coats

Whether you decide to invest in an Eco-friendly design or a puffer jacket with seamless baffles, our list of this year's best winter coats includes options to keep you warm on the job site, trimming lines on the trails, or running. to town for supplies. Many have classic silhouettes, but brands are also introducing new styles that combine performance and minimalist aesthetics by placing baffles or quilted insulation inside often waterproof shells. The result: coats that are smoother and warmer than ever. Read on for some buying tips, followed by reviews of the best coats in our tests.     
What you should know about insulation
Down, synthetics and wool are the most common types of insulation used in winter coats. Each has their own benefits, but the way they keep you warm is similar: your body generates heat and warms the still air trapped between the fibers and filaments of the materials. “We know that air is the best insulator in the world,” says Sioux -Lien Chen, textile researcher and associate professor at Oregon State University. "If you can create more spaces to trap that air, the material will have better insulation." Here's how each does it and how to figure out which one is right for you.     

Many filaments diverging from a central point create the spherical shape of the clusters and air pockets at the bottom. These clusters provide the most warmth for their weight of any insulation. But they collapse when wet, losing their ability to hold hot air. When faced with winter snow, sleet, and sometimes rain, look for a coat with a water-resistant or waterproof shell or one that uses hydrophobic down, which is created when the filaments are treated with a durable water-repellent coating Plus, down is usually the most expensive insulation, as it comes from goose or duck, so be prepared to pay a premium if you commit to buying a down jacket.     
Polyester insulation is composed of encephalitic acid and ethylene glycol, two petroleum derivatives (although it is increasingly common to obtain these compounds from recycled water bottles). The resulting fibers are crimped to create an air-trapping loft and spun into a fabric bolt. Newer, more sophisticated synthetic insulation, like the Patagonian Plums Fill and The North Face Therm Ball , is designed to mimic down with ultra-fine yarns and clustered shapes . Regardless of its form, synthetic insulation is generally cheaper to produce than down and retains its insulating power better when wet, but it still can't compete with down in terms of sheer warmth Wool.
Some coats skip down and have synthetic insulation altogether and depend on wool instead. These organic yarns have a naturally crimped shape, similar to the artificial structure of polyester fibers , which leaves room for air. Wool is also a poor conductor of heat, which means your warmth stays well in the jacket. Together, these elements make wool a good insulating material, but one that is heavy and can absorb moisture up to 30% of its weight. As a result, wool is often used in casual wear coats instead of performance-oriented jackets.          
Filling power and ratings gram mage When shopping, pay attention to the power filling down or the weight of the synthetic insulation used in winter coats. Fill power is the amount of loft an ounce of down produces, and a higher number indicates better down quality.  Synthetic insulation is measured in grams per square meter, with higher amounts traditionally indicating a thicker and therefore warmer material. Most synthetic insulation for winter coats. These numbers are important, but a mantle's overall heat-trapping ability depends on other factors as well. For example, insulation can lose its attic when placed in baffles that are too small. And keep in mind that if you are skiing , running , doing the hiking or doing the exercise in the cold, additional insulation can cause excessive sweating. If this moisture is not removed from your skin, it can freeze and make you feel colder.              
Speaking of humidity, it's a good idea to choose a jacket with some level of waterproofing to keep you dry from snow and sleet. Most of our list are water resistant (usually because the exterior has a  or wax coating), and some are even fully waterproof. Waterproof fabrics can have two three layers. A hooded jacket can also protect you from the elements and trap more heat around your head. Make sure you can adjust the hood to your liking, or if you enjoy alpine sports, find a coat with a hood that is compatible with a helmet.    
How we tested
To find the best winter coats, we considered price, insulating ability, comfort, and style. During the current and past cold seasons, our test editors have worn nearly 30 coats intended for a variety of uses to assess individual fit, feel and performance. We also did a heat comparison test, where we sat or walked outside for an hour while wearing the coats on slightly windy days when the temperature was at or just above zero. We gave the coats our own rating - warmer, warmer, and warmer - based on how we felt at the end of the hour. After our in-depth evaluations, we're sure there is a jacket here that can meet your needs.