The 12 best men's winter jackets & coats in 2024 and 2025 — tested for Canadian winter
I tried winter jackets from Lululemon, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Canada Goose and more — these are the ones that are worth your money.
When you live in a country with a seemingly endless winter like Canada, you might feel like you need a jacket for every situation. There are the cold hikes, the super cold hikes, the chilly nights on the town, the landscaping afternoons, and the holiday outings with family and friends. I know some people who have a closet full of coats — one to serve each purpose — whereas I like to think of myself as a savvy shopper who, especially in my days as a student, would opt for coats that held up in all circumstances. It was a great way to save money.
Whether you are a prolific shopper or a super saver who makes it through the winter just fine with one good parka, equipping yourself with quality gear before tackling the year's harshest months is important. I've tested a bunch of jackets — far more than the university student version of me could ever imagine — and reviewed my eight favourites here to help you decide which coat is right for you.
Quick shop: Best men's winter jackets in 2024/2025
Canada Goose MacMillan Parka
The Capital Parka by Frank and Oak
Alpha SV Jacket
Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
Wunder Puff Jacket
1. Canada Goose MacMillan Parka
The gold standard of winter jackets
Simply put, the MacMillan Parka costs a fortune but is the best in the biz. No coat I’ve tried better combined warmth, functionality and style. The hip-length parka — updated from previous models with backpack straps, additional interior pockets, and a down-filled snorkel hood with a removable zipper guard — is the gold standard in winter wear. It also features a quilt-through design with a curved hemline and a snap-close placket with a storm flap and two-way zipper block, all concealing dependable insulation that can withstand temperatures as cold as 20 below zero. It also does not skimp out on storage, with two pockets on the outside and three on the inside. Think of the high price point as a long-term investment: the MacMillan is hard to wear down.
The Canada Goose MacMillan Parka comes in six colours.
- Effective down to -20°C
- Comfortable
- Adjustable down-filled hood
- Expensive
- Ends at waist
2. Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket
The best bang for your buck
The Wunder Puff is more air than matter: a bulging, chic cloak that fits over any outfit. Despite its size, it doesn’t have the insulation to shield against intense cold like others on this list, and the SoftMatte fabric is water-repellant but not fully waterproof, so I would only designate it as a proper winter jacket in temperate parts of the country (like, say, B.C.). In most parts of Canada, however, it thrives in the not-quite-freezing twilight of the year; the Wunder Puff is hard to beat on those chilly, early winter days when a classic bomber jacket doesn’t cut it, but a heavy-duty parka feels like overkill.
I love it for strolls across town: it comes with large pockets and a sleek phone sleeve, roomy construction that allows for a free-flowing range of motion, and a close-fitting hood and arm cuffs that help to keep the cold out. But buyers, take note: the coat runs a bit big: consider going down one size.
Shop the Wunder Puff Jacket in three colours.
- Deep pockets with zipper
- Wind-proof
- Fits large
- Not fully waterproof
3. Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
The best ski-to-city jacket
The Alpha SV Jacket is not easy on the wallet, but for adventure seekers and expeditionists, it’s well worth the money. This coat is waterproof and windproof, with a micro-grid backer shell that is highly breathable as well as abrasion and contamination-resistant. It’s the coat you want for scaling a mountain: zero movement restriction, high ventilation to keep you cool during activity, a range of high-performance features like the RECCO reflector for improved visibility, and a hood that wraps around the neck and head without sacrificing visibility.
It’s very good at what it does; my only qualm with the Alpha is that it’s almost too slight to keep the chills out during the deep winter. So, while it’s an absolute silver bullet for those who dare to explore the most challenging outdoor environments, I would not choose it to shovel snow in Thunder Bay.
Shop the Alpha SV Jacket in six colours.
- Super lightweight
- Highly reflective
- Sport-fitness friendly
- Zero movement restriction
- Expensive
- Not incredibly warm
4. Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
The best lightweight jacket
The Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket, purpose-built for alpine hiking and mountaineering, is light, warm and packable. It's Helly Hansen's take on professional grade, featuring a solid, high-quality down sheet instead of loose feathers to eliminate cold spots, while an insulated, elastic hood provides warmth without adding bulk. Then, super-light and elasticated hem and cuffs keep you cozy while adding virtually no weight to the coat — allowing the total package to weigh in at a tiny 350 grams. The design is thoughtful and features a RECCO reflector integrated into the brim and a little stuff stack made of recycled materials where the entire jacket can fold. It's the go-to for those who want to feel lithe and fast, even in the wintertime.
Shop the Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket in three colours.
- Super lightweight
- Highly storeable
- Comfortable
- Could be warmer
- Pricey for a lighter coat
5. Frank & Oak The Capital Parka
Best jacket for city living
Don’t be thrown off by the brand: the Capital Parka by Frank and Oak is no flimsy peacoat, rather, it is designed to handle the toughest winter conditions. Its thigh-length cloak of recycled polyester is completely waterproof, and Primaloft and ThermoPlume insulation traps heat without being stuffy. Other handy details include integrated carrying straps to wear it backpack-style indoors, a cozy neoprene collar, and polar fleece lining in the collar and pockets. A waterproof zip pocket on the left arm and an inside media pocket with a headphone port add convenience, while an adjustable waist offers a customizable fit. And despite all the bells and whistles, the price tag is palatable.
Shop The Capital Parka in three colours.
- Fashionable
- Warm with primaloft insulation
- Polar-fleeced collar
- Awkward pockets
- Not made for deep winter
6. Canadiana x RCGS Men's Puffer Jacket
Best affordable winter jacket.
Here is one for those who are more concerned with performance than brand names. This puffer, which fits and insulates more like a parka, comes from a collaboration between the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and Canadiana, a heritage non-profit. Made of pongee fabric, the coat makes up for the street cred it lacks by being waterproof, cozy, and durable. It features a hood with adjustable toggles for customized warmth, an extended wind guard to block chilly gusts, and long sleeves with elasticized cuffs for added comfort. Plus, two flap pockets provide handy storage, while a full-zip closure and snap-button storm placket shut the cold out even on Canada's worst winter days.
Shop the Canadiana x RCGS Men's Puffer Jacket in sizes S to XXL.
- Guards against wind
- Affordable
- Adjustable hood
- Pockets are awkward and not deep
- Heavy
7. Kathmandu Men's Seeker PrimaLoft Active Hooded Jacket
Best for warm and active winter days.
The PrimaLoft Active insulation jacket is a boon for outdoorsy types. It’s breathable enough to carry you through your exercise yet warm enough to avoid a complete chill on your warm-ups and cool-downs. The coat's four-way stretch ripstop nylon is lightweight yet sufficiently tough to take on cold-weather activities like hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing with ease. It’s designed as either a mid-layer or a standalone layer (though I would not recommend wearing it as a standalone in -10°C or colder) and suits a wide range of activities and intensity levels. The snug-fitting hood, stretch cuffs, articulated sleeves, and drawcord hem ensure mobility and comfort, while the durable water-repellent finish lets moisture bead up and roll off. Plus, three zip pockets keep your essentials handy.
Shop Kathmandu Men's Seeker PrimaLoft Active Hooded Jacket in two colours.
- Breathable
- Handy chest pocket
- Flexible with drawcord and four-way stretch
- Does not hold up in -10 or colder
- Not fully abrasion-resistant
8. Patagonia Men’s Stormshadow Parka
The most versatile winter parka.
The Stormshadow is the Swiss army knife of jackets, and combines function, form and warmth without being loud about any of it. The parka’s classic button-down look, along with its neutral colours, makes it wearable nearly everywhere, and its polyester shell conceals super-dense insulation sourced from reclaimed duck and goose down that keeps its inner contents toasty even in sub-zero temperatures. Wearers can also control ventilation by manipulating the storm cuffs, the main flap over the chest, and hidden drawcords in the deep front pockets.
Though the jacket’s greatest surprise is how it allows free movement despite being on the bulky end of this winter coat list (1.2 kilograms, or two Arc’teryx alphas). One could don the Stormshadow on the ski hill without feeling trapped — and certainly without feeling cold — and use it for just about every other winter function and activity.
Shop Patagonia's Men's Stormshadow Parka in three colours.
- Adjustable storm cuffs
- Insulated hood
- Water-repellant, DWC coating
- Super Toasty
- Expensive
- Bulky
9. Arc’teryx Thorium SV Parka Men’s
Best jacket for overall range of motion.
Comparing the Arc’teryx Thorium with the Patagonia Stormshadow is a lot like picking a favourite smartphone between the iPhone and Galaxy: both are incredibly high-performing, and it really comes down to brand preference. Like its counterpart, the Thorium is a jack-of-all-trades, everything coat: a water-wicking shell with a body and hood thickly insulated with grey goose down that protects against intense cold but still manages to be breathable and comfortable on warm weather days. It also boasts a two-way zipper, elasticized cuffs and six pockets that make it practical for any outing. The key difference between the Thorium and the Stormshadow, however, is in the fabric: the Thorium is slightly looser-fitting, which allows for an even better range of motion but also more air penetration.
Shop the Thorium SV Parka in three colours.
- Waterproof and moisture-resistant
- Full of pockets
- Free range of motion construction
- Not for extreme cold
10. Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
Best for active treks in the cold.
If you're a one-and-done sort, the Tres 3-in-1 might be your jam for this winter and for those that follow. Patagonia has mastered the art of making tundra-proof parkas that come in handy for nearly every circumstance that involves sub-zero temperatures. The 3-in-1 can be worn as a waterproof shell, an insulated jacket, or a combined insulated parka. The water and wind-proof outer shell blocks out moisture while staying breathable, and the full-zip front features a storm flap with hidden snaps and an adjustable, detachable hood. Inside, the zip-out jacket provides warmth with 700-fill-power down and zippered hand-warmer pockets lined with cozy tricot. Yes, the price is steep, but less so if you consider this coat’s endless use cases.
Shop the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka in four colours.
- Very warm
- Highly water and wind repelling
- Lots of pocket space
- Pricey
- Heavy
11. Canada Goose Men’s Lawrence Puffer Jacket
Stylish and functional.
Every early December, two things happen: Mariah Carey fills the airways, and, just as reliably, a discussion about whether or not we should all drop a wad of cash on a Canada Goose jacket erupts inside my friend's circle. Here is the constant debating point: are the luxury jacket's frills — the two-way centre front zipper, the suede tricot chin guard, and recessed rib-knit cuffs, to name a few — worth the premium? My answer: these coats are worth it, but less for the frills than for their insulation and durability.
Canada Goose designed this jacket to be suitable for temperatures as low as -20°C and bolstered it with a quilted body, insulated collar, and soft, water-repellant fabric. It’s also highly functional. The jacket has a longer back hem for extra protection, a reflective double-stripe grab strap on the back, and even interior backpack straps for easy carrying when not in use. It’s also a walking storage unit, with two zippered exterior pockets and three interior ones. The best part: they will last you years.
Shop the Lawrence Puffer Jacket in two colours.
- Designed for up to -20°C
- Interior backpack straps
- Soft, water-repellant fabric
- Expensive
- There's no hood
12. Peak Performance Minus Degree Down Puffer Men
Best for outdoor adventures.
Pricing a winter jacket at $800 without a label that reads Canada Goose or Patagonia can be a tough sell, but one should not sleep on Peak Performance: a Swedish brand recently making more inroads in Canada. The Minus Degree is their ultimate winter activewear garment and comes packed with useful features for hardcore adventurers, like an adjustable hood, backpack compatibility, and spacious mesh front pockets for quick access to essentials. The minus justifies its price point by being ultimately breathable and unobstructed, all while packing sturdy anti-frost techs, like 90/10 goose down, body-mapped insulation, and effective water-repellant. And bonus, it looks very sleek.
Shop the Peak Performance Minus Degree Down Puffer in three colours.
- Lightweight
- Highly insulated
- Breathable
- Expensive
- Vulnerable to abrasions
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