The Best Winter Jackets For Extreme Cold: A Complete Guide

Our overall best winter jackets for extreme cold in the women’s category is the Colombia Heavenly Hooded – a lightweight coat with great looks as well as impressive features.

Why buy the Columbia Heavenly Hooded Jacket for women?

The Columbia Heavenly Hooded Jacket might indeed be seen as a gift from the Gods. You can choose between 16 colors when buying this stylish jacket, and it also packs a serious punch as one of the best jackets for winter.

Women wearing this winter coat benefit from Columbia’s ‘Omni-Heat’ thermal reflective technology, and it also contains synthetic insulation. This highly regarded product has a water-resistant shell and is also ultra lightweight.

>> See the women’s Colombia Heavenly Hooded Jacket

Our top pick among the best men’s winter jackets is the North Face Altier Triclimate jacket. This heavy duty garment is windproof, waterproof and built to last.

Why buy the North Face Altier Triclimate Jacket for men?

The men’s Altier Triclimate jacket is a high quality winter coat that will last, season after season.

There are various features to ensure continued warmth, no matter what the weather is like. The outer fabric is water-repellent yet breathable, windproof and seam-sealed. The North Face men’s Altier is made with top quality 600 fill goose down. There are zippered pockets and an attached hood that is fully adjustable, too.

>> See the men’s North Face Altier Triclimate Jacket

This women’s North Face coat is again among the best women’s jackets for extreme cold.

There are 17 color options – testament to the popularity of this winter jacket for women. The Junction jacket is as suited to the city as it is the ski slope, and like the men’s non-down options it features revolutionary ‘Thermoball’ technology.

This uses a synthetic filling to hold warm air in small pockets, keeping you warm all day long. A water repellent cover, contoured cuffs and high zipped neckline work together to retain heat, too.

This product might just live up to its name. If you want the best women’s coat for extreme cold that looks good, feels great and even comes in 16 colors, this one might be for you.

As well as a hood, this warm winter jacket for women features thermal reflective technology that makes the most of your body heat – as well as synthetic insulation to ward off chills. This highly rated product is lightweight and has a water-resistant shell.

A top pick from the best women’s long winter coats for extreme cold is also from Columbia.

This best winter jackets for women choice is ideal for those who would like a longer coat for cold weather. Like the hooded jacket, the heavenly long jacket has Columbia’s ‘Omni-Heat’ technology to reflect the body’s warmth right back at the wearer.

Comfort cuffs, zipped hand pockets and a fleece-lined hood also help keep you toasty. This jacket comes in a range of 6 colors.

This is the best men’s North Face jacket for extreme cold if you’re looking for something other than a down jacket.

Instead, this insulated, water-resistant jacket contains an innovative filling known as ‘Thermoball’. The synthetic filling can capture heat within tiny air pockets, ensuring warmth is retained, and independent research has proven this to be as effective as pure 600 fill goose down.

The hand pockets are covered and there is a cinch-cord at the hem to help keep you warm. This jacket can also be packed down into one of its own hand pockets.

This military style coat is one of the best jackets for men: even the most extreme winter weather is no problem with this army-issue parka.

The no-frills design is all about offering a superb level of protection from chilly, windy or wet weather conditions. It is also lightweight, and features multiple, useful pockets for storing your outdoor essentials.

Nautica is a leading brand name when it comes to outdoor clothing, and this is one premium quality product.

This men’s winter jacket comes in 10 color options and attracts great reviews for its practicality and good looks. There is a wind-blocking hood, zip pockets, water-resistant fabric and heat-retentive quilting to insulate your body during any kind of cold weather. Happy owners report that this jacket is very warm, lightweight and comfortable to wear.

When looking to buy one of the best winter coats for extreme cold, women might well want to consider the Marmot Ithaca.

This puffer jacket contains 700 fill down for superior warmth, and is also treated to offer moisture resistance. The stylish jacket comes in a selection of 6 colors, and the hood has a detachable fake fur trim. Warm, comfortable and lightweight, the Marmot Ithaca can withstand wind, rain and snow.

It may not be produced by the biggest outdoor brand, but this Orolay winter coat makes the grade as one of the best winter jackets women’s options.

The reviews are great and the price tag attractive, yet this long line parka has an all natural filling, comprising 90% white duck down and 10% feather. It can be machine washed on a cold cycle and resists snow, wind, rain and dust.

Another Columbia winter coat makes the grade as one of the best women’s winter jackets.

This one contains 650 fill down, yet can also be machine washed. The range of 8 colors includes something for everyone, whether you prefer dark, light, bright or neutral tones. Omni-Heat technology once more makes this jacket super warm and cozy.

The best North Face jackets for winter are among some of the best down jackets for extreme cold in the world, and the men’s Altier Triclimate jacket is no exception.

While the price tag isn’t low, the investment is well worth it as this superior men’s winter coat should really last. There are all sorts of clever features to ensure you stay warm and dry no matter how windy or wet it gets. These include a storm flap covering the zip and a breathable, seam-sealed shell made from 100% windproof, water-repellent fabric.

The Altier also contains high quality 600 fill goose down and has an attached, adjustable hood as well as secure, zipped pockets.

The men’s Delta Ridge is a lightweight jacket from Colombia containing 650 fill down.

Again this one also has ‘Omni-Heat’ technology to reflect and retain your own body heat. At the same time, the breathable fabric can wick away unwanted moisture. If you want to go outdoors, then this Columbia product is one of the best down jackets for extreme cold men’s options on the market. It is available in 6 colors, including blues, black, grey and green.

Among the best parkas for extreme cold is the North Face McMurdo for men.

This longer line, hooded jacket is great in cold weather as it contains 550 fill goose down. We love the warmth this men’s North Face winter coat offers, and it might surprise you to discover that despite this it is feather-light. It can stand up to wet weather as well as freezing cold, making this a top pick for men who would like a down-filled winter parka.

According to our research, the best thin gloves for extreme cold are Cevapro’s touchscreen gloves.

These gloves are thin enough to allow you control, while being warm enough to protect your hands against strong, cold winds.

The silicone printing enhances grip and dexterity, while the fleece lining ensures warmth.

We’ve chosen the Tough ski and snow gloves as the best women’s gloves for extreme cold.

These waterproof, windproof gloves include wrist leashes so you don’t lose them, and have a faux leather palm for grip. The breathable membrane even allows excess moisture to escape.

The top men’s gloves for cold weather are the five-star-rated Carhartt insulated synthetic leather gloves.

Featuring a ‘Gore-tex lining on the back of the hand to stop any wind penetration, these gloves can even be worn while using touchscreen devices. These lightweight, insulated gloves are ideal for cycling, running, walking, hiking and other outdoor pursuits.

Under Armour’s liner gloves can be worn either alone or as an additional layer during extremely cold weather.

They come in 4 sizes from small to extra large, and are capable of repelling moisture while retaining breathability. Tech Touch print on the fingers makes using a touchscreen while wearing them realistic.

Our winner as the best women’s boots for extreme cold are Dryshod’s Arctic Storm.

This pair of ladies’ all-weather boots is dry all the way up, and they have a water-repellent coating. Foam insulation keeps feet warm, while 4-way stretch allows freedom of movement. The design of the lugs guarantees great traction, and you can even choose between 3 color options.

Some of the finest men’s winter footwear is made by Muck Boots – including this pair of neoprene outdoor boots.

The Arctic Extreme product feature a synthetic ‘Vibram’ outsole to ensure comfortable walking and reduce shock. Multi-directional lugs and grip pods on the outsole offer advanced traction, while a soft fleece lining makes for all-day warmth.

For women, the best wool socks for extreme cold are these Ebmore wool socks.

Each 5-pack contains plain or mixed colors, and they are 70% Merino wool. The super soft fabric is breathable yet ultra warm and cozy, and the classic styling means they look every bit as good as they feel.

The best thermal socks for extreme cold are made by workwear brand Dickies.

This trusted workwear manufacturer offers a range of pack sizes and colors – from a 6-pack in heather grey or with hi-viz detailing to a pack of 18 pairs of plain black, grey or white socks. A bestseller, these cotton-rich socks are breathable as well as warm.

The best thermal clothing for extreme cold comes from Thermajane and Thermajohn.

Thermajane is the ladies’ version of the best long underwear for extreme cold, while Thermajohn is for men.

Each set comprises a fleece-lined set of long johns in a soft, breathable fabric with 4-way stretch. The female version comes in 12 different colors, while males can choose between 6 shades. Both types attract equally great reviews from satisfied wearers.

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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