Best Winter Jackets For Extreme Canadian Winters

There are a variety of winter jackets on the market. But before you decide on a particular brand or model, first decide on the style. For the most brutal of winters, nothing beats a good old-fashioned parka. Parkas are known for their lined hoods, extra length, and dense insulation. Check out this article to learn more about the differences between jackets and parkas.

1. Insulation

Insulation always falls into one of two categories: down or synthetic. Down insulation is produced using goose plumage that’s renowned for its unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio. Synthetics are any man-made fibre that mimics the insulating properties of down. 

In terms of cost, down jackets always come at a premium. Since down is such a lightweight and effective insulator, it really is worth it; however, make sure the down is ethically sourced. On the other hand, synthetic insulation technology has come a long, long way. Many of the best winter coats nowadays rely on synthetics. 

For more information on all things insulation, check out our Ultimate Insulation Guide.

2. Weather Resistance

In terms of importance, insulation and weather resistance rank at the top of the list. When shopping for a weather-resistant winter parka, pay special attention to the external materials. Brands like GORE-TEX are commonly looked to for their durability and dependability in nasty conditions. To learn all about the revolutionary fabric, check out our Ultimate Guide to GORE-TEX.

Certain brands prefer to keep their production in-house, creating proprietary shell fabrics instead of sourcing the material from the likes of GORE-TEX or Pertex. Top-notch examples include Canada Goose’s Arctic Tech and The North Face’s DryVent and FUTURELIGHT. These technologies perform remarkably well under wet and windy conditions, while offering incredible durability.

3. Inner Lining

The inner lining of a jacket refers to the skin-facing side of the garment. In general, the inner lining will feature some kind of soft synthetic, possibly with baffles. Certain models even feature a removable lining, which allows wearers to rock the lining by itself (usually in the form of a puffy) or just the shell.

4. Features

There are certain key features to consider when buying a winter parka.

• Hood

Any real winter parka worth its salt will feature a hood. A hood lined with real or faux fur will keep the blustering winds at bay. Many hood linings are detachable for both practical and stylistic purposes. Certain hoods are constructed with a mere dual-wall construction; if possible, opt for something that is insulated.

• Cuffs

VELCRO cuffs are the most common cuff type you’ll find on high-quality parkas. They’re highly adjustable and can be comfortably tightened around anything, from your naked wrist to a thick snowboarding glove. 

Snap cuffs are also widely used among top-notch brands. While snap cuffs do look a little classier, they don’t offer the same degree of micro-adjustability as VELCRO cuffs.

• Pockets

At the very minimum, we recommend choosing a parka that has two hand-warmer pockets. Often, these are big enough to accommodate your hands in addition to a few essentials (like a small novel and a tuque). 

Another indispensable pocket is an inside zip pocket. Here you can safely stash things like your phone, which should be kept near your body so as not to freeze. Finally, one or two breast pockets make excellent storage places for your wallet.

Fancier pocket layouts can include things like a small zipper arm pocket. Yes, this is very convenient for certain dime-sized items…

5. Fit & Length

A winter jacket should fit a little loosely to accommodate multiple layers. You’ll need to be able to zip up even while wearing a dress shirt, a wool turtleneck, and a puffy. A loose fit also generates thermal pockets more effectively.

If you’re trying it on in person, be sure to arrive fully geared up for the most accurate fitting. If you’re still unsure, try this little test: Raise your arms over your head. Do you feel constricted? Is your mobility decreased? Does the jacket hike way, way up? If you answer yes to any of these, size up.

In terms of length, a parka is by definition longer than your typical winter jacket. This is a huge benefit when tramping through hellish winterscapes; the added length keeps more of you warm while also trapping more air. Consider this: the parka was inspired by Inuit-style jackets in Alaska and Northern Russia. These people have proved that, with the right gear, you can survive impossibly cold conditions.