A parka is the most protective layer you can have against harsh winter weather. If you've experienced bone-chilling winds seeping through your coat even once, it's enough to make you consider how proper gear might be worth investing in so you're not left out in the cold again.
The best men's parkas we've selected are meant to last you season after season, because when you're investing in a sturdy winter coat, it ought to keep paying for itself.
We considered how effectively each insulates according to its filling, as well as design details like pockets, hoods, water resistance, and bulkiness. Our top pick is the Triple F.A.T. Goose Staden Down Parka for its high fill power and overall value. We also recommend The North Face's HMLYN Down Parka for street style that doesn't compromise warmth and Marmot's GORE-TEX Mammoth Parka for its waterproof design.
With harsh winter weather expected across much of the United States, now is a good time to shop. For more options, check out our guide to the best winter coats for men.
Below you'll find more of our reviews and recommendations, as well as FAQs on how the brands featured here approach the sustainability of materials like down and fur. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The top 3 winter parkas for men
With a 750-fill power rating, an eco-friendly, durable waterproof coating, sealed seams and zippers, and a 3-layer waterproof outer shell, this parka will keep you warm and dry.
L.L.Bean's Baxter State is made with quality 650-fill down, rated for temperatures down to 45 degrees below Fahrenheit, and has a waterproof coating for half the price of comparable parkas.
Inspired by the original Himalayan Down Parka, the HMLYN Down Parka is a modern iteration adapted for city use.
Best overall: Triple F.A.T. Goose Staden Down Parka
With a 750-fill power rating, an eco-friendly, durable waterproof coating, sealed seams and zippers, and a 3-layer waterproof outer shell, this parka will keep you warm and dry.
What we like
What we don't like
I've tested a lot of winter coats and parkas over the years and Triple F.A.T. Goose has yet to disappoint me. It's one of the few brands that consistently check off all the boxes for adequate warmth, functionality, style, and value.
The Triple F.A.T. Goose Staden Down Parka was first introduced a few years ago, but got phased out for other similar styles. I'm glad to see it back because of how well-equipped it is.
With an eco-friendly, durable waterproof coating, sealed seams and zippers, and a 3-layer waterproof outer shell, you won't have any problems staying dry in this coat. And with a 750-fill power rating, it's one of the warmest choices on this list. Other key features like the retractable storm cuffs with thumb holes, six fleece-lined pockets (no need to worry about putting your hands into cold nylon pockets), and adjustable drawcords, add to the warmth.
Some of my favorite features are the magnetic fastenings on the storm flap and two front pockets. They're easy to access, even with gloves on, and never have to spend time fastening a row of buttons to block out the elements.
With sizes going up to a 5XL, this is easily the most size-inclusive parka we've tested.
Best budget: L.L.Bean Baxter State
L.L.Bean's Baxter State is made with quality 650-fill down, rated for temperatures down to 45 degrees below Fahrenheit, and has a waterproof coating for half the price of comparable parkas.
What we like
What we don't like
If you're on a budget (and quite frankly even if you're not) it's hard to make a case against L.L.Bean's Baxter State Parka. It's loaded with pockets, windproof and waterproof, and warm as anything.
Where sustainability is concerned, L.L.Bean uses DownTek down, which is RDS-certified, and there's plenty of it to keep you warm.
With seven exterior pockets, three interior pockets, and one on the sleeve with a snap-closure storm flap, you'll have no problem fitting everything you need on your person for your winter commutes or snowy hikes.
The hood comes with a wire insert that allows you to shape it around your head, which we like a lot. You can also just zip the faux fur ruff away and forget about it altogether. We also tried the Maine Mountain Parka, which is similar, and we were very impressed with the quality.
Best waterproof: Marmot GORE-TEX Mammoth Parka
Fit for expeditions and street use alike, the Mammoth Parka features a two-layer waterproof GORE-TEX fabric, and tape-sealed seams to prevent leaks.
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Founded in 1971 as a social club for mountain climbers, Marmot got its start as bonafide outdoors brand after it began producing its own sleeping bags and parkas in 1973. In 1976, it became the first outdoor brand to use GORE-TEX, a waterproof yet breathable fabric, in its gear. Fifty years later, the brand is still deeply rooted in performance and still uses GORE-TEX in its jackets simply because it's just that good.
The Marmot GORE-TEX Mammoth Parka is the brand's most popular parka design. Fit for expeditions and street use alike, it features a two-layer waterproof GORE-TEX fabric, and tape-sealed seams to prevent leaks. While many other parkas have some sort of waterproofing technology, GORE-TEX is by far my favorite technology because it keeps water from getting in, but allows built-up moisture from your body to escape the garment. I've worn boots, hats, hoodies, and many jackets featuring the technology and they've all impressed me with how well they hold up to water.
With a 700-fill power rating, the Marmot Mammoth is incredibly warm and has plenty of features that make it usable for anything the winter has to offer. The powder skirt is a great feature for snow sports from snow tubing to more extreme sports like snowboarding. You'll also find fleece-lined hand warmer pockets on the outside and convenient media pockets on the inside.
Fitting of the Mammoth name, this parka is slightly oversized, so I recommend going true to size. However, adjustable drawcords at the waist and Velcro cuffs allow you to adjust the fit to your liking.
Best sustainable: Fjällräven Expedition Down
Fjällräven's Expedition Down parka blends street savviness and adventure readiness with a sustainable down fill, DWR treated nylon, and an adjustable hem to cinch in the waist and trap in heat.
What we like
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Originally released in 1974, the Expedition Down Jacket is one of Fjallraven's most iconic designs. It was initially created for cold-weather explorers who needed serious protection from sub-freezing temperatures, and its current version serves the same purpose.
Of the many winter coats and parkas I've tested, the Expedition Down Jacket is excellent if staying warm is your primary objective. The jacket has a 700-fill power, a below-the-hip length to block out the cold, an adjustable alpine hood, an adjustable hem, two-way zippers, a durable water-resistant outer lining, and adjustable sleeves. And the most surprising feature of all is that it's packable — something unheard of for jackets this big. In terms of function, I can't think of a single feature I wish it had.
While the Expedition Down Jacket is as no-nonsense as winter coats come, its oversized fit makes it less practical for daily use. For example, I found it uncomfortable and difficult to drive my car while wearing it. If you love the style, but want a jacket that's a bit more practical (and affordable), I also recommend the Expedition Down Lite Jacket.
Most stylish: The North Face HMLYN Down Parka
Inspired by the original Himalayan Down Parka, the HMLYN Down Parka is a modern iteration adapted for city use.
What we like
What we don't like
While The North Face is deeply rooted in outdoor performance, some of its most technical cold-weather designs have been adopted in fashion.
Inspired by the original Himalayan Down Parka, the HMLYN Down Parka bridges the gap between high-alpine gear and streetwear fashion. As a toned-down version of the original, the HMLYN Down Parka features the iconic retro look and feel of The North Face parkas with large down-filled baffles and bold color-blocking, while being more comfortable for daily wear.
The jacket features 550-fill power down, durable water-resistant coating, adjustable cords on the hem and hood, and plenty of interior and exterior storage pockets.
Overall, the HMLYN Down Parka is a great choice of men's winter coats for people who love the look of burly parkas like the original Himalayan Down Parka, but have no intentions of scaling any mountains. Not to mention, it's more affordable.
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