Although the North Face McMurdo and Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 above are for daily usage, a variety of more performance-oriented winter coats are available.
The best winter coat in performance would be the Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka. It’s our best selection for the 2022 season as it takes warmth, backcountry-ready features, and affordability into account.
Most notably, you’ll receive 8.8 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down, which is far more than most casual jackets on the market.
The OR also comes with a water-resistant Pertex Quantum Pro shell with a DWR finish that provides excellent protection against dripping ice and wet snow and practical features like internal stash pockets and hood, hem, and cuff adjustments.
The Super Alpine is not for everyone. The parka has a technical appearance, and the longer hem may put off some climbers and skiers.
Second, although the 30-denier shell fabric is decent in performance and keeps weight down, the jacket is more fragile than most casual alternatives on our list, particularly those with tough shells like the TNF and Patagonia above.
Finally, the Super Alpine is heavier than many of its direct competitors—Rab’s affordable Neutrino Pro, which was largely unavailable at the time of publication, weighs over 8 ounces less.
The Patagonia Grade VII, which can cost around $899, while Arc’teryx Alpha Parka may come at $999, is warmer and lighter for a significant price difference.
However, considering its mix of warmth, affordability, and availability, the OR is a well-rounded heavyweight puffy that provides all the performance most winter travelers want.
I really adore the parka coat! I need to be on a suit at work, and there are times when I don’t feel like doing a complete business appearance, especially with an overcoat for the cold, and it actually seems like a decent option. As you indicated in the blog, a bit more trendy while still keeping graceful.