In the market for a new hiking jacket this winter? You’ve come to the right place!
This gear guide shares 9 different women’s winter hiking jackets for every budget, size, and style. Whether you’re planning a trip to the mountains, or are looking to stay warm while hiking closer to home this winter, you’ll find a jacket that fits your needs here.
All of these jackets can be purchased at REI, which means you can take advantage of member rewards and seasonal sales. Most of these jackets are from brands that prioritize using recyclable and sustainable fabrics. I also intentionally chose jackets that come in a variety of colors beyond the standard black and white, so you can look cute on the trail (wearing bright colors is also a helpful safety hack in case you need to be spotted by search and rescue!).
Click the jacket you’re interested in below to shop directly!
What to Look For in a Women’s Winter Hiking Jacket
Finding the perfect winter hiking jacket doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While things like fit, color, style, and comfort are all important, there are a couple of technical considerations to keep in mind as well.
Down vs. Synthetic
An insulated jacket is either going to be filled with down or synthetic feathers or fill. Down jackets are typically going to be warmer than synthetic jackets, however once they get wet they no longer provide insulation. Down jackets also take a long time to dry once wet and tend to be more expensive.
Alternatively, synthetic jackets tend to dry quickly after getting wet and are usually more affordable than down. I’m personally a fan of synthetic jackets for hiking in the winter, especially in snowy conditions. Most women’s winter hiking jackets on the market, and in this guide, are filled with synthetic insulation.

Temperature Rating
You want to stay warm on the trail without overheating and sweating, which means choosing a winter hiking jacket with the right temperature rating for your needs. Not every brand provides this information, but if they do it’s important to pay attention to.
I spend most of the winter hiking in the desert in the Southwest, so I don’t need a jacket that can withstand subzero temperatures. If you’re in a colder climate you obviously want to choose something more robust. Also don’t discount the additional warmth you can get from adding a good baselayer and midlayer!
Special Features
There are only so many ways that brands can manufacture a unique puffy jacket, and adding special features can help them differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Features like hoods, adjustable waistbands, pockets, and the ability for the jacket to pack down into itself are all things to keep in mind when deciding which jacket best suits your needs.

Best Women’s Winter Hiking Jackets
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Having affiliate links on the blog allows Kate Outdoors to continue providing you with free, valuable information!
1. REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket
- Price: $129
- Sizes: XS-3X
The REI Co-op 650 down jacket is the best bang for your buck down hiking jacket on the market, and even beats out most synthetic jackets. In addition to being the most affordable jacket in this guide, it has one of the largest size ranges and comes in 6 different colors. It’s also windproof, but lightweight, making it perfect for winter hikes.
SHOP THE REI CO-OP 650 DOWN JACKET
2. Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket
- Price: $229
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
The Patagonia Nano Puff is my go-to jacket for winter hikes. It weighs in at 10 oz., so it’s a great lightweight jacket that can easily be packed down if you need to stuff it in your pack. According to Patagonia, their quilting pattern is designed for durability, while remaining low bulk. I’ve had my jacket for over 3 years and it’s still in excellent condition after dozens of hikes and outings (I even wore it on a sunrise hike at my wedding in Olympic National Park!).
SHOP THE PATAGONIA NANO PUFF INSULATED JACKET

3. Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody
- Price: $300
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
Unlike most of the other winter hiking jackets in this guide, the Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoody has a moisture-resistant shell for an outer layer, which sets it apart from traditional puffy jackets. The synthetic jacket comes with a hood and lots of pockets, which makes it a great option for hiking in snowy climates. It also packs down into itself for easy layering and storage while out on the trail.
SHOP THE ARC’TERYX ATOM INSULATED HOODY
4. Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket
- Price: $188
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
The Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket is one of the most stylish jackets in this guide, which makes it perfect for transitioning from the trail to and après dinner reservation. It features a slouchy fit, two-way zipper, and an internal pocket to store your phone. Vuori also sells a vest version of the Canyon Jacket if you’re looking for something more lightweight.
SHOP THE VUORI CANYON INSULATED JACKET
5. Fjallraven Keb Padded Insulated Jacket
- Price: $250
- Sizes: XXS-XL
The Fjallraven Keb Padded Insulated Jacket is a great option if you’re looking for a hooded puffy coat to keep you warm on winter hikes. It offers both an outer chest pocket and an interior mesh pocket to easily access your phone and other essentials. It also has a fitted hood to help block out wind and snow.
SHOP THE FJALLRAVEN KEB PADDED INSULATED JACKET
6. Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Insulated Hoodie
- Price: $235, but currently on sale for $164.73-169.73
- Sizes: XS-3X (1X-3X is currently sold out)
If you’re looking for a high-quality women’s winter hiking jacket at a great price then check out the Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Insulated Hoodie. The jacket is sold through the REI Outlet, so it’s offered at a discount and you can stack on an extra 20% off if you’re an REI member. Outdoor Research is known for creating durable and functional outdoor gear and the SuperStrand LT jacket is no exception with its unique quilt pattern and easy ability to be packed down.
SHOP THE OUTDOOR RESEARCH SUPERSTRAND LT INSULATED HOODIE
7. Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Insulated Jacket
- Price: $250
- Sizes: XXS-4X
Everybody deserves to get outdoors and hike during the winter and the Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Insulated Jacket is the most size-inclusive jacket in this guide with sizes going up to a 4X. It also has a drawstring around the hem to help you adjust the jacket for the perfect fit, as well as a water repellant finish for added durability. Ultimately, the Cotopaxi Capa is a winner for all of your outdoor adventures this winter.
SHOP THE COTOPAXI CAPA HOODED INSULATED JACKET
8. Halfdays Bessie Packable Puffer Jacket
- Price: $195
- Sizes: XS-2X
Function meets style with the Halfdays Bessie Packable Puffer Jacket. This is one of my favorite jackets in this guide because it’s a bit more elevated and fashionable than your typical hiking puffy coat. It has a unique quilted pattern and since Halfdays’ tagline is that it’s for women, by women, the fit is very flattering. It can also pack down into a travel pillow, which makes it a great option for cold weather backpacking trips.
SHOP THE HALFDAYS BESSIE PACKABLE PUFFER JACKET
9. Black Diamond Access Down 2.0 Hoody
- Price: $349
- Sizes: XS-XL
While the Black Diamond Access Down 2.0 Hoody is the most expensive women’s hiking jacket in this guide, it’s made with the highest quality materials, including goose down. It features an adjustable hem, hood, and cuffs that are compatible with gloves. If you’re planning on hiking in a very cold, snowy climate, this is the jacket you want to get.
SHOP THE BLACK DIAMOND ACCESS DOWN 2.0 HOODY
Shop the Best Women’s Winter Hiking Jackets:
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