A warm winter coat is your first line of defense against the harsh chill of winter. It should shield you from wet weather and wind, which can sneak in and steal your body heat.
As outdoor survivalists say, it’s easier to stay warm than to get warm, so staying dry is crucial. A quality winter coat not only keeps you dry but ensures you stay cozy through the cold.
In this article, I’ll share essential tips for choosing the warmest mens winter coat and present my top picks that combine warmth, durability, and style and value.
- Insulated with 90% down and 10% feathers for warmth
- Long design provides extra coverage close to the knees
- Treated with durable water repellent for wind and moisture protection
- Patented AERIS™ 500 Insulation maintains warmth when wet
- 100% windproof and waterproof design
- Includes insulated pockets and adjustable, removable hood
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- Waterproof, breathable DryVent 2L shell with seam sealing
- Certified to the Responsible Down Standard for insulation
- Adjustable hood and removable faux fur ruff for versatility
The Absolute Warmest Winter Coats For Men
1. Fortress Storm Coat
- Patented AERIS™ 500 Insulation maintains warmth when wet
- 100% windproof and waterproof design
- Includes insulated pockets and adjustable, removable hood
- epguy15 for a 15% discount
This jacket is ranked number one because it provides the most warmth in extreme cold, for the money.
It is also one of the most versatile, it doesn’t overheat you when you aren’t in super cold winter weather. It is very light weight, and very breathable.
You really only need a base layer under this coat in most situations. This storm coat is amazingly affordable too.
The other amazing thing about this jacket is if you accidentally fell into water, or were sweating profusely, this jacket will still keep you warm and comfortable.
To test these coats the manufacturers go up to frozen over lakes in sub zero temperatures and cut holes in the ice.
Then they all jump in the water and climb out and then sit around and talk. It usually takes about a minute or two before each person is completely warm and comfortable again.
And they never change out of their wet clothes. It is totally amazing.
I show a video of this in my article “Fortress Clothing – My Review!“
FEATURES:
- Patented AERIS™ 500 Insulation Technology in the body. (½” / 13mm of loft) & (1/4” 6mm of loft) insulation in the arms
- Maintains warmth when soaking wet or dry (-30˚F to 60˚F)
- Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio
- 2 Insulated Hand Pockets and two large interior pockets located on the inside panel of the coat
- Adjustable and removable hood to keep you comfortable in any conditions
- Lower draw elastics to tighten the excess coat material to keep out the wind and moisture
- 100% Wind-Proof | 100% Water-Proof
Check it out here: Fortress Storm Coat
2. Fjällräven Expedition Down Jacket
- Insulated with 90% down and 10% feathers for warmth
- Long design provides extra coverage close to the knees
- Treated with durable water repellent for wind and moisture protection
PROS: Super long, extra coverage, great for extreme cold, large pockets, hood, reinforced shoulders padded for comfort.
CONS: May be too bulky for everyday use. Very expensive
Take a look outside your window? Is the snow swirling in all directions? Is it below freezing? With this coat on you’ll have no fear to venture outside into the craziest of winter weather.
This jacket is sure to cure any case of cabin fever. It’s long-hitting just about the knees. This added protection is key to staying warm when Mother Nature is putting on a winter show!
Fjällräven’s jacket is insulated with 90% down and 10% feathers. The quilting pattern on the jacket keeps the insulation evenly distributed throughout for consistent heat everywhere.
The jacket is also treated with a durable water repellent material to protect you from the water and wind.
Check it out here: Fjällräven Expedition Down Jacket
3. Fortress Extreme Jacket
- Keeps you warm in temperatures from -35°F to 50°F
- Moisture-wicking polyester mesh lining
- Designed as a mid-layer for use under a waterproof shell
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The Fortress Extreme Jacket is a great choice if you want to stay warm while hunting, ice fishing or just working outside around the house in the winter months.
PROS: Will keep you warm between -35 degrees F and 50 degrees F, warm, wicks away moisture, great for workers, outdoor survival situations, wind resistant.
CONS: May need another shell in some weather.
This jacket can be worn alone, or you may need a top layer shell in certain weather conditions. The jacket is made with a polyester mesh lining that will wick away moisture and keep you warm.
This jacket is designed as a mid layer and to be worn under any quality waterproof outer shell.
The jacket is also made with AERIS insulation. Even if you get soaked to the bone, this jacket will keep you warm.
Check it out here: Fortress Extreme Jacket
4. The North Face Gotham III
- Waterproof, breathable DryVent 2L shell with seam sealing
- Certified to the Responsible Down Standard for insulation
- Adjustable hood and removable faux fur ruff for versatility
PROS: 550 fill down insulation, hood, waterproof, breathable, pockets where you need them, media pocket, cuffs for wrist protection.
CONS: Zippers may wear out faster than the coat.
The North Face Gotham jacket has everything you want in a warm winter coat. It’s down, waterproof, breathable and it’s windproof.
Does it get any better than that? The jacket is designed to move with your body, stretch with your arms as you hike, climb or grocery shop on a chilly day. This jacket is so versatile, you could also wear it skiing.
This style jacket is available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Check it out here: The North Face Gotham Jacket
5. Marmot Fordham Jacket
- 700 fill-power down offers exceptional warmth
- Removable zip-off hood for protection against rain and snow
- Flap chest pockets and zippered hand pockets for storage
PROS: 700 down insulation, really warm, comfortable, water-resistant, fleece cuff.
CONS: Won’t hold up in a monsoon or heavy snowfall.
This down insulated, water resistant winter coat will keep you nice and warm around town and on the slopes. It’s a great design, for a laid-back winter look.
Marmot has a long history of making quality outdoor gear for every kind of adventure. This jacket ranks in at #7 on this list because it’s packed with 700 fill down insulation.
The outer shell is water-resistant and features a removable hood, zippered pockets, fleece cuffs for wrist warmth and protection and an adjustable hem.
Check it out here: Marmot Fordham Jacket
6. Fortress Glacier Jacket
- Keeps you warm in temperatures from -5°F to 65°F
- Made with AERIS insulation, effective when wet
- Lightweight and designed as a mid-layer for mobility
- epguy15for a 15% discount
Fortress is a Utah based company changing the way we think about warm coats and their Glacier Jacket is no exception.
PROS: Really warm, durable, lightweight and treated with a durable water-resistant material. It’s also wind resistant.
CONS: Pricey
This jacket is rated to keep you warm in temperatures between -5 degrees F and 65 degrees F. How is that even possible?
The Glacier Jacket is made with Fortress’ patented AERIS insulation. This insulation is designed to keep you warm, even if you get wet.
The Glacier Jacket is designed as a mid layer and to be worn under any quality waterproof outer shell. It is lightweight too, so there’s no worry about restrictive movement.
Check it out here: Fortress Glacier Jacket
7. Mountain Hardwear Glacier Guide Down Parka
- AirShield technology is breathable and windproof
- Q Shield DOWN 650-fill insulation repels water
- Adjustable, helmet-compatible hood for versatility
The Glacier Guide Down Parka is a great jacket when you need warmth and protection from whipping winds and sub-zero temperatures.
PROS: 650 down, warm, covered zipper, wind proof and water resistant.
CONS: Not made for heavy rain.
This jacket is made for mountaineering. But, you can also wear it around town if you live in a harsh winter climate. This jacket is insulated with 650 down fill, giving you exceptional warmth! You won’t have to worry about the shell of the coat getting wet!
This shell is made with a breathable, wind and water-resistant fabric. The zipper of the jacket is also covered with a windproof material to keep you protected- no matter where the wind is coming from.
Big pockets and a nice hood, bring this jacket to #14 on the list of the top winter coats.
Check it out here: Mountain Hardwear Glacier Guide Down Parka
8. The North Face Men’s UX Down Hooded Puffer
- Insulated with 550 fill down for warmth
- Waterproof, breathable shell for weather protection
- Lifetime guarantee and faux fur hood for added comfort
This jacket is for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to make a fashion statement without sacrificing warmth.
PROS: Lifetime guarantee, warm, high quality material, great for low intense activities, insulated faux fur hood.
CONS: Not suitable for extreme wet weather.
The UX Down Hooded Puffer is made with 550 fill down and a waterproof, breathable shell to keep weather away from you!
This means you can enjoy walking in the snow, but you don’t have to feel it! The jacket hits right above the knees, keeping your legs and other areas covered and protected from the cold weather as well!
North Face’s jacket is made to trap heat and keep it close to your body!
Check it out here: The North Face UX Down Hooded Puffer
9. Columbia Men’s Barlow Pass 550 TurboDown™ Jacket
- Omni-Heat thermal reflective for added warmth
- 550 turbodown insulation with adjustable hood
- Waterproof and breathable with multiple zippered pockets
The Columbia TurboDown jacket is designed to keep you warm on the most extreme mountain tops and while walking your dog in the park.
PROS: Really warm, well made, high quality material, waterproof and breathable.
CONS: May be too bulky for some activities.
The sleek fit, makes it an everyday jacket you will want to throw on while running out the door. At the same time, this is the coat to pack when you are headed into the mountains.
The jacket is packed with 900 fill down power, plus a special proprietary synthetic Omni Heat Insulation as well. The jacket is also lined inside with special reflective material- like tiny silver dots, that are designed to reflect your body heat back to your body.
What will they think of next? The shell is also waterproof and breathable to keep wet weather away.
Check it out here: Columbia Men’s Barlow Pass 550 TurboDown™ Jacket
10. Fortress Shadow Jacket
- Rated for warmth in temperatures from -5°F to 65°F
- Windproof and water-resistant with an outside chest zipper pocket
- Lightweight and comfortable for year-round wear
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PROS: Outside chest zipper pocket, wind proof and water resistant. Ideal for all outdoor activities.
CONS: May need a shell in heavy rain.
The Fortress Shadow Jacket makes this list. This jacket is very comfortable, lightweight and you will literally live in it all year long.
That’s right. This jacket is rated to keep you warm and comfortable from -5 degrees to 65 degrees F.
This is the only jacket you will ever need to own. So, what makes it so special? It’s the AERIS insulation, developed and patented by Fortress that gives this hoodie the versatility.
Check it out here: Fortress Shadow Jacket
What To Look For When Choosing The Warmest Winter Coat
When shopping for a winter coat, you will quickly realize how many styles, and different materials are out there. You will want to stick to the best winter coat brands.
(Quick side note: Here is my article on the very best survival winter clothing that will keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures even if you get wet.)
Your Activity Level
Choosing the warmest winter coat, will depend on your activity level when you will be wearing the coat.
The more you will be moving, the more you will be sweating. And the coat needs to be able to deal with that moisture. In my list of the top warmest winter coats, I also indicate the type of activity this coat is designed for!
Coat Insulation
A lot goes into making a winter coat warm, right down to the zippers and seams. But insulation plays the biggest role in keeping you warm.
There are two basic types of insulation in warm winter coats: down and synthetic insulation. Down is wonderful at keeping you warm, and it’s really lightweight.
However, it’s more expensive than synthetic filled jackets, and it sometimes doesn’t hold up very well if it gets wet. So, if you choose a down insulated jacket make sure its waterproof preferably, or water-resistant at the very least.
Synthetic insulation is a great alternative to down. Some are just as warm. They can be bulkier than down, but hold really well up under wet weather. Synthetic insulation is also much more budget friendly.
Your Coat’s Outer Shell
While it’s important to have a well-insulated winter coat, the outer shell is also critical to how warm or cold you will feel! Okay let’s go through the things that are the most important when choosing your coat’s outer shell.
Water Proof vs. Water-Resistant
Things to keep in mind when considering a warm winter coat: is it waterproof or water-resistant. Be careful with this one.
Waterproof is not the same as water-resistant. Waterproof means the jacket is rated for heavy rain and extreme snow fall. Water-resistant means the coat will keep you dry in a light drizzle, that’s about all.
Fabric Breathability
Also, look for a coat that is breathable too. You don’t want to get too hot! A breathable coat will allow sweat to evaporate through the pore of the jacket- but keep body heat where it belongs. Kind of cool.
Zippers And Seams
If you are going to be in extreme weather, like on the top of Mount Rainier, pay attention to the seams of the jacket and the zippers.
The last thing you want in extreme weather is to tear out your coat’s seams or break its zipper. Some brands make waterproof zippers to keep moisture out of those tiny spaces. This may be important depending on where you are going!
Proper Coat Sizing
People always ask the question “should I buy a bigger coat size so it fits over all my clothes?” When it comes to size, always go one size up if you can.
The jacket alone won’t be enough to keep you warm, you need room for your basic winter layers. For more information on the art of layering, check out my other blog here: “How to Dress for Winter Survival“.
(Quick side note: Here is my article on the very best survival winter clothing that will keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures even if you get wet.)
