Best Winter Jackets | Complete Buyer's Guide

Whether you’re carving fresh tracks in the backcountry, bagging snowy peaks, swinging ice tools, or winter camping, you need the best winter jacket. With so many considerations and so many options, choosing the best one can be a daunting, intimidating task. Remember: the best winter jacket is the one that works best for you.

In this guide, we’ll cover key features, ideal use cases, and our top recommendations, highlighting gear solutions for all winter conditions and activities. So take your time, dial in your needs, and get ready to invest in your new favorite adventure companion.

Looking for the best winter jacket? This buying guide from Arc'teryx breaks down how to shop winter jackets for men and women based on key features and top product recommendations.

What Makes a Great Winter Jacket?

The right winter jacket will look different for different people. From the mountains to the city, it’s important to choose a jacket best suited to your priorities and specific conditions. How hard are you pushing yourself? How often will you be sweating in it? Do you run hot or tend to stay cool while going hard? The way you heat up will determine what weight and type of jacket you need.

At Arc’teryx, we know the importance of reliable technical performance and functionality. Our product designers strike that balance between how it works and how it looks.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for jackets, it can feel overwhelming to navigate all the different features, specs, and price points. Here are a few key considerations so you don’t get lost in the weeds:

• Insulation types (down, synthetic, or hybrid) and their impact on warmth and packability
• Weather protection, including waterproof membranes, windproof materials, and breathability)
• Weight-to-warmth ratio, especially when balancing warmth with mobility
• Technical features, such as two-way zippers, removable hoods, elastic cuffs, and seam sealing
• Durability and materials, considering the quality of construction in an item’s longevity and sustainability

Types of Winter Jackets for Different Needs

To help you find the perfect outer layers, we have different categories of our best GORE-TEX winter jackets and other gear. We’ll walk you through the different lingo and abbreviations so you’re equipped to know exactly what to look for. Let’s do this.

All-Round (AR) | Versatile Protection

Balancing warmth, durability, and protection for everyday winter wear, the AR category accounts for the most waterproof jackets out there in the world. AR is versatile and high-performing, both in the materials used and how the apparel protects against the winter weather. While we always use top-shelf materials to create our gear, the AR offerings have the most value in that they are the do-anything, go-anywhere heroes of the Arc’teryx family.

Lightweight (LT, SL, and FL) | For Those Who Move Fast

We know no one wants heavy gear. While all Arc’teryx outerwear is considered lightweight by broader industry standards, only certain pieces get our specific lightweight designation—specifically, lightweight (LT), Superlight (SL), or Fast and Light (FL). Using lightweight materials and design, these designs prioritize portability and packability over durability. Lighter insulation and breathable designs make them ideal for anyone staying active in winter conditions.

Severe Weather (SV) | Extreme Protection for Harsh Conditions

When we say “severe”, we mean it. Our SV gear is built for frigid conditions with maximum warmth and weather resistance. Ice shards, heavy snow, turbulent winds, and sleeting rain; any Arc’teryx SV item will protect you from the absolute worst and do it for a prolonged time.

Insulated (IS) | Core Warmth for Colder Environments

This product designator is pretty intuitive: it’s main objective is to keep you warm. 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. Whether it’s synthetic or down insulation, these layers provide optimal heat retention in cold climates.

Veilance | Technical Outerwear for Urban Winters

Since its founding by Arc’teryx in 2009, Veilance has combined minimalist aesthetic values with advanced technical construction. The ultimate fusion of performance and urban aesthetics, these pieces are perfect for winter city life. Think clean finishes, extra warmth without bulk, and weather protection against water and wind.

Insulation Options: Choosing the Right Warmth for Your Winter Activities

You’ve probably seen discourse about down insulation vs. synthetic insulation. Let’s break down the main differences and considerations when deciding what type of insulation is best for you.

Down insulation is made from goose or duck plumage, and its “fill power” is the warmth-to-weight ratio. Typically ranging from 350-1000, fill power reflects the quality of the insulation, so a higher fill power number is warmer, but not necessarily thicker or bulkier. Down tends to be more packable than synthetic fill, giving it a great warmth-to-weight ratio and high compressibility. However, it loses its insulation when wet, so it needs dry conditions.

Alternatively, synthetic insulation can retain warmth in wet conditions, making it more durable. Arc’teryx’s down alternative is Coreloft™ synthetic insulation, which stays warm even when it gets wet. This man-made insulation has quicker dry times and high durability as well, making it a good option for high-output days in all seasons, especially with some light weather.

Hybrid insulation combines the two for balanced performance. Unsurprisingly, insulation priorities will look different for alpine climbing vs. backcountry skiing vs. urban exploring in the coldest temperatures. Since all these different use cases have different needs, Arc’teryx uses strategic insulation mapping in our product design to balance warmth and breathability. Want to find the best option for extreme cold? Check out our guide to the warmest winter coats to stay protected in any environment.

Top Arc’teryx Winter Jackets to Shop Now

Best for Everyday Wear – Arc’teryx Therme Insulated Jacket

When the mercury dive bombs, the Therme has your back. Its sleek, modern aesthetic does not sacrifice on performance; the GORE-TEX fabric is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Responsibly sourced, 750 fill premium goose down provides lightweight warmth, while our signature Coreloft™ synthetic insulates the outer areas more prone to moisture to give you the best of both worlds. The adjustable StormHood™ is insulated for additional warmth, and internal cuff gaskets seal out drafts and keep heat in.

Best for Mountain Performance – Arc’teryx Alpha

Designed for technical alpine use, this versatile, hybrid GORE-TEX jacket is built for the extreme weather and varied terrain of the mountains. It balances warmth and mobility by combining two different GORE-TEX fabrics: GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged reinforces high-wear areas, while ultralight, abrasion-resistant GORE-TEX with Hadron® in lower-wear areas shed grams and improve breathability. The insulated, helmet-compatible StormHood™ delivers protection without impacting vision, a RECCO® reflector can aid search and rescue, and pit zippers add ventilation where you need it.

Best Lightweight Option – Arc’teryx Proton

Versatile, breathable, and still warm, the Proton Hoody is the go-to insulation layer for high-output alpine adventures. While it was made for climbers, it’s not limited to rock and ice but is the best lightweight jacket for any dynamic mountain activity in cold conditions. 80gsm Coreloft™ Compact Gold Active Vent insulation works with the air-permeable face fabric and liner to regulate temperature and moisture build-up. The Fortius Air 20 nylon shell is light and durable, and articulated patterning allows for maximum mobility. Again, the insulated StormHood is helmet-compatible, extending coverage and warmth.

Best for Harsh Weather – Arc’teryx Beta

Designed to keep you warm in the most extreme cold, the Beta Jacket is also a winter generalist with its packable, breathable, and durable protection. Waterproof, windproof, and insulated, it was built for versatility. The GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged material delivers maximum durability, while the helmet-compatible DropHood™ gets added protection with its internal collar.

Lastly, the embedded RECCO® reflector improves searchability in emergency situations.

Winter Jacket Care Tips for Longevity

Cleaning and Caring For Your Winter Jackets

When you’re washing anything with down insulation, be sure to use special down detergent. We know that down loses its efficacy when wet, so it’s important to keep the down clean, dry, and fluffy. If washed improperly, the down can clump. Our Nu Down Detergent thoroughly cleans while restoring loft and insulation in both down and synthetic-insulated layers.

To protect waterproofing, you’ll want to wash waterproof layers with a technical detergent in cool water, since too much heat can harm the finish. However, a little heat can actually help reactivate GORE-TEX’s water-repellent finish, so don’t be afraid of the dryer. You’ll also want to avoid using fabric softeners or bleach on these fabrics, since they can mess with the waterproof coating and breathable membrane.

On the contrary, down layers and synthetic insulation without waterproofing should go in the dryer. Throwing a few clean tennis balls in the dryer with the down layers will help fluff the down as it dries and retain its loft.

For all jacket types, pre-treat any stains with spot treatment before washing. Make sure all zippers and buttons are fastened to prevent them from snagging in the wash. With heavier activity, you should wash your outerwear every five to eight days; for lighter day-to-day wear, wash every 10-20 days. If the jacket is visibly dirty or smelling bad, that’s a good sign it’s time to clean it.

Storing Winter Jackets

When you’re ready to store your winter jacket for the season, it’s a good idea to wash and thoroughly dry it again. From there, store in a cool, dry place. Be sure to hang all down and synthetic-insulated layers in a closet or lay them flat under your bed. It’s important to keep them out of direct sunlight and not compressed, since UV exposure can weaken technical fabrics over time and prolonged compression can make them lose their loft and warmth. If you’re folding outerwear to store it, fold them loosely to prevent creases and cracking in the waterproof membranes. Avoid vacuum-sealed bags to maintain jacket shape and insulation effectiveness.

Repairing Minor Damages

Repairs help keep your gear in play and reduce the environmental footprint too. DIY repairs can be great for smaller issues like small tears and broken zippers. Repair patches and fabric tape can prevent a small hole from becoming a bigger problem, and there are outdoor-specific options that are more durable. However, if there is more extensive damage affecting an item’s functionality, it’s best to seek out professional repair services. Arc’teryx will help repair or replace items covered under our Limited Warranty policy. Depending on the product type, season, and availability of materials, most gear repairs take 4-6 weeks.

Stay Warm, Stay Ready: Find Your Ideal Winter Jacket

Beyond keeping you warm in cold weather, your winter jacket should fit your specific needs and be aligned with the activities you do. A great winter jacket isn’t just about warmth—it’s about performance, protection, and durability. The right choice for you depends on your insulation needs (considering likely weather and precipitation), weatherproofing, and fit, tailored to your specific winter adventures.

Whether you’re bagging peaks in the alpine, ice-climbing in the backcountry, or taking your dog for a chilly city walk, Arc’teryx has the perfect winter jacket for every body and activity. Explore our insulated jacket collection to find exactly what you need to gear up, stay warm, and get stoked for your next winter adventure.