9 best men's fall jackets in 2024, tested for Canadian weather: Canada Goose, Arc’teryx, Patagonia & more (2024)

Alex Cyr

decathlon.ca

The Decathlon Down Winter Jacket is a solid budget pick for chilly fall days and strikes a good balance between lightweight and cozy.

Designed for comfort in temperatures between 5°C and -5°C, the down insulation offers warmth without adding too much bulk, while the water-resistant outer fabric keeps light rain at bay. That being said, it is not completely waterproof and does not hold up in really cold temperatures (if it’s snowing, wear something thicker).

For those reasons, the Down Winter Jacket works best as a third layer rather than a standalone coat. Still, at less than $100, it’s an absolute steal.

Columbia & Sport Chek

Think of the Columbia Silver Falls Jacket as the Decathlon Down Winter Jacket with better water resistance. It is a lightweight puffer with recycled polyester insulation that, like the Down Jacket, folds itself into its own pocket for ultimate packing convenience.

The Silver Falls also comes with a few fun features, like toasty and zippered hand pockets and elastic cuffs, but the fit leaves something to be desired — it falls on the body more like a cloak than a fitted jacket.

Overall, it does not have the pizzazz of a high-performance hiking jacket, but it is breathable and comfy enough to be a reliable garment for neighbourhood walks or working around the house.

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$150 at Sport Chek

Mountain Hardwear & Alex Cyr

The Ghost Whisperer by Mountain Hardwear is a top-tier jacket selling at a terrific price. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts, it’s made from ultra-lightweight, recycled ripstop fabric with toasty down insulation.

Elastic binding on the hood and cuffs locks in heat, making it a cozy choice for cold-weather activities, and this one also is an easy pack: it folds into the size of a fist, and holds itself together with a carabiner clip loop.

It’s a steal for those needing high performance in a featherlight package; though fans of roomy coats might not enjoy its straight, somewhat boxy cut.

Mountain Hardwear & Alex Cyr

The Premonition is a must-have shell for warm, early-fall outdoor sports and activities when it's chilly but not freezing.

Built for the active adventurer, it is highly durable and water-repellent and weighs in at a superlight 8.9 oz — about the weight of a single running shoe.

It’s also equipped with neat features like a helmet-compatible hood with rear drawcord adjustment, a zippered chest pocket and two internal mesh pockets, a passive rear back vent for heat control, and an elastic hem for a close-to-the-body fit. You may want to retire the Premonition before the real cold comes, but until then, it will be as versatile as your Swiss army knife.

Patagonia

Think of the M10 as a warmer, sturdier version of the Premonition. The difference is in the three-layer alpine shell that, while primarily designed for speed and free range of motion, insulates quite well and is thoroughly waterproof.

Also like the Premonition, the M10 has a helmet-compatible hood, this one with dual adjustment points for unobstructed visibility; as well as an internal storm flap for extra heat and insulation. It's the ultimate upgrade for serious adventurers needing reliable protection on the move.

Canada Goose & Alex Cyr

Patagonia

This R1 Thermal hoody is the only fleece on this list: it’s decidedly bulkier than a shell jacket like the M10 or the Premonition; though it’s still not as insulating as a parka or down coat. It’s the Goldilocks garment: it shines when it’s not too hot and not too cold (call it between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius).

The R1 also pairs well with a shell: its soft interior keeps you comfy, while the shell blocks the wind and the rain. Not to mention that it hugs the body and is maximally flexible. It’s my go-to for laid-back outdoor fall hangouts like park hangs, apple picking or city strolling.

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$279 at Patagonia

Arcteryx.com

Yes, it’s expensive, but the value is undeniable. For non-hikers, it might seem like overkill, but for mountain adventures, it’s worth every penny.

The Beta SL has a GORE-TEX shell, meaning that it’s maximally waterproof, windproof, and breathable. It’s also highly packable and lightweight, making it a breeze to take on and off, and its helmet-compatible StormHood provides protection without sacrificing vision.

Then, there are the frills: pit zippers for ventilation, reflectors that make it safe to run in the dark, and a slim and fitted frame that moves with you and does not obstruct running or climbing motions. If you’re hitting the mountains, this jacket is a solid investment.

Canada Goose & Alex Cyr

Call the McMillan Parka late fall-core: less for September and more for those chilly November days when you're not quite ready for full-on winter gear.

Cozy enough to handle temps down to -20 degrees Celsius, it can easily double as a winter jacket. With a streamlined hood, added backpack straps, and two extra interior pockets, it’s built for function. Meanwhile, the chin guard, lined with soft tricot fabric, adds comfort, while the placket with snap closures over a 2-way zipper keeps the cold out.

Finally, the five pockets — two outside, three inside — come in handy and offer ample storage. This jacket is your go-to when fall hits hard.