone. Lastly, we think you'll love the thumbhole cuffs to keep your hands extra warm.
2. Best Mid-Priced Option for Women
Women's Snow Down Parka - The North Face, $350
The North Face is a top-rated brand when it comes to cold weather. Their innovative gear is loved by outdoors-people worldwide, and for good reason. Their 600-fill down (Heatseeker) is breathable and waterproof. This knee-length jacket is ready for rain, wind, snow, and whatever Mother Nature throws your way. It's available in several colors and is a North Face favorite — 90% of customers recommend it.
3. Best Lower-Priced Option for Women
Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket - Amazon, $149.99+
Save some money by picking Orolay's thickened down jacket. The polyester jacket is made with duck down and is windproof. While it may not be a great pick for downpour, it's a great budget-friendly pick for chilly nights. There's a fleece lined hood (keep your head warm, yall), and 6 large pockets for your personal items. It's definitely a stylish pick for running errands or walking the dog on a cool night.
4. Best High-Priced Option for Men
Fjällräven Mens Singi Down Jacket - Amazon, $549+
The shell on this jacket is ready to combat all wind and rain, making it a great pick for nasty weather. It's machine washable, so keep it clean for each winter. Fjallraven prides itself in making winter jackets that last. The Swedish brand may have pricey gear, but their materials are responsibly sourced and customers love how warm their clothing is.
A customer gave it 5 stars and wrote, "Absolutely love this coat!!!! The warmest coat I have ever worn. Big and roomy. Extremely durable but comfortable. The hood is huge and fluffy so no wind get's through. There are so many adjustments and pockets I am not sure I found them all yet. I recently snowblowed my drive in near ZERO WEATHER and was sweating. The two way zipper required a little getting used to but once figured out was easy. Oh by the way, zippers on Swedish coats are backwards to US. My wife was so impressed I bought a Fjallraven parka for her as well."
5. Best Mid-Priced Option for Men
Men's Hydrenalite™ Down Hoodie - The North Face, $250
This water-repellent down hoodie is a favorite from The North Face, one of the more popular outerwear brands. If city style is your thing, you'll love it. Wear it to the bar, a baseball game, or even to the park. With 550-fill down and an insulated hood, you won't find yourself cold. It's not a top pick for wet days, but it'll definitely become your go-to coat for windy days in the city.
6. Best Low-Priced Option for Men
REI Co-op 650 Down Hoodie 2.0 - Men's - REI, $119
This water repellent jacket is made for light rain and snow, so pack it for your trips to Colorado or back home for a snowy holiday vacation. The 650-fill power down is loved by fans — one customer wrote, "This jacket is excellent for someone who needs a down coat but isn't ready to commit to one of the more expensive ones. I have found this jacket to be warm and comfortable in temperatures as cold as -14 degrees." Many customers also say it's a great coat if you're on a budget, and that it would be helpful to wear warm clothes underneath.
