Down jackets and longer parkas provide coverage and warmth for outdoor pursuits, along with special touches like handwarmer pockets, ribbed cuffs at the wrist, and a protective hood.

Even where I live, in the gloom and mist of rain jacket country in the Pacific Northwest, puffer jackets have taken over. And the brands producing them — Mountain Hardwear, Arc’teryx, Big Agnes, ...

And winter coats consistently rank as one of the most-gifted items at Christmas. Whether you’re after the latest designer trends, reliable outdoor gear, or budget-friendly options, here’s what ...