The Best Winter Jackets for Women (and For Every Budget)

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No matter how cold the weather gets, there are still plenty of reasons to be outside — like hiking, exploring, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, and more — and one of the only things stopping us from fully enjoying the experience is having to go back inside because of a poorly made or uninsulated jacket. When searching for the best winter jackets for women, we wanted to look at a few things: what types of coats would work best for different scenarios, what are the important specs to look for when choosing those coats, and what coats will fit our specifications at the best possible price. There are really affordable jackets out there, but we also wanted to prioritize quality — which means that they'll last for more than one season and save you money in the long run. After considerable research and our own experiences in the outdoors, we landed on solid options that are priced both over and under $100. We didn't find many jackets under $50 that could conceivably handle cold weather and extreme conditions, so we thought this was a fair budget to base our search on.

The most expensive jacket on this list is $350, but there are options as low as $60. When thinking of needs for the winter, we considered extreme cold, snow, outdoor sports, mild cold, rain, and hunting. All of the coats on the list have either water-resistant or water-repellant shells, since most climates experience heavier rain or snow in the wetter, darker months. All of the coats have hoods (some removable, some not), which are a necessity with more inclement weather. Finally, all of them have some form of insulation inside of them — whether it's extreme down fill or a light lining, we think this is a non-negotiable for winter jackets. We also kept in mind things like length of coat, extended sizes, and brands we know and trust. With all of those things in mind, we narrowed the list down to 12 picks for every type of winter weather. See which one is best for you below:

• Best Pick Overall: North Face Arctic Waterproof Parka
• Best Mid-Priced Pick: Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket
• Best Affordable Pick: Old Navy Frost-Free Puffer Jacket
• Best Parka Under $100: YXP Winter Parka
• Best Parka Over $100: Carhartt Montana Winter Coat
• Best Snow Jacket Under $100: Free Soldier Waterproof Snow Jacket
• Best Snow Jacket Over $100: Columbia Lay D II Down Jacket
• Best Rain Jacket Under $100: Little Donkey Andy's Waterproof Rain Jacket
• Best Rain Jacket Over $100: Eddie Bauer Insulated Trench Coat
• Best Puffer Jacket Under $100: Amazon Essentials Heavyweight Puffer Jacket
• Best Puffer Jacket Over $100: Carhartt Relaxed Puffer Jacket
• Best Winter Jacket for Extended Sizes: Snow Country Outerwear's Ski Jacket
• Best Winter Hunting Jacket: KIUIU Super Down Hunting Jacket

1. Best Pick Overall

North Face Arctic Waterproof Parka (XS-3X) - Nordstrom, $350.00

This parka sits out our top pick because it's versatile enough to wear in snow, rain, and wind. It has a removable faux fur hood and is waterproof and insulated. The longer length also allows for more coverage, and North Face is one of our most trusted brands.

Pros:

• Waterproof Material and a knee-length fit makes it wearable in different types of inclement weather
• Insulated with 550-fill power down insulation for superior warmth
• Smart features made to customize the fit: removable faux fur hood, internal drawcord that sits at the waist, an internal pocket
• Elements to keep you extra warm: inner cuffs to keep the cold out and hand warmer pockets
• Machine-Washable

Cons:

• Price is high

2. Best Mid-Priced Pick

Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket (XS-XXL) - REI, $160.00

Almost $200 less than the North Face, this jacket by Columbia has a knee-length fit, insulation, a waterproof outer shell, and a hood.

Pros: 

• Columbia's Omni-Heat technology is made to regulate body temperature: it uses silver dots throughout the material that retain warmth
• Water-resistant fabric works against rain and snow
• Warm fleece-lined hood and thumbholes at the arms keep the cold out
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• Need to size up for optimal fit
• Hood is not removable

3. Best Affordable Pick

Old Navy Frost-Free Puffer Jacket (XS-4X) - Old Navy, $69.99

A gender-neutral option that is typically on sale, this is a solid pick for less than $75.

Pros: 

• A scuba hood with Old Navy's popular Performance Fleece lining
• Water-resistant puffer fabric
• Good option for the price with a wide variety of sizes

Cons:

• Hits above the knee
• While it does have a lining and a puff fill, it won't be as insulated as the other options — although it's still a warm jacket.

Best Parka Under $100

YXP Winter Parka (S-3X) - Amazon, $85.98

A machine-washable option that's sherpa-lined, this is a great pick if you're looking for a winter weather parka at a relatively affordable price.

Pros:

• The sherpa-lining, the filler, and the faux fur hood will keep you warm in extremely cold temperatures
• Outer shell is tear- and puncture-resistant, making it a good pick for outdoor work or sports

Cons:

• No stretch, so need to size up
• Fabric is water-resistant, not water-repellant, so this is better for the cold than heavy rain or snow.

Best Parka Over $100

Women's Montana Winter Coat (XS-2X) - Carhartt, $169.99

A number of proprietary fabrics make up this long, comfortable women's jacket from workwear brand Carhartt.

Pros: 

• Proprietary fabrics for weather protection include water-resistance that helps water bead right off, a durable reinforced fabric that prevents rips and tears, and a wind fighter that handles the elements.
• 100% recycled insulation
• Fleece-lined hood with removable faux fur hood
• Warmth rating of 4 — which is Carhartt's way of saying this is the warmest gear they offer.
• Interior pocket and hand warmer pockets.

Cons:

• Limited size range

Best Women's Snow/Ski Jacket Under $100

FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Snow Jacket (S-3X) - Amazon, $59.99

You can't beat the price on this waterproof snow jacket made for skiing and other outdoor sports.

Pros:

• Features specs that are great specifically for skiing: attached stretchable gloves with thumbholes to keep hands warm but flexible, and an adjustable snow skirt to prevent snow from entering the jacket.
• Extra pockets, including earphone inserts, a mesh inner pocket, and a sleeve pocket
• Extreme water-resistance, including fully taped seams and a water-repellant coating.

Cons:

• So insulated, reviewers note that it may cause sweating in temperatures above 20 degrees.

Best Women's Snow/Ski Jacket Over $100

Columbia Lay D II Down Jacket (XS-XL) - REI, $250.00

One of the best women's jackets for any kind of extreme winter sport, it's well worth the price.

Pros: 

• 550-fill power down makes this an extremely warm jacket, as does the inclusion of an omni-heat lining.
• Inner cuffs with thumbholes for fingers to have free movement
• Adjustable specs like a powder skirt, underarm venting, and drawcords at the bottom for an adjustable hem
• Waterproof fabric

Cons:

• Limited Sizing
• Over $200

Best Rain Jacket Under $100

Little Donkey Andy's Waterproof Rain Jacket (XS-2X) - Amazon, $49.99+

If rain is your biggest concern, this waterproof jacket can still handle temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros:

• A PU-coated membrane makes this jacket waterproof
• A storm flap, hood, and hook and loop cuffs keep rain out when you need it to
• Lightweight and packable — great for travel

Cons:

• Doesn't withstand extremely cold temperatures

Best Rain Jacket Over $100

Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Coat (XS-3X) - Eddie Bauer, $171.00

A long, durable rain coat (with an attachable hood) that comes in petite and tall sizes is a great pick for those willing to spend more than $150.

Pros:

• Comes in petite and tall lengths
• Water-repellant finish that allows water to bead off and a windproof outer shell makes this an all-season coat.
• Two layers and an insulated lining means this has a temperature rating of -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cons:

• Because it's somewhere in between slim and relaxed fit, you can't layer incredibly thick sweaters underneath this jacket.

Best Puffer Jacket Under $100

Amazon Essentials Heavyweight Puffer Jacket (XS-6X) - Amazon, $58.00+

This affordable coat from Amazon Essentials comes in a large range of sizes and colors.

Pros:

• Comes in a large range of extended sizes, with unique bright colors and patterns
• Relaxed fit makes it easy to layer or wear heavy sweaters underneath
• Water-resistant with a warming fill and a hood
• Machine-Washable

Cons:

• A simple, bare bones option, this is best for cold and rainy days and short walks — not for intense weather or activities

Best Puffer Jacket Over $100

Women's Montana Fit Relaxed Puffer Jacket (XS-3X) - Carhartt, $149.99

Another reliable option from Carhartt, this relaxed puffer has similar specs the parka option has.

Pros:

• Proprietary fabrics for weather protection include water-resistance that helps water bead right off, a durable reinforced fabric that prevents rips and tears, and a wind fighter that handles the elements.
• 100% recycled insulation
• Warmth rating of 4 — which is Carhartt's way of saying this is the warmest gear on the site.
• Sherpa Lining

Cons:

• Reviewers note it can be tight around the arms

Best Winter Jacket for Extended Sizes

Snow Country Outerwear's Ski Jacket (1X-6X) - Amazon, $139.00

An ultra-warm ski jacket that goes up to a size 6x.

Pros: 

• Waterproof
• Polyester Insulation
• Sizes 1X-6X
• Removable fur on hood

Cons:

• No two-way zipper
• Most reviewers report it's sits a little short for taller people.

Best Women's Winter Hunting Jacket

Women's Super Down Hunting Jacket (XS-XL) - KUIU, $319.00

An editor-favorite, this hunting jacket is a must-have for colder outings.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and packable, it folds into a small pack.
• Water-resistant, wind-resistant, and insulated
• Hooded and made to be layered
• Comes in a number of camouflage options

Cons:

• High Price Point
• Limited Sizing

READ MORE: The 4 Best Hunting Rain Jackets