I’m an outdoorsy sort who hikes, cross-country skis, and camps in cold weather. I agree with others that layers are important. Also, keeping head, neck, hands, and feet warm can make a big difference in how one perceives cold.

The Patagonia R1 Techface is a great layer between indoor clothes and a heavier jacket. Cotopaxi and other companies are starting to make similar fleece products that are a better value.

Down or polyfill is what makes winter jackets warm. High altitude mountaineers still wear down suits. If the puffer jacket doesn’t feel warm enough, your child may prefer a high density of down fill. Of course, that will always add bulk. Jackets that come down over the hips also tend to feel warmer because they don’t gap at the waist and somewhat cover one’s behind.

My recommendation would be to shop together at an outdoor outfitter and see what your kiddo will tolerate from a fashion and bulk standpoint.

Agree with going to a ski shop. Way more options than you'll find elsewhere.

That said my 12 year old is grumping about her very thin profile ski coat and wants to wear her fleece everywhere these days. I think it's an age thing.

it's not about the jacket, it's about the base layers to stay warm.

Anonymous wrote:Please get one that’s not down.
Down is a nicer way of saying immature feathers ripped from a bird.
There are cruelty free options out there.

Most down is from dead birds that were slaughtered for meat. Might as well use the feathers rather than let them go to waste. Live plucking is unethical and not a part of the Patagonia supply chain.

Yes to base layers, but you definitely do not need expensive hand wash ones. I get these at Costco and they last a few years in the regular laundry until the seams start to fray (which is a non-issue for a growing kid). https://www.32degrees.com/collections/mens

Anonymous wrote:Please get one that’s not down.
Down is a nicer way of saying immature feathers ripped from a bird.
There are cruelty free options out there.

Cruelty free is not my concern in a coat. It just isn’t Pollyanna

Please get one that’s not down.
Down is a nicer way of saying immature feathers ripped from a bird.
There are cruelty free options out there.

Get a jacket from boden

Anonymous wrote:I got my kid a nice jacket from marmot that is really thin and waterproof. It keeps him warm, I'm thinking it's a ski type jacket.

I agree about Marmot. They have waterproof parkas and down thin jackets that are water resistant. Most websites for winter coats will have a lot of varieties to pick from.

Chicagoan here. The PPs talking about layers know what they're talking about.

I like the Land End puffers. They are not puffy but are water-resistant and cozy.

Water resistant is meaningless. It isn't waterproof.

Those packable coats are really not that warm in the end. It needs a solid layer not just puffer style.

Do you get some sort of commission every time you post about Aritzia, OP?

Anonymous wrote:The Patagonia ones are great. I think they say the down sweater isn’t waterproof, but my kids have worn those since age 5 and are now in high school. They have ski jackets they rarely wear and say the Patagonia is great, even in snow

Agree with the Patagonia down sweater. That's what I have for a non puffy jacket. It is warm but no, it's not waterproof. A bit water resistant but I still need an umbrella. I also have a Patagonia long puffer coat and it's the warmest one I've found and I've tried a lot.

You're going to have to give up one of your criteria. It doesn't exist.

Google men’s stadium coats.