Whether venturing outdoors to explore the country’s stunning winter wilderness or running errands, you need a high-quality jacket to protect against chilly winds and inclement weather. There are several features to look for when buying a piece of outerwear and one of the most common labels you’ll see in stores is a temperature rating.
What Is a Temperature and Fill Power Rating?
A jacket’s temperature rating tells you how well the jacket insulates your body up to a certain temperature range. A fill power rating refers to the level of fluffiness of a down product used in the insulating layer.
However, while temperature and fill power ratings are designed to guide you on what jacket type to buy, they are often inaccurate and don’t account for the wearer’s personal preferences.
Free Country’s temperature rating is subjective. Since everyone has a different tolerance and comfort level, depending on temperature, we don’t feel that a temperature rating or ranking of our products can realistically instruct you on how warm or cool a jacket is for your taste. For some, a crisp New York City morning at 55 degrees is quite inviting (especially after a long winter!) – but for others, a morning at 55 degrees is worth a ski parka and a sick day off from work.
When facing nature’s elements, we know that comfort and durability are the most important to consider before making a purchase. Consider the following tips for assessing the warmth of your jacket to find the right outerwear to fit your needs.
3-in-1 Systems Jackets
Having the option to modify your temperature on the go will guarantee you the most comfort throughout a long day (or night), maximum versatility, and the best value for the price!
A piece like our Women’s Canvas 3-in-1 jacket offers you a winter coat with lots of pocket room and synthetic insulation. One of our warmest options, this 3-in-1 coat scores highly on our jacket temperature rating for cold weather due to its high-quality fill and removable sherpa-lined inner vest. It’s also wind-resistant.
Free Country’s 3-in-1 jackets function well, no matter the temperature, allowing you to remove or add the outer layer to keep up with seasonal changes outside. The removable, compressible inner jacket on these pieces can also function as minimal coverage on warmer days! Shop here.
High Fill Power Down and Insulated Jackets
If you’re looking to adventure out in the cold, and dislike the idea of removing an inner layer before stepping outdoors, a more insulated jacket may be what you need! We recommend Down or Polyfill Insulation Jackets if you’re after durability and dynamic movements together. Insulated jackets keep you toasty all day long, but without the bulk of other winter jackets, which means it will keep you moving on the go!
You won’t need a down jacket temperature chart when you buy the Women’s Full Length Splendor Down Jacket. The 50 percent waterfowl feathers and 50 percent down fill jacket is the warmest piece of outerwear in our lineup, designed to keep you cozy regardless of the temperature outside.
For unmatched cold weather performance, choose the Men’s FreeCycle® Overtop Puffer Jacket. The outer shell is wind- and water-resistant and extends further at the back for optimal protection.
Rain Jackets
Rain jackets offer protection against cold, wet weather like rain, sleet, ice, and snow. For warmer rainy days, our Women’s Windshear Jacket can give you the protection you need against the elements. Made from 100 percent polyester, this jacket is windproof and water-repellent. It also features a Butter Pile® lining on the inside that ups its jacket weather temperature rating in our book.
Shop rain jackets here.
Paired with a down insulation vest and a long-sleeve shirt, the Women’s Composure Long Windsheer Jacket can keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in rainy weather. This option has Butter Pile® lining and is made from 100 percent water-resistant polyester. Because it’s longer than other options, it can help keep your thighs warm, adding to its insulation rating.
Casual, Midweight and Work Jackets
Feeling like you just need that warm and cozy jacket to throw on when the sun disappears? We recommend any sort of Midweight Garment that is fleece- or quilt-lined and, unlike Down Jackets, not insulated. The benefit of not having an insulation layer in these garments is that it utilizes a soft and heat-capturing material without trapping in and reflecting all the heat your body naturally produces (especially as you’re moving around!). These options will be warm enough for your average chilly days, without striving to protect you from extreme weather conditions. Shop here.
Fleece and Softshell
Softshell and fleece outerwear are our favorite picks when it comes to layering. They offer added warmth in the winter, as well as sufficient protection on their own in transitional months, like spring or fall. Our best recommendation is to strive for comfort and durability.
The Women's FreeCycle® Thermo Super Softshell® II Jacket offers the ultimate lightweight barrier against the cold weather. The water-resistant outer layer and storm cuffs keep out moisture, while the quilted inner lining and tricot are filled with REPREVE®, a premium synthetic filler. This jacket is the perfect piece of outerwear for backpacking or hiking.
The Men’s Dire Wolf II Grid Fleece Jacket is the ideal mid-layer when heading to the office or running an errand. The polyester stretch knit offers ample flexibility, and the double-faced grid fleece with Berber texture provides optimal comfort.
Shop Fleece and Shop Softshell
Find the Right Jacket for You at Free Country
While a temperature rating may be a good starting point for choosing a jacket, layering is the best option to stay warm and cozy this winter. Free Country’s range of base, mid, and outer layers are created using premium fabrics and come with functional design features for comfortable yet stylish cold-weather apparel.