7 Long Puffer Coats That *Actually* Hold Up in Sub-Zero Degrees, According to a Person Who’s Lived in the Coldest Regions in the U.S.

Photo: Getty Images/ Thomas Barwick
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18 years in Chicago, four years in Wisconsin, and two years in Boston: I can safely say that I've lived in some of the coldest (and snowiest) regions of the U.S., where temperatures frequently dip below zero during wintertime. While layering and bundling up has helped a ton, there's no layer more important than a long puffer coat, which can help you get through frigid temperatures (brrrrr).

Compared to regular puffers, longer puffer coats insulate more areas of the body, retaining more warmth in the legs (yes, protecting your legs does matter) and shielding out the cold from your bum. That's why they're constantly in my winter wardrobe.

The best long puffer coats, at a glance:

What to look for in long puffer coat

When looking for a puffer coat, watch out for the fill number, which usually ranges between 500 and 700. The numbers matter because the higher the number, the loftier the jacket and the more efficient the feathers are at retaining warmth. You'll also want to look for a water- and resistant-fabrics like polyester and nylon to shell out snow and rain for when things get slushy.

We know there is a plethora of jackets on the market, so we researched and tested some of the best long puffer coats. Ahead, you'll find our top picks that'll prepare you for bone-chilling, sub-zero days.

The best long puffer coats

Best Overall

north face belted parka
The North Face, Women’s Nuptse Belted Long Parka — $450.00

Sizes available: XS-2XL

A tried-and-true outdoor recreation brand, the North Face always brings its A-game when it comes to outerwear, and the long parka is one durable coat that will last across multiple winters. Lightweight, the Triple C Parka is insulated with 700-fill goose down, which is dispersed across quilted chambers to keep you nice and toasty, and has a water-repellant finish for when the snow strikes. Even more, it features a two-way front zipper—so you can unzip your coat from the top or bottom—and a detachable hood.

Colors: 3

Pros

  • 550-fill down
  • Water-repellent
  • Detachable hood

Cons

  • May fit large for some

Best Luxury

canada goose byward parka
Canada Goose, Byward Parka Pastels — $1,250.00

Sizes available: 2XS-XL

Say goodbye to shivering for good with Canada Goose’s Byward Parka. Each coat is filled with a whopping 750-fill, responsibly-sourced duck down, making it ideal for temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit. While on the pricier end of long puffer coats, high-abrasion areas of the jacket are constructed out of Cordura—a synthetic and cotton blend—rendering the jacket durable and resistant against friction, so the jacket will last for winters to come.

In total, the jacket boasts seven pockets, five exterior and two interior, to store your essentials (no purse needed). What’s neat? The interior has two straps, so you can wear the coat like a backpack when indoors. All of these features make this coat worth the dollar bills.

Colors: 5

Pros

  • 750-fill
  • Features backpack-like straps
  • Water- and wind-resistant

Cons

  • Expensive

Best Budget

ll bean Down Maxi Winter Coat
Lands' End, Down Maxi Winter Coat — $145.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

Lands’ End Down Maxi coat is a quality and durable puffer. Hitting the mid-calf and filled with 600-fill down, the Maxi winter coat will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -25 degrees. While very long, the jacket features zippered vents to make it easy to move around and cuffs to further lock in warmth. It’s the best long puffer for the price.

Colors: 5

Pros

  • 600-fill
  • Removable hood
  • Water-repellent

Cons

  • May be too long for some
  • Limited sizing

Best Sport

lululemon wunder puffer
Lululemon, Wunder Puff Long Jacket — $398.00

Sizes available: 0-14

If you’re “wundering” around, we’d recommend Lululemon’s Wunder Puff long jacket. Insulated with 600-fill responsible goose down, the Wunder makes cold weather not as much of a biggie. Puffer coats can lack form, but this one comes with a cinch-able waist and is constructed out of a polyester shell that makes for a water- and wind-resistant barrier. Plus, it’s machine washable, so you can throw this in the washer when things get sweaty. No walk or stroll is too cold with this jacket.

Colors: 7

Pros

  • 600-fill
  • Relaxed fit
  • Water-repellent

Cons

  • Runs large

Best Eco-Friendly

tentree cloud puffer
Tentree, Cloud Shell Long Puffer — $328.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

For an eco-friendly purchase, Tentree’s Cloud Shell Long Puffer keeps the environment in mind. Each jacket is made and insulated with recycled polyester (it’ll keep you warm down to five degrees Fahrenheit), and for every item purchased, Tentree plants ten trees, so you know your purchase is being used for environmental good. The two-way front zipper makes zipping and taking off the coat a breeze. Plus, it fits on the roomier side, so you can layer with sweaters, knits, and turtlenecks for extra warmth.

Colors: 4

Pros

  • Made of recycled materials
  • Two-way zipper
  • Roomy fit

Cons

  • Limited sizes

Best Fit

aritzia super puff long
Aritzia, Super Puff Long — $350.00

Sizes available: 3XS-2XL

Aritzia’s Super Puff will make you feel like you have super powers. The power: keeping extra toasty when the tundra hits. Water-repellent, wind-resistant, and filled with responsibly sourced, 700-fill goose down, the Super Puff Long will defend you from nature’s toughest elements and temperatures as low as -40 degrees. While some jackets may feel restricting, this one has a roomy fit and buttoned vents, making layering and walking actually possible. Another perk, this coat comes in 31 colors (yes, you heard that correctly), from sea blue to copper red to basic black.

Colors: 31

Pros

  • 700-fill
  • Relaxed fit
  • Water- and wind-resistant
  • Lots of color options

Cons

  • May need to size up for people with wider hips

Best Stain-Resistant

ll bean ultra warm coat
L.L. Bean, Ultrawarm Coat — $279.00

Sizes available: XS-XL

Winter jackets stain easily, but not L.L. Bean’s Ultrawarm Coat. Constructed out of a polyester exterior, this coat holds up against wind, dirt, and debris and can easily be cleaned. Warm as it is stylish, this coat boasts 650-fill down, a paneled design, and a faux-fur trim, keeping you warm and dry all winter long.

Colors: 6

Pros

  • 650-fill
  • Stain-resistant
  • Snap closure

Cons

  • Limited sizes

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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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