Winter jackets come in many styles, and the names can be confusing. Knowing the main types makes it easier to find one that suits your life.
Parkas are longer jackets, often with a hood and warm lining, designed for deep cold and for covering the upper legs. They suit cold cities and long stretches outdoors.
Puffer jackets use stitched sections of insulation, called baffles, to hold fill in place. They are light, warm and often packable, so they work well as a layer or on their own.
Shells are thin, weatherproof jackets with little or no insulation. They block wind and rain and let you add or remove warm layers underneath, making them the most flexible choice for changing conditions.
