Our 25 Favorite Men’s Winter Parkas For 2023
Bundling up in style is challenging at best — balancing the need for technical gear with the ability to look your best is definitely a conundrum. And whether you’re layering over a tailored suit for a business meeting, or taking on a weekend road trip with rugged everyday style essentials, you need a dash of style and a lot of functionality.
Modern brands know this, and even heritage-focused brands are slimming down their fits, updating their fabrics and providing you with beastly gear to take on the blustery, snowy weather. Heck, if you get the right parka, you might get a triple whammy — style points, functionality, and investment-worthy quality that you can wear year after year. It’s worth shopping the parka picks on this list, and you might even look forward to the snowy weather now.
Kuhl Arktik Down Parka
For full coverage warmth combined with technical performance and a modern, sporty style, look no further than Kuhl’s Arktik Down Parka. It’s made with four different innovative materials, chief of which is a waxed cotton/polyester/nylon exterior that makes it almost fully waterproof but exceptionally durable and breathable.
An 800 fill power down insulation gives it plenty of warmth to go around, while the shearling-lined hood provides comfort to the maximum. And to top things off, Kuhl’s exclusive five-panel sleeve design gives this parka a greater range of motion than any other on our list, making it perfect for staying warm while getting some work done around the camp or the cabin.
Howler Brothers Spellbinder Parka
If it’s slightly more modern, streamlined and sleek style you’re expecting (and demanding) from your winter parka, then the Howler Brothers Spellbinder Parka has exactly what you need. Available in several different color schemes, the Spellbinder Parka hits above the hip and features PrimaLoft One insulation, quilted panels and tough cotton/nylon detailing at the shoulders. The resulting parka is perfect to wear on the road or out and about through a casual weekend date.
Merrell Men’s Kaidou Medium Weight Insulated Parka
Merrell is well-known for its cold-weather gear, crafting clothing and footwear capable of surviving even the worst Canadian and Arctic temperatures. This parka, however, is built for the rest of the world, those without brutal winters who just want a warm, versatile top layer.
Thanks to its 180g synthetic insulation, the Kaidou Medium Weight Insulated Parka is ideal to take snowboarding, snowshoeing, or running in the show. The fabric is water and wind-resistant and will keep you dry even if it’s pouring rain or dumping snow. With its adjustable hood, waist, and cuffs and the storm closure over the zipper, you’ll have no trouble keeping out the late-autumn-to-early-spring cold.
Modeled after Japanese street wear, it’s a coat that will stand out from the pack but still delivers durability for any hike, camping trip, or ski vacation.
Columbia Men’s Landroamer Down Parka
Columbia delivers next-level warmth and versatility with the Landroamer Down Parka. On the outside, you’ve got a tough polyester shell that will stand up to the rigors of hunting, fishing, backpacking, and mountain climbing. Inside, it’s stuffed with 650 fill power down that will keep you warm in temperatures well below freezing. The interior is also lined with Columbia’s signature Omni-Heat Gold Infinity thermal reflective that keeps your body heat from escaping and reflects it back toward your skin for maximum warmth.
Not only does the jacket come with four buttoned front drop-in pockets (two on the chest, two on the waist), but it’s also got a pair of hand-warmer pockets to make sure you can keep your mitts toasty warm without messing with your EDC essentials. It does a next-level job of keeping you warm and dry in even the worst a harsh winter can throw at you.
Buzz Rickson’s M-51 Parka
The Buzz Rickson’s M-51 Parka, commonly known as the Fishtail Parka, traces its origins back to the US Army in the early 1950s during the Korean War. Designed as a two-part garment, it included a heavyweight liner that could be fully detached, permitting the outer shell to be worn separately.
This parka became a hallmark of counter-cool culture, with its fame particularly growing in England amongst the Mods, who wore it to safeguard their pricey wool suits. Its prevalence in Europe during the Cold War era made it an affordable and stylish choice from surplus stores. Constructed in Japan, this version uses heavy-duty cotton sateen in the quintessential olive drab shade. It features a zip front with a Crown Aluminum Spring Automatic Lock, two snap-button closure slash pockets lined with 26oz. wool for insulation, and rubber strap adjusters at the cuffs.
Adhering to meticulous standards, the snap buttons comply with the U.S. Government Department of Defence specifications, while the other buttons are crafted from Mil-Spec urea. The parka is made from 100% cotton and modeled on the original M-1951 Fishtail Parka design, showcasing its rich military heritage.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka
For all the things that they are—warm, comfortable, weather resistant—parkas are not often stretchy. That’s a shame, because a little bit of stretch in a jacket’s material goes a long way towards making it a better option for vigorous outdoor activities.
Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchdown Parka, true to its name, bucks this trend of overly stiff jackets by incorporating a good amount of elastane into its primarily nylon shell. Paired with 700 fill power down insulation and elasticized cuffs, that makes it a uniquely versatile and capable choice in the parka category.
The North Face McMurdo Parka
The North Face has always made gear designed to be worn on the boundaries of the trail and the summit, and it seems the brand is always delivering the proper specs to match. The McMurdo Parka, in this case, is windproof, waterproof and yet breathable — all at the same time — and it’s filled with goose down for plenty of warmth. Make this your go-to parka for winter excursions, no matter how bad it gets out there.
Arc’teryx Therme SV Parka
And for the best in minimalist appearance and maximalist performance, you definitely need to check out the Arc’teryx Therme SV Parka. Its distinctive design is built around a two-layer Gore Tex shell, with 750 fill power down insulation that will naturally conform to your body’s shape, giving warmth exactly where you need it.
Fully windproof and waterproof, it’s a jacket that will make you prepared for the most severe weather imaginable—from rain, to snow, to sleet, and even hail.
Helly Hansen Men’s Active Winter Parka
Founded in Norway over 140 years ago, Helly Hansen has had plenty of time to refine their designs for cold weather gear, advancing from oilcloth jackets in the late 1800s to first-of-their-kind synthetic materials from the 1920s onward. This is on full display in their Active Winter Parka, a waterproof, windproof, and breathable expedition jacket with high loft synthetic insulation.
Its pockets are roomy, while its hood is cozy and nicely structured. And in the fit, you can really see Helly Hansen’s experience and attention to detail gained from decades of trial and error.
Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka
Eddie Bauer remains among a slew of outdoor brands who’ve pioneered a better, more functional (yet stylish) way of doing things, and that’s a design approach that’s continued through to the present.
Case in point might just be the Superior Down Parka, crafted with 100 percent nylon fabric and the brand’s proprietary WeatherEdge waterproof & breathable technology. We like the rugged Tortoise color to wear with navy canvas work pants, leather moc toe boots and a tough denim shirt for weekend adventures.
L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka
Want to know how to best complement your L.L. Bean “Bean Boots” for trusted, dependable and most importantly, snow-ready style? Then look toward the L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka, the latest highly rugged and yet classic piece to come out of L.L. Bean’s cozy Northeast HQ.
The shell itself is wind and waterproof, as one would expect, and the down insulation offers up much-needed warmth. And if you want to stand out in style, you could do worse than the optional Vibrant Red colorway.
The North Face Men’s HMLYN Down Parka
If you want maximum warmth and lightweight comfort, look no farther than the North Face Men’s HMLYN Down Parka. The design evokes the classic Himalayan jacket, and is filled with 550 goose down to provide maximum warmth on even the snowiest of days.
The nylon ripstop shell has a water-repellent finish that will keep the rain out, and a recycled polyester interior lining that is as eco-friendly as it is warm. Thanks to its relaxed fit, you’ll always be comfortable no matter how high you climb, how far you hike, or how hard you shred the slopes.
Rothco M-51 Fishtail Parka
Looking for a budget-friendly buy? Give the Rothco M-51 Fishtail Parka. Though its price tag is very affordable, don’t mistake it for “cheap” quality.
Inspired by the parkas issued to the US Army in 1951, this extra-long coat delivers protection for not only your upper body, but your waist and upper legs, too. You’ll find it’s the ideal parka to take ice fishing—or just regular fishing in cold weather—and will shrug off rain, sleet, and snow with ease. The roomy fit will give you plenty of space to move and stretch in, even if you’re thicker in the chest, shoulders, or midsection.
You’ll want to wear a beanie or balaclava beneath the hood (it’s not insulated), but with this parka over the proper thermal base and mid layers, you’ll have no trouble getting through your winter cozy and warm.
L.L. Bean Men’s Rugged 3-in-1 Parka
If you live in a city with a lot of rain, you’re going to want the L.L. Bean Men’s Rugged 3-in-1 Parka hanging on your coat rack. It’s lightweight enough to serve as a cool-weather coat in early spring or late autumn, but the built-in PrimaLoft Black insulation makes sure you’ll always stay warm in the dead of winter.
The exterior jacket is made using recycled nylon with a polyester lining for both insulation and waterproofing, and the pure polyester liner jacket provides an added layer to keep out the chill. It’s rugged, hard-wearing, and built to resist even the fiercest winter downpour or snowstorm, designed specifically to reduce snags and tears.
L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka
The L.L. Bean Rugged Ridge Parka is just what you need for an outdoor adventure, be it on a hiking trail, snowboarding slopes, or a stroll across your nearest frozen lake. The TEK2 nylon shell is hyper-durable and waterproof enough to keep out the elements, but the interior PrimaLoft Silver insulation is both lighter-than-average and supremely breathable. Thanks to its fully detachable and adjustable hood, you have total control over your style and comfort as long as you’re wearing this bad boy.
Outdoor Research Men’s Stormcraft Down Parka
The Outdoor Research Men’s Stormcraft Down Parka takes insulation to the next level, with a 700-fill that combines with a GORE-TEX exterior to maximize warmth and durability. The windproof exterior and storm flaps will keep out even the harshest winter gusts, and the insulated hood keeps your ears and head toasty warm all winter long. If you want heavy-duty protection against the winter, you need this parka.
Woolrich Arctic Parka Evolution
Traditional Arctic explorer design meets modern technology in the Woolrich Arctic Parka Evolution. The look is iconic, the fabric tough enough to withstand the rigors of ice fields and glaciers, and the duck down filling nicely warm even if the temperatures drop well below freezing.
The high collar, zip-up hood, ribbed cuffs, and waist drawstring work together to keep out the wind, while the Ramar cloth fabric and 90/10 RDS Certified duck down combine to keep out the cold.
And wait until you see how many pockets this bad boy has—two upper pockets with double entrances, two lower snap pockets, and two interior glove pockets. You’ll have no trouble carrying all your essentials around with you wherever you go.
Columbia Men’s Marquam Peak Fusion Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Parka
Take this bad boy out into even the most extreme cold, and you’ll stay toasty warm all day long. Columbia delivers next-level warmth with the Marquam Peak Fusion Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Parka, a jacket designed with lightweight, advanced thermal reflective insulation that will trap body heat close to your skin to keep out even arctic chills.
The coat is fully water-resistant, perfect for sleet, snow, and rain, with a removable, drawcord-adjustable hood that will shield your head from the weather. Slide your hands into the dual-entry pockets, and you’ll love how your own body heat helps to keep your fingers from feeling the cold.
Patagonia Men’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka
One parka to wear as three different items of clothing? Yes, please. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka serves as an insulated parka for those truly cold winter days, an insulated jacket when the weather is chilly, or a lightweight windbreaker-style waterproof shell for late autumn and early spring.
Strip it down to wear it light or add the full insulation to keep out the winter chill on the ski slopes or snowshoeing treks. Best of all, its Fair Trade Certified sewn and made using 87 percent recycled materials. Now that’s a parka you can love.
Everlane The ReNew Short Parka
If you’d rather not feel like you’re becoming the Michelin man from head to toe, a short and stylish fit like Everlane’s ReNew Short Parka is the way to go. Cut to fall at the hip, it features a modern and slightly boxy fit with hugely oversized pockets and a removable hood for good measure.
For the price, it’s a particularly nice jacket for cool winter days—and we appreciate that it’s made almost entirely from recyclable materials, too.
Fjallraven Nuuk Parka
Designed to withstand even the temperature extremes of Arctic fishing, the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka M takes warmth to the next level. The synthetic lining is breathable and odor-resistant, but traps heat close to your body to make sure you’re comfortable even in heavy snow and sleet. You’ll love the thigh-length hem, which keeps wind from seeping up your back. Though it’s designed for heavy-duty use, you can always remove the hood to make it a lighter, more comfortable coat for the cool early winter days.
Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Black Diamond knows a thing or two about making cold-weather clothing that looks as good at the ski lodge as it does around town. The Vision Down Parka is their latest-and-best, a coat that combines 800 fill RDS-certified goosedown insulation with an ultralight synthetic fabric shell that will keep out snow and water guaranteed.
The Japanese fabric used for the shell is super-tough ripstop nylon reinforced with Liquid Crystal Polymer so it won’t tear. It’s perfect mountain climbers and alpine skiers alike, thanks to the helmet-compatible hood.
Canada Goose Expedition Parka
If you’re looking for top-quality construction and a parka specifically made for the coldest weather extremes in North America, then you’re going to love the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. It’s certainly not the cheapest on our list—that price tag is no joke—but it combines Canadian durability with only the finest down fill from Canadian geese.
It’s capable of withstanding up to 22 degrees below zero, and it’s built to adapt to your form to provide the closest possible fit for maximum warmth. Of course, for any coat this pricey and luxurious, you can bet your boots that it comes with a lifetime warranty so you can always trust it’ll hold up to even the worst Arctic (and Antarctic) weather.
KUHL Skyfire Down Parka
Say goodbye to those over-stuffed, too-thick puffer coats, and hello to a game-changing parka. KUHL’s Skyfire Down Parka is surprisingly slim and lightweight compared to the average parka, but it refuses to sacrifice function for form. The insulation is goose down and goose feathers, which together proves incredibly effective at keeping out the winter wind.
On top of that, you have an exterior nylon shell to provide wind- and water-resistance, along with a soft nylon interior lining to trap in body heat and add extra protection against the cold. Thanks to the body mapping technology used in the parka’s design, you have the maximum amount of warmth where you most need it. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the only parka you’ll ever need for years to come.
Levi’s Long Hooded Puffer Parka
Extra long. Extra Puffy. Extra comfy. And the best part? Not extra pricey. That’s Levi’s Long Hooded Puffer Parka in brief. At less than 200 dollars, it’s often going to be the most affordable parka on our list.
And while it may lack the high-tech features of pricier parkas, it’s still a darned comfortable option for someone looking to get a full coverage jacket without emptying their checking account. Heads up though: It’s a fairly slim fit for a winter jacket, so order up a size if you’ve got some muscle on you.
TenTree Daily Parka
TenTree does something different—and special—with the Daily Parka. First off, it uses ultra-warm PrimaLoft insulation that is cruelty-free, and packs it into a tough 10000mm shell that is DWR coated to shrug off snow, rain, and sleet with ease. All of the seams in the shoulders, head, and neck are taped to add extra reinforcement, preventing the coat from ripping or wearing out with regular hardcore use.
It’s rated to withstand temperatures of -25 C, and it’s amazingly warm even if you’re not wearing multiple base and middle layers beneath. And you’ll love the pockets: a specially designed cell phone pocket, hidden glove pockets, and triple-access exterior patch pockets perfect. Wear this bad boy out around town on a winter’s day, and you’ll never worry about the cold again.
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