The blog was produced in partnership with Mark’s.

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Winter in Canada comes with its fair share of challenges but it can also be lots of fun if you’re properly geared up for it. For every person complaining about the cold or the wind chill, there’s someone else zipping up their parka and deciding it’s an excellent day to go tobogganing!

Speaking of parkas, finding the right winter jacket is one of the most important decisions you’ll make this season. Enter Mark’s, Canada’s clothing and footwear retailer, who makes it their mission to keep Canadians warmer, drier, safer and more comfortable. We’ve teamed up with them to create short guides to help you understand what to look for in winter wear.

We’ve already talked about the top 5 things to consider when buying winter boots. Now let’s turn our attention to jackets.

What Makes a Winter Jacket Great?

It’s all about the tech.

It’s natural to want a jacket that looks good because it’s probably what people will see you in the most this winter. But, in addition to finding a style that appeals to you, it’s even more important to make sure that your jacket is backed by proven tech that will keep you warm and dry. After all, shivering on the sidewalk doesn’t look good on anyone.

From brands like Denver Hayes and WindRiver to Columbia and Helly Hansen, Mark’s carries an impressive assortment of winter jackets that deliver big on technology.

T-MAX^® & HYPER-DRI^®

MARK’S SIGNATURE TECHNOLOGIES

That Keep You Warm and Dry

Being cold in the winter is no fun, but being wet and cold is even less fun. So, if you’re looking for a jacket that is both insulated and provides wet weather protection, you may want to check out Mark’s models featuring T-MAX^® Insulation and HYPER-DRI^® technology.

How does it work?

T-MAX^® Insulation provides superior heat retention in a lightweight package, keeping you warm without the bulk. High performance fibers move moisture away from the body to help regulate body temperature. The addition of HYPER-DRI^® on the shell fabric protects you from the light rain and snow that occur during the winter months.

Great options that feature these two technologies are the Denver Hayes Women’s HYPER-DRI T-MAX Mid-Length Puffer Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her, and the WindRiver Men’s Heritage HD2 T-MAX Insulated Parka (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him, both of which are an excellent choice for those days when the temps go down to -30°C with the wind chill. Best to be prepared!

COLUMBIA OMNI-HEAT™

HEAT RETENTION INSPIRED

By Space Technology

Columbia winter jackets are also designed with some pretty impressive tech to keep you toasty. Their OMNI-HEAT™ thermal reflective technology was actually inspired by space technology—and we all know that though Canada is cold, outer space is even colder.  

How does it work?

The system itself is quite ingenious: OMNI-HEAT™ features a pattern of metallic dots on the inside of the jackets that reflect body heat towards the wearer to retain warmth longer without sacrificing on breathability. This technology offers varying degrees of heat retention so be sure to choose the one that suits your activity and exposure to the cold.

For instance, the Columbia Women’s Suttle Mountain II OMNI-HEAT Waterproof Insulated Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her features OMNI-HEAT REFLECTIVE technology which is best for prolonged exposure to the cold and activities requiring lightweight warmth. On the more extreme side of things, the Columbia Men’s Marquam Peak Fusion OMNI-HEAT INFINITY Water-Resistant Parka Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) is Columbia’s gold standard in thermal reflectivity, delivering maximum warmth and comfort in extremely cold conditions. No need for multiple layers!

HELLY HANSEN PRIMALOFT^® INSULATION

Stay Warm Even in the Bitter Cold

Helly Hansen makes professional grade gear with tech that has been proven to work in some pretty harsh conditions. At Mark’s you’ll find an excellent assortment of their winter wear, including jackets made with PRIMALOFT^® Insulation—a high-end synthetic alternative to down—that keeps the warmth in even on the coldest days.

Two models that we’re liking are the Helly Hansen Women’s Coastal HELLY TECH Waterproof PRIMALOFT Parka (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her which packs all the tech you need to stay warm. Bonus: It’s waterproof and breathable thanks to the addition of HELLY TECH^® Protection. For him, the Helly Hansen Men’s Arctic Patrol Helly Tech Puffer Parka Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) is perfect for those days when someone invites you to go ice fishing or out for any kind of winter activity where you’ll be exposed to the cold for longer periods of time.

Rainy Weather?

We See You, Vancouver.

Not all parts of Canada are snowy and cold all winter long. If you call Vancouver home, you’ll be more interested in protecting yourself from the rain than from the white stuff!

For wet weather climates like these, we like the WindRiver Downpour Waterproof Hyper-Dri 3 Rain Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her and the WindRiver Downpour Waterproof Hyper-Dri 3 Rain Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him, both of which provide maximum protection in a downpour.

Mark’s also carries jackets featuring HELLY TECH^®, a highly breathable and waterproof membrane that keeps you dry on the outside and comfortable on the inside. The Helly Hansen Aden HELLY TECH Waterproof Long Rain Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her and the Helly Hansen HELLY TECH Waterproof Breathable Jacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him are both excellent options in wet weather conditions.

Lighter Layers

Because Not All Winter Days are Freezing!

Despite Canada’s reputation as a frosty place in the winter, there are also milder days when you don’t need to pull out the warmest parka in your closet! That’s where Mark’s wide selection of puffers, fleece and Sherpas come in.

We like the WindRiver Men’s HD1 Water Repellent T-MAX Puffer Vest (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for those kinds of days, especially if you pair it with the WindRiver Men’s Lined T-MAX Insulated Flannel Hooded Cotton Shacket (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for added comfort.

For her, the Columbia Women’s Boundless Discovery Sherpa Fleece Full-Zip Sweater (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) paired up with the Columbia Women’s Holly Hideaway Sherpa Vest (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) is a warm and stylish option for when the wind chill isn’t a factor.

A Few Other Things to Consider When Buying a Winter Jacket

Fit matters.

Keep in mind that you may wear multiple layers under your winter jacket so as a rule of thumb it’s best to go with a roomier fit rather than a snug one. On that note…

Base layers matter.

Staying warm in the winter can come down to how you layer up so it’s always good to cover your bases—literally. Mark’s carries high-quality base layer tops and pants for added thermal protection so be sure to stock up on those as well.

Details matter.

In addition to the core tech which will protect you from the elements, most winter jackets have other appealing features like removable hoods, under-arm venting, multiple pockets (inside and out) and adjustable cuffs, so pay attention to the details big and small when you’re out shopping.

Having fun matters!

Canada is a winter playground, with everything on offer from sledding with the kids to ice fishing with newfound friends. Once you’re all set with the right gear, you’ll be ready to enjoy winter in Canada and all of the outdoor activities this country has to offer… come rain, snow, wind chill or shine!