The Best Jackets for Winter - North or South Winter Conditions

Enjoying winter outdoors is easy with the right gear. And depending on where you are - from the more mild conditions up north, to the freezing temperatures down south, the best jackets for winter largely depend on where you are and what conditions you're likely to experience. As a general rule, the further south you are, the colder the weather tends to be - which means you're going to need a warmer jacket - while the northern half of Australia stays relatively mild and dry.

Here are some pointers to bear in mind when shopping for jackets for the different winter conditions you're likely to experience across Australia…

Best Winter Jackets For Cold Weather

If you're going to be in a really cold environment - the snowfields of southern New South Wales, northeastern Victoria and Tasmania, etc. - you'll need a jacket that insulates you and protects you against what can often be freezing or, in some cases, sub-freezing temperatures.

Look for down-filled jackets that do an excellent job of keeping you snug and are also lightweight and easy to pack - an important consideration for people who love some camping and hiking action in the colder months. Down-filled jackets, like our ultra-light Cape Travelite range, which pack away easily into a convenient carry satchel, are a perfect companion for those looking to pack light.

Down jackets make excellent jacket for winter because they are highly breathable, meaning they keep you warm by trapping body heat while simultaneously allowing moisture (i.e. sweat) to escape. Down jackets are rated by their fill power - the higher the number, the higher the quality of fill and the greater the insulation. You can find the fill power on the manufacturer's care instructions or the sales tag.

In addition to fill power, a longer-length jacket will give you extra warmth. Longline jackets - like the Cederberg Ayanda Longline and the Gondwana Cattai Long duck down jackets - are popular with women for the extra length and protection they provide against the cold, whether you're in the city or colder, more remote regions.

Down jackets are also easy to keep in tip-top shape and are extremely versatile, so they're just as effective at regulating your temperature on your morning walk or commute to work as they are when you're high-country camping in the depths of winter. For added comfort in particularly cold climates, we recommend layering your down-filled jacket with a mid and/or base layer.

What to look for in a jacket for cold conditions:

• Choose down jackets for optimal warmth
• A long-line jacket can provide extra protection
• Layer your jacket with base layers and mid layers such as a soft shell jacket or fleece jacket

Best jacket picks for cold conditions:

• Women's Cederberg Ayanda Longline
• Women's Gondwana Cattai Long duck down jacket
• Men's Cape Long Line Puffer Jacket
• Men's Mountain Designs Resurge 700 Down Jacket
• Kids Cape Recycled Fur Trim Hooded Puffer Jacket
• Kids Cederberg Youth Balor Hooded Puffer Jacket

Best Jackets for Cold & Wet Weather

If your environment is going to be wet, as well as cold - which is often the case in locations like southern New South Wales, the southeast of South Australia, most of Victoria and Tasmania - you'll need something that not only insulates you but also keeps you dry. And whilst you can look at water-repellent down jackets that will repel light moisture whilst keeping you warm, you may need extra features to protect you against harsher elements, such as snow (down south), monsoonal rains (like that in the Top End) and general wet weather conditions.

Jackets, pants (and even hiking shoes!) made from Gore-Tex® are an excellent choice when out and about in unpredictable or wet climates and can either be used alone, or combined with a mid or base layer to increase warmth and comfort. A staple in any adventurer's wardrobe, Gore-Tex® won't just keep you dry, it's windproof and highly breathable, meaning you can stay outdoors longer in even the most extreme winter conditions.

Keep a packable rain jacket such as the Cape Adults' Pack It Rain Jacket handy for when unexpected showers hit. The hooded design and sealed exterior keeps water out without the bulk.

Snow jackets can also be a great option for warmth and water proof jackets. Our 37 Degrees South clothing range, whilst not made from Gore-Tex®, offers an excellent selection of great value, affordable jackets that are not just ideal for the snowfields, but are also loved by winter camping and hiking enthusiasts due to their windproof and waterproof properties. And with a huge range available for both adults and kids, kitting out the entire family is affordable and easy no matter what you're up to in winter.

The best features to look for jackets for cold and wet weather are:

• Choose Gore-Tex® products which is fully waterproof and windproof to keep you dry
• A lightweight packable rain jacket can save you when there are unexpected showers
• Choose warm base layers and mid layers
• Snow jackets are a great choice and double up for warmth and dryness

Best jacket picks for cold and wet weather:

• Cape Adults' Pack It Rain Jacket
• Rainbird Adults' Unisex Stowaway 2 Jacket
• Gondwana Women's Elendale Rain Jacket Plus Size
• Mountain Designs Men's Stratus Rain Jacket
• Cape Kids' Pack It Rain Jacket

Best Jackets for Humid & Not So Cold Weather

As you head further north in Australia during winter, the temperatures will be much milder but there's a noticeable increase in humidity levels. Where this is the case - in places like Broome, Western Australia, Northern Territory and southeast Queensland - fleece jackets and soft shell jackets are an excellent option. Likewise, if you're in colder climates but getting involved in some strenuous activities such as cross-country running, hiking or mountaineering, fleece jackets are a great choice for their moisture-wicking properties and ease of movement.

In somewhat milder climates, a fleece jacket combined with activewear, which is designed to wick moisture away from your body, will keep you warm and comfortable enough to get the most out of the day. In the colder environs, fleece jackets with high-quality polyester or merino thermals underneath will, similarly, make sure you get to enjoy your outdoor adventures to full effect.

The best jacket feathers for humid and mild weather include:

• Softshell jackets for versatile styling and warmth
• Fleece jackets and sherpa are lightweight and easy to wear
• Thermals can help with additional warmth when required
• A thinner lightweight puffer jacket is perfect for colder mornings
• Activewear jackets are breathable and great for humidity

Top picks for mild humid weather winter jackets:

• Gondwana Women's Mowarry Softshell Jacket
• Mountain Designs Women's Alta Softshell Jacket
• Cederberg Women's Danie Full Zip Knit Fleece Top
• Mountain Designs Men's Bruck Full Zip Fleece Jacket
• Mountain Designs Men's Perisher Softshell Jacket
• Cape Youth Jarrah Polar Fleece Jacket Black
• Cape Kids' Mugwamp Fleece Jacket
• Cape Kids' Parker Softshell Jacket

Best Jackets for Rain & Windy Weather

No matter where you spend your winters in Australia, rain and wind play a part in dictating conditions. Gore-Tex and softshell jackets, as well as time-honoured rain jackets, are ideal for such wet conditions. When considering the best jackets for rainy weather, think about whether the jacket provides you with good freedom of movement and whether there is a high degree of breathability.

Rain jackets often come without lining, so what you wear underneath is important. Fleece, or merino mid layers are the ideal items to wear under rain jackets. Softshell and rain jackets are versatile, durable and lightweight, which makes them ideal for getting to and from work or school, or your morning exercise, as well as on testing winter hikes in varying conditions.

Best jacket features for rain & windy conditions:

• Gore-Tex® jackets for maximum rain and wind protection
• A long rain jacket is a great choice for maximum coverage
• Ensure your rain jacket is hooded to keep rain and wind at bay
• Quality base layers and mid layers to pair with your rain jacket

Top winter jacket picks for rain and windy conditions:

• Cederberg Women's Cottesloe Rain Jacket
• Rainbird Women's Auriga Raincoat
• Helly Hansen Men's Seven J Jacket
• The North Face Men's Venture II Jacket
• Cederberg Youth Kuranda Rain Jacket
• Rainbird Kids' Stowaway 2 Jacket

Find the Perfect Jacket for the Variety of Winter Conditions in Australia at Anaconda

Whether you're heading to the ski-fields of southern New South Wales and northeast Victoria, challenging yourself to a Dove Lake or Cradle Mountain trek in Tasmania, or exploring the Daintree rainforest of northern Queensland, there's a winter jacket that is the perfect fit for you. Just remember to think about the elements you're likely to experience and choose wisely. At Anaconda, we stock a vast selection of men's jackets, women's jackets and kids' jackets so you can find one that is right for you. Discover quality brands such as Mountain Designs, Helly Hansen, Rainbird, Cederberg and The North Face which will keep you warm and stylish.

Discover more helpful articles and guides on the Aventure Centre and make the most of your gear. Some articles you might like include:

• The Best Jackets For Winter
• How To Clean Hiking Boots and Properly Care For Them
• Hiking Clothing Buying Guide
• Jackets & Outerwear Buying Guide
• Base Layer Clothing Buying Guide
• Rainwear & Waterproof Clothing Buying Guide