Hot Winter Coats for Every Budget
By Jenny Willden
Photos by Jonathan Cracroft
Say goodbye to flip flops and swim suits for another year. Old man winter is on his way, and in a few short weeks you’ll be unpacking ski wear from storage and driving on snow-covered roads. Get prepared for ski season in advance by updating your current coat with something new. With all the high-end features you can pack in a parka, they can get expensive quickly. So we selected coats from a wide range of prices, ensuring you’ll find a great one that fits your budget.
1. Helly Hansen Enigma Flow Down Jacket 
If you want a jacket with all the bells and whistles, this is it! Made of Helly Tech®O2 professional fabric with 20,000 mm waterproofness and 20,000 g breathability for comfort in extreme weather. Hexagonal goose down pods provide warmth while the innovative Flo2wTM mechanical ventilation system allows heat and moisture to escape. Other cool features: a stretch zip-away powder skirt, RECCO® reflector, removable hood, goggle wipe and a built-in HH®WarmTM Balaclava that stows in its own zippered pocket. For men and women. $700 hellyhansen.com
2. Obermeyer Men’s Peregrine Jacket 
Obermeyer’s been making great ski products for 60 years, and this solid ski jacket doesn’t disappoint. Available in three colorful options, and not-so-colorful black, so any guy can find a style he likes. Recycled polyester fabric makes it an eco-friendly choice while 10,000 mm waterproof, breathable fabric provides superior dryness. Features like the built-in Recco safety system, removable storm hood, fleece cell phone pocket, goggle cloth and zip-off powder skirt are worth the extra bucks. $375 obermeyer.com
3. Helly Hansen Men’s Mission Jacket 
For men on a mission to look good on the slopes, this HellyTech®O2 professional fabric jacket is a stellar choice. Made from 20,000 mm waterproof and 24,500 mm breathable fabric to keep you dry without overheating, and with neat extras, like laser-cut ventilation holes, mechanical ventilation zippers, adjustable hood, powder skirt, google wipe and ski-pass pocket. $350 hellyhansen.com
4. Columbia Men’s Powder Bowl Parka 
Remember those silver space blankets that come in emergency kits? Imagine one of those…inside your coat. That’s the idea with Columbia’s new Omni-Heat® thermal reflectivity technology. Both the shell and liner employ this down-like material to keep you 20 percent warmer while continuing to breathe and wick moisture. The water-repellant zip-out liner is great for cold days, and actually looks good worn alone. $300 columbia.com
5. Patagonia Nano Storm Jacket 
Stay dry all day long with the waterproof, breathable Nano Storm. The H2No® shell fabric is also highly packable, making it a perfect ski coat for traveling. Built-in synthetic insulation PrimaLoft® One polyester insulation is quilted to stay in place and keeps you snug in frigid conditions, without feeling bulky. For men and women. $299 patagonia.com
6. Patagonia Down Sweater 
Get one before they’re gone! This limited edition sweater is made from ultralight, translucent ripstop nylon that’s treated with Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) to keep snow off. Filled with 900 fill power European goose down to add warmth, not weight, and has an internal zippered stretch-mesh pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. Great under your favorite shell. For men and women. $275 patagonia.com
7. Columbia Women’s Prism Ice Parka 
Ideal for all-season use, this versatile two-in-one coat has a moisture-proof outer shell that’s fully seam sealed and lined with Omni-Heat® thermal reflective fabric. The Inerchange liner jacket is soft, cute, thermal reflective, water repellent and lightweight. The snap-back powder skirt connects to Columbia ski pants easily, and waterproof pockets keep your iPod and cell phone dry. $270 columbia.com
8. Obermeyer Women’s Sawyer Jacket 
Let’s be honest, looking great is just as important as being dry and comfortable. This vintage-style ski jacket offers both, and has 5,000 mm waterproofness and 5,000 g breathabilty for comfort in cold weather. The powder skirt buttons to the matching Jaden Pants to prevent a numb bum from powder in your pants. $259 obermeyer.com
9. Westcomb Chilko Sweater 
Get the biggest bang for your buck with this ridiculously light, but highly insulated, sweater. The 850 fill power Hutterite 100% down (no feathers) is exceptionally warm and durable, and the shell itself is made from lightweight Pertex Quantum. The Chilko fits like a dream and is the warmest, most affordable puffy down jacket we tested. $250 westcomb.com
10. Hi-Tec Women’s Trinity Peak Parka 
With the current economy, Hi-Tec launched its first affordable ski coat line at the perfect time. This parka is low on cost, but still has great features like a zip-out fleece liner, tuck away storm hood and interior security pocket. Plus, it’s made from 3000 mm Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable fabric to keep you comfy. $190 hi-tec.com
11. Hi-Tec Men’s Mystic Mountain Shell 
Great for warmer days on the slopes, or when paired with your favorite fleece, this inexpensive shell is made from 10,000 mm Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable fabric to help you stay dry in storms and powder. Features a removable storm hood, underarm vents, interior security pocket and handwarmer pockets. $160 hi-tec.com
