THE BEST WINTER JACKETS | COMPLETE BUYER'S GUIDE

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WINTER JACKET

Looking at popular winter coats but can’t figure out how to choose one? We know it’s not easy, so we threw together a few guidelines to consider. Remember, the ultimate winter jacket is the one that works best for you. Take your time. Dial in your needs. Invest in an adventurous future. Here we go.

A QUESTION OF OUTPUT

How hard are you pushing yourself? Will you often be sweating in your winter jacket? Do you run hot or stay cool while going hard? The way you heat up will determine what weight of the jacket, mid-layer, and base layer you need.

So, what brand is the best winter jacket for high output? Arc’teryx!

First, you will need to look for a breathable, waterproof, and windproof shell. Layer up as needed, with a light, mid, or heavy weight base layer, and then add a mid-layer that matches your output level.

AESTHETICS MATTER

We all care about looks, but while considering the best winter coat brands, be careful not to focus on style alone. Colour choice, the cut of the design, and the silhouette it makes when you wear it all matter, but so does technical performance and functionality. The product designers at Arc’teryx strike a balance between how it works and how it looks.

BUDGETING FOR THE BEST

Not everyone can afford the ultimate winter jacket, but Arc’teryx offers a full lineup of the best budget winter jacket options. Consider your budget first and buy the best winter jacket possible rather than purchasing one from an inferior brand for less.

If you can’t afford GORE-TEX, opt for a brand that understands craftsmanship as well as materials. A well-crafted mid-layer from a brand like Arc’teryx can outperform a poorly made shell from brands at a lower price point so be sure to keep that in mind.

QUALITY

Similar to the advice on budget, we recommend you go with the highest quality and best winter coat you can afford. What brand is the best winter jacket? The Arc’teryx Canadian-designed Alpha SV puts them at the pinnacle, but no matter what brand you choose be sure to put craftsmanship first. It’ll last longer. It’ll perform better. It’ll look better, longer.

CARE

Some garments are more delicate than others. Some are harder to wash, dry, and get back into the field. When looking to buy one of the top winter jacket brands in the world, think about how much time, energy, and—let’s be honest—interest you’ll invest in caring for your new jacket. Proper care and handling will mean longevity for your investment.

FROM ALPHA TO VEILANCE | HOW ARC’TERYX CATEGORIZES THE BEST WINTER COATS

Don’t be confused, from AR to VT, we’ll take you on a journey through the ways we name our best GORE-TEX winter jackets and other gear.

The way Arc’teryx delineates between each category of its best winter jackets is like a city street layout; at first, it can be overwhelming, but once understood makes the entire landscape easy to understand. Let’s do this.

ALL ROUND (AR)

This one is easy to understand, and the category probably accounts for the most waterproof jackets out there in the world. Think high performance, both in the materials used and how the apparel protects against the big, bad winter weather. While top-shelf materials are always used in our best GORE-TEX jackets, the AR offerings have the most value in that they are the do-anything, go-anywhere heroes of the Arc’teryx family.

FAST AND LIGHT (FL)

Do you know your neighbour who is always up early and productive while you’re still drinking coffee? They are FL. These pieces are meant to move fast and with purpose: bag the peak, run the traverse, scale the ridge, drink all the water, and eat all the trail mix. Think minimalism, high performance, and less weight than all the other gear.

INSULATED (IS)

Stay warm: it’s that simple. This product designator means items provide warmth and protection with ease. It’s the puffy you put on when the clouds roll in and the sun disappears. It’s the layer that does all the heavy lifting and leaves your jacket shell looking like an outerwear hero. Don’t be fooled—insulation deserves the limelight.

LIGHTWEIGHT (LT)

No one wants heavy gear. That’s just a fact. All Arc’teryx gear can be considered lightweight in the greater context of the best waterproof jackets, but the ones designated with a lofty “LT” are especially geared towards high-performance, minimalist design. Not as light as SL. Not as fast as FL.

LONG DISTANCE (LD)

This has nothing to do with Arc’teryx’s very warm men’s winter jackets, but with our light, durable footwear.

MIXED WEATHER (MX)

Most winter jacketsare expected to do more than one activity. That’s where the MX mixed weather designation on Arc’teryx jackets comes in. Durable enough to handle all the sports. Breathable enough to handle the high-output activity. If you do it all and don’t get too gnarly in the alpine, MX is for you.

SEVERE WEATHER (SV)

Mark it “SV” for super very awesome in the worst weather Mother Nature can dish out. Just kidding, it means severe and we mean it. Ice shards, heavy snow, turbulent winds, and sideways rain; any Arc’teryx SV item will protect you from the absolute worst and do it for a prolonged time. Believe that.

SUPERLIGHT (SL)

Remember LT? The designation Superlight (SL) goes one step further in making the ultimate winter jacket even better. Only the best materials and designs come together in SL apparel. They emphasize packability and durability for those who are tackling big physical objectives.

VERTICAL (VT)

This is about trail running footwear, not cold-weather jacket brands like Arc’teryx. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pair your shoes with one of the top winter jackets below.

WHAT BRAND MAKES THE BEST WINTER JACKET?

Arc’teryx sits at the summit of the top winter jacket brands in the world, making the North Vancouver, B.C. company the best winter coat brand. Why? Let’s dive in.

Everyone knows you get what you pay for, and Arc’teryx quality shines brighter than the rest. Every stitch made in our North Vancouver factory to the craftsmanship of the GORE-TEX fabrics we use is celebrated. We are obsessed with detail and have been for over 30 years.

So why is Arc’teryx the best? Let’s look back at our history to see how humble beginnings have led to Arc’teryx becoming the best-branded winter jacket.

Arc’teryx began in 1989 under a different name. Originally, the brand known as Rock Solid only made climbing harnesses and they were handcrafted out of a climber’s basement in Vancouver, B.C. In 1991, the name was changed to Arc’teryx after a 140-million-year-old bird-like dinosaur who was the first to take flight after climbing up sheer rock walls. With only four sewing machines in their arsenal, Arc’teryx harnessed a cult-like following amongst rock climbers with their Vapor Harness. The Bora Backpack followed. And then the most famous of all Arc’teryx products arrived.

In 1998, the iconic Alpha SV Jacket was designed and ushered in an era of excellence and influence as the ultimate winter jacket.

With an eye and heart for obsessive design, the product designers at Arc’teryx bring materials, design, and construction together to build the best winter jackets on the planet. We partner closely with GORE-TEX and other visionary suppliers to create gear that simply stands above the rest.

We built Arc’One in 2016, a 243,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in our hometown of North Vancouver. We are the only large-scale heavy-hitting apparel craftspeople who own our factory.

THE BEST MEN’S WINTER JACKETS OF 2024

THE LEGEND CONTINUES TO GROW | ARC’TERYX ALPHA

The iconic Alpha jacket from Arc’teryx has long been cherished by alpinists, skiers, snowboarders, and stylish city-goers in cold, wet climates. It’s one of the best GORE-TEX winter jackets ever designed, and the long, storied legacy it enjoys is proof.

Available in several iterations, including SV (for severe weather and gnarly adventurers), AR (“all-round” for your generalists), and even an SL (superlight) Anorak, for a touch more city style. The Alpha line uses the uber durable and breathable GORE-TEX materials, and Arc’teryx adds our most durable face fabric to put up a fight against the worst of mountain weather.

Just like any collection of outstanding individuals, each jacket in the family has its unique features, but together they rule supreme on summits from the Pacific Northwest to the Southern Alps to the Himalayan Roof of the World.

NOTHING SECOND PLACE ABOUT BETA | ARC’TERYX BETA

The Beta name suggests it comes in second place to the Alpha, but those in the know are well aware of the Beta jackets’ place as some of the best GORE-TEX jackets to ever grace the mountain peaks. While designed as a more generalist product for those who like to do it all, Beta is a great adventure partner as they offer packable, breathable, durable waterproof protection across the full spectrum of Type-II fun.

Whereas Alpha is for those who generally specialize in one pursuit: big alpine objectives, whether that’s climbing, skiing, or snowboarding. That being said, the Beta can handle its fair share of gnarly peaks. Beta is durably waterproof and windproof because it uses GORE-TEX fabric.

Something to note is that Beta is the biggest alpine-focused family in the Arc’teryx lineup of GORE-TEX winter jackets, including an SV for hardcore winter, AR for generalists, and even a long version for the taller adventurers and the urban commuters.

STEP TOWARDS WINTER WITH CONFIDENCE | ARC’TERYX NORVAN SHELL JACKET

Let’s be honest, treadmills suck and winter running is hard enough. Why are we expected to do it in anything less than the best breathable waterproof jacket in the world? Lucky for us, the Norvan Shell Jacket exists. This sweet hoody weighs only a few ounces while still managing to be windproof and waterproof.

Made from GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT™ backer technology, it is a quiet, highly breathable, and run-specific gem. That being said, it’ll be a sweet addition to your XC skiing kit, or as a light and fast mid-layer for high-output athletes that run hot.

Norvan Shell Jacket

LIVING IN STYLE (IN THE MOUNTAINS) | ARC’TERX RALLE

Less technical than the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jackets above, the Ralle is no less useful as a partner in the mountains or everyday life. Subtle styling makes for a flexible friend you can use for the daily commute or the weekend at Whistler Blackcomb. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, the 40D GORE-TEX fabric means you’ll be as comfortable in the weather as you are protected from it.

Arc’teryx celebrated StormHood™ design adjusts ultra-easy with a single pull. Even better? It won’t affect your peripheral vision while carving long, swooping turns down the ski resort. Add in a couple of brilliantly placed pockets and a fit that allows a full range of movement, and you have an extremely versatile lightweight waterproof winter jacket.

THE SOFTSHELLS THAT GO HARD | ARC’TERYX GAMMA

Alpine environments shift frequently. Weather the storm with a stretchy Gamma softshell that knows how to handle most of it, from light rain to crisp, cold sunny days. The jacket, hoody, and anorak all lend heavy warmth and are lightweight, but most of all, you can be confident you’ve picked one of the most durable and best outdoor jackets.

Inspired by climbing, the Gamma LT Jacket works on rock and trail, and it easily transitions to daily needs like commuting. It’s light, durable, and both wind and water-resistant.

The Gamma MX (mixed use) Hoody features the craftily designed Stormhood™, which makes room for a helmet and always keeps peripheral vision in focus. It’s also made in a Fair Trade Certified facility, which is good for workers and good for the earth. Arc’teryx has committed to transitioning 80% of its products to Fair Trade by 2025.

UNDERNEATH IT ALL, A STAR EMERGES | ARC’TERYX ATOM

The best GORE-TEX winter jacket may not even be GORE-TEX. The Arc’teryx Atom series is the sleeper hit of the big mountain scene, but it also showcases the best winter jackets in town. In short, Atom goes everywhere and shows up in every way, from an ultralight vest to the all-around hoody.

With strategically placed Coreloft™ insulation at the chest and back, Atom is an efficient, light, and compressible mid-layer capable of a supporting role to any warm GORE-TEX jacket shell, and that’s what might make Atom pieces the best outdoor jackets.

SLICK, STYLISH, AND HELLA VERSATILE | ARC’TERYX PROTON

For most people, versatility reigns when it comes to outdoor adventure. The Proton is the answer for those who want the best lightweight waterproof jacket that is versatile enough for everyday life in addition to high-output adventure.

The Proton line is lightweight and breathable enough to give’r outdoors but has a bit of extra oomph in the style category, so you can hang at the bar without looking thirsty for vertical. Straight up, it looks good on the street as well as on the trail or slopes.

Octa® Loft knit insulation keeps the core warm and resists packing out. A healthy amount of airflow regulates temperature and comfort. Fortius™ Air 20 fabric is tough as nails but still stretches. All in all, Proton is a versatile little package.

A WATERPROOF, WINDPROOF WINTER JACKET THAT LOOKS RAD | ARC’TERYX THERME INSULATED JACKET

When the mercury dive bombs and you need to put on a thick, insulated warm GORE-TEX jacket, the last thing you want is a bulky, ugly parka. The Therme is the answer when it comes to harsh weather, showcasing a slick, modern aesthetic while still staying waterproof, windproof, and breathable.

GORE-TEX fabric, Coreloft™ insulation, and an adjustable insulated StormHood™ team up to do the technical work. The designers at Arc’teryx can be thanked for making it all look so damn good.

THE BEST WOMEN’S WINTER JACKETS OF 2024

BETA THAN THE REST | ARC’TERYX BETA

Beta’s place in the pantheon of winter jackets is celebrated and well-documented. A perennial favourite on “best of” lists in outdoor-focused media, Arc’teryx continues to create one of thebest GORE-TEX winter jackets to keep up with demand. Some consider Beta to be a generalist product due to its packable, breathable, durable waterproof protection. Across the full spectrum of sports, Beta is a capable adventure compadre because it uses GORE-TEX fabric.

One lesser-known reason we know Beta is so popular is one the best-of lists don’t mention: it looks great, whether in the mountains or the urban jungle.

FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED EXCELLENCE | ARC’TERYX SOLANO

Solano is refined for performance and versatility from the city to the nature that surrounds them. Less gnarly than its Alpha and Beta predecessors, Solano relies on GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ material to stay windproof and repels light rain while still being breathable.

A clean, modern look is as inviting as the soft brushed polyester lining in the body and silky nylon in the arms. Add in natural stretch and the kind of articulated patterning Arc’teryx has perfected in their best winter coats.

One of the most exciting features of the Solano line—which includes a hoody, coat, and winter jackets for the weather—is that the entire line is crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility. It’s part of our commitment to transition 80% of Arc’teryx products to fair trade certification by 2025.

USE WHAT THE PROS USE | ARC’TERYX SKI GUIDE JACKET

We’ll get one thing out of the way: this one is not cheap, but it’s for good reason. There is simply no jacket better for those who work—day in and day out—in the harsh environments of the mountain. Arc’teryx is #1 of the top winter jacket brands in the world, and this is our best jacket for winter.

Hardwearing and highly versatile, the Ski Guide Jacket is designed for guides and mountain professionals to carry the tools of their craft while operating in harsh mountain environments.

Light and rugged, the N80d Most Rugged GORE-TEX PRO fabric is proven in severe conditions. All the pockets are in all the right places. High visibility. Helmet-compatible DropHood™.

If a ski guide needs it, this jacket has it.

Ski Guide Jacket

A FOUNDATIONAL JACKET | ARC’TERYX ALPHA

Initially debuted in 1998, the first and best winter jacket Arc’teryx made was the Alpha SV. The line now includes a myriad of models for both men and women, including the AR (all around) and the SL (superlight) Anorak.

The Alpha is one of the best GORE-TEX winter jackets ever designed. Just look for it on a chairlift or in the backcountry. It won’t be hard to find many experts and passionate backcountry tourers using it.

The entire Alpha line employs durable, windproof, waterproof, and breathable GORE-TEX fabric. Naturally, we paired it with the most durable face fabric we know to keep Alpha as robust in the alpine as it is when it leaves our North Vancouver, B.C. factory.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BIG MOUNTAIN MAVENS | ARC’TERYX SENTINEL

At Arc’teryx, we know women need gear that can handle big, burly ski objectives as much as the next guy. We also know they need a different cut than men. Enter the Sentinel, keeping watch over all the exploits we know you get into way up there.

This is a proper GORE-TEX big mountain ski and snowboard jacket, including a warm flannel liner, helmet-compatible StormHood™, and looser fit that is more suited to, well, let’s say it...shredding.

To get down you first need to get up, and the Sentinel Jacket is built specifically for freeride touring. Patterning and features are all about gaining the most freedom of motion and breathability.

Our iconic WaterTight™ pit zips can dump heat fast with rapid ventilation on the way up. The integrated powder skirt keeps the snow out on the deep, deep descents.

Pockets are where they need to be so you can still get at your gear with a pack and skis or splitboard still on. The helmet-compatible StormHood™ locks it all in, so you’re warm, dry, and ready to lay down tracks.

FOR THOSE WHO MOVE FAST | ARC’TERYX RUSH JACKET

Every tool you bring into the backcountry needs to take on the rugged, brutal conditions that can flare up when you leave the ski resort boundary for higher, deeper goals. The Rush can keep up.

Billed by Arc’teryx as our “light, durable GORE-TEX shell delivering essential backcountry weather protection” this is the ultimate winter jacket for women who ski tour or splitboard with purpose.

The 80D 3L GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT™ backer technology has every bit of the waterproof, windproof protection needed in mountain weather, with enhanced breathability for those who earn their turns with sweat and heavy breath.

The StormHood™ adjusts for improved peripheral vision, an embedded RECCO® reflector can aid search and rescue, pit zippers ventilate, and multiple pockets organize small essentials.

Arc’teryx has committed to transitioning 80% of our products to fair trade certification by 2025, and the Rush Jacket is crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility to help us reach that goal. Reach yours by taking this—one of ourwarmest windproof jackets—with you on your next backcountry mission.

Rush Jacket

BECAUSE WINTER DOESN’T MEAN RUNNING INSIDE | ARC’TERYX NORVAN SHELLJACKET

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you need to stop stepping out. Whether trail running, commuting, or running in the rain, the Norvan Shell Jacket keeps intrepid runners moving in the cold months.

Created to deal with unpredictable weather, its air-permeable (aka breathable) recycled polyester fabric stretches, making for a comfortable winter running jacket.

GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ panels at the shoulders and chest lend windproof, water-repellent, highly breathable weather protection.

At Arc’teryx, we believe in obsessive design, and that often means minimalism. The Norvan Shell is lightweight and articulated for freedom of movement so you can stride as feathery as you feel.

Crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility as part of our commitment to transition 80% of Arc’teryx products to fair trade certification by 2025.

Norvan Shell Jacket

HARDCORE SOFTSHELLS | ARC’TERYX GAMMA

Not everyone wants a hardshell to hold mountainous weather at bay. For those who like a softshell, Gamma shows up in many ways. From jacket to anorak, the diverse Gamma line offers five different ways to hold inthe heavy warmth while still staying lightweight.

As one of the most durable and best outdoor jackets, the Gamma LT has a legion of fans that love it for the wide spectrum of winter pursuits it easily transitions between. It’s lightweight, durable, and both wind and water resistant.

The Gamma MX (mixed-use) Hoody features Arc’teryx’s own Stormhood™, which is helmet compatible and allows for full peripheral vision.

Arc’teryx has committed to transitioning 80% of its products to Fair Trade by 2025, and in that pursuit makes select Gamma models in a Fair Trade Certified facility.

ALL-DAY, ALL-SEASON FAVOURITE | ARC’TERYX ATOM

One of the all-time greatest hits in the Arc’teryx back catalogue, the Atom line is famous as one of thebest winter jacketsof the modern day. Atom goes from morning run to ski resort runs to beer run without coming off, plus you can get it in any format you want: anorak, jacket, hoody, and even a vest.

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES DO YOU NEED THE BEST WINTER COAT FOR?

Winter demands more, not just in the everyday things we do but in the adventures we choose to tackle. Whereas most of spring, summer, and autumn can be stumbled through with little more than hiking pants and a T-shirt, winter means choosing our clothing with an eye for protection from the elements, especially when chasing good times outdoors.

Here are a few of the activities we build gear for, from the valley to the peak:

WINTER TRAIL RUNNING

Depending on where you live, running during the deep, dark winter may not be possible. For those who don’t have to resort to snowshoes, the dirt, mud, and stone of a beautiful trail can be as fun and exciting as they are challenging. Moving fast and light through the woods is an exhilarating feeling and the crisp winter air is even preferable over summertime for some runners who run hot.

For those who do, consider the best winter jackets we have for trail running below, plus a few other products that shine when trails are empty and your breath can be seen in the air.

TRAIL-RUNNING PRODUCTS

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING OR SPLITBOARDING

Other than our climbing heritage, Arc’teryx is known mostly as a leader in creating the ultimate winter jacket for skiers and snowboarders who step out of bounds in search of fresh powder stashes. With a bag full of avalanche safety equipment, water, and snacks, venturing with trusted partners into the peaks and valleys can be intimidating at first, but with training, practice, and—most importantly—patience, anyone can become a seasoned backcountry traveler.

Be sure to take a safety course with an accredited organization, and never travel in the backcountry alone.

2 OF THE BEST WINTER JACKETS

SURFING

When people think of winter they rarely think of surfing, but when surfers think of winter they think of strong swell, glassy barrels, and the cold weather that keeps them bundled up in the best winter coats for surfing. Arc’teryx athlete Pete Devries is the most iconic surfer in Canada’s history, and he cut his teeth in Tofino’s most frigid winter waves.

Growing up on what was then secluded shores, Devries has been surfing since he was six years old. He’s traveled around the world surfing, but prefers surfing at home, in winter, in the grey and cold. Why? Because that’s when it’s best. Still, seeking the best swell in the middle of nature’s coldest season means lots of time in the wind, rain, and on boats speeding around the islands of Canada’s wild west coast. That requires a good cold-weather jacket brand to keep warm and dry.

STAY WARM ON THE COAST WITH THESE POPULAR WINTER COATS

Alpha Parka: The Warmest Jacket Arc’teryx Makes
Alpha SV: West Coast Capable Shell

ALPINE CLIMBING

When looking for the best jacket for winter it probably makes sense to follow the climbers. Not literally, of course. That would take a ton of training and preparation and a lifetime of effort. We mean to mimic those hardy souls by wearing what they wear. As stalwart and frequent explorers of Mother Nature’s most extreme environments, it is the alpine climbers who have spent the most time enduring brutal weather. Of course, that's where Arc’teryx got its start, somewhere up there in the clouds amongst the jagged peaks. It’s still where we draw our inspiration from.

Alpine climbing is the kind that goes above the treeline. It’s the big, burly kind of climbing seen in the documentaries that make your stomach turn. The sheer walls of granite that fall away to the valley floor below a climber's feet demand full commitment and attention, just like—well, kind of like—creating the very warm men’s winter jackets that we send with our athletes on those trips.

Arc’teryx is one of the preeminent climbing apparel manufacturers and arguably sits at the number one spot of the top winter jacket brands in the world. We have what you need to scale peaks, ridges, and lofty personal objectives. Here are a few jackets to get you where you need to go...up there.

Alpha Parka: When it Gets Truly Extreme, This is the Answer
Beta: The Generalist Adventurer’s Alpine Shell

EVERYDAY LIFE

Sure, it’s not a sport, but for those who live in extremely cold climates and spend a lot of time outside, everyday pursuits can be a challenge. That is why the best urban winter jacketscome from mountain DNA but often end up in colder cities. From Toronto to Salt Lake City to Moscow, frigid temps don’t avoid city centres, and people who live in warmth-challenged climes don’t stay inside. They tackle it. When they do, they need winter jackets for weather that can otherwise harm or even kill the unprepared.

Dog walks, commutes, dating other intrepid adventurers—when you live somewhere cold you get out and make it work. Here are a few products from the top winter jacket brands to help make it easier for you.