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Love it or hate it, winter has arrived in Canada. In an effort to enjoy the season more than in previous years, I set about testing three puffer jackets that are suitable for most winter activities around the city. After all, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.”
Living in Toronto I don’t spend any time on the slopes, but winter dog walking, trail hikes and outdoor skating are all frequent activities. Whether you need something lightweight and easy to wear or a full-length jacket to keep warm in freezing temps, check out my reviews of three popular Canadian puffers for the season.
Summary of winter puffer jackets
- Puffer jacket for cold weather: lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Jacket
- Puffer jacket for colder weather: Aritzia The Super Puff Mid
- Puffer jacket for coldest weather: Nobis Millie Women’s Long Puffer Jacket
Puffer jacket for cold weather: lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Jacket
Jacket specs
- No temperature rating
- Water-repellent, windproof fabric
- 600-fill-power Responsible Down Standard goose down insulation
- Oversized fit with room for layering
- Storm cuffs keep out wind
- Removable hood
- Cinchable hem
- Zippered hand and interior pockets
- Machine washable
- Available in sizes 0 to 14
Lululemon Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket review
When temperatures start dropping but you don’t want to commit to a full-on parka, this puffer jacket from lululemon is a winning pick. While the other two coats included in this review have designated temperature ratings, the Wunder Puff does not. Anecdotally, I’ve comfortably worn this jacket in temperatures down to -10°C, but likely wouldn’t reach for it on colder days.
I usually opt for this jacket when running errands or spending minimal time outside, since the shorter silhouette doesn’t offer a ton of coverage against the elements. However, it’s the ideal length for driving since there isn’t much bulk to this coat. It also has a roomy fit that makes it easy to wear multiple layers underneath. Stick to your regular size for a relaxed fit, or size down for a more fitted look – I sized down and still find this jacket comfortably roomy.
Going into my second winter with this jacket, it has held up well over plenty of wear (and a couple of washes). It’s certainly not the heaviest-duty winter coat around, but it’s more than enough for everyday wear when you aren’t planning a long outdoor adventure. The Wunder Puff also comes in a cropped version or long length.
My favourite feature: This puffer is lightweight, but still provides ample warmth for wintry weather. The shorter silhouette is also a flattering length for petites – I’m 5’4” and it hits right at the top of my hip.
My least favourite feature: The size range on this coat isn’t as wide as it could be. Many of lululemon’s other activewear are now available up to a size 20, so there’s no reason why a coat as popular as this one (at the time of writing it’s nearly sold out in most colours and lengths) isn’t more size-inclusive.
Price: $298
Where to buy:lululemon
Puffer jacket for colder weather: Aritzia The Super Puff Mid
Jacket specs
- Temperature rated to -30°C / -22°F
- Water-repellent, wind-resistant fabric
- Removable hood
- Two-way zipper closure
- 700+ fill-power Responsible Down Standard down insulation
- Storm cuffs with thumbholes
- Fleece-lined hand pockets, zippered interior pockets
- Machine washable
- Available in sizes 3XS to 2XL
Aritzia Super Puff Mid review
Toronto recently got its first taste of winter, and this coat has been my new must-have. Aritzia ranks its outerwear on a temperature scale from one to four: “Warmish” (0°C / 20°F) to “Extreme Warm” (-40°C / -40°F). It also uses three levels of water resistance, from water-resistant (suitable for slight precipitation) to fully waterproof. This coat sits at level three on the temperature scale and has a middle-of-the-road water-repellent rating.
Designed with thoughtful details like fleece-lined pockets, soft storm cuffs and a cinchable hood, this coat is ready to take on winter weather. Sort of like Goldilocks’s perfect bowl of porridge, the Super Puff Mid is not too long and not too short – it’s just right. I prefer the mid-length over the original jacket because this one fully covers the hips and bum.
The Super Puff Mid is a versatile choice for most winter activities. It has a higher fill-power rating than lululemon’s Wunder Puff, which indicates greater loft and insulating efficiency from the down filling without leaving you feeling weighed down. I’ve worn this coat on a few -15°C days, and still managed to stay warm where I was covered up – elsewhere, not so much. This puffer runs true to size, so if you want more room for layering I’d suggest sizing up.
My favourite feature: Since launching in 2017 Aritzia’s assortment of Super Puff jackets has grown considerably, resulting in a lot of variety for customers. There are so many options to suit any style, with hundreds of colour variations, lengths, warmth ratings and fabric finishes to choose from.
My least favourite feature: My only complaint about the Super Puff is that the branding is more noticeable than the other two coats in this list. There’s a Super Puff logo on the hood and left seam, while “The Super Puff” is also written in contrasting lettering on the zipper pull and cinch elastics.
Price: $325
Where to buy:Aritzia
Puffer jacket for coldest weather: Nobis Millie Women’s Long Puffer Jacket
Jacket specs
- Temperature rated to -30°C / -22°F
- Windproof and waterproof with seam seal construction
- Two-way zipper closure
- Canadian Origin White Duck Down insulation
- Rib-knit cuffs with thumbhole opening
- Fleece-lined hand pockets, zippered interior pockets
- Underarm zipper ventilation
- Side vent flaps with magnetic closure
- Machine washable
- Lifetime warranty
- Available in sizes XXS to 3XL
Nobis Millie Women’s Long Puffer Jacket review
Nobis has its temperature ranking system that grades outerwear on a scale from one to five. The Mille puffer is categorized as a four, which the brand describes as “arctic-ready outerwear that adapts to your body in any conditions down to –30°C.” Short of polar expeditions, this long-length puffer should keep you warm in most winter weather scenarios.
This jacket is ideal for the coldest, wettest winter days as it’s also completely waterproof. Seams are sealed for water protection and the entire exterior has a durable water-repellent coating. It offers more than enough protection for the coldest days in Toronto, which so far have only reached about -15°C. I’ll update this review once winter’s full blast arrives.
Nobis has less variety than Aritzia and lululemon’s puffer selections, with the Millie only offered in one length and three colour options. For a similar style without all the length, your best bet would be the Una Women’s Performance Puffer.
My favourite feature: Even in frigid temperatures it’s possible to work up a sweat, which is why I appreciate that this puffer has underarm zipper ventilation. Unlike other coats I’ve worn that just open up to expose a hole under your arm, this one has a mesh panel that allows for airflow without revealing too much.
My last favourite feature: The arms on this coat run a little snug, which isn’t ideal for layering. I’d recommend sizing up if you tend to wear thick sweaters – I did and still would appreciate a little extra room through the arms.
Price: $1,395
Where to buy:Nobis
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