Do you feel the wind is getting colder lately? Has it started snowing around where you live? Then it’s time for a serious jacket. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best jackets for the snow around. They’re the warmest, best jackets for 20 degree weather you can get on the market today. Packed with fill, these best jackets for snow will keep you from freezing, allowing you to go about your business as usual.
And in case you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can read our detailed explanation of how to choose the best jackets for 20 degree weather. But first, let’s check out our reviews below!
Table of contents
- The North Face McMurdo Parka
- Mountain Hardwear Phantom Parka
- Burton Evergreen Long Down Jacket
- Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
- Fjallraven Singi Wool Padded Parka
- Arc’teryx Therme Parka
- Columbia Boundary Bay Long Jacket
- Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka
- Arc’teryx Cerium LT
- Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket
- North Face Metropolis Parka
- Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket
- Orolay Thickened Down Jacket
- How to Choose Best Jackets for The Snow
- Are Puffer Jackets Good for Snow?
- What’s the Difference Between a Parka and a Puffer Jacket?
- Why are Puffer Jackets So Expensive?
The North Face McMurdo Parka
13
We’re not making this up, but there are thousands of hikers out there who are blown away by the North Face McMurdo Down Parka. One of the main reasons is the fact that this jacket is extremely warm! It protects you from all kinds of elements and gusts of wind during cold winter days. Even when you get minus temperatures out there, this fantastic jacket will hug you in comfort.
As expected of a North Face jacket, there are options for cinching the waist and tightening the wrists. And thanks to the excellent ventilation, you won’t feel stifled even if you have to wear the parka in the car. If you’re in the market looking for the best jackets for the snow, McMurdo is one of the best alternatives to consider.
- What We Love:
- A super warm winter jacket. It can even protect you from sub-zero temperatures.
- Pros:
- Excellent ventilation
- Extremely warm
- Nice design
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- You can’t zip the hood up
Mountain Hardwear Phantom Parka
12
Available at around 400 bucks, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down Parka is one of the most affordable winter jackets around. But don’t let that fool you, as this parka is capable of delivering more than decent performance. It’s lightweight, comfortable to wear, and most importantly, warm!
We could imagine how comfortable it would be to rest in the tent, wearing Phantom Down while waiting for the storm outside to subside. When not in use, you can pack this parka down to a small size. We also love the fact that it doesn’t come with a stiff nylon fabric, which often gets in the way of your mobility. In short, Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down Parka is a recommended winter attire. It’s one of the best jackets for snow that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Before we move on to the next entry, check out our 13 best life jackets for kids. They’re a must when you want to take your kids to have some fun around the water.
- What We Love:
- Able to provide more than decent performance at an affordable price
- Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Windproof
- Flexible
- Affordable
- Cons:
- The zippers could be better
Burton Evergreen Long Down Jacket
11
The Burton Evergreen Long Down Jacket is a complete two-in-one package. It’s an awesome fashion item, as well as a reliable shield against cold winter days. This gorgeous jacket comes in a stunning olive color and has red accents on the cuffs. It’s great when you’re not in the mood to put that extra effort into your winter look.
As for the technical details, the Burton Evergreen Long Down Jacket offers two-tier pockets. The lower pockets are where you want to put your wallet, keys, and other belongings. Meanwhile, the upper pockets are meant to keep your hands warm. Other than that, the chunky zippers work well and look fantastic. If you’re looking for the best jackets for 20 degree weather, this one should be on your wishlist.
- What We Love:
- An awesome fashion item, as well as a reliable shield for cold winter days
- Pros:
- Cool design
- Great for layering
- Two-tier pouches
- Seamless zipper
- Cons:
- The hood can’t be adjusted
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
10
Ultralight, warm, and capable of delivering high-performance, what more could you ask for from the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket? This is also part of the reason why this down jacket is so popular among mountaineers. It has an adjustable hood and its own visor, so you can get an excellent view of what lies ahead, without sacrificing both your warmth and comfort.
The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket won’t make you sweat when you’re in warmer places, thanks to its breathable material. It also comes with a relatively simple design. You can wear it to take a stroll around the neighborhood without fearing to look like one of the characters from The Thing!
- What We Love:
- One of the best jackets for the snow that comes with its own visor. Allows you to get a better view of what lies ahead.
- Pros:
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Allows for better mobility
- Easy to pack
- Cons:
- It makes noise when worn
Fjallraven Singi Wool Padded Parka
9
The Fjallraven Singi Wool Padded Parka is great when you want something more casual. Unlike the best jackets for snow we’ve reviewed so far, this one isn’t filled with downs. Instead, you get Swedish wool padding and bio-plastic cornstarch for insulation. This also makes this parka one of the most eco-friendly products on this list.
If you’ve been a long-time fan of Fjallraven products, you’ll quickly fall in love with the Singi Wool Padded Parka. It has all the design features that make the Swedish brand so beloved. Apart from that, this winter jacket is wind resistant, sturdy, and generally reliable. Of course, we don’t recommend you to wear it at sub-zero temperatures. But for an afternoon walk with your dog around the park, this parka will do an excellent job.
- What We Love:
- Offers Swedish wool padding and bio-plastic cornstarch as eco-friendly insulation
- Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Simple design
- Casual
- Swedish wool padding
- Cons:
- It’s not as warm as a down jacket
Arc’teryx Therme Parka
8
Not a fan of a flashy winter jacket? Then you’ll feel right at home with Arc’teryx Therme Parka. This jacket has a simple, streamlined design, which is ironic considering its tons of fantastic features to offer. First of all, you get internal cuff gaskets to block out cold air and moisture. For better mobility, there are two-way zippers included. On top of that, Arc’teryx takes advantage of the 750-fill down to keep you toasty.
If there’s one thing we have to critique, it’s its large open collar design. We felt that it was an odd design decision, as it made some precious warmth escape. However, there’s no need to worry, as you can fix this by putting a scarf or thick buff around your neck.
- What We Love:
- Come with a simple design. It offers plenty of fantastic features, including internal cuff gaskets and two-way zips.
- Pros:
- Durable
- 750-fill goose down
- Simple design
- Great features
- Cons:
- The pockets are a little small
Columbia Boundary Bay Long Jacket
7
Why spend over 500 bucks on a winter jacket when you can get an equally good alternative for less than 300 bucks! Introducing the Columbia Boundary Bay, a long jacket that can be yours for as low as 240 bucks. While it’s clear that these jackets won’t be as warm as those that come with the goose down, you can still expect some decent performance from them. The stretchy wrist cuffs will trap the warm temperature around your hands. Meanwhile, Columbia’s water-resistant OmniTech membrane will do a great job of keeping you toasty, even under some light showers.
We can understand why there are so many best jackets for 20 degree weather compilations, including Columbia Boundary Bay. That’s because this jacket is just that good! It’s affordable, works great, and looks fantastic. You need to check this one out while you can.
Speaking of jackets, you might want to check out our 13 best lightweight rain jackets for men. They’re great when you want to stay mobile under some light showers.
- What We Love:
- An inexpensive alternative to a quality winter jacket. Comes with a great waterproof OmniTech fabric.
- Pros:
- Available at a bargain price
- Nice insulation
- Lightweight
- Two zippered hand pockets
- Cons:
- Not completely waterproof
Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka
6
While you may need to spend some fortune to get your hands on the Canada Goose Expedition Parka, you’ll get exactly what you paid for. This winter parka is super warm compared to the other best jackets for the snow on this list. It’s even said that researchers in Antarctica are using these jackets to help them move about as normal in temperatures of minus 22 F!
The secret lies in the 625 goose-down fill, which provides excellent warmth. Meanwhile, the hood is equipped with a kind of coyote fur to trap the warm temperatures around your head. And for added comfort, there are hidden rib-knit sleeve cuffs. If you’re looking for an excellent winter jacket, this one will be perfect.
- What We Love:
- A super warm winter parka. It’ll be able to keep you toasty down to minus 22F.
- Pros:
- Nylon lining
- Zipper closure
- 625-fill duck down
- Natural coyote fur
- Cons:
- It’s a bit pricey
Arc’teryx Cerium LT
5
The Arc’teryx Cerium LT will be great when you want a lightweight winter jacket. This waist-length jacket comes with a versatile design, suitable for a variety of activities and conditions. As you may have guessed, Cerium LT uses goose down as insulation. It offers a great balance between weight and warmth.
For greater durability, Cerium LT is equipped with an Arato 10 shell. Arc’teryx has also added Down Composite Mapping in certain areas to ensure no moisture seeps in. And thanks to its articulated construction, you should be able to stay mobile while wearing this hoody. If you’re interested, these best jackets for snow are available in 11 different colors.
- What We Love:
- A waist-length jacket that comes with a versatile design, suitable for a variety of activities and conditions
- Pros:
- Zipper closure
- Efficient
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Need to be more careful with the sizing
Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket
4
The Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange is an impressive 3-in-1 jacket. It’s built to cope with some of the most extreme weather. This winter jacket boasts a breathable waterproof shell and warm insulated zip-in liner to keep you toasty, even on the coldest winter days.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange is a must-have winter attire. Seriously, this jacket will help you get through those annoying winter days. It has a removable hood, two zipped chest pockets for your belongings, and a dual entry hand pocket to prevent your fingers from freezing. No wonder Horizons Pine Interchange is often referred to as one of the best jackets for 20 degree weather on Amazon. Just make sure you pay close attention to the sizing before completing your order.
- What We Love:
- An impressive 3-in-1 jacket. Built to withstand some of the most extreme weather.
- Pros:
- 100% polyester
- Imported
- Snap closure
- Omni-heat
- Cons:
- It doesn’t have a waist drawstring
North Face Metropolis Parka
3
Let’s start with the good stuff first. First of all, the North Face Metropolis Parka is super convenient. It’s lightweight and comes in just the right length. Most of our staff are about 5 feet tall, and this jacket sits comfortably just above the knees. We also love the fact that these best jackets for the snow are stylish, lightweight, and easy to put on.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that North Face Metropolis Parka has no flaws at all. What we want to highlight here is the hood. It was poorly affixed to the jacket using poor-quality snaps. This is the main reason why the hood falls off our heads so often, especially during windy days. But if you think it’s not a big deal, then good for you. This will be one of the best jackets for the snow worth your time and money.
Before you go to the next entry, check out our 11 best men’s winter jackets. We’ve rounded up some of the best jackets to keep you comfortable and safe during the stormy season.
- What We Love:
- Super comfortable, lightweight, and comes in just the right length. It’s also stylish and easy to wear.
- Pros:
- Machine wash
- Water-resistant
- Down insulation
- Standard fit
- Cons:
- The hood could be better
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket
2
Whether it’s a casual stroll around the neighborhood or a long trip to the backcountry, the Eddie Bauer Cirrus Lite Down Jacket should be your go-to outfit. Lightweight and packable, this jacket is perfect for a variety of different situations. It has a sturdy shell and a water-repellent finish. In case there are drops of water on the surface of your jacket, they’ll roll down instead of seeping in.
Being one of the best jackets for snow, the Eddie Bauer Cirrus Lite Down Jacket is machine-friendly. You can toss this down jacket in your washer and have it clean again in no time. However, make sure you only use a mild detergent. Apart from that, no bleach or softener is involved.
- What We Love:
- One of the most recommended best jackets for snow. It’s lightweight, packable, and suitable for a variety of different situations.
- Pros:
- 100% nylon
- Machine wash friendly
- Ultralight
- Versatile
- Cons:
- It’s a little thin
Orolay Thickened Down Jacket
1
With tens of thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, it’s hard not to include the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket on our list of best jackets for 20 degree weather. It utilizes 90 percent duck-down fill as primary insulation, which should be more than enough to keep you warm during those cold winter days. And as you’d expect from a winter jacket, the Orolay comes with a large hood. It has a faux lamb lining to ensure the heat is trapped around your head.
We know how much you love the pockets on your jacket, so you should be excited to know that the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket comes with no less than six pockets! They should be more than enough to hold your belongings while keeping your fingers warm. Can’t wait to get yours? This down jacket is available in 13 different shades. In addition, you can choose from 10 types of sizing to suit your physicality.
- What We Love:
- Come with 90 percent duck down fill to help you through those cold winter days
- Pros:
- 100 percent polyester
- Zipper closure
- Warm fleece
- Cute
- Cons:
- It’s a little narrow around the waist
How to Choose Best Jackets for The Snow
Choosing the best jackets for the snow isn’t something you can take lightly. Since they’ll be your only defensive shield against the cold temperatures, you need to make sure you get the utmost best jackets for snow. Think about materials, insulation types, and fittings. Don’t forget to consider the budget, as the best jackets for 20 degree weather are available in a variety of different models.
Here are our three essential tips for choosing the best jackets for the snow with all of that in mind.
Wind Protection
What could be worse than cold temperatures? Strong winds! You’ll just have to take our word for it, but we’ve experienced it before, and there’s nothing worse than being out on a cold winter day with lots of wind exposure. Therefore, your best jackets for snow need to have some insulation technology. Think about Gore Windstopper, Pertex, or something like that. They’ll give you great wind resistance at lightweight.
Hood
The hood is the most crucial part of the best jackets for 20 degree weather. Apart from being a great fashion statement, a hood will give you extra warmth around the face area. Moreover, most winter jacket manufacturers often put some insulation in this section. However, it would help if you made sure that the hood fits snugly on your head and allows for some adjustments. That way, it won’t suddenly slip out of your head when there’s a strong gust of wind towards you.
While you’re here, why don’t you check out our 13 best packable down jackets plus size? Take a look at some of the best alternatives for you with generous proportions.
Weight
This will completely depend on how you plan to use the jacket. Some of the best jackets for the snow are made to deliver high-performance. They’re generally extremely lightweight and built to meet the demands of mountaineers, hikers, explorers, and the like. On the other hand, most casual winter jackets aren’t that light, but they weigh more than 8-10 lbs. So, make a choice based on your needs and decide wisely.
Are Puffer Jackets Good for Snow?
Well, you need to make sure that your jacket is well insulated and windproof. When these two conditions are met, your jacket should be good enough to wear during cold winter days. For extra comfort, make sure you get a jacket with a hood and hand pockets.
What’s the Difference Between a Parka and a Puffer Jacket?
Parkas keep you warm by utilizing a hood lined with fur or faux. On the other hand, puffer jackets are filled with down or insulation to ensure you stay toasty all day long. Both are perfect for snowy days, as long as they’re well made and properly insulated.
Before you move on to the next tip, check out our 13 best packable jackets for travel. They’re lightweight, easy to wear, and do a great job of keeping you warm!
Why are Puffer Jackets So Expensive?
This happened in large part because there was only limited stock of white goose feathers. And as you would expect, when high demand meets low supply, it results in high retail prices.
