What is a Winter Jacket?
A winter jacket, or parka, is like a regular down or synthetic jacket but designed with added warmth usually achieved by thicker insulation, and often in conjunction with a longer length. A lightweight, technical down or synthetic jacket is often worn as a light middle layer during aerobic activity, paired with a hardshell or softshell, adding a bit of insulation against the cold. By contrast, a winter jacket is designed to be an outer layer that provides basic warmth for everyday occasions, even if the wearer is standing still. It can be the go-to layer that is grabbed any time a foot steps outdoors, whether you will be waiting for the bus, shoveling the driveway, watching your kid's soccer game, or spending the day ice climbing.
Since it is designed to be an outer layer, a winter coat offers decent weather resistance and protection from snow and light rain. Sometimes it will have an integrated waterproof/breathable membrane that prevents water from entering into the fabric, or sometimes it will have a highly water resistant exterior fabric that is coated with a DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coating.
Understand Basic Needs
When choosing a winter jacket, it is important to purchase one that provides both functionality and versatility. If a person is seeking one winter coat to wear for every outdoor venture, the basic need for a warm and insulated jacket may be higher than a person who owns multiple winter jackets. Most jacket styles are available for both men and women and many times for boys and girls as well. Other variables such as style, level of warmth, and amount of cold-weather exposure all go into what type of winter jacket keeps a person warm and cozy.
Know the Fabric Protection Offered
No matter the winter coat, it is essential to find one that is going to keep a person warm and dry. One of the biggest factors in achieving this is the jacket's fabric, which should be lightweight and breathable enough to keep a person comfortable, even if moisture is trying to work its way in.
Water-Repellant Jacket
To ensure a jacket is water repellant, manufacturers tightly wind the jacket's fibers and may even treat the garment with a durable water repellant. A water-repellant jacket provides minimal protection against precipitation, and may not keep a person completely dry if exposed over a long period of time.
Water-Resistant or Waterproof Jacket
For better protection, search for a water-resistant or waterproof jacket. A water-resistant jacket generally keeps out moisture better and for longer lengths of time than a water-repellant jacket, but check with the brand to ensure the jacket provides the right level of protection. For the ultimate protection, a waterproof jacket ensures the consumer is safe from any water or moisture, even when exposed to rain or snow over long periods.
