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With unexpected storms (and wind chill) the talk of the winter season, you may abruptly realize your winter jacket was not quite up to the task of taking on snowy, freezing temperatures. Outwear is not cheap - while the average price for coats and jackets for 2025 is expected to be around $67 for men and $59 for women according to Statista, a well made winter jacket could easily cost upwards of $400 or more.

Eddie Bauer, an American adventurer, is credited with creating one of the first down jackets in 1936 after a near brush with death during a mid-winter fishing trip. This was only the start of the puffer jacket wave, originally born from necessity before moving to haute couture, and finally becoming so ubiquitous in the 1990’s to both fashion and serviceability that today there’s no shortage of jacket styles, colors and materials.

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In the guide below, we’re going to outline how to pick the best product for the best price, starting from materials used (including the insulation), fit, cost and performance. We’ve based our product selections on a combination of high ratings and user reviews including criticisms, average price point, insulation type and the variety of features offered in the jacket.

What To Know Before You Buy

Surface material

The outer material of a puffer jacket is typically made from nylon or polyester, which are considered some of the most lightweight but durable materials. When shopping for the best winter-proof jacket, you want to look for product descriptions that specifically call out fabric that is water-resistant (or waterproof), wind-resistant, and breathability.

• Water-resistant jackets can protect you from light showers for a short period of time.
• Durable Water Repellent (DWR) jackets can withstand rain showers.
• Waterproof jackets are designed to be worn in rainy and wet conditions.

Insulation material

The jackets will usually feature sewn compartments, called baffles or quilts, that are filled with the insulation material.

• Down material is the soft, fluffy feathers of geese or ducks. Down insulation is considered lighter, more compressible, and longer-lasting than synthetic, but also more expensive and doesn’t work as well once wet.
• Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fiber, less expensive and insulates better when wet, but is heavier, less compressible, and wears out more quickly.
• Water-resistant down is treated with polymer to help make it a bit more resistant to the elements, but the water-resistant performance still isn’t quite as high as synthetic and can be quite pricey.

Insulation thickness

Synthetic

The insulation thickness is grams per square meter. A jacket with 100g insulation is going to be thinner and less warm than a 200g insulation jacket.

A good rule of thumb is that 500-100g jackets are designed for spring and fall, and 100-200g jackets are best for winter and colder weather.

Down

You’ll be looking for “fill power”, and this number helps measure the quality of the down. The higher the number, the better the quality and the warmer the down. 500-600 range requires more down to achieve the same level of warmth that a 800-900 fill would require (and so less heavy and bulky compared to the lower fill power rating).

Fit and length

A longer jacket is going to cover more ground, so for taller people, you’re going to want to look at jacket length. Many jackets boast body contouring for better fits, vents for heat regulation, and more importantly, layering ability. Puffer jackets are usually designed to be outerwear, while mid-layer insulation jackets can be versatile.

Best Puffer Jackets for Women

Synthetic Insulation

1. Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket

Price: starting at $120, was $160 at Amazon, $160 at at Columbia

Why we chose it:

• Omni-heat reflective technology: Designed by Columbia using very tiny silver dots to reflect and retain body heat, and breathable enough to keep you warm without overheating
• Water-resistant to light rain
• Fleece-lined hood and collar
• Additional cuffs with thumbholes for extra coverage
• Warmth rating: Medium

Reviewers are split on the sizing, some saying it runs a little big while others say it’s a little too tight especially if you need to add layers. It’s a great jacket option if you want a little extra length over the hips and thighs, is lightweight, compressible and ideal for mild to moderate cold.

As one reviewer on the Columbia site noted, “It's warm but not bulky because of the reflective lining. It's water resistant, so I wear it in the rain, using an umbrella when [there is] heavier rain. The hood is improved from my last jacket both in fit and with a warmer, cozier interior.”

Another reviewer said, “It is lightweight, but very warm. The sleeves have inner liners around your wrist, so no cold air gets in. I like the warm hood too, perfect for light rainy days.”

2. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Price: $239 at REI

Why we chose it:

• 60g post consumer recycled polyester
• Windproof and moisture-shedding 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish
• Elasticised cuff and drawcord hem for windproof seal

I have this Patagonia Nano Puff jacket (in two different colors), and it’s both warm and extremely lightweight and packable. It’s designed for you to be outdoors with ease of movement, and can be used as a shell or as a layering jacket. I’ve paired it with a long-sleeved athletic shirt underneath and kept toasty warm even in low temperatures.

It’s water repellent, so most moisture beads off the jacket but even when it gets damp, it remains nice and toasty inside even if you can’t immediately swap the jacket out for something waterproof. One reviewer on REI said, “This product is perfect for layering. It is easy to pack and stuff as the name suggests, and is as warm as it is lightweight.”

Common complaints were around the sizing (for some it was a little tight in the shoulders), and the outer stitching could use improvements.

Down Insulation

3. Eddie Bauer Women's Sun Valley Down Duffle Coat

Price: $164.50, was $329 at Eddie Bauer

Why we chose it:

• 650-fill-power down
• Water-repellent nylon/polyester shell
• DWR moisture-shedding finish
• Adjustable hood with removable faux fur ruff
• Warmth rating: Warmest
• Comes in petite, regular, tall and plus sizes

“Best long down coat I’ve ever had,” said one glowing review on EddieBauer.com, and it went on to say, “[It’s] toasty warm, without the bulk.” Many reviewers appreciated the length, and that the zipper unzips from the bottom for extra room when walking or driving.

The most common complaint, however, is the down feather shedding, and multiple reviewers noting that it seemed to be a magnet for lint and fuzz.

4. The North Face 1996 Retro Down Jacket

Price: $330 at REI and The North Face

Why we chose it:

• 700-fill-power goose down
• Durable water repellent (DWR) finish
• Hood can be packed into collar
• Relaxed hip-length fit
• Overall 4.9-star rating, with over 1,500 5-star ratings on thenorthface.com
• Ideal for 30 degree weather

Stylish and warm? While the cut of this North Face Retro Down Jacket may not be for everyone -- it’s a short cut so for taller women, reviewers suggested trying a smaller men’s size for a better fit -- overall, reviews are largely glowing about the style, fit and warmth. Some noted it might not be up to very heavy snow and it would need a shell in rain, since the fabric had a somewhat fragile feeling. It is most ideal for urban use, not hiking or camping.The retro look of the jacket is the clear standout feature, with a multitude of color combinations to pick from.

Best Budget Pick

5. MOERDENG Women’s Winter Windproof and Waterproof Down Coat

Price: starting at $51.99 at Amazon

Why we chose it:

• Dense polyester
• Water resistant - company page says waterproof but reviewers claim it is only water resistant
• Removable hood
• Windproof ribbed cuffs
• Company claims ideal for use in light to moderate rain, and sleet
• Flannel lining

Reviewers agree it’s a very lightweight jacket and very warm, especially considering the price point. One common complaint is that the hood is too big. It won’t be sufficient in below zero temperatures, but since it is roomy enough for layers, you can still remain warm and comfortable at most temperatures.

Best Puffer Jackets for Men

Synthetic Insulation

1. Columbia Men's Alpine Action™ II Jacket

Price: $90, was $180 at Columbia (limited sizes available); $240 at Amazon

Why we chose it:

• Omni-Heat thermal reflective - these work with the patented small silver dots that reflect and retain body heat
• Thermarator insulation - combines the look and feel of down with the resilience of synthetic insulation for more warmth and less weight
• Omni-Tech - waterproof-breathable multilayered construction
• Adjustable powder skirt to block wind and snow
• Ski pass, goggle pocket, zippered hand pockets and drawcord adjustable hem for a secure fit
• Removable, adjustable hood
• Warmth rating: Warmest

Reviewers say the Columbia Alpine Action jacket is warm and durable, with the waterproofing ideal for snowy outdoor activities, and at this price point, it’s a good option for those looking for coverage on a budget. Most of the complaints are around the sizing - the jacket runs large, so you may want to buy one size smaller even if you intend to use it as a layering jacket.

2. REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Jacket

Price: $229 at REI

Why we chose it:

• Two-layer nylon shell shields you from rain, snow and wind
• Abrasion resistant, waterproof, windproof and seam sealed
• Body 80g synthetic polyester, sleeves 60g polyester
• Media port and plenty of pockets, lift pass pocket, key clip and goggle pocket
• Designed for cold - reviewers remained comfortable down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, with plenty of space for layering
• Helmet-friendly hood, high collar, shaped cuffs to fit over gloves, and articulated elbows support for skiing

This REI Co-op ski jacket has a 4.6-star rating on rei.com, with reviewers largely impressed with the waterproofing, pocket storage and value. The main complaint was that it runs a little large. While some were warm enough with just this jacket, other reviewers mention it’s most ideal when used with layering, so that it can be used in more versatile weather. Overall, as one reviewer put it, it’s a “great entry level ski jacket” that can be worn in most temperatures during winter.

Down Insulation

3. Patagonia Downdrift Jacket

Price: $329 at REI

Why we chose it:

• 600-fill-power recycled duck and goose down
• Durable water repellent (DWR) finish on fabric
• Water resistant
• Removable insulated hood
• Hip length and drawcord hem
• Warmth rating: Warmest

Patagonia claims to use post consumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets in their products, helping to reduce ocean plastic pollution. This winter jacket is also filled with recycled duck and goose down, according to the company page.

Reviewers all agree it’s incredibly warm and insulated, lightweight, and runs true to size. This is designed for cold winter days, with one reviewer saying they were toasty warm at 26 degrees Fahrenheit, but too warm at 34 degrees. If you pair it with a layer underneath, it’s “warm down to 0 [degrees Fahrenheit]” claimed one reviewer.

The main complaints are that it’s not waterproof, and questioned the longevity of the jacket.

4. The North Face Hydrenalite Down Hoodie

Price: $250 at REI

Why we chose it:

• 600-fill-power recycled waterfowl down
• Non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish
• Three-piece hood
• Elastic cuffs, standard fit
• Warmth rating: Warmer

Reviewers agree this down hoodie by The North Face is a warm and stylish jacket but does have a few issues even at this price point. Most agreed it’s lightweight and durable, and were happy with the purchase. Reviewers found the coat most effective between 30 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

The main complaints, however, are around the lack of interior pocket options, the hood and its lack of lining, and the flimsy zipper.

Best Budget Pick

5. GEMYSE Men's Ski Waterproof Jacket

Price: $59.98 at Amazon

Why we chose it:

• Waterproof and windproof design, including the zippers
• Fleece lining
• Detachable hood, adjustable velcro cuffs and stand collar
• 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 chest pocket, 1 internal mesh pocket, 1 secure pocket (for phone, wallet, and other accessories)

With over 10,000 global ratings and 4.6-stars out of 5 on Amazon, you can’t beat this GEMYSE men’s ski jacket option when it comes at this price. Reviewers largely agree its surprisingly warm and well-insulated, lightweight and waterproof. The main complaints are due to the poor zipper quality.

One reviewer said, “I live in Wisconsin and this is a great jacket for the cold, cold weather. It is true to size…I do have to say my first one only lasted two years before the zippers [broke]...it almost seems like a Columbia jacket for a lot less.”

P​rices are accurate and items in stock at time of publish.