Best Winter Jackets in Canada

How to Choose a Winter Jacket for Canadians

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find a winter coat that works well for you. The following guide explores the different features you want in a winter jacket, as well as what you should look for in each part of your jacket. Keep these options in mind as you shop for the best winter jackets in Canada. 

Insulation

If you are looking for a jacket that will keep you warm in the middle of the coldest Canadian winters, you should pay close attention to the insulation. There are two main types of insulation used in the warmest winter jackets in Canada.

Down Insulation

Down insulation usually refers to duck or goose down and feathers. This type of insulation is nearly unbeatable in colder weather. If you’re often outdoors during the winter, or if you like to take part in activities like skiing and snowboarding, a down jacket is perfect for you. They can be compressed for travel and provide the most warmth for their weight. When properly cared for, they can keep protecting you for years to come.

Down insulation should be gathered following the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This ensures that animals were not harmed in the making of the jacket.

Overall, down insulation is the most durable and most expensive, but these jackets can usually last for years when you take the time to care for them. Down insulation is measured in fill power. The higher the fill power, the loftier the jacket. A rating of between 500 and 700-fill power is standard and will keep you warm throughout the coldest parts of winter.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation can be better when it comes to wet weather. It’s less expensive overall and works better for Vegan Canadians or those who worry about animal welfare or animal products. Synthetic down includes polyfill, polyester, and other alternatives to down. The jackets are still fluffy and comfortable, though.

Synthetic insulation is measured by gram weights, which tells you how much the insulation weighs in a 1 x 1-meter piece of insulation. A coat with a heavier gram weight will be heavier and warmer. These jackets are great for keeping you warm as well, though they are best for weather that doesn’t get too cold (in the low negatives is the maximum for most types of synthetic insulation). However, you can’t beat synthetic insulation for wet or humid climates, as the insulation won’t be affected by the weather.

Lining

The lining on your winter coat helps reflect your heat, ensuring that you stay warm inside the jacket. However, some jackets do this much better than others. Warm winter jackets in Canada provide special Omni-Heat reflective linings. These linings are so good at reflecting heat that you may get a little too warm inside your jacket!

Every coat doesn’t have the same type of lining, but you should look for one that does. Polyester provides a great lining, but if you are going out in extremely cold weather, choose a reflective liner to keep you warm and protected.

Sizes and Fit

The size and fit of your winter coat are essential considerations as you purchase a winter coat. You don’t want to choose a coat that is too small. Likewise, choosing a coat that is too large can reduce the benefits of warm insulation. To avoid choosing a coat that is too big or too small, consult the sizing chart available with most coats. These charts can give you accurate measurements that allow you to choose the best size when you’re unsure about your options.

If you can try the coat on first, this is a great way to determine if it’s right for you. There should be plenty of room to move across the shoulders. Likewise, the sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists at the very least. Move your arms around, bending at the elbow to see if the sleeves ride up at all. If they move up past your wrist while you’re moving around, the coat may be too small.

Raise your arms above your head. Does your jacket still cover you? If your jacket rides up to expose any skin when you raise your arms, you’ll need a longer jacket. No matter how you move, your jacket shouldn’t uncover any of your skin or other clothing.

Don’t choose a coat that’s too large, either. With enough room between you and the lining, it might work poorly. If cold can seep up into the jacket, it isn’t going to be able to keep you warm for long. To avoid these issues, consider choosing a longer jacket that fits well, with a little bit of room for layering other clothing underneath. You may want to put a sweatshirt below your winter coat, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

Water Resistance

When you’re cold, the last thing you want to do is add water to the mix. Being wet can make you colder and increase the risk of dangerous conditions from the cold. If you’re up in the mountains and it rains, you need a coat that won’t absorb water or become difficult to dry. It’s important to choose a coat with a water-resistant or water-repellant coating. You should choose an option that allows water to bead on top of the surface instead of soaking in.

If you plan to be outdoors a lot, a water-resistant winter coat is undeniably important. It can mean the difference between dangerous conditions and a safe environment, so consider choosing a jacket that doesn’t allow water through to your skin.

Wind Resistance

Wind can cut right through some winter coats. While the coat itself might keep the cold out, the wind might get through and reduce the effectiveness of your winter coat. You should always choose a coat with windproofing. This helps you stay warm even on days with cold winter breezes. There are special wind-breaking materials that will keep you cool and prevent the wind from cutting through to your skin.

Most winter coats with low-temperature ratings include some measure of wind resistance. Look for these features if you are skiing or snowboarding, especially if you plan to use ski lifts or take longer hills. Even if the air is still, you’ll generate wind during these activities. You don’t want the breeze to make it uncomfortable to partake in your favourite winter sports.

Temperature Rating

The best winter coats in Canada have a temperature rating. The temperature rating can inform you of the coldest temperatures your jacket will protect you from. For instance, some of the coats on our list have a temperature rating of about -40° C. Down to this temperature, your coat will prevent frostbite and cold exposure.

The jacket might not keep you comfortable down to this temperature, however. You might feel cold while wearing it in these lower temperatures, even if you aren’t in any danger. Once the temperature drops below this, you might be in danger of adverse effects from the cold.

Pay close attention to temperature ratings. When you can, avoid choosing a coat that doesn’t quite meet your needs. If you plan on camping, hiking, skiing, or snowboarding in the mountains, choose a coat with the lowest temperature rating you can find.

Hood

Even if you wear a winter hat, your ears can get cold in chilly weather (particularly when it’s windy). It’s a well-known fact that most of your body heat escapes through the top of your head, so it’s very important to keep your head warm in colder climates. Warm winter jackets in Canada should have a hood, particularly if you plan to use them outdoors for skiing or winter hiking.

There are a few different types of hoods to choose from. A faux fur-lined hood (such as the one you might find in a parka) can keep your face warm and seal out colder air. Some of these are also detachable, so you can change the way the jacket is designed based on the weather.

Otherwise, you might choose a hood that fits close to your head. This type will help you benefit most from the insulation. You might also want to choose a hood with additional straps and closures to ensure that your face is as covered as possible.

Consider your hood options carefully, particularly if you are choosing a jacket for winter recreation or outdoor activities. Pair any type of hood with your winter hat to ensure that your head stays as warm as possible.

Colour Options

Colour options for your winter coat might not be important for your comfort, but it’s something you should consider when you purchase one. If you prefer to go with a simple black coat, there are a ton of options available. Most coats come in at least a standard black option. However, if you want different colours to express yourself, you should look for coats that come in a variety of different colours.

Along with the colours available for each jacket, you should consider the style. Of course, you want a winter jacket that is warm and functional. However, you’re more likely to wear a jacket that fits your style. 

Length

The length of a winter coat can determine how much of your body it can shield from the elements. It’s ideal to choose a winter coat that covers as much of your body as possible. A short winter coat will keep your upper body warm, but it won’t do much for the rest of you. If you lift your arms and your skin is exposed, the jacket is too small. To avoid this, you could choose a long winter coat.

These coats are more protective, and they can also be stylish. If you are looking for a coat you can wear out on a cold day and one that will keep you warm on a hike, a long winter coat can be a great option.

If you are walking around the city or making a run out to the driveway, you might not need a longer coat. Longer options can also be more restrictive than shorter ones, which may be a problem if you want to move around while you’re outside. All of these factors can determine which coat you choose, so be sure to consider them.

Outer Fabric

The exterior fabric is an important part of your winter jacket. Aside from the extremely important water and wind resistance, the outer fabric of your winter coat should be durable. The best winter coats in Canada have tough, resistant outer fabric. It should be resistant to abrasions and rips. A strong outer layer helps keep the interior insulation protected.

You should look for a jacket that is made with polyester on the outside or stronger material. Some high-end jackets may include a ripstop material similar to tents and other outdoor gear as well, so choose the exterior fabric as carefully as you choose the insulating layers. If you want to use your winter jacket for rugged outdoor work, make sure to choose an outer fabric that is stronger and more durable.