Ah. Winter. As folks across the country anticipate nothing but spring-like weather, it’s safe to say that we at least have a few more weeks of frigid temps, blustery winds, wet snow and uncomfortably cold commutes to the office. Sure, your puffer jacket might be a fair option to consider when leaving your apartment, but you’re lacking the winter essential of 2022: the best technical jackets.
We know what you’re thinking. Technical jackets? Seems pretty 2000 and late. But don’t be fooled. What we once considered nothing but an unsightly winter staple to help us keep dry and warm from point A to point B is now, more or less, the norm.
For those of you unfamiliar with the term, the best technical jackets are considered an outerwear must-have that incorporate quality technical materials with a utilitarian style for a variety of different functions. Some might be to wick sweat, others to block wind, others to keep the rain out, some will rely on heavy insulation to keep you extra warm and so on.
Technical jackets can range from your best rain jacket to your go-to down jacket to anything else you might be wearing in the winter. The main component is that these jackets aren’t just created for fashion, they also have a dual purpose for cold-weather combat.
Though the best technical jackets rely on serving a helpful purpose rather than a fashionable one, there are still many technical jackets that will keep you looking stylish when you’re out on the town. Because style is important, too!
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If you’re looking for the best technical jacket to serve your personal needs, check out all of our top picks below.
1. lululemon Sojourn Jacket
Starting off on the lighter end as we anticipate slightly warmer temps on the horizon is the Sojourn Jacket from lululemon. This lightweight jacket is as sleek as sleek gets with a straightforward design and a number of hidden pockets. It’s made for any guy on the move whether that means commuting, lifting weights or running.
This jacket has the power to wick away sweat as if it were never there to begin with using technical fabrics such as recycled polyester and elastane throughout the pockets and 100% elastomultiester in the body.
Every bit of this jacket is built to stretch with your body movements to allow folks to continue their active days without worry.
2. Nike Sportswear Storm-FIT ADV M65 Shell Jacket
Downpours? High winds? Hell, hurricanes? Get you a technical jacket that can do it all with the Nike Sportswear Storm-FIT ADV M65 Shell Jacket.
This jacket is made with a completely waterproof Storm-FIT ADV fabric shell to keep you nice and dry even in the wettest of wet weather. It’s inspired by the classic M65 jacket for a cool, masculine look that’s nothing but timeless.
Included in this jacket are a slew of details that allow for easy adjustments, secure storage and a smooth zip for sudden rain you weren’t expecting. To top it all off, this jacket is made with 100% recycled materials.
3. The North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket
No one does it like The North Face. If you’ve ever owned one of their exceptional line of jackets and coats, you already know dang well just how reliable their outerwear is — and that doesn’t stop at the Arrowood Triclimate Jacket.
This jacket is designed to overperform. With a waterproof, windproof and entirely breathable construction, the Arrowood Tricilmate is quite literally ready to take on anything.
This jacket also ensures you keep warm no matter what the case may be. It uses a 200-weight, smooth-face fleece for warmth combined with elastic cuffs, a fully-adjustable hood and an internal draft flap so windchill is never a problem. There are also three colors available depending on your preference.
4. Uniqlo BlockTech Parka
The best thing about the BlockTech Parka from Uniqlo isn’t only the long list of performance-related qualities that make it one of the best technical jackets, but also that it’s under $70.
Yeah, you read that right. This jacket comes in at just $69.90 in a number of colors to keep you looking great and your wallet looking even better. Each parka is totally water-repellent, windproof and totally breathable for an easy on-the-go experience with exceptional comfort.
This jacket is made for everyone, too. Sizes are available from XXS to 3XL so almost no one gets left out on all the goodness this technical jacket has to offer.
5. Canada Goose MacMillan Parka
When heading out into frigid temperatures (and we mean bone-chilling cold), the Canada Goose MacMillan Parka is the way to go.
This parka sits at a hip length and uses a quilt-through design for extra plush coziness. It’s packed with 625 fill using duck down, making this parka extremely well-insulated for temperatures considered bizarrely cold. Water resistance and durability stay at the core priority of this parka, so much so that it’s even backed by a lifetime warranty.
Folks should also expect numerous interior and exterior pockets for storage as well as other cold-weather must-haves such as a chin guard, a down-fill hood and a longer hem. Cold, begone!
6. Vuori Venture Track Jacket
Hey, stinky! We’ve got a secret for you. Your technical jacket doesn’t have to smell as bad as it currently does. How? Well, with the anti-stink properties from Vuori’s Venture Track Jacket, no one will ever catch a whiff of your smelly jacket ever again.
This stinkless jacket is one of Vuori’s most popular. It has a modern design that is both lightweight and functional. In addition to anti-stick, the jacket is water-resistant and has UPF 30+ to keep you extra safe from the sun.
This is your ideal workout companion, spring throw-on or winter layer. There are a few colors to choose from, but we’ve kind of geeking over the light brown pictured below.
7. Under Armour Porter 3-in-1 Jacket
If we had one word to explain the Under Armour Porter 3-in-1 Jacket, it would be versatile. They don’t use the term 3-in-1 for anything!
This jacket comes with a shell exterior and a liner jacket you can pull apart from one another to wear together or separate. Together, this puppy is a storm-repelling powerhouse without sacrificing any breathability. Wind is no problem, too. So much so that you might not even realize it’s windy out.
The interior is built with fleece to trap heat in and keep you cozy through frigid days. In addition, it’s quick-drying and ditches any sweat that might accumulate within. Because who wants that?
8. Proof Moonweight Hooded Jacket
Headed on a trip? Then you better pack Proof’s Moonweight Hooded Jacket.
This technical jacket is the easiest technical jacket to throw in your carry-on bag. Hence the name “Moonweight”, this easy-to-wear jacket comes in at just 12.5 oz to ensure you won’t go over the luggage weight limit. Each jacket is made with nylon infused with graphene to keep that light, durable quality. Additionally, it’s topped with thermal regulation and odor resistance so you won’t get cold or stench up the room.
The Moonweight makes for an excellent layer or solo wear depending on the day. It’s got a number of pockets to hold your belongings and retains a water-resistant consistency so nothing you keep on your body will get wet.