Winter has definitely come early this year and it's taken us all off guard!

 

It’s time to get your mitts on a new winter kit and where better to start than winter jackets. Whether you need it to be waterproof, warm or both, the crew here at Wild Earth have done the research and given you the top 6 picks of 2022 to help you warm up with the right jacket for you. 

 

1. ARCTERYX ATOM LT MENS 

 

 

Fill: Synthetic insulation
Weight: 415g
Features:

• Compressible and packable
• Light, soft Tyono™ 20 is air permeable
• Performance stretch fleece side panels give ventilation
• Resilient Coreloft™ Compact 60 insulation retains loft
• Trim fit for base layer or light mid-layer use
• Two hand pockets with hidden zippers
• Internal chest pocket with zip
• Dope dyed lining fabric
• Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
• DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish repels moisture

First up we have the Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody. This hybrid hoody is designed as an active-use insulation layer, providing vital core warmth with liberal mobility and breathability so you can stay warm, but not overheat, on any adventure. Lightweight and compressible, the Atom LT Hoody features Coreloft insulation in the torso, arms and hood. The side panels and underarms feature smooth faced, air permeable fleece stretch for ventilation so you don't overheat. A wind and moisture resistant outer shell extends stand-alone usability. The fact that every person at the Arcteryx Head Office owns at least one Atom LT and most of the women have two speaks for itself. The Coreloft insulation inside a light taffeta shell provides all the comfort of a sleeping bag, with the weightless feel of a shell. The benefit of taffeta fabrics is their light, airy nature with an ability to turn aside wind and then treated with a DWR (durable water resistant) finish to give them a long-lasting ability to shed moisture. In addition to being made of breathable Coreloft insulation, the Atom LT has smooth-faced, air permeable fleece stretch side panels to help regulate temperature during exertion. Highly compressible, Atom pieces pack down into a tiny parcel of stored warmth. Store the jacket inside its own pocket, or tuck it into a sleeve or inside the hood if you are not restricted by space. A quick shake restores the original loft, time and again. 

 

2. THE NORTH FACE MCMURDO MENS

 

 

Fill: 600 Fill Recycled Waterfowl Down
Weight: 1490g
Features:

• Draft flap with hidden hook-and-loop closure covers the two-way, VISLON® center front zip
• 600 fill recycled waterfowl down
• Relaxed fit
• Concealed, secure-zip alpine chest pockets
• Hook-and-loop cuff tabs
• Embroidered logo on left chest and back-right shoulder
• Two dual-entry front patch pockets have a top-entry hidden hook-and-loop flap closure and a side-entry secure-zip closure
• Adjustable hood with drawcord and removable faux-fur trim

The North Face McMurdo Parka is up there as one of the warmest jackets on this list. With a 600 fill recycled waterfowl down lining, the McMurdo is both warm and sustainable. As The North Face’s longest men's coat, it boasts a long list of must-have features. The relaxed fit gives you the opportunity to add extra layers with ease for when you are adventuring in those sub zero temperatures. A draft flap with a hidden hook-and-loop closure that covers the zip for some extra wind protection. Pockets for days with a concealed, secure zip alpine chest pocket, and two dual-entry front pack pockets that have a top entry hidden hook-and-loop flap and side entry secure-zip closure. Not to mansion, changeable style with an adjustable hood with drawcord and removable faux-fur trim. The McMurdo is more than just a jacket, it's a utility tool for every winter adventurer. 

 

3. PATAGONIA MICRO PUFF MENS 

 

 

Fill: 65-g PlumaFill 100% polyester
Weight: 235g
Features:

• Ultralight nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum shell is water-resistant, windproof and treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
• Revolutionary PlumaFill insulation replicates the structure of down in a continuous synthetic insulation material, offering the warmth, packability and feel of down but with the warm-when-wet performance of synthetic insulation
• Innovative quilting construction complements the insulation by stabilizing and maximizing the loft of the PlumaFill strands with minimal stitching
• Center-front zipper has storm flap and zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort
• Two welted zippered handwarmer pockets and two internal drop-in pockets; left pocket doubles as a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop
• Elasticized cuffs and hem seal in warmth
• Fair Trade Certified sewn

The best warmth for weight of any jacket Patagonia has ever created, the Micro Puff Jacket delivers ultra lightweight, water-resistant, down-like warmth with PlumaFill synthetic insulation, a revolutionary featherlight down alternative. It's like down, only better. Patagonia’s Micro Puff Jacket uses a revolutionary, feather-soft synthetic insulation with an unprecedented warmth-to-weight ratio. The groundbreaking PlumaFill insulation (65-g 100% polyester) is phenomenally light and compressible, offering down-level warmth that still traps your heat when it's wet. A nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum shell, with a DWR (durable waterproof repellent) finish, blocks wind and snow. This jacket's design maximizes performance while minimizing the useless fluff. 

 

4. SALOMON SIGHT STORM MENS 

Fill: Stormloft insulation
Weight: 607g
Features:

• AdvancedSkin technical fabrics improve body comfort by keeping you dry, warm and protected when you need it and where you need it.
• Durable water repellent, or DWR, outer fabric that sheds light rain and snow.
• Stormloft insulation technology 
• Fixed hood
• Smart hood
• Active fit: On tops and bottoms, Active fit is close fitting and lets you move. Not too tight, not too loose.
• Hem adjustment: Integrated drawcord adjustment tightens the bottom hem for better protection against the elements.
• Stay down security zipper pull that stays in place anywhere along the zipper.
• Cuff binding

The Salomon Sight Storm Insulated Jacket for men is your go-to Insulated Jacket that combines weather protection, warmth and comfort. The Stormloft insulation technology mimics the structure, loft and warmth of down, with the fast drying, allergy-free performance of synthetic. This Light weight but exceptionally warm material packs small and feels cozy in any weather. With a DWR coated outer fabric, the Sight Storm remains windproof and water resistant to help keep you protected from the elements. The Smart hood has a minimalist construction that fits your head without having to worry about those annoying draw cords flapping around in the wind. And lastly, the bluesign® system stamp of approval. The bluesign system is the solution for sustainable textile production. It eliminates harmful substances right from the beginning of the manufacturing process and sets and controls standards for an environmentally friendly and safe production. The Salomon Sight Storm is the ideal jacket for all your outings.

 

 

5. XTM TRAVERSE MENS 3-IN-1 

Fill: 120g/m2 insulation
Weight: 890g
Features:

• Waterproof 15,000mm - Breathable 10,000gm
• 3 in 1 Jacket
• Removable Side Country mid layer jacket
• Critically taped seams
• Waterproof two way vislon main zip
• Waterproof chest zip
• Fixed hood
• Pit zips with mesh guard
• Ski pass pocket
• Adjustable Velcro cuffs
• Certified Carbon Neutral Product

The XTM Traverse 3 in 1 is your new go-to; it's our multi-purpose 3-in-1 outerwear jacket built for warmth and versatility so no matter what the temp throws at you, you'll be prepared. This jacket combines a waterproof, breathable outer shell, made with XTM’s REFLEX-CORE recycled fabric, with a removable and lightweight DWR coated side country puffer jacket. So wear it as a shell on those warmer days, an insulated jacket on the colder days, and a lightweight mid-layer for your everyday activities. Never lose your lift pass again with a ski pass pocket. The internal powder skirt means no more snow up your back when you have a stack and waterproof zips for that extra protection. This jacket will keep you stoked no matter what your adventure entails.

 
6. THE NORTH FACE SUMMIT L5 FUTURELIGHT MENS ALPINE JACKET

 

Fill: Futurelight 3 layer shell
Weight: 537g
Features:

• Standard fit
• Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ 3L shell
• High-wear areas reinforced with Spectra® ripstop for increased durability
• Articulated patterning for fit and mobility
• Attached, fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with a bonded brim
• No shoulder seams for reduced bulk and extra comfort while you're wearing a pack
• Brushed-tricot chin guard with laser-cut perforations for breathability and comfort
• #5 YKK® AquaGuard® center front zip
• Two chest pockets with #3 YKK® AquaGuard® zips and an internal pocket on left
• Bonded cuff tabs with a hook-and-loop closure
• Adjustable, internal hem cinch-cord with a riveted cord lock
• Two internal mesh drop pockets
• Lightweight stuff sack included

The North Face Summit L5 Futurelight Mens Alpine jacket is not a jacket to take lightly. This alpine conquering jacket is made with a three-layer FUTURELIGHT™ fabric that provides the highest level of durable, breathable, and waterproof protection taking performance to new heights. It is crafted with an ergonomic fit for optimum mobility, and its exceptional breathability removes the need to switch from hard- to soft-shell, so you'll have more time for skinning up and riding down. With two chest pockets with AquaGaurd zips, an internal zip pocket and two internal mesh drop pockets, the Summit L5 has pockets for days. I wouldn't call this a jacket but an investment to take you to the next level. 

 

If you need any further help, don't hesitate to come instore to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you out there on the trails, keeping warm with your fresh new jacket! Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

 

 

About the contributor: 

Chris Anderson is the graphic artist for Wild Earth. When he isn't getting creative behind the computer screen he's behind the camera lens hunting for that next epic landscape shot. You'll often find him hitting the trails and chasing waterfalls or jetting off to new places around the globe to surf, snowboard and just searching those hard to reach places for unseen beauties.
Follow his adventures on Instagram.