Extreme weather conditions require the toughest outerwear. When it comes to tough winter jackets, there are just a few high-quality outdoor brands like Patagonia or Columbia, or The North Face on the market.
Canada Goose has enjoyed a great reputation in colder North American and European climates for quite a while.
When the company’s marketing strategy went international in the 2010s, Canada Goose jackets quickly became a fashion statement. The brand is the top choice of many people—celebrity athletes, rappers, nature lovers, as well as ordinary folk.
Mackage doesn’t have such a long history, but it is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious outdoor brands. Soon after the brand launched, many people started ditching North Face, Patagonia, and Moncler products for Mackage jackets.
You might be also interested in Canada Goose vs North Face comparison.
Like Canada Goose, Mackage has become popular among outdoor adventurers and fashion lovers alike.
This is just one of the many things that the two brands have in common. For instance, they both come from Canada, they are synonymous with luxury, and they are dedicated to making super warm winter coats that won’t make you look like the Michelin Man.
If you are searching for the ultimate, high-end Canadian outerwear brand, this Canada Goose vs Mackage comparison will be of great help.
Canada Goose
The Background
Canada Goose has been making outdoor apparel for over 60 years. Originally, the company was named Metro Sportswear. Metro Sportswear jackets and parkas quickly became very popular in parts of North America where winters are particularly harsh.
The brand changed its name when it expanded into the European market. Today, Canada Goose makes a variety of different products, ranging from snow pants to hoodies, but parkas remain the brand’s most popular offerings.
All Canada Goose jackets and accessories come with a steep price tag, but it’s really hard to find flaws in any of the brand’s products.
Hollywood stars and famous athletes have made Canada Goose a fashion brand as well. Celebrities such as Kate Upton and David Beckham endorsed the brand by wearing Canada Goose jackets in their day to day lives. Still, the brand likes to emphasize that its products are made for function, not fashion.
In the realm of premium winter wear, debates often extend to other brand comparisons, such as Moose Knuckles and Canada Goose, where discussions pivot around the balance of style, warmth, and brand prestige in the chilly outdoor adventures.
Materials and Manufacturing
Every product passes through a meticulous 13-step manufacturing process. The fact that almost everything is still made in Canada, and not outsourced, says a lot about the brand’s products. Undoubtedly, Canada Goose is one of the best outdoor gear companies when it comes to craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The brand’s jackets use nylon and polyester fabrics as part of their linings and shells. Canada Goose has also developed its own fabric technologies, such as the Dura-Force and Feather-Light US. These proprietary fabrics serve to increase the breathability, durability, flexibility, and weather resistance of the jackets.
The brand’s name is somewhat deceiving considering that most new Canada Goose coats use duck down. All of the down carries the RDS (responsible down standard) label.
It guarantees that the down comes from humanely raised and treated fowl. RDS-certified down is usually a byproduct of the meat industry.
Goose down and duck down generally insulate much better than synthetic down. However, natural down loses warmth and loft when it gets wet.
Read also: nano puff vs thermoball
Because of this, all Canada Goose coats feature a high-quality DWR coating. It ensures you will stay warm even when the conditions are cold and wet.
While most outdoor brands have switched to faux fur, many Canada Goose coats still feature the brand’s signature coyote fur ruff. Coyote fur is really durable, warm, and water-resistant. It won’t freeze no matter how cold it gets.
The problem is that the use of fur in jackets always raises the issue of the treatment of the animals. The brand claims that it sources fur ethically. Canada Goose has also announced that it will only use reclaimed fur as of 2022.
Price and Value
Canada Goose is one of the most expensive outdoor brands on the market. A Canada Goose coat can cost anywhere between $500 and $1500.
There’s no doubt that the brand’s craftsmanship is almost impeccable, and most people agree that its jackets are worth every penny. That being said, one can’t help but think that the brand’s fashion symbol status inflates the price— even though Canada Goose claims it’s all about functionality.
Be as it may, you will eventually get your money’s worth if you buy a Canada Goose parka. Each Canada Goose jacket is an investment that will last for many years, and each comes with an impressive lifetime warranty.
Mackage
The Background
In some fashion capitals of the world, such as New York, Paris, and Milan, many people insist on wearing stylish jackets even in extremely cold weather. And the winters can be quite harsh in those places.
If the style is just as important to you as quality and warmth, a Mackage winter coat may be the best choice for you.
Mackage was founded in 1999 by Eran Elfassy. Two years after Elfassy launched Mackage, he partnered with Elisa Dahan.
The duo’s mission was to create a luxurious outdoor brand that balances fashion and function. So, unlike most other outerwear companies, Mackage has been intentionally targeting people who want to look good while venturing out into the cold.
Some shoppers still like to think of Mackage as the younger cousin of Moncler, but it has become a worthy competitor to the renowned French brand.
Mackage has become famous for its unwavering commitment to innovation, sophisticated design, and outstanding quality. This philosophy is exactly why Mackage’s fans don’t mind paying a premium price for the brand’s products.
Materials and Manufacturing
The linings and shells of Mackage jackets are made from quality Japanese nylon and polyester. Mackage also uses specialized laminates and technologies to make its outerwear weather-resistant and durable. Some of its jackets feature wool and leather as well as down and fur.
The brand mostly uses rabbit fur trims, which are incredibly soft. It uses handcrafted double-faced wool to make sleeve cuffs for its jackets.
Mackage claims it only works with suppliers that sell ethically sourced animal-derived materials. For instance, all the down the brand uses is RDS certified.
The quality of the brand’s Nano Down is really like no other. It’s one of the main reasons every Mackage winter jacket has an impressive temperature rating.
Nano Down is a high-quality duck down treated with Mackage’s proprietary Texcote Nano treatment. It prevents bacterial growth, enhances thermal performance, and increases the fill rating. Most Mackage down coats feature a DWR coating.
Mackage jackets are made in Eastern Europe and China. However, the brand tests all of its products in Canada.
Price and Value
The brand doesn’t fall far behind Canada Goose when it comes to price. Mackage jackets generally cost from $400 to $1600. If you want to get a better deal on some of its products, do know that the brand offers impressive discounts quite often.
The brand goes to great lengths to make sure its customers will look great and stay warm in temperatures as low as -32°F. Mackage sells both high-end fashion and functionality, and the company prices its products accordingly.
Mackage offers a lifetime warranty on all of its outerwear. There is no doubt that the craftsmanship (and even the style) of Mackage jackets can stand the test of time.
Best Mackage Jackets
Edward Down Jacket
Specifications:
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Lining: 100% nylon
- Shell: 41% polyester, 59% nylon
- Insulation: Duck down
- Fill rating: 800+
- Style: Parka
Invented by the Caribou Inuit and worn by Britpop icons such as Liam Gallagher, the parka is a jacket that has always been in style. That being said, the cool factor of the Edward down parka is particularly impressive.
On top of looking great, its classy silhouette offers an exceptionally warm hug. The Edward winter jacket will protect you from the freezing cold in temperatures as low as -31°F.
The shell is made from water-resistant fabrics. The lining feels great, but the jacket lacks breathability.
The storm flap, storm cuffs, and super-soft fur trim do a great job of sealing out the wind. The brand also sells a version of the jacket that doesn’t feature any fur.
PROS:
- Good build quality
- Incredibly warm
- Super comfortable
- Stylish
- Durable
CONS:
- Lacks breathability
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Dixon Hooded Down Jacket
Specifications:
- Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Lining: 100% nylon
- Shell: 41% polyester, 59% nylon
- Insulation: Duck down
- Fill rating: 800+
- Style: Bomber
The Dixon is a heavy-duty bomber jacket that will keep you warm and dry in tough winter conditions.
This high-quality winter coat is packed with plenty of cool features, including a hood with a storm visor, a removable hooded bib, and double-entry pockets. The Napoleon pocket with a zipper and leather wealth is a really nice touch. And, no matter how thick your gloves are, all of the pockets are very easy to access.
Like the Edward coat, the Dixon down jacket is insulated with 800-fill-power down. While the Edward has a better temperature rating, the Dixon offers better breathability. The bomber is also entirely windproof.
As expected from the brand, the Dixon offers an impressive combination of functionality and style. You can easily wear this coat on more formal occasions as well as winter hikes.
PROS:
- Looks great
- Really warm
- Breathable
- Plenty of extra features
- Windproof
CONS:
- Only two color options
James Puffer
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Shell: 100% nylon with foil backing
- Insulation: Duck down
- Fill rating: 800+
- Style: Puffer
If you want to get a lightweight puffer that performs great, do know that the Mackage James is one of the best options on the market. It is also one of the most affordable Mackage jackets.
The James puffer is not the ideal choice for extremely cold conditions, but it is an excellent jacket for unpredictable and rainy fall days.
The ripstop fabric lends durability to the puffer. The shell is windproof and water-repellent. Thanks to the quality DWR coating, the water just beads off the jacket.
The James puffer features a snug fit. While it is very comfy, it does limit your layering options.
The elasticized cuffs and the adjustable hem allow you to easily seal in the warmth. The James puffer sports a minimalist design, so it doesn’t come with plenty of extra features. However, the sleeve snap pocket is a really nice detail.
PROS:
- Durable
- Good insulation
- Lightweight
- Offers great protection from the elements
- Stylish
CONS:
- Not good for layering
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Best Canada Goose Jackets
Expedition Parka
Specifications:
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Lining: 100% nylon
- Shell: Arctic-Tech (85% polyester/15% cotton blend)
- Insulation: Duck down
- Fill rating: 625
- Style: Parka
Featuring an insulated hood lined with super soft coyote fur, the Expedition full-length parka is almost as warm as a full-body Himalayan down suit. It insulates just as well as the Edward parka, even though it features lower fill power down.
Paradoxically, the jacket’s biggest perk is also its biggest downside. It can easily get too warm. Unless you live in an extremely cold climate, you’ll be better off with a lighter jacket.
The long rib-knit cuffs allow you to wear gloves over them. They also provide a snug fit and a superb seal. Thanks to the quality DWR treatment, the shell can shed sleet and snow without any issue.
The Canada Goose Expedition parka comes with plenty of cool features. These include a Velcro snow skirt, an adjustable waist, and a three-way adjustable drawcord. It also has an abundance of pockets.
PROS:
- -22°F temperature rating
- Incredibly durable
- Plenty of useful pockets
- Super comfortable fur trim
- Cinch cord at waist
CONS:
- Can get too warm
Hybridge Lite Hoody
Specifications:
- Weight: 1 lb
- Shell: 100% nylon
- Insulation: Goose down
- Fill rating: 800
- Style: Puffer
The Hybridge Lite Hoody may indeed be the lightest and most comfortable puffer jacket. It also has a fantastic weight-to-warmth ratio.
The Hybridge features Tensile-Tech fabric inserts that make it incredibly breathable. For such a lightweight rain jacket, it comes with a surprising number of features. It has two Napoleon pockets, two handwarmer pockets, and big zip pulls. The puffer also packs into its own pocket.
The look of the jacket is just as impressive as its functionality. You could even say that its slim silhouette is more aesthetically pleasing than that of the James puffer.
While this doesn’t necessarily make it the winner of the Canada Goose vs Mackage showdown, it’s safe to say that Canada Goose makes better lightweight puffer jackets.
PROS:
- Durable and abrasion-resistant shell
- Great weight-to-warmth ratio
- Stylish
- Quality DWR treatment
- Highly breathable
CONS:
- The hood is not adjustable
Chilliwack Bomber
Specifications:
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Lining: 100% nylon
- Shell: Arctic-Tech (85% polyester/15% cotton blend)
- Insulation: Duck down
- Fill rating: 625
- Style: Bomber
The Chilliwack is a top-shelf version of the classic, blue-collar staple. It is an excellent choice for those who want an all-around winter bomber. The articulated design of the jacket allows for great freedom of movement. This makes it ideal for shoveling snow as well as walking around town.
The Chilliwack doesn’t lack any extra features. It comes with wrist closures, a roomy hood, and associated adjustments. There are also more than enough pockets.
The shell is water-resistant. But it has a plethora of seams, so it may not be the best choice for the wettest conditions. It’s still a great jacket for harsh and dry weather. The exceptional craftsmanship of the Chilliwack can withstand even the most rugged conditions.
Although the Chilliwack is a luxurious model, the Dixon bomber is far more stylish. Moreover, its competitors don’t fall far behind when it comes to performance, and most of them aren’t nearly as expensive.
PROS:
- Highly durable
- Very warm
- Allows for great freedom of movement
- Plenty of extra features
- Excellent hood
CONS:
- The styling could be better
Canada Goose vs Mackage: Which Brand Is Better?
Neither brand is the clear winner of the Canada Goose vs Mackage showdown.
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If you like wearing winter jackets that make you look great, on top of offering protection from the cold and the elements, Mackage may be the better choice for you.
Canada Goose, on the other hand, is likely the best choice for those who want to get the most bang for their buck in terms of performance.
If you like our Canada Goose vs Mackage comparison, you may want to look into other luxurious winter gear brands—Moncler and Rudsak in particular.
Moncler is an Italian fashion brand that makes quality winter outerwear, while Rudsak is a newer Canadian company that has become famous for its elevated outdoor apparel. Be sure to check out this Canada Goose vs Moncler comparison as well.
I love hiking, backpacking, and camping. From the Camino de Santiago to the West Highland Way in Scotland or simply a great day hike on the weekend. Hiking refreshes me, my mind, and keeps my body reasonably fit. So far I have walked three Camino routes and many other long distance hikes in the UK, Canada, and around the rest of Europe. One of the best was my hike up Ben Nevis.