It's Parka Season

The Best Winter Parkas to Wear on Seriously Cold Days

Waterproof, insulating as hell, and packed with thoughtful touches, these parkas are a worthy investment

by Beau Hayhoe
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Maybe you’re one of those guys who can wear mesh shorts and a fleece all winter long and not bat an eye. Good for you, you strange creature. For the rest of us, nothing beats back the cold like a big, cozy parka. No outerwear can shepherd you through the dregs of winter quite like one. Sure, there are other layers you could mix and match, but think of it this way: You’re not driving a speedster in a blizzard. The parka is the souped-up, tough-as-nails, historical and yet modern jacket that can stand up to rain, sleet, snow, slush, and the hated “wintry mix.” Waterproof, insulating as hell, and traditionally featuring a wide, lined hood, the best parkas are a worthy investment. From a teched-up number with a battery powered heat source, to more traditional versions that have tons of thoughtful touches, here are six men’s parkas to get you through the cold.

Proof Volt Parka

If you like your winter apparel with a side of futuristic tech, this is the parka for you. Like wearing a heated blanket, this parka features warm down insulation and a toned down style that works pretty much anywhere. But is also features three heating pads insulated by a metallic lining. Connect a sold-separately 10,000 mAh battery and the pads run up eight hours, providing serious warmth all day long.

$275
Taylor Stitch Whitney Parka

With its rugged design, two-piece hood, waxed cotton draw cord, and dusty orange coloring, this throwback parka checks a lot of boxes. The organic cotton-nylon blend shell is water repellent, and the front patch pockets are large enough for an XL iPhone or some balled-up gloves. It’s old-school-meets-new-school done especially well.

$298
Buck Mason
Cascade Down Expedition Jacket

When a brand like Buck Mason trains its eyes to the past, you can be sure the results will be perfectly suited for this day and age. Take this vintage-inspired down jacket, modeled off coats worn in extreme conditions. It gets a sustainable update for modern times via the recycled nylon shell, which is finished off with DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coating and filled with traceable duck down. This jacket could prove the most valuable piece of winter outerwear you own.

$495
Uniqlo Ultralight Down Parka

Traditional parkas can be a bit pricey. This Uniqlo option certainly has less frills than traditional options but hits the sweet spot in terms of affordability. Available in a variety of vivid colors, the lightweight-yet-warm parka costs less than $100. It’s finished off with weather-ready DWR coating and packs down small when you want to stuff it in a bag.

$80
The North Face McMurdo II Parka

Stuffed with 550 fill down and stocked with clever features, this waterproof parka is pretty much ready for anything. There’s a hidden neck gaiter tucked into the collar for those especially frigid days, a classic, faux fur-lined removable hood, and plenty of pockets for storing your daily carry. The closer-to-the-body fit means you’re less likely to feel the wind when it whips around.

$350
L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka

Billed as the warmest parka LL Bean offers, it’s rated suitable for wearing during moderate activity at temperatures as low as -45 degrees. Yes, that’s right: 45 degrees below. You might not run into that sort of weather everywhere this winter, but when you do, you’ll be more than prepared.

$299

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