What is the warmest thin winter coat?

Winter coats keep you warm by trapping body heat and blocking the chilling effect of the wind. Traditionally, warm coats have been large and bulky, sacrificing flexibility for insulation. However, cutting-edge technology has been used to develop fabrics that can keep you warm without weighing you down.

Whether you are skiing, climbing or hiking in low temperatures, you need to stay warm without compromising mobility. To achieve effective and efficient insulation, your clothing needs to prevent heat loss, protect against wind chill and allow easy movement. 

Heat loss

In cold conditions, thermal energy is transferred from your body to the surrounding air. The bigger the temperature difference between your body and the atmosphere, the faster heat is lost. This causes the heart to work harder, increasing blood pressure. 

The normal core body temperature is 37oC. Hypothermia occurs when your body is losing heat faster than it can produce it, dropping the body temperature below 35oC. Symptoms of hypothermia include slurred speech, confusion, and, if not treated, it can result in death.

To combat this thermal energy transfer, clothing can be used to trap layers of air close to the skin. This ensures that the heat produced by the body stays close to your core, slowing down the rate of heat loss and keeping you warm.

Wind Chill

Wind chill causes the cooling of the body due to the flow of cold air. A function of air temperature and wind speed, wind chill causes the temperature to feel colder than the weather forecast. The layer of warmer air immediately around the body is replaced as the wind blows, increasing the cooling effect.

Fabrics can be made windproof by using very tight weaves. The smaller the gaps between the fibres, the harder it is for wind to penetrate the material.

Your outer layer of clothing should act as a barrier to the wind while also trapping body heat close to the skin. 

The problem with high levels of insulation is that they can cause clothing to become bulky. Thick jackets can inhibit movement and hinder performance in outdoor activities and sports. Also, jackets designed to resist wind and rain can cause uncomfortable levels of moisture to build up inside your clothes when you start to sweat. For active use, you need effective insulation that does not compromise on comfort or flexibility.

To maintain comfort and freedom of movement when participating in outdoor pursuits, new technology and synthetic fabrics can help. This guide will examine the different methods of insulation to help you prepare for your next adventure.

Lightweight warm coats

To remain lightweight, warm coats can be made from synthetic fabrics. These materials have been developed to regulate body temperature and maintain high levels of comfort and performance. The North Face has developed several new technologies to achieve warmth without sacrificing performance.

This section will help you understand the key principles, materials and new technology that can produce lightweight, insulating clothing:

• Layering – combining clothes for versatile performance

• Breathability – maintaining ventilation

• Down filled jackets – natural lightweight insulation

• Thermoball technology – a synthetic alternative to down

• Windwall technology – defeating wind chill

Layering

Using clothing to stay warm depends on the careful selection of the right combination of layers. Layering your clothes will trap heat efficiently and allow you to adapt to changing conditions. 

Effective combinations include three main layers:

• Base layer – Often referred to as thermal clothing, your base layer should be tight fitting and lightweight to allow easy addition of other clothing. Choose materials for comfort and the ability to wick moisture away from the skin.

• Mid layer – Mid-layers are often made from fleece or soft shells and provide extra insulation by trapping layers of air close to the body.

• Outer shell – Your outer shell should provide protection from wind and rain without adding too much bulk.

The North Face Triclimate 3-in-1 range of jackets is designed with effective layering in mind. These coats have a removable outer shell and an insulated inner jacket that can be worn together or separately. Compatibility with other zip-in garments from The North Face allows you to create the combination specific to your needs.

Mid layers and outer jackets can be made from a variety of material. To choose the right garment for your needs, consider your planned activities as well as the potential weather conditions. Look for versatile clothing combinations that can handle changes in the elements.

Related: The North Face guide to the world of layering

Breathability

Manufacturers in the 19th Century experimented with oiled fabrics as a way of making coats water resistant and windproof. The major problem was breathability. It was possible to make a jacket that kept water and wind out, but the fabrics also trapped water vapour inside. When the wearer started to perspire, the moisture was contained close to the body, creating a sweaty, uncomfortable experience.

Breathability is a measurement of how quickly water vapour passes through the fabric. The goal is to use materials that will reduce heat loss and wind chill, but still allow some air flow to maintain a comfortable microclimate.

Lightweight down coats

Down jackets and coats are insulated using the soft, warm feathers from ducks or geese. After Eddie Bauer nearly died of hypothermia on a fishing expedition in 1936, he invented the first coat filled with feathers. Commonly known as puffer jackets, the feathers create air pockets which slow down heat loss and keep you warm in cold weather.

The effectiveness of down jackets depends on warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility. Ideal for comfort and extra warmth, The North Face down coats are insulated with high-fill goose down. Our premium Summit Series range features the highest quality commercially available down. Designed for high performance in harsh conditions, minimal weight and maximum warmth are paramount.

The North Face created the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to ensure that down used in our jackets does not involve unnecessary harm to animals. RDS certified clothing represents a commitment to animal welfare and traceability in the feather supply chain.

More feathers in the lining gives better insulation, but also leads to increased size. Large puffer jackets are not uncommon for casual wear, but are impractical for outdoor activities and sports. Maintaining mobility requires efficient insulation in a flexible form. Synthetic insulation can be a solution for active wear on winter days.

Thermoball technology – innovative insulation

Thermoball technology has been developed by The North Face as an improvement on natural down. For decades, goose down has represented the highest quality insulation, but it does not perform well when wet. Thermoball insulation uses small, synthetic fibre clusters to imitate the heat-trapping effects of down. If they become wet, their shape is not compromised so they continue to provide warmth in all conditions.

Thermoball technology keeps you warm with a much lighter weight than a traditional winter jacket. Jackets made using this insulation can be packed down into incredibly small pockets, allowing you to travel light.

Windwall technology – defeating wind chill

The North Face WindWall fabrics have been engineered to combat wind chill while maintaining flexibility, breathability and comfort. Wind resistant materials reduce the flow of air past the body and remain versatile for a wide range of activities. For more intense conditions, fully windproof garments will provide a shield from the effects of icy gales.

Best lightweight winter coats

To choose the best lightweight winter coat, consider the potential weather conditions and the activities you have planned. Lightweight jackets can keep you warm without sacrificing freedom of movement. Breathable fabrics will allow moisture to be wicked away from your skin, regulating body temperature when you are working hard.

Our mission is to equip modern-day explorers, and our range of warm, winter coats and jackets are designed with outdoor adventures in mind. Our history of supporting athletes in extreme conditions leads to products that are tried and tested in the harshest conditions. Whether you're trying to stay warm on a winter walk, tackling the rock face or hitting the piste, our jackets are made for high performance, longevity and maximum comfort.

The North Face Men’s Stretch Hooded Down Jacket keeps you cosy in cold conditions with high quality 700-fill down. Ideal for hiking, the jacket locks in body heat and compresses down to an impressively small volume, perfect to keep in your bag ready for when you need it. With a water-resistant coating for rain showers and stretch-woven fabric for mobility, this is a coat built for active lifestyles.

Thermoball technology allows the Women’s Thermoball Eco Jacket to cope with changing conditions in alpine environments. The synthetic fill retains insulating properties even when damp and is highly compressible, packing away into a compact, lightweight pocket. The insulation and the outer fabric are made entirely from recycled polyester, making this jacket an environmentally friendly all-rounder.

For versatility in the outdoors, our Women’s Synthetic Insulated Zip-In Triclimate Jacket can help you adapt to changing conditions. Combining a 100% waterproof outer shell with a removable, insulated inner jacket, this coat can help you manage unpredictable weather on the trail. Optimised for comfort and performance, compatibility with other zip-in clothing from The North Face allows you to select the perfect layering system for your needs.

The Youth Chakado Insulated Jacket is designed to keep younger explorers warm and dry in the snow. DryVent waterproofing maintains breathability while keeping water out, and the synthetic insulation is lightweight and effective. 

For the most intense adventures in the cold, our rugged Summit Series jackets are engineered for uncompromised performance on gruelling ascents and descents. In September 2018, Hilaree Nelson and Jim Morrison completed the first ever ski descent of Lhotse Couloir, the 4th highest mountain in the world. Skiing down the 50o slope, dealing with low oxygen and high altitudes, the right choice of equipment was vital for success. As they evaluated every item for lightweight efficiency and speed they chose The North Face L5 Summit Series FUTURELIGHT Jacket.

The Ergonomic design of this jacket allows full arm mobility during mountaineering and is built for the highest levels of durability and protection. Windproof and waterproof, there are no seams on the shoulders to ensure maximum comfort when carrying heavy packs. Every feature, such as the adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, has been carefully planned to ensure you can handle anything the weather throws at you.

Jacket Finder

For outdoor activities in winter seasons, careful planning of your clothing will ensure maximum levels of enjoyment and performance. For more than 50 years, The North Face has been committed to innovation, providing the best gear for explorers and adventurers. 

To help identify the right clothing for your specific needs, consult our jacket finder for advice. In five clicks, we can help you choose the perfect jacket for your next adventure. From snowboarding to mountaineering, professional climbers to weekend warriors, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need for your next trip.