The Best Men's Parka 2025: 13 Heavy-Duty Snow-Busting Coats
GQ Recommends13 heavy-duty coats that put your "big night out" bomber jacket to shame.By Leon HedgepethJanuary 17, 2025Photo: Getty Images; Collage by Brittany LogginsSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.The best men's parka is a lot like an upright sleeping bag, except it doesn't simply keep you insulated—it also protects your frostbite-prone fits from Mother Nature’s icy clutches. Parkas originated in the Arctic, where the Inuit designed them to withstand bone-chilling temperatures, before making their way to the US military with the introduction of the N-3B parka in the 1950s.Crafted for US Air Force personnel stationed in harsh environments like Alaska, the N-3B was built to endure, well, pretty much everything. And while the winter parka has evolved in the time since, its mission remains unchanged: to keep you warm like the most loyal bodyguard your torso can afford.From royal-grade Italian-made riffs to the type of summit-tested, retro versions favored by legendary expeditioners of old, the best men's parka will keep you toasty from the trails to the streets and everywhere in-between.The Best Parkas for Men, According to GQThe Best Parka Overall: The North Face McMurdo Down Parka, $400The Best Waist-Length Parka: Mountain Hardwear Nevadan Down Parka, $330The Best Parka for Full Coverage: Arc’teryx Thorium SV Down Parka, $700 $595The Best Upgrade Parka: Woolrich Arctic Parka, $980The Best Parka for Aspen Winters: Brunello Cucinelli Wool Flannel Coat, $7795The Best Parka for Vintage Fiends: Big Rock Candy Mountaineering Arctic Parka, $598Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronMore Parkas We LoveWhat to Look for in a Great ParkaHow We Test and Review ProductsHow We Make These PicksBest Parka Overall: The North Face McMurdo Down ParkaThe North FaceMcMurdo Down Parka$400 BackcountryPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsA hefty jacket that’s over 3 lbs.Lifetime warrantyConsIf you’re looking for something lightweight and packable this ain’t itSize down for a better fitThe North Face McMurdo down parka isn’t just another winter coat—it’s a cold-weather icon with Antarctic-level credibility. Named after McMurdo Station, the US research hub in Antarctica, this parka is designed to thrive in below-freezing temperatures while keeping you comfortable and protected. With 600-fill recycled down insulation and windproof, waterproof, and breathable DryVent technology, it’s eco-friendly armor for the tundra—or the Target parking lot. Made from recycled nylon and polyester, it’s part of The North Face’s recycled-repurpose collection, combining sustainability with serious performance.Loaded with features like six exterior pockets, a removable faux-fur ruff, an adjustable hood, and a draft flap, this 3.5-pound powerhouse is your portable fortress of warmth. Stylish touches like the midnight petrol color elevate it above standard winter fare, while practical details make it indispensable for everything from scraping windshields to tackling arctic adventures. Whether you’re braving brutal weather or commuting in comfort, the McMurdo is built to last—complete with The North Face’s warranty to keep it in the game longer than your ever-disappearing gloves.Best Parka for Full Coverage: Arc’teryx Thorium SV Down ParkaArc'teryxThorium SV Down Parka$700 $595 REIPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsLightweight and easy to packGreat for the guy with discerned tasteConsKind of an odd length—not quite at the knee or waistThe Vancouver-based outerwear juggernaut’s Thorium series, like many Arc'teryx products, takes its cues from the natural world—after all, thorium is a metallic element, and this parka is as elemental as they come. Designed for both cold-weather performance and urban use, the Thorium parka strikes the perfect balance between mountain-ready technical features and city-savvy style, with its mid-length cut and top-tier insulation.Arc'teryx is all about minimalist design, functional details, and premium materials—and the Thorium parka is no exception. The outer shell is made from lightweight ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish, plus a Gore-Tex overlay on the hood and shoulders to keep the wind at bay. Inside, you’ll find 750-fill-power European grey goose down for optimal warmth, along with large baffles (those quilted sections that keep the insulation right where it belongs).One of the stealthier features? Elasticated cuffs, so no need to fiddle with gloves or mess around with frozen fingers while adjusting velcro. With a slightly longer length, it'll keep your tushy cozy, and the 2-way zipper lets you flex your cold-weather layers without feeling like you're wrapped in a burrito.Best Waist-Length Parka: Mountain Hardwear Nevadan Down ParkaMountain HardwearNevadan Down Parka$330 BackcountryPros & ConsAccordionItemContaine
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best men's parka is a lot like an upright sleeping bag, except it doesn't simply keep you insulated—it also protects your frostbite-prone fits from Mother Nature’s icy clutches. Parkas originated in the Arctic, where the Inuit designed them to withstand bone-chilling temperatures, before making their way to the US military with the introduction of the N-3B parka in the 1950s.
Crafted for US Air Force personnel stationed in harsh environments like Alaska, the N-3B was built to endure, well, pretty much everything. And while the winter parka has evolved in the time since, its mission remains unchanged: to keep you warm like the most loyal bodyguard your torso can afford.
From royal-grade Italian-made riffs to the type of summit-tested, retro versions favored by legendary expeditioners of old, the best men's parka will keep you toasty from the trails to the streets and everywhere in-between.
The Best Parkas for Men, According to GQ
- The Best Parka Overall: The North Face McMurdo Down Parka, $400
- The Best Waist-Length Parka: Mountain Hardwear Nevadan Down Parka, $330
- The Best Parka for Full Coverage: Arc’teryx Thorium SV Down Parka, $
700$595 - The Best Upgrade Parka: Woolrich Arctic Parka, $980
- The Best Parka for Aspen Winters: Brunello Cucinelli Wool Flannel Coat, $7795
- The Best Parka for Vintage Fiends: Big Rock Candy Mountaineering Arctic Parka, $598
Looking for Something Specific?
Best Parka Overall: The North Face McMurdo Down Parka
The North Face McMurdo down parka isn’t just another winter coat—it’s a cold-weather icon with Antarctic-level credibility. Named after McMurdo Station, the US research hub in Antarctica, this parka is designed to thrive in below-freezing temperatures while keeping you comfortable and protected. With 600-fill recycled down insulation and windproof, waterproof, and breathable DryVent technology, it’s eco-friendly armor for the tundra—or the Target parking lot. Made from recycled nylon and polyester, it’s part of The North Face’s recycled-repurpose collection, combining sustainability with serious performance.
Loaded with features like six exterior pockets, a removable faux-fur ruff, an adjustable hood, and a draft flap, this 3.5-pound powerhouse is your portable fortress of warmth. Stylish touches like the midnight petrol color elevate it above standard winter fare, while practical details make it indispensable for everything from scraping windshields to tackling arctic adventures. Whether you’re braving brutal weather or commuting in comfort, the McMurdo is built to last—complete with The North Face’s warranty to keep it in the game longer than your ever-disappearing gloves.
Best Parka for Full Coverage: Arc’teryx Thorium SV Down Parka
The Vancouver-based outerwear juggernaut’s Thorium series, like many Arc'teryx products, takes its cues from the natural world—after all, thorium is a metallic element, and this parka is as elemental as they come. Designed for both cold-weather performance and urban use, the Thorium parka strikes the perfect balance between mountain-ready technical features and city-savvy style, with its mid-length cut and top-tier insulation.
Arc'teryx is all about minimalist design, functional details, and premium materials—and the Thorium parka is no exception. The outer shell is made from lightweight ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish, plus a Gore-Tex overlay on the hood and shoulders to keep the wind at bay. Inside, you’ll find 750-fill-power European grey goose down for optimal warmth, along with large baffles (those quilted sections that keep the insulation right where it belongs).
One of the stealthier features? Elasticated cuffs, so no need to fiddle with gloves or mess around with frozen fingers while adjusting velcro. With a slightly longer length, it'll keep your tushy cozy, and the 2-way zipper lets you flex your cold-weather layers without feeling like you're wrapped in a burrito.
Best Waist-Length Parka: Mountain Hardwear Nevadan Down Parka
Mountain Hardwear has been a staple in the outdoor gear world long before its sold-out collaboration with Stüssy (though they’ve probably gained a few new fans in the process). Founded in 1993 in Richmond, California, the brand spun off from the well-known outdoor company Sierra Designs. A group of designers and engineers left Sierra Designs to create Mountain Hardwear, and 32 years later, it’s still famous for its technical outerwear, sleeping bags, and pioneering use of Gore-Tex.
This jacket is built for camping, featuring a durable ripstop shell and 650-fill down. With a fully adjustable insulated hood and a drawcord at the waist to trap in heat, it’s tough to top even before you encounter the two BYO-bevvy pockets—specially designed to carry your favorite beverages. Whether you're in your tent or Air Streamer, this jacket keeps you warm—and your drinks cold—so you can stay cozy and hydrated in style.
Best Upgrade Parka: Woolrich Arctic Parka
Woolrich’s Arctic parka is probably the best winter coat you can snag without crossing the $1,000 mark—and that’s no small feat in today’s puffer-packed, price-hiked world. A brand with nearly 200 years of history under its belt is bound to have some gems in the archives, and this parka is one of its crown jewels. First introduced in 1972 to shield Alaskan pipeline workers from Arctic-level abuse, the Arctic parka has become a Woolrich staple, reimagined every season to meet modern needs (because most of us are braving a metropolitan tundra rather than an actual tundra).
Made from Woolrich’s signature Ramar Cloth—a clever nylon-cotton blend with a Teflon-coated interior—the outer shell is a stronghold against water and wind. Filled with 80/20 duck down, it’s like a wearable furnace that keeps you cozy when the wind decides to stage a protest. Handwarmer pockets offer a refuge for fingers, while the hood ensures your noggin stays dry, even during the nastiest of snowstorms. For those downright Arctic days, the detachable coyote fur trim will have you feeling like Leo in The Revenant—minus the bear wrestling, of course.
Best Parka for Aspen Winters: Brunello Cucinelli Wool Flannel Down Coat
The King of Cashmere, Brunello Cucinelli, has his empire tucked away in Solomeo, a postcard-perfect medieval village in Umbria, Italy. He’s the human embodiment of quiet luxury—no logo-laden flexing required—thanks to his ultra-soft sweaters and immaculate tailoring. His wool flannel down coat? A masterclass in artisanal craftsmanship.
It’s not every day that you come across a knee-length winter parka made entirely of wool (bonus: it’s naturally antimicrobial) and stuffed with premium goose down. The nylon lining is water-repellent, and ribbed cuffs add a touch of tailored elegance, meaning you can skip the hassle of excessive layering. But here’s the pièce de résistance: two interior pockets—one with a button and the other with a pen holder. (Yes, a pen holder. Because even when your wallet feels lighter than the down fill, you’ll still have a place for your Montblanc.)
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This coat is a top-tier choice for layering over suits, pairing with dress shoes, or teaming with ecru jeans for that Italian look. Sure, it might cost as much as your rent, but style this effortless doesn’t come cheap.
Best Parka for Vintage Fiends: Big Rock Candy Mountaineering Arctic Parka
The new kids on the parka block, Big Rock Candy Mountaineering, are bringing the fun back with their vibrant, winter parka colors. These extreme cold-weather parkas take inspiration from mid-century American outdoor brands. Can’t think of any off the top of your head? Skim through a book like this, and you’ll catch the vibe.
BRCM’s parkas are packed with cozy duck down and feature a 100% grosgrain shell. This ribbed texture, courtesy of its tight weave, makes the fabric tough as nails and resistant to wear and tear. The ginormous pockets? Perfect for stashing your winter accessories (or your snacks). And if the wind has you feeling like it’s got something to prove, just tighten up the drawstring waist, hood, and hem. One of the coolest features? The jacket’s silhouette. When cinched, you can clasp your bag around the waist—ideal for those who love a good backpacking adventure. Although BRCM is still a fresh face in the outerwear world, it already feels like an instant classic.
Best Parka for Fashion Guys: Moncler x Rick Owens Cyclopic Long Down Coat
The Italian-based coat brand joined forces with the god of black five years ago, and they’re still dropping fire like it’s a runway mixtape. This collaboration perfectly fuses fashion with innovative design, showcasing Moncler’s commitment to performance and Rick Owens’ unmistakably avant-garde flair.
Mr. Owens has essentially redefined what a winter parka should look like—without sacrificing its core functionality. Genius, right? The Cyclopic jacket is a piece that’s as practical as it is dramatic. It boasts a generously oversized hood that unzips into a statement-making collar, and it’s stuffed with Moncler’s signature longue saison down—a high-quality fill that keeps you toasty without turning you into a marshmallow. And as if that weren’t enough, the hood can be unzipped and laid flat for a different look, while a ribbon at the back lets you sling the coat over your shoulder like a sartorial Jedi. Owens didn’t just think outside the box—he threw the box into the abyss and made something better instead.
More Parkas We Love
Stone Island
Coated Wool-Twill Hooded Down Parka
Stone Island’s mastery of material and color innovation is practically a superpower, and it’s on full display in their exclusive collection for Mr Porter. The ‘Ghost’ line brilliantly walks the line between blending in and standing out—think military camo stripped of its usual visual chaos, reimagined in sleek monochromatic palettes. Case in point: this smoke-gray jacket, made from custom-coated wool-twill and stuffed with down. It’s cozy enough to fend off a polar vortex yet stylish enough to make a ghost jealous. The tonal ghost patch is there to remind you that you’re haunting the fashion game in all the right ways.
Frizmworks
Karakoram Down Insulated Parka
Frizmworks, the Korean label that's mastered the art of military and vintage-inspired workwear, consistently delivers standout pieces. Its expedition parka is modeled after 1960s designs, is made from a durable cotton-nylon blend, stuffed with cozy duck down, and features those iconic square baffles. But the true standout? The four button-secured drop-in pockets. Perfect for stashing gloves or, like, the existential dread of winter.
The Real McCoys
Type N-3A Parka
Getting your hands on one of the first-ever parkas is about as likely as finding a needle in a haystack—or your car keys when you’re late. But The Real McCoy's pull off the impossible with its painstaking reproduction. The brand has meticulously recreated every detail, right down to the nylon shell originally developed by DuPont (you know, the geniuses behind nylon, Teflon, Kevlar, and basically the superhero capes of modern materials).
Patagonia
Silent Down Parka
Today’s outdoor companies are still trying to capture Patagonia’s lightning-in-a-bottle from when the brand first burst onto the scene—be nice to everyone, make products the right way, and design jackets built to last forever. Take its Silent down parka, for example: it’s weatherproof, cozy enough to double as a sleeping bag, and so comfortable you might consider skipping the tent altogether.
Reigning Champ
Tech Nylon Sideline Down Parka
I can't be the only one who was excited to see Reigning Champ get back into making real clothes—though, let’s be honest, the brand’s sweatsuits are still some of my favorites. But this high-powered, goose-filled nylon parka? Built for Canadian winters, which means it’ll likely thrive anywhere else, too. If it can handle the Great White North, you’d be fine in anything less than a blizzard, right?
Nanga
Aurora Text Down Field Half Coat
Nanga is your favorite outerwear brand’s favorite outerwear brand. Its parka is a modern twist on the US Air Force's N-3B flight jacket, now with AuroraTex—a high-performance material that keeps you dry, no matter how hard you try to get wet. Equipped with handwarmer pockets and a cigar pouch (on the left side, because we’re classy like that), it’s the perfect blend of utility and style.
What to Look for in a Great Parka
First and foremost: functionality. A great parka should incorporate more features than a midnight infomercial. In the outer shell, you’ll typically find materials like nylon or polyester, and sometimes more rugged options like Gore-Tex. But it's also worth peeking under the hood—literally. Parkas are usually filled with down (duck or goose feathers) or synthetic insulation like polyester. Down is warm and lightweight, but it’s the fair-weather friend of insulation—it falters when wet. Synthetic insulations, on the other hand, is the ride-or-die option, keeping you warm even when soggy.
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Hoods are another essential feature. Most will be made of a weatherproof fabric, and some come equipped with fluffy genuine- or faux-fur trims that gently tickle your face with a touch of winter luxury. And then there are the pockets—no one wants to walk around in a blizzard with frozen fingers. (Look for fleece linings.) Finally, asses the length. Longer parkas offer more warmth and protection from the elements, while shorter ones are perfect for commuters who need to dodge frostbite without overheating on the subway.
While function is the defining characteristic of a good parka, a great one should also give your winter fits a serious upgrade. Pair it with a thermal and a chunky sweater for a no-brainer look, or go bold by layering it over a denim jacket, adding corduroys, and anchoring with sturdy boots.
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.
How We Make These Picks
We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.
To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.
We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.
Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)
