Best winter jackets

Top pick: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody — the safest all-round winter jacket for most people: 800-fill down for real warmth without bulk, a hood, and light enough to pack or layer under a shell on wet days. It's the one I'd buy first.

Who the others suit:

• Arc'teryx Atom Hoody — synthetic insulation that keeps working when damp; best for active days, milder winters or layering.
• Patagonia Down Sweater (no hood) — same warmth, cleaner look for city wear under a hat.
• RockyLoft Insulated Hooded Down — a warmer, higher-rated down jacket if you want more loft for deep cold.
• Hawke & Co Albany Insulated — a budget-friendly waterproof-rated shell for slush and rain.
• Columbia White Out II — a cheap hooded puffer for light cold; ratings are thin.
• NEIKU softshell — windproof fleece-lined shell for mild, windy days rather than hard cold.

Skip the no-name bargain puffers: thin insulation and weak reviews.