Best Women’s Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023

We researched the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold weather, as we, too, encountered the dilemma of which coat is best to use to be warm and stylish at the same time. Many women have this in mind, especially when traveling to cold countries.

At the same time, our readers are avid outdoors persons, plus they too love sightseeing. So, which coat to buy that is suitable for most cases? Women’s winter coats for extreme cold weather tend to take lots of space in suitcases, so that is another thing to consider. Keeping the torso, neck, and legs warm is necessary, which was one of the essential criteria.

We went through lots of different products, comparing features and characteristics. We prepared this guide for you, which educates you on the other things to consider before buying the best women’s winter coat for cold weather.

We update it whenever we find more women’s coats for cold weather options. When we researched, we had “instant warmth” as a concept in our minds. You will agree that such is a great thing. Just wear the best coat for cold weather that makes you snuggly and warm fast.

Comparison Chart for Best Women’s Winter Coats For Extreme Cold

Here are the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold weather guide, where we highlight four main characteristics for each product. We thoroughly present more data further down our article for the five “finalists” you see here.

IMAGE PRODUCT
Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 1Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 2 1. Eddie Bauer Women’s Lodge Down Duffle Coat
  • 650 fill premium down
  • Waist drawcord
  • Fleece lining
Check Price
Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 3Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 4 2. Legendary Whitetails Women’s Polar Trail Pro Series Winter Jacket
  • 95% Polyester, 5% Pol.
  • Good for sports
  • Very warm
Check Price
Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 5Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 6 3. BGSD Women Waterproof Quilted Down Toggle Coat (Regular & Plus Size)
  • 600 fill power
  • Large hood
  • Stylish
Check Price
Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 7Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 8 4. Marmot Women’s Montreaux Full-length Down Puffer Coat
  • 700 Fill Power Down
  • Multiple sizes
  • Long form
Check Price
Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 9Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 10 5. Obosoyo Women’s Hooded Thickened Long Down Jacket Maxi Down Parka Puffer Coat
  • 90% White Duck Down
  • Maxi long
  • Very warm
Check Price

Thorough Reviews for the Best Women’s Winter Coats For Extreme Cold Weather

Let’s see these coats and jackets in detail, explaining where they are best and where they are not, to help you choose.

1. Eddie Bauer Women’s Lodge Down Duffle Coat

Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 11Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 12

The Eddie Bauer women’s lodge down duffle coat jacket is fantastically ultralight and ultrawarm at the same time. Insulated with 650 fill Premium Down, its length covers you from head to knee.

There is a fleece lining at the upper body part and in the collar.

The shell is made from polyester, and StormRepel technology makes it water-repellent so that no moisture will penetrate the fabric.

Details like storm cuffs and an adjustable drawcord waist expand its wind, cold, and rain insulation capabilities. Wearing this jacket feels comfortable and easy to move around. The hood is detachable with a faux fur ruff if you prefer not to have it on. It has a two-way front zip, so you can use it when you want to sit.

If weather dictates for wearing more underneath, the coat will work for you wearing a midweight layer. Eddie Bauer is well known for its durable and high-quality clothing.

Specifications

Insulation650 fill RDS down
SizeReg, Petite, Tall, Plus
Length45″ (Below Knee)
ColorStorm, Black, Cadet

Features

  • Windproof
  • Water-resistant
  • Good insulation
  • Fits perfectly
  • Multiple pockets
  • High-quality
  • Durable
  • Lightweight

What We Like

This coat has it all. Its length is perfect and the shape is not bulky. The quality is good and the filling is just fine to keep you warm. We believe that an adjustable waist drawcord is a must for such coats and this one has it.

What We Don’t Like

Maybe the hood needs some work to get a bit bigger. It may alter the overall style but having protection from cold is preferred.

Pros

  • StormRepel® DWR
  • Fleece interior cuffs
  • Adjustable waist drawcord
  • Responsible Down Standard Certified

Cons

  • Some complain about the right length.
  • Some want bigger hood.

2. Legendary Whitetails Women’s Polar Trail Pro Series Winter Jacket

Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 13Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 14

This women’s winter jacket is a different approach to warmth and style. Shorter in length but with great warmth capacity on the upper torso. Insulated with 95% Polyester and 5% aluminized polyurethane with polyester fibers, makes it is both wind-proof and water-resistant.

Keeping the tech part of mountaineering jackets comes with zippered underarms vents that you will find accommodating when you want to cool down.

The lack of length means far more suitable for sporting or other snow activities (like snowshoeing) that require higher mobility. With a warm pair of pants or leggings, you have the perfect suit.

Its Reflextec technology reduces heat loss by reflecting heat to the body by 90%. Its rating is -94 degrees Fahrenheit.

Specifications

Insulation95% Polyester + 5% Pol.
Size22 x 15 x 3 inches
LengthWaist level
ColorBlack

Features

  • Very warm
  • Durable
  • Windproof
  • Water-resistant
  • Good insulation
  • Fits perfectly
  • Multiple pockets
  • High-quality

What We Like

It is a bit tricky to compare this with long-form coats but with warm pants, this is an ideal jacket with absolute freedom to your legs. Its insulation is fantastic for outdoor activities where a complete range of motion is a must.

What We Don’t Like

The one thing we would love to have is that the lining would be removable. That would make this jacket a 2-in-1 option. Due to its insulation and built it is heavier and that is not ideal when you carry more stuff.

Pros

  • Suitable for many sporting activities.
  • Very warm.
  • Fits very well.
  • Durable.

Cons

  • You need warm pants.
  • Lining is not removable.
  • Heavier than others.

3. Women Waterproof Quilted Down Toggle Coat

Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 15Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 16

The BGSD women waterproof quilted down toggle coat has a fill power insulation of 600, made from 80% down 20% feathers.

It keeps you warm under temperatures ranging from -5 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit.

BGSD added an extra buttoned storm flap overlay on top of the zippers. That adds another stylish aspect to this coat.

The knit inset cuffs provide extra insulation in the sleeve’s area and thus make the whole coat a waterproof and windproof garment.

Specifications

Insulation600 fill
SizeMedium
Length37″ (center back)
ColorBlack

Features

  • High-quality
  • Waterproof
  • Windproof
  • Multiple pockets
  • Faux fur

What We Like

We definitely like the style of this coat. It looks fantastic. The hood is also great and protects well.

What We Don’t Like

The thinner insulation reduces its performance for extreme cold. In that way, it won’t provide the protection of a warm jacket or as a long coat.

Pros

  • Very stylish.
  • Large hood.
  • Lightweight.

Cons

  • Frail thread for toggle buttons.
  • Not for super cold temperatures.
  • No waist cord.
  • Maybe short for some.

4. Marmot Women’s Montreaux Full-length Down Puffer Coat

Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 17Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 18

This women’s winter full-length down coat is a puffer-style piece that some claim with some humor that it looks like wearing a sleeping bag. In this case, you may need to think if this style is what you like, but the coat is perfect for cold weather and water-resistant.

This winter coat is very comfortable with four micro-fleece-lined zippered handwarmer pockets and a removable zip-off hood with a faux-fur ruff. Insulated with 700-fill(!) power down and treated with Down Defender, it repels moisture. An excellent choice for full-body coverage and city living with a touch of outdoors.

Extra warmth is provided through a plush fleece-lined torso. The zipper is a two-way case; thus, you can adjust the fitting while sitting.

Specifications

Insulation700 fill down
SizeXS to XXL
Length39″ center back
ColorArctic Navy, Berry Wine, Black

Features

  • Zip-off Hood
  • Synthetic Fur Ruff
  • Micro Fleece Lined Pocket
  • Interior Zippered Pocket
  • Interior Drop Pocket
  • Plush Fleece
  • Micro Fleece Cuffs

What We Like

It is a very warm coat and it will keep your spirits up when you play around with the snow.

What We Don’t Like

Its bulk design may not be for everyone when it comes to personal style. There is no waist cord but with that coat, a cord may not look well.

Pros

  • Windproof.
  • Very warm.
  • Fits almost everyone.
  • Heavyweight.

Cons

  • Puffer-style not for everybody.
  • No waist cord.
  • Some claim for low quality zipper.

5. Obosoyo Women’s Hooded Thickened Long Down Jacket Maxi Down Parka Puffer Coat

Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 19Best Women's Winter Coats For Extreme Cold 2023 20

This maxi long down coat is filled with 90% White duck down and 10% feather. Obosoyo says that the polyester material of this jacket is a 60% higher density than common materials in the market.

Its form is long (below the knee) with a hood with a fur collar and mild waterproof. So, it keeps your legs warm when you are outside. The double slider zippers make it easy to adjust when you want to sit down.

It has a waist tightening design that “raises” your waistline in an S-Shape design.

Specifications

Insulation90% white duck down
SizeS to 3XL
LengthMaxi long
ColorBlack

Features

  • Windproof
  • Heavyweight
  • Good insulation
  • Fits perfectly
  • Double side zippers
  • Mild waterproof

What We Like

We think this is another stylish coat and quite warm. It’s length helps to keep your legs warm too, and double-sided zippers make it easy to adjust if you want to sit.

What We Don’t Like

The hood should be warmer with such coat. There is an elastic band for the waist, so to provide the s-shape but an adjustable waist cord would be better.

Pros

  • Very stylish
  • Maxi long length
  • Very warm

Cons

  • Hood not so warm.
  • No waist cord.

Our Choice for Winter Coats for Extreme Cold

Our research concluded that the “Eddie Bauer Women’s Lodge Down Duffle Coat” is considered the best choice for many reasons.

We find it the best in style, proper size, fill-power, easy to zip/unzip, great hood warmth. It is lightweight, and the StormRepel technology finish sheds moisture, so it doesn’t soak into the fabric, which we find somewhat helpful when lying on snow doing “snow angels.”

Why Winter Coats Are Crucial

Every climate condition requires appropriate clothing. When it comes to cold-weather clothing, you can’t just pile a ton of clothes on your body; you won’t be able to move. You need clothes that keep you warm, which you can add/remove depending on the surrounding temperature.

Humans are pretty vulnerable in cold weather, and unless you are climbing high in the mountains, you want to look good. Winter coats for cold weather provide that. Here are the reasons why.

Provide Warmth

A winter coat is the final top layer you want to wear for walking in a city or outdoors. It allows you to dress in layers by adding a midweight cloth under the coat or/and a base layer. In that way, you ensure both warmth and a good range of movement. Keeping yourself warm is crucial for your biological functions and your mind. If you get too cold, you invite the risk of hypothermia, and you may notice that your mind is not working fast enough.

Level Up Your Style

Long winter coats can help you look even more stylish. Some winter coats come with a pattern design that adds up to the style you want to present. Depending on the coat, you may look classy, trendy, active, or all these together along with a mystery “allure,”; especially when dressed in white or black.

Prevent Any Risks

Getting frostbites or risking catching a cold these days is no joke. Especially with the pandemic, you don’t want to end up in a hospital. Having acute belly aches or leg pains when you are not suitably covered is not something you crave, correct?

Wearing the best winter coat for extreme cold ensures that you are protected. There is no reason to put your life at risk with extreme cold.

Great Investment

Such coats for extreme cold may be more expensive but consider them an investment. On top of the warmth and comfort, they are made with durable materials. Select not a revolutionary coat design, and it will be in fashion for many years.

You will wear it in a freezing city stride and many outdoor walks with snow or ice. With a good pair of leggings or pants and a great pair of boots, you have a set that you can shift around for most casual occasions.

Things To Consider Before Buying Women’s Winter Coats

Let’s get to the deepest secrets and details on how you will know which winter coat for extreme cold you must buy. You need to have a series of characteristics and specifications in mind. These will help you choose the best women’s winter coat for extreme cold.

Insulation

Winter coat insulation is one of the most critical factors. This will determine how warm or not your winter coat will be. There are two options to choose from. Down insulation and synthetic insulation.

Keep in mind this vital tip: Neither down nor synthetic insulation can create heat. That is a misconception. Instead, they trap air between their loose tendrils. That helps to prevent heat loss.

Down Insulation

Down insulation is achieved by filling from the very finest feathers closest to the bird’s body (the plumage) and usually comes from the feathers of ducks or geese. Such insulation is more lightweight but warmer in a weight-to-weight concept, which is ideal for extremely cold conditions. Down fails to keep you warm when it gets wet, so the best is to choose a winter coat that doesn’t allow moisture to penetrate the insulation layer.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation is usually made from polyester, either raw or recycled fibers. It is heavier but less warm. However, in damp conditions, synthetic usually keeps its warmth capability.

Yes, more feathers keep you warmer.

FAQs for Winter Coats Insulation

What are the Pros and Cons of Down Insulation?

The pros are its higher warmth-to-weight ratio that is very compressible and durable under the proper care.
The cons are its insulating power is reduced when it gets wet and takes lots of time to dry. It is not hypoallergenic (but that is rarely an issue), and cleaning requires extra care (due to long dry-up time). Of course, it is more expensive for a reason.

What are the Pros and Cons of Synthetic Insulation?

The pros include its water-resistance capability and keeping its warmth capacity when wet. It is also less expensive than down.
The cons relate to its increased weight and less warmth-to-weight ratio. Synthetic is less durable, and when frequently compressed, its insulating power is gradually reduced.

Categories

Our article refers to four casual winter coats (also suitable for some mild outdoor activities) and for more sports activities.

Sports activities coats/jackets have a few common. Still, primarily different characteristics from their standard winter coats “cousins.” these are the two main categories for such coats (or jackets if you prefer). For sure, you can’t wear a long winter coat and try to go hiking where a more extensive range of movement is a demand.

Style & Fit

As most winter coats come in a long form, you need to measure your body dimensions in the best possible way. Most of the discussions that we noticed relate to choosing the wrong size of a coat, despite the manufacturers providing the measurement table.

The coat length is not the sole measurement to have in mind. Each coat is not the same as another. Some have a waist adjustment cord, while others do not. Some come with a sports design, while others with a classic one.

So, you need to follow the instructions to correctly measure the bust, waist, hip, sleeve proportions. This guide can be helpful too, but when buying online, make sure to use the seller’s instructions.

Suitable For

Make sure you buy the correct winter coat or jacket for extreme cold weather, depending on the intended usage. Some coats are suitable only for mountaineering or other extreme snow sports, especially the not-long ones.

Features

How to ensure that the winter coat comes with the best fit for you? Follow the following list of features.

  1. Make sure there are no gaps that allow the wind to flow through.
  2. Best is to choose one with pockets lined with fleece. They are excellent hand warmers.
  3. Choose one with two-way zippers.
  4. Make sure to check if you can open zippers or buttons while using gloves.
  5. Choose ones with cuffs that stop air from getting through the sleeves.
  6. Elastic waist cords and hood cords help from fitting the coat better to your body.
  7. Choose one where the hood provides the same warmth as the rest of the jacket.
  8. With portability, motion of range and weight in mind, choose the one suitable for its meant use.

Breathability, Compressibility

Whether the coat is for extreme cold or not, wearing and walking in it -especially outdoors- will result in increasing your body heat. Since the best winter coats for cold weather trap the heat inside, that means you get warmer as you move.

Excessive sweating can lead to exhaustion, dehydration (yes, even with freezing weather), and it may lead to catching a cold. So, breathability is a factor to have in mind. Otherwise, you may end up splashing in your sweat, and you don’t want that.

Good insulation and good outer shell materials allow moisture to be released into the atmosphere without lowering your body heat or having a less water-resistant coat.

Down coats are highly compressible. Their total volume can be primarily reduced and fit in a backpack, despite their length. When traveling, that is important, as it occupies less space in your luggage or backpack.

Fill Power and Warmth

As mentioned in the Insulation section, the warmth factor in winter coats is influenced by the fill-power and fill-weight. The higher the numbers, the better the warmth you ensure. Make sure to check these appropriate indicators according to the temperatures and conditions you plan to use your winter coat.

What is Fill Power in Winter Coats for Extreme Cold Weather?

The term relates to measuring down’s ability to trap heat. The number shows how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill in a testing cube. For example, a 650-fill-power down means that one ounce of down fills 650 cubic inches of space. It goes up to 900 or higher.

Water-Proof Or Water Resistant

These two mean two different things. Waterproof means that water will not get through the outer shell. Such a coat or jacket has multiple layers to ensure that, along with a waterproof membrane. It can, of course, be less breathable. Choose such a coat when you plan to spend most of your time in rainy environments or with heavy snowfall.

Water-resistant means that some water will come through when the coat is constantly wet. The DWR material allows the water to create “beads” under the rain, and the raindrops “slide” away, but moisture will get through when you stay long under such conditions. So, choose such when you plan to spend time in cold but dry environments.

Wind Protection

Two main factors are to have in mind for this. When it is freezing outside, even the slightest cold breeze can be painful. Midweight and lightweight coats will not protect you. Instead, a heavyweight jacket can keep you warm, even from a violent cold wind. That is one thing to have in mind.

The other factor is the actual fitting and design of your winter coat. Is your hood warm enough? Is it insulated correctly? Is your coat’s neck elevated sufficiently to protect that area? Are tight cuffs (knitted or velcro) that stop the air from getting through? You want your body to “breath,” but the best is not to allow cold wind to get through.

Size & Length

There are typically three length types for winter coats for extreme cold weather (not to be confused with Size). There are:

  • Short size: The coat ends around the waist.
  • Mid Size: Ends around the mid-thigh.
  • Full Length: Any that falls below the mid-thigh.

The best is to buy a full length (or even a maxi long if it fits the circumstances) for winter unless you plan to be more active with sports, where you need a different type of jacket anyhow.

Durability

That is highly related to the thickness and the technology of the materials used on the outer shell, inner linings, plus the quality of zippers and buttons, for example. You must admit that nothing is more annoying than having a broken zipper when in the cold.

Good brands usually provide coats made with suitable materials. There are many cheap options out there but freezing outside wearing a coat that is not reasonably fit or one that permits cold and moisture to get through is not the best for your health and your peace of mind.

Under cold weather conditions, durability is not just a money-related factor. Cheap materials can put your health or your life in danger.

One of the factors to have in mind is the Denier factor. That is the unit measuring the weight and thickness of the individual threads used in the fabric. The thicker, the better, but when it comes to women’s winter coats for extreme cold, make sure you buy a coat that allows you to move freely and doesn’t feel like wearing a camping tent.

Washing And Drying Instructions

Only follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Down coats need extra care (and more) from synthetic ones; otherwise, you can ruin them fast.

If you liked this article about the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold, consider checking out our other reviews below:

Leave a Comment