Best women's winter parkas

Top pick: Arc'teryx Patera Parka — the best all-round winter parka here. 750-fill European goose down in a fitted, city-length cut, and at 867 g it's the lightest serious coat on the list, so it's warm without bulk for commuting and everyday wear.

Who the others suit:

• Canada Goose Shelburne — for deep cold (rated -10°C to -20°C) and a long mid-thigh cut; the buy-it-once option.
• Fjällräven Nuuk — for wet, snowy winters: a 10,000 mm waterproof shell and a long back, though it's heavy.
• Patagonia Down With It — a lighter, slimmer recycled-down parka for milder city winters.
• REI Campwell Down — the value pick for casual wear and camp-style warmth.
• OROS Orion — fully seam-sealed and waterproof when rain matters more than down loft.
• PAKA Apu — a lighter, recycled-shell option with a helmet-compatible hood.
• Budget quilted/fleece parkas — fine for mild winters and short commutes, not for real cold.