Table of contents

Home > Apparel > 10 Best Winter Coats for Women of 2023

10 Best Winter Coats for Women of 2023

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.
Best Winter Coats for Women

When the temperature drops and rain, snow, and wind start to howl, you’ll want a winter coat you can trust to keep you warm and dry. Quality matters when it comes to the weather performance of outerwear, especially when conditions are severe. That’s why your decision on which winter coat to buy is such an important one.

We put a ton of hard work into finding and testing the best winter coats on the market to make it easy to find one that’s right for you.

Related: Best Winter Coats for Men

The REI Stormhenge 850 is a super warm, high-quality winter coat with pit zips for a value price.

The REI Stormhenge is a super warm, high-quality winter coat with pit zips for a value price

Quick Picks

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

The best winter coats on the market side-by-side.

The best winter coats on the market side-by-side

What’s Most Important to You in a Winter Coat?

PRICE – We can attest that expensive winter coats are often well worth the cost for their high-quality materials, weather performance, and flattering fit. But there are also some great value options out there that perform nearly as well for a more affordable price.

Rab Neutrino Pro

THE RAB NEUTRINO PRO IS OUR GO-TO DOWN JACKET FOR REALLY COLD WINTER CONDITIONS

WARMTH – In places with mild winters, a light or midweight coat might be all you need to stay comfortable outside. For those in climates with frequent sub-freezing temperatures, it’s worth considering warmer and heavier options. Warmth is also greatly affected by your activity level. Remember, you’ll heat up quickly once you get your heart rate up.

The Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket is a great affordable option for mild winter conditions.

THE COLUMBIA HEAVENLY JACKET IS A GREAT AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR MILD WINTER CONDITIONS

WATERPROOFING – Modern down jackets are often made with tightly-woven fabrics and DWR coatings that repel water if you get caught in light precipitation. Most down jackets are not waterproof enough to stand alone in heavy rain and will eventually start to absorb moisture. We usually recommend buying a down jacket that’s compatible with your favorite rain shell.

The Arc’teryx Patera (left) & Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (right) are two of the most luxurious & waterproof winter coats on the market.

THE ARC’TERYX PATERA (LEFT) & PATAGONIA TRES (RIGHT) ARE TWO OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS & WATERPROOF WINTER COATS ON THE MARKET

LENGTH – While the choice between a long and a short coat generally comes down to style preferences, we can offer a few pieces of advice that might help you decide. Parka-length coats are usually warmer because they provide more coverage. More length can be a good thing if you’ll be sitting or inactive outdoors, but long coats can be a bit more awkward to move in. Shorter jackets that come just to the hip don’t offer quite as much warmth, but they’re generally easier to walk in and work better for high-output activities. If your coat isn’t waterproof, you’ll also need to consider whether you have a rain jacket in a length that will layer with it.

The North Face Arctic Down Parka & Marmot Montreal are two of the warmest winter coats on the market.

THE NORTH FACE ARCTIC DOWN PARKA & MARMOT MONTREAL ARE TWO OF THE WARMEST WINTER COATS ON THE MARKET


Best Women’s Winter Coats of 2023


REI Stormhenge Jacket

BEST WINTER COAT OVERALL FOR VALUE & VERSATILITY

MSRP: $279

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 1 lb. 10 oz.

INSULATION: 850-fill-power down / synthetic blend

PROS: Affordable, very warm, waterproof, lightweight & compressible, breathable (pit zips), shorter length is easy to move in

CONS: Less coverage than a parka

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket is an all-around excellent choice for active people who want a warm and waterproof coat for an affordable price. It’s packed with top-quality 850-fill-power down, which makes it exceptionally efficient at trapping body heat without feeling bulky or weighing you down. The shorter length of the Stormhenge doesn’t provide quite as much coverage as a parka-length coat, but it stays out of the way and it’s easier to move in for sporty activities. And, if you start to overheat, this is one of the few winter coats that has pit zips for ventilation. The Stormhenge is hands-down one of the best values around, and it’s one of our favorite winter coats for walks, chilly camping trips, and snow days in the mountains.


The North Face Arctic Down Parka

WARM & STYLISH WINTER COAT AT A VALUE PRICE

MSRP: $350

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 2 lbs. 13.5 oz.

INSULATION: 550-fill-power down & synthetic fibers

PROS: Very warm, waterproof, knee-length provides extra warmth, zip-off hood with removable faux-fur ruff

CONS: A bit heavier & bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The North Face Arctic Down Parka is a truly excellent value, considering that similar coats often cost twice as much. The Arctic Parka is fully waterproof and its oversized baffles are packed with a ton of 550-fill-power down to keep you warm and comfortable in harsh conditions. We love how protective this coat feels when the wind is howling, and the deep hood and long length add even more of a sense of shelter. We recommend the Arctic Parka to budget-conscious people who want a stylish and substantial-feeling winter coat that works just as well in the mountains as it does in town.


Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket

BEST WINTER COAT FOR TECHNICAL USE

MSRP: $400

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 1 lbs. 3.9 oz.

INSULATION: 800-fill-power down

PROS: Very warm, lightweight & compressible, breathable

CONS: Not waterproof, less coverage than a parka

BOTTOM LINE: The Rab Neutrino Pro is a technical coat loaded with top-quality 800-fill-power down for maximum heat retention with minimal weight and bulk. The Neutrino Pro features solid hardware, durable high-tech fabric, and excellent craftsmanship that make it worth every penny. It’s one of our favorite winter coats for backcountry trips because it’s incredibly warm, yet it compresses down to the size of a one-liter water bottle when not in use. The Neutrino Pro is also a great choice for travel or whenever you need lightweight insulation for bitter cold conditions.


Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka

VERSATILE TWO-PIECE WINTER COAT

MSRP: $699

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 3 lbs. 3 oz.

INSULATION: 700-fill-power down

PROS: Versatile (layers can be worn together or separately), waterproof, mid-thigh length provides extra warmth, removable hood

CONS: Expensive, a bit heavier & bulkier than some, not as warm as some

BOTTOM LINE: A top-quality coat like the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is well worth the price if you’ll be wearing it every day for months at a time. The bombproof shell and midweight down inner are perfectly suited to climates that have wet, chilly winters. The Tres is beautifully designed with a tailored fit and high-end materials that make it feel both durable and luxurious. What we love most about this coat is that it’s essentially two high-end jackets in one. Wear the waterproof shell as a raincoat in mild temperatures, use the down inner jacket alone on dry days, or wear them together when you need ultimate warmth and weather protection. Because the Tres is so versatile, it works great for many seasons from fall to spring, which makes it well worth the price in our eyes.


Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka

COMFORTABLE & DURABLE WINTER COAT

MSRP: $340

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 1 lb. 5.7 oz.

INSULATION: 700-fill-power down

PROS: Exceptionally comfortable, great mobility, durable outer fabric, lightweight & compressible

CONS: A bit expensive, not waterproof, not as warm as some

BOTTOM LINE: We’re loving the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka – a warmer version of the Stretchdown Hoodie, which holds down a place on our Best Down Jackets list for its exceptional comfort. The Parka is longer for more backside coverage, and it has a high collar and insulated fleece-lined hand pockets for cozy protection in winter conditions. Our favorite thing about the Stretchdown is the ultra-stretchy fabric that makes it easy to move in and highly durable. Because of these features (and being reasonably packable), the Stretchdown Parka is perfect for everyday wear, travel, and for anyone who tends to be tough on gear.


Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket

BEST BUDGET WINTER COAT

MSRP: $160

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 1 lbs. 7.8 oz.

INSULATION: Synthetic down (polyester) & reflective lining

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, not bulky, mid-thigh length provides extra warmth, thumb-hole cuffs, fleece-lined hood, lots of size options

CONS: Not waterproof, less breathable than some, not as warm as some, no hood adjustments

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re after an affordable coat for mild winter weather, consider the flattering and comfortable Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket. Its synthetic insulation and space-blanket-like lining trap body heat to keep you warm without being cumbersome or bulky. It’s unclear how much thermal reflection the silver-dot lining actually does, but it works well as a vapor barrier. This means it’s very effective at retaining significant warmth, especially while you’re active. Because the Heavenly is lightweight and a bit less breathable than some coats, we recommend wearing a base layer top and a fleece under it to help manage moisture and dial up the heat. The Heavenly is an attractive and practical budget coat that you can wear from town to trail. If parka length isn’t your style, the Heavenly also comes in a standard-length version.


Arc’teryx Patera Parka

HIGH-QUALITY WINTER COAT WITH SOPHISTICATED STYLE

MSRP: $800

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 1 lbs. 14 oz.

INSULATION: 750-fill-power down & synthetic fibers in moisture-prone areas

PROS: Waterproof, stretchy wrist cuffs, protective hood with excellent coverage, mid-thigh length provides extra warmth

CONS: Expensive, not as warm as some

BOTTOM LINE: If quality is important to you and drizzly winters tend to drag on where you live, a primo parka you can wear every day is well worth the investment. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the Arc’teryx Patera for its incredible comfort, confidence-inspiring weatherproofing, and sophisticated style. We also find its mid-level warmth to be just right for layering in the rainy, somewhat mild winter conditions of the Pacific Northwest. It comes with a high price tag, but the Patera is a versatile, top-quality coat that you’ll look and feel good in for many winters to come. If you want even more coverage, the Patera Long Down Parka extends past the knee.


Marmot Montreal Coat

COMFORTABLE & STYLISH WINTER COAT WITH A WARM FLEECE LINING

MSRP: $300

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 2 lbs.

INSULATION: 700-fill-power down

PROS: Fleece lining and cuffs, mid-thigh length provides extra warmth, zip-off hood with removable faux-fur ruff trim

CONS: Not waterproof

BOTTOM LINE: You can’t go wrong with the classic Marmot Montreal Coat if you want warmth, comfort, and a touch of feminine style when you walk out the door. Its flattering chevron-shaped baffles are brimming with fluffy 700-fill-power down to protect you on even the most frigid winter days. To top it off, a plush fleece lining in the torso and collar adds an extra dose of insulating value and next-to-skin coziness. The Montreal Coat’s medium length is ideal for most activities from the city to the mountains. And, though it’s not fully waterproof, it holds up well in snow and light precipitation. We recommend the Montreal Coat to those who prioritize comfort and want the option to change their look easily with the removable hood and faux fur ruff.


LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 Down Coat

LIGHTWEIGHT WINTER COAT WITH MAXIMUM COVERAGE

MSRP: $299

WEIGHT (MEDIUM): 1 lbs. 3 oz.

INSULATION: 850-fill-power down

PROS: Very warm, lightweight & compressible, breathable, packs into its own pocket, past-knee length provides full-body warmth

CONS: Not waterproof

BOTTOM LINE: The LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 Down Coat is perfect for travelers and people on the go since it provides maximum warmth and coverage, is super lightweight, and is compressible enough to be packed into its own pocket. The Ultralight 850 Coat is also an awesome value because it’s made with the best quality down on the market, yet it’s priced competitively. If you’re the type that always seems to be cold, the Ultralight 850 is the perfect coat to add to your wardrobe, since it delivers efficient, full-body warmth while being sleek and low-profile enough to wear indoors or out. We also like the shorter version of this coat for technical use, but the Long’s extra coverage is a luxury we truly enjoy when we’re less active or in town.

THE MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR STRETCHDOWN PARKA IS COMFORTABLE, DURABLE, & PACKABLE SO YOU CAN EASILY STUFF IT INTO A BACKPACK

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

The Arc’teryx Patera & Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 are very versatile, stylish coats that will keep you warm and dry for multiple seasons.

The Arc’teryx Patera & Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 are very versatile, stylish coats that will keep you warm and dry for multiple seasons

Critical Winter Coat Considerations

WHAT IS FILL POWER? – Fill power is a measurement of the “fluffiness” of the down. The higher the number, the more efficient the down is at insulating. The warmth of the jacket also depends on how much down it’s stuffed with (typically in oz.), so it’s important to look at both fill power and fill weight. Just remember, the greater the fill power, the loftier the fibers are. This means that you need a smaller amount of high-quality down to trap the same amount of body heat that a larger amount of low-quality down would. So high-fill-power jackets are usually slimmer, lighter, and more packable. The warmest down jackets will also have hoods, cinches at the cuffs/hem, and wind-proof fabric to help retain maximum body heat.

The LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 Down Coat provides lots of warmth & coverage while being super lightweight & compressible.

The LL Bean Long Ultralight 850 Down Coat provides lots of warmth & coverage while being super lightweight & compressible

WHEN HIGH FILL POWER MATTERS – 800+-fill-power down products like clothing, quilts, and sleeping bags are generally much more expensive than lower-fill-power products. But for activities like backpacking where weight and bulk matter a lot, it makes sense to spend more money for high-efficiency down that compresses easily to fit into a backpack and fluffs back up when you need it. For times when packability and weight aren’t as important however, a super puffy jacket stuffed full of lower-fill-power down will keep you just as warm.

To learn more about where down comes from, hydrophobic coatings, and more, check out our Best Down Jackets Guide.

The REI Stormhenge 850 & Patagonia Macro Puff Hooded are two great coats to wear on active winter days.

The REI Stormhenge is an excellent choice for hiking, snow days, or everyday wear in the winter

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.
The North Face Arctic Down Parka

The North Face Arctic Down Parka has a removeable hood with a faux fur ruff

More Information

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect winter coat for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

If you found this guide helpful, please share on social media and click the little heart button below to give us a digital high five! Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks.

Thanks for reading and happy trails!



Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.