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

What better way to get back out there than with a fresh winter jacket for your next chilly adventure. The crew here at Wild Earth have put the win back into winter with our top 5 best winter jackets for women of 2022. 

 

1. XTM MONTANA WOMENS

 

Fill: 180 g/sqm insulation
Weight: 910g
Features:

• Waterproof 15,000mm - Breathable 15,000gm
• PFC-free 60% Recycled mechanical stretch outer
• 180 g/sqm insulation through body
• 140 g/sqm insulation through sleeves
• Vislon YKK main zip
• Removable hood
• Removable faux fur trim
• Zips at side hem for extra movement
• Hand warmer pockets
• Plush internal lining
• Internal zip & mesh pockets
• Back Length = 86cm on Size 10
• Certified Carbon Neutral Product

A classic design that never goes out of style, the XTM Montana Ladies Winter Jacket fits in just as easily on your morning commute as it does sipping apres on the slopes. Made from recycled fabrics, this outerwear piece features a 15K waterproof lining to keep you dry on those dreary winter days and added insulation to boost your warmth when the temperatures start to drop. The Montana can adapt to any occasion with a removable faux-fur trim and a removable hood. This jacket is really just perfect for every adventure or snow trip you have planned. 

 

 

2. THE NORTH FACE 1996 RETRO NUPTSE WOMENS

 

Fill: 700 Fill Goose Down
Weight: 625g
Features:

• 700-fill down offers warmth yet remains extremely compressible
• Relaxed fit
• Stowable hood packs into collar
• Has the oversize logos of the original '96 jacket
• Bungee cinch at hem
• Boxy silhouette
• DWR finish helps keep you dry
• Inspired by the iconic design lines of our 1996 Nuptse Jacket
• Secure-zip hand pockets
• Exposed, VISLON® center front zip
• Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs
• Oversize baffles
• Original shiny ripstop fabric for durability
• Embroidered logo on left chest and back-right shoulder
• Bungee cinch-cord at hem for adjustability
• 700 fill goose down offers warmth yet remains extremely compressible

The North Face 1996 Nuptse Jacket has been on everyone's wish list since they were released, and rightly so. With a 700-fill down that's certified to the responsible down standard to keep you warm in those winter environments while still remaining extremely compressible. The oversized baffles really add an extra level to that old school 90s puffer jacket look while the original shiny ripstop fabric maintains the durability of the jacket overall. Built for both mountain and city life, the nuptse can also stow its hood into the collar for a new look. The Nuptse jacket is just the ultimate must have winter jacket for every adventurer with its style and functionality. 

 

3. PATAGONIA DOWN WITH IT WOMENS

 

 

Fill: 600-fill-power 100% Recycled Down (duck and goose down reclaimed from down products)
Weight: 882g
Features:

• 100% recycled polyester plain-weave shell with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish; jacket is insulated with 100% Recycled Down for warmth
• Chevron-inspired baffles create a modern silhouette with princess seams in the front and back for shaping and a warm, contoured fit
• Insulated, removable three-panel hood secures to jacket with snaps
• Full-length front zipper with a snap wind flap
• Welted, zippered hand warmer pockets set next to princess seams
• Interior zippered chest pocket secures valuables
• Hip length

The Patagonia Down With It Women’s Jacket has been redesigned with updated quilt lines for a fresh new look. Boasting a 100% recycled polyester shell that has been treated with a durable water repellent to keep you dry in light rain and snow. The removable, insulated hood transforms the Down With It jacket into a whole new look while keeping your head nice and warm. Not to mention, this jacket is insulated with 600-fill-power 100% Recycled Down (duck and goose down reclaimed from down products) for peace of mind and pure performance in winter climates. The Patagonia Down With It Womens jacket will have you snug as a bug in a rug on your next adventure. 

 

 

4. ARCTERYX ATOM LT WOMENS

 

Fill: Synthetic Insulation
Weight: 390g
Features:

• Atom: Versatile synthetic insulated mid layers with a high degree of weather resistance.
• Lightweight: High performance, minimalist design that is durable for its weight.
• Arc'teryx Essentials: Versatile high-performance designs for diverse activities and conditions.
• Synthetic Insulation: Man-made insulation with quick dry times, durability and retains warmth when damp.

The Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody is designed as an active-use insulation layer, providing vital core warmth with liberal mobility and breathability. Lightweight and compressible, the Atom LT Hoody features Coreloft insulation in the torso, arms and hood keeping your entire upper body warm. 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 keeps you extra dry when the conditions get a little dicey. The Coreloft insulation inside a light taffeta shell provides all the comfort of a sleeping bag, but with a weightless feel. The Atom series have a taffeta outer lining that is treated with DWR (durable water resistant) finish to give them a long-lasting ability to shed moisture. The Atom LT is highly compressible and packs 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.

 

 

5. ICEBREAKER MERINO QUANTUM III LONG SLEEVE ZIP WOMENS

 

 

Fill: 100% Merino Wool
Weight: 370g
Features:

• 100% Merino - Soft merino fibres that regulate body temperature in all weather conditions and resists odors
• Fitted hood
• Thumb loops to keep your sleeves in place and hands warm
• Offset shoulder seams to prevent friction
• 2-way zip
• Zipper chin guard to prevent friction
• Zippered hand and chest pockets
• Internal dump pockets
• Drop tail hem for added coverage

A slim-fit mid-layer is a little different compared to everything else on the list however, the Icebreaker Quantum III Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie deserves a mention in the must-have winter essentials. This 100% merino wool jacket is ideal for technical mountain adventures like hiking and skiing and helps regulate your body temperature in all weather conditions. The fitted hood and offset shoulder seams to allow for an extremely comfortable fit and prevent friction in the most extreme of adventures. The Quantum III is so versatile that it can be a stand-alone winter warmer or an extra layer for those extra cold winter climates. 

 

 

6. THE NORTH FACE SUMMIT L5 FUTURELIGHT WOMEN'S ALPINE JACKET

 

Fill: Futurelight 3 layer shell
Weight: 476g
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 Womens Alpine jacket is not a jacket to take lightly. Made with a three-layer FUTURELIGHT™ fabric that provides the highest level of durable, breathable-waterproof protection and reinforced with Spectra® ripstop, the Summit L5 FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket takes 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.

 

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.