By Christian Dare
As any Canadian knows, real winter hits in February. Sure, most places across the country get snow and some sub zero temperatures in December and January… but the real cold snap comes in February. It’s funny that the shortest month of the year is also the coldest, often making it feel like the longest.
Across Canada it is not unheard of to hit -20°C on the regular and even 40°C for at least a few days during this time. And as a result, that wool coat just won’t cut it anymore. Fear not, Canadian companies are great at making stylish outerwear to keep you warm even at -20°C or colder. Their secret? High quality fabrics that will stand up to the harsh winter winds and premium down fills to keep you warm (note, the higher fill power number means the down is better quality and will provide more warmth).
The Arc’ Teryx Cerium SV Hoody Puffer
Sometimes you just want to opt for lightweight outerwear that can also keep you warm, rather than a giant parka. Enter the Cerium SV Hoody Puffer from Arc’Teryx, which is perfect even for those severe -30°C days. Designed by a company that was founded on technical apparel for mountaineering and Alpine sports, these jackets are all about functionality and durability. Plus, the brand believes in being environmentally friendly and ethical with its sourcing, so you can expect to find high-loft 1000-fill goose down that has been ethically sourced in this jacket. You will also discover that the shell is constructed from 100%-recycled 20D Pertex® Diamond Fuse fabric. This combination ensures you not only stay warm but feel good while doing it.
* Available in four different colours, the Arc’ Teryx Cerium SV Hoody Puffer retails for $750 at:
www.arcteryx.com.
The Aritzia Super Puff Men’s Long Jacket
No, this is not your girlfriends puffer jacket. But we do believe that the brand launched the men’s super puff due to the popularity of the women’s model of the same name. This puffer is constructed with innovative waterproof fabric from Japan and contains 100% responsibly sourced premium down. Engineered to deliver warmth to -40°C / -40°F, this longer version of The Super Puff™ Men’s fits wider in the shoulders and longer in the arms, with maximalist proportions to keep you super warm where it counts. This is a full length puffer that will keep your thighs warm in the frigid winter weather. It’s filled with 100% responsibly sourced, 700+ fill-power premium down that provides ultra-warm, lightweight insulation.
* The Aritzia Super Puff Men’s Long Jacket retails for $398 at: www.aritzia.com.
The Expedition Parka by Canada Goose
The Expedition Parka was first developed as cold weather outerwear for scientists working in Antarctica, so you know that this parka is designed to keep you warm and dry in even the most extreme conditions and cold climates. Designed in an oversized fit for optimum movement, this jacket is roomy to allow for extra layering underneath if necessary. Featuring an adjustable down-filled hood for added warmth and element protection. This parka has a 625 Fill power featuring responsibly sourced down: 80% down, 20% feathers. This jacket has a temperature rating of -30°C or colder.
* The Expedition Park by Canada Goose is available in four different colours and retails from $1,795 at: www.canadagoose.com.
The Moritz Jacket by Mackage
The Moritz, by Mackage, is a twill parka for men with a removable silver fox fur trim around the hood. It is water resistant, repellent, and windproof; featuring a body and hood lined with luxurious rabbit fur. But what keeps you extra warm is the down and feather combination filling with an 800 fill power. Plush construction meets high-performance in this elevated winter essential engineered for superior protection. This fashion forward jacket will keep you nice and toasty warm at temperatures -20°C or warmer.
* The Moritz Jacket by Mackage retails for $1,990 at: www.harryrosen.com.
Supra Men’s Performance Puffer Jacket by Nobis
Not all puffers are created the same, or for the same climate. But one key feature is always horizontal seaming filled with goose down to create the ‘puff’. In a world of lightweight puffers that are best suited as a layering piece (not as outerwear), we would opt for a stand alone puffer that will keep you warm in the extreme cold. Enter the Supra puffer jacket from Nobis. This jacket features a weather-resistant shell with a matte finish. This puffer will keep you nice and warm with their premium Canadian white duck down fill. It offers the warm protection you need with the fashion forward design and details you want. Plus, it will keep you warm all the way down to -30°C. This puffer is available in four colours but we love it best in Wheat Desert. We also love that this puffer is machine washable at home.
* The Supra Men’s Performance Puffer Jacket by Nobis retails for $1,195 at: www.nobis.com.
The Jordy X Leather Puffer by Rudsak
Normally we would not recommend a leather jacket as you go-to outerwear in the cold Canadian winters but that all changed with the Jordy X leather puffer from Rudsak. This versatile unisex quilted bomber is designed using a weather-treated supple luxe leather, which means it keeps you stylish and can stand up to the elements. This limited edition piece has many features, from its removable hooded bib that has a snap-off branded visor, to fleece-lined pockets, storm placket and cuffs for extra weather-resistance. To keep you warm, this puffer is filled with high-loft 90/10 blend of RDS certified duck down and feather fill with an 800+ Fill Power. This bomber jacket combines functionality with urban sophistication and will let you brave the elements with style. Available in one colour – black. This luxe leather jacket will keep you warm all the way down to -30°C.
* The Jordy X Leather Puffer by Rudsak retails for $1,695 (on sale for $1,186.50) at: www.rudsak.com.
