9 Best Waterproof Winter Jackets In 2022

There are many puffer coats and adorable vests available, but when it comes to letting you enjoy chilly, wet weather, the best waterproof winter jackets are in a class by themselves. Parkas and heavyweight jackets keep you warm during the coldest winter months. We have options for you, whether you’re looking for the best model with the fanciest features or a fantastic value option.

Here’s a list of the 9 best winter jackets that are waterproof. Pick the one you like best as you continue reading.

Best Waterproof Winter Jackets

Best Overall: The North Face McMurdo Parka

This parka is warm, windproof, waterproof, and has adequate breathability for use in cooler temperatures. It also covers all the essential bases. Furthermore, we like the upper-thigh length cut because it provides adequate coverage while preserving a good amount of freedom of movement.

And with a recent update, TNF added a few significant sustainability features, like the use of recycled down and fabrics and a PFC-free DWR treatment.

It is not intended for use in the backcountry because of its distinctly casual appearance and feels. Additionally, you won’t get as much warmth for the weight or compressibility as some of the more expensive jackets on the list that use thinner shells and 800-fill-power down or higher.

For local use, however, these shouldn’t pose major problems, which is precisely why many people choose the McMurdo. The faux fur along the hood is removable, which is a blessing because it could have been a deal-breaker.

And the icing on the cake: we really like the way the jacket looks. The Arctic Parka for women doesn’t have the same name as the men’s version but is very similar, featuring full waterproofing, a cozy interior, and a detachable faux fur lining on the hood.

Best Value: REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid

Since then, the Stormhenge has undergone improvements, and the most recent iteration now includes synthetic insulation in areas most susceptible to moisture (like the cuffs and hood), a longer cut for greater coverage, and more storage—we particularly like the interior zippered pocket.

It’s significant that REI has preserved key elements of the original, such as the 2-layer waterproof design with full seam taping and pit zips for heat venting. The newest Stormhenge is an amazingly good value at just $259, though.

It’s a little more difficult to categorize the Stormhenge and who it works best for. It shares many characteristics with a belay jacket or ski shells, such as waterproofness and technical features, but its streamlined design and chic colorways make it suitable for urban settings as well.

A light base layer is all that’s required for it to keep you warm in temperatures down to the low 20s Fahrenheit, but it falls short of a more expensive option like the Rab Neutrino Pro below in terms of warmth.

Best Versatile: Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka

This jacket has sleek lines that look good in a variety of settings and is well-insulated, cozy, and completely waterproof. Additionally, the adaptable 3-in-1 design allows you to wear just the waterproof outer layer on rainy days or zip in the down inner layer when the temperature drops.

Although the Tres does not provide the same range of motion as more performance-oriented jackets, it is still a fantastic option for use in urban settings and during cold snaps in regions like the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.

The 700-fill-power down used in the Tres 3-in-1 is superior to the 600-fill used in The North Face McMurdo, our top pick when compared to other casual models on this list. Importantly, the parka-length cut provides more warmth and coverage than almost anything else not made by Canada Goose.

On the other hand, the jacket is pricey (it is Patagonia, after all), and parkas can be a little challenging to fit properly. But we adore the design and complete waterproofing, which make the Tres incredibly adaptable for everything from soggy shoulder-season days to chilly conditions in the middle of winter.

Best For Performance Use: Rab Neutrino Pro

Our top pick for the 2022–2023 season is the Rab Neutrino Pro due to its warmth, backcountry-ready features, and affordability. Most importantly, you get 7.5 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down, which is significantly more than popular down jackets from well-known manufacturers like Arc’teryx and Patagonia that cost almost as much.

This down is also certified to the Responsible Down Standard. The 100% recycled Pertex Quantum Pro shell of the Rab does a great job repelling light moisture, despite the fact that it is far from waterproof (we advise against wearing it down in wet conditions).

What drawbacks are there to the Neutrino Pro? Although the clean lines and dark color choices make it suitable for city use, it has a somewhat technical appearance. Second, the jacket is more delicate than the more casual options on this list (as with any down jacket, you’ll need to be careful about snags and tears). 

Best For Expeditions: Feathered Friends Khumbu Parka

In our review of winter jackets, the Feathered Friends Khumbu Down Parka has the best warmth-to-weight ratio. It weighs only 2.11 pounds, yet it provides more warmth than any other jacket in our view except the Canada Goose Expedition Parka, which is equally warm but weighs more than twice as much.

The Khumbu Parka is equipped for expedition climbing and was specifically designed for technical expeditions to the highest peaks on earth. With insulated handwarmer pockets, safe velcro cuff closures, a seamless hood that fits over a helmet, and adjustable drawcords to keep warm air in and cold air out, it has all the features you could want.

This jacket is designed to blend in with a pack and provide essential warmth when required.

Best For Extreme Cold: Canada Goose Expedition Parka

The warmest jacket we’ve reviewed is this model, which offers a wealth of features. With applications in the Arctic and Antarctic, the Expedition Parka is a cozy parka for the coldest climates. In light of this, a unique Polar Bears International (PBI) edition is now available.

This variation is slightly more expensive, comes in a royal blue color, and has a polar bear patch sewn onto the shoulder. A portion of the proceeds supports PBI’s efforts to save polar bears and their natural habitats.

The primary drawbacks of the Canada Goose Expedition are weight, bulk, and price. Every aspect of the jacket is oversized. The performance and quality are flawless, but such specialized performance has a price.

Best For Light Winter Weather: Columbia Switchback Sherpa-lined Jacket

For unpredictable weather, this rain jacket with sherpa lining is ideal. It has Columbia’s renowned Hydroplus shell, which is constructed of moisture-wicking nylon to fend off wind and water. But the lining of this jacket is unquestionably its best feature.

The lining is cozy and warm but not overly bulky because it is made of a soft sherpa fabric, making it an excellent choice for days when the weather is indecisive. Additionally, there are numerous colors and sizes available for this jacket.

Best Multi-layered: Wantdo 3-in-1 Waterproof Ski Jacket

This 3-in-1 jacket system is unbeatable for versatility. Depending on the weather, this jacket can be worn in three different ways. You could use the insulated puffer lining on its own to stay warm if the weather is dry and only slightly chilly. You can just wear the outer waterproof shell on extremely rainy days.

The entire set can then be worn together when it’s chilly and snowy. Even better, if you’d like, you can remove the hood from the outer shell. The potential for this jacket is endless thanks to its numerous options and five convenient pockets. There are many options available in more than a dozen colors.

Best For Wind Protection: Berghaus Highraise

It creates a very useful jacket that wards off the elements while still managing to appear trim and fashionable.

Richard is very interested in the fact that it has enough outer pocket space to carry a few maps and that it also has a large inner pocket. The outer pockets can be adjusted so that they open from the top or the sides, which is another really clever design feature.

The Highraise has a soft interior lining and is also very comfortable.

Gore-Tex, which is used to make it, worked very well at keeping the rain out. After a two-mile jog, I did feel a little sweaty, but I believe that was more due to wearing too many layers underneath than a problem with the jacket’s breathability. Overall, though, this is a chic and useful offering.

How To Select A Good Waterproof Winter Jacket?

Fabric

To create the best waterproof jackets, er, waterproof, equipment manufacturers use a variety of technologies. The first layer of the jacket is durable water repellency (DWR), which causes raindrops to bead on its surface.

By washing a jacket with a specialized cleaning solution, such as Nikwax, and then tumble-drying it, walkers who take good care of their gear can restore the DWR finish.

The shell or barrier fabric, which gives the best rain jackets their structure, and anti-abrasion defense, and determines whether it’s supple or stiff, silent or noisy, is the second line of defense.

Membrane

The scientific component of the design is a membrane that is sewn to the outer shell and prevents water from penetrating while allowing sweat to evaporate as vapor to provide what is referred to as “breathability.”

The most well-known membrane is Gore-Tex, but many gear manufacturers have created their own similar technologies, most recently TNF with Futurelight. Typically, an inner mesh protects the membrane. As indicated by their hydrostatic head, different membrane types offer varying levels of waterproofing.

Ventilation

The best waterproof jackets may claim on in-store swing tags to be both waterproof and breathable, but in reality, you’ll still feel warm while carrying a backpack up a hill in damp weather. When you layer properly, with a base layer and a mid-layer (like a fleece jacket), even when it’s raining, there will be times when your waterproof on top of all this is simply too much.

The best rain jackets have strategically placed vents and (arm) pit zips that allow air to flow through them, which can lessen condensation and make you feel less perspiring.

Hood

For the hood to provide the greatest level of protection, it should completely enclose your head, ideally leaving room for your favorite wintertime hiking hat to fit underneath. Mountaineers and climbers must confirm that the hood can swallow a helmet as well.

The best waterproof jackets have adjustable hoods that move with your head for clear vision when crossing a road; therefore, a cinch or ties are helpful to ensure a snug fit. In order to avoid getting whipped in the face when it’s windy, make sure any ties are tucked in. A stiff, wired hood will also maintain its shape in a gale.

Zips And Seams

All seams must be taped, and zips must be stormproof or covered by a storm flap because sneaky old H2O seems determined to get inside any waterproof jacket. Make sure you can open the zips while wearing hiking gloves if you intend to go for a wintertime stroll.

Fit

Allow space underneath your jacket so that you can wear a down jacket or other middle layers for colder weather walking. The length of your jacket is a personal preference; longer jackets, by nature, offer more protection. Cuffs and hem adjusters can keep you warm and dry or allow you to lose heat by loosening them.

Weight

An insurance policy that is carried in a backpack in case of rain for a large portion of the year is a waterproof jacket. The best rain jackets are lighter and fold up smaller than the best one-person tents, making them easier to carry, but they typically provide less protection and are less long-lasting.

Choose a robust jacket for the worst of winter and carry a few extra grams in summer if you’re going to rely on one jacket for year-round walking rather than relying on a featherweight jacket when the wind is blowing horizontally in December.

Conclusion

With so many excellent options available, picking the best winter jacket for your requirements and your budget can be difficult. Because this is the most important factor that will influence your choice, carefully consider the winter climate in which you expect your jacket to perform. You can select your preferred option from the list of options above.