Best Survival Jacket in 2023

Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket

The Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket is one of the most affordable survival jackets you’re likely to find with this kind of quality.

It’s made with a waterproof and windproof polyester outer shell with two layers beneath it that act as a breathable membrane.

This means this survival jacket will not only keep you warm and dry but also let the heat out so you don’t overheat. It also wicks moisture and there are pit zips you can dump heat quickly if needs be.

The jacket also features a hood and a fleece-lined collar for extra protection from the elements and, plus the hood is removable too.

From a weight perspective, it’s not too heavy or super light but you can stuff it down small so it doesn’t take up much room in your pack.

The one thing to be wary of is the sizing, it’s a little off, and a lot of people tend to order one size up.

Otherwise, it’s a great survival jacket and for the money, it’s hard to beat.

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket

If you have heard of Arc’teryx, then you’ll know they make some of the best alpine performance gear around and their Beta AR Jacket is one awesome survival jacket.

This survival jacket is made from a triple layer of Gore-Tex Pro with fully taped seams and a quality zipper making it both durable and incredible at dealing with serious weather conditions.

The Gore-Tex creates and waterproof and windproof membrane that protects you from the cold and wet. But, it also breathes exceptionally well to remove any internal moisture build-up.

Weighing in at just over 1lb, this jacket is incredibly light and stuffs down to a tiny size, so you’ll always have space for it in your backpack.

You’ll find large pockets, pit zips, and full coverage hood and even a microsuede lined collar for comfort and extra protection. Overall it fits well and is super comfortable.

In extreme cold, you’ll need a down jacket underneath but otherwise, it’s an excellent barrier between you and any harsh conditions you might face.

Canada Goose Expedition Parka Coat

If you’re looking for a survival jacket for the most extreme cold conditions, then the Canada Goose Expedition Parka Coat is one of the best to consider buying.

This jacket is made for temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and is build to retain warmth to the maximum.

The polyester outer shell blocks snow, wind, and rain while the two nylon inner linings and the duck-down insulation provide an exceptional amount of warmth.

It comes with an adjustable fur-lined hood, snow skirt, storm flap, and heavy-duty cuffs all of which work hard to stop any of your body heat from escaping.

There are also tons of external and internal pockets for storing anything you might need and to keep your hands warm.

Being such a burly survival jacket, it’s not light at 4lbs, but quite light when you consider what’s inside it.

You will overheat in this in warmer weather, it is just for extreme cold, and it costs quite a lot – but it will keep you safe in freezing conditions.

Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Parka

The Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Parka is another survival jacket that is made for extremely cold conditions, hence Absolute Zero in the name.

The jacket is made from a high-quality polyester outer shell, filled with 800 fill responsibly sourced Q shield down that creates a durable long-lasting survival jacket that is super warm and weatherproof.

This jacket really is incredibly warm while blocking out any wind, rain, or snow to keep you dry. It’s also very breathable helping to wick moisture built up internally so you stay from the inside too.

It features an adjustable insulated hood for extra protection from the elements, zippered handwarmer pockets, an adjustable drawcord, and sealer cuffs.

To top it all off, it’s very light and stuffs down small so it won’t take up much pack space or weight. The only downsides are that it costs a penny or two and you’re likely to overheat in warmer conditions.

Mustang Survival Classic Bomber Jacket

The Mustang Survival Classic Bomber Jacket is a survival jacket used by a lot of professionals who spend their time on the water – as about captain or guide.

This jacket is a Marine Buoyant Device 160.064 – Type III which means if you were to fall overboard with it on, you would float, and the 62 sq. inches of reflective tape make it easy for rescuers to find you.

It’s made from a burly nylon outer shell, neoprene wrist seals,  and filled with airsoft foam that acts as insulation and is what keeps you afloat.

The jacket blocks wind, rain, and snow, plus it breathes so you don’t get drenched with sweat if being active. It also comes with 4 pockets for tools/storage and an internal waist belt to stop it from riding up.

Overall it’s an incredibly warm and comfy survival jacket and perfect if you spend a lot of time on the water.

Fit Space Thickened Down Jacket

The Fit Space Thickened Down Jacket is an affordable survival jacket that will give you ample protection from cold and wet conditions.

The jacket is made from a polyester outer shell with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that does a good job of blocking out the wind and rain.

It’s insulated with 90% 800 fill down and 10% feathers that do an excellent job of holding on to your body heat and keeping you warm.

On top of all this, the jacket also breathes well and wicks moisture to ensure you stay dry on the inside too.

The hood is fully adjustable and removable, and together with the huge collar protects your face and neck extremely well. You’ll also find large outer pockets for gear and there is an internal pocket for your valuables.

This jacket also packs down small and is quite light so you can add it to your pack with ease. One thing to watch out for is that the zipper is not the best quality and it’s on the left.

RAB Neutrino Pro Jacket

The RAB Neutrino Pro Jacket is an incredible survival jacket that will keep you warm and dry in super cold conditions, and it’s amazingly light and packable too.

Weighing in at just 21.3 oz, this jacket’s warmth to weight ratio is off the charts and it even comes with a stuff sack so you can compact it down to save valuable pack space.

The jacket is made with a Pertex Quantum Pro outer shell and filled with 800FO ethical goose down. The stitching is top quality and all the ingredients together make one tough long-lasting jacket.

It’s waterproof, windproof, breathable, exceptionally warm, and comfy. Imagine being wrapped in a comforter that’s light and fits you perfectly and that’s what wearing this jacket is like.

It is an expensive jacket but it should be based on how and what it’s made from. The one thing to remember is if you wear it in warmer months, you are likely to overheat a bit.

Marmot Minimalist Component Jacket

The Marmot Minimalist Component Jacket is a great all-around survival jacket for both warmer and colder months.
The jacket comes with removable R-liner insulation allowing you to adjust the warmth of the jacket to the conditions outside. So if it’s warm and damp you can leave the liner in your pack and when the cold comes in, add it back into play.

Made from a DWR coated polyester outer shell with a 2.5 layer Gore-Tex membrane, this jacket does a fantastic job of blocking out the elements while keeping you cool and dry from the inside.

Gore-Tex breathes exceptionally well, letting excess body heat and moisture out so you’re always comfortable and dry on the inside.

The jacket features an adjustable hood, tall collar, adjustable cuffs, and comes with a few pockets for storing any snacks, gear, or valuables.

It is a little on the expensive side like all survival jackets, but you are getting two jackets in one with this.