In this article, I’ll be comparing Canada Goose vs Moncler jackets and parkas in a couple of different categories for men and women. I’ll also take a quick look at some of their most popular garments. Are you an outdoor enthusiast who knows a thing or two about quality down jackets? If that’s the case, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of both Canada Goose or Moncler.
Maybe you’ve even considered purchasing a jacket made by one of these two brands, but then you realized that the apparel designed and sold by these companies costs a lot more than your typical North Face jacket.
Are These Brands Even Worth It?
If we consider the quality of Canada Goose and Moncler jackets, we quickly realize that, in this case, you actually get what you pay for.
Sounds like something you’ve heard hundreds of times before? Compare Moncler or Canada Goose jacket to a typical North Face one, and you’ll quickly realize why the TNF jackets cost half as much and last half as long. In other words, investing in a garment made by one of these two premium brands is never a bad decision.
While it’s true that most outerwear brands outsource their manufacturing operations to Asian countries, both Canada Goose and Moncler garments are artisan-crafted pieces of apparel made out of premium-quality materials. Unless you’re someone who buys a new jacket every autumn, I genuinely believe you’re better off opting for a high-quality brand such as Moncler or Canada Goose instead of going for a Columbia or even the North Face jacket.
It’s intriguing to note that in the luxury outerwear market, discussions around comparisons like Moose Knuckles versus Canada Goose also draw attention, as consumers navigate through the nuances of craftsmanship, material quality, and brand heritage.
Canada Goose or Moncler Comparison
The Background
Canada Goose
One of North America’s most popular outerwear brands, Canada Goose became so renowned because of its phenomenal down jackets and vests. Not only do these garments look exceptionally stylish, but are also capable of withstanding wear and tear without losing their appearance or quality.
As a brand, Canada Goose was founded under the name Metro Sportswear all the way back in 1957, in Toronto, Ontario. The company changed its name once it started selling its garments overseas, in Europe.
Canada Goose’s first products included raincoats and woolen vests. Later, the company moved on to other practical apparel. The very first Canada Goose jacket was created in the 1970s, and the rest is history.
Moncler
Established all the way back in 1952 by René Ramillon in Grenoble, France, Moncler is an Italian outerwear brand. Something doesn’t add up, doesn’t it? That’s because the company was bought by an Italian entrepreneur Remo Ruffini in 2003 and its headquarters are now located some 300 kilometers to the west, in Milan, Italy.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Moncler mostly made tents and sleeping bags. In the following decades, the company slowly moved to quilted jackets, designing them specifically for people who had to work outside in the freezing winter temperatures.
In the 21st century, Moncler has successfully established itself as one of the world’s most renowned luxury brands. The company makes and sells winter jackets that are both functional and fashionable, which is precisely why it has so many fans all over the globe.
n the broader world of outdoor apparel, there are other notable comparisons that enthusiasts often discuss. For instance, the Lands’ End vs L.L. Bean debate frequently emerges. Both Lands’ End and L.L. Bean have established themselves with distinct offerings and histories, making the choice between them a matter of individual taste and requirement.
The Warmth
Those who try either a Canada Goose or a Moncler jacket for the first time can immediately tell the difference between these and cheaper garments of the same type.
Each company designs and manufactures winter coats whose weight not only feels well-balanced against the body but also exceptionally snug. It goes without saying, but this kind of design is precisely what allows these jackets to so effortlessly keep the body heat sealed inside.
Both brands design pieces of apparel whose down-to-feather ratios stand at 90 to 10. As you can already guess, this kind of ratio is among the best on the market. In addition, both companies stuff their down jackets with premium-quality down feathers that are insulated and light.
Canada Goose
Trying on a Canada Goose coat immediately brings the sensation of being completely protected from moisture and cold winds. It’s almost as if you’re carrying a warm shelter on yourself – or at least that’s how their garments feel to me. Zip up the jacket’s fur liner, pull over its hood, and you pretty much are walking in a warm shelter.
Canada Goose garments provide phenomenal wind protection. In fact, even the length of the zipper on a CG jacket is usually windproof, which creates an impassable barrier that retains body heat and keeps the cold at bay.
Moncler
A lot of Moncler-made garments boast a down-to-feather ratio of 90 to 10 and premium Italian construction. Just like in the case of Canada Goose garments, this translates to extraordinary windproofing. This kind of construction also makes Moncler coats very warm and lightweight, and that’s always a big plus in my book.
So, in summary, a typical Moncler winter coat can be described with the following words – a comfortable, lightweight jacket that successfully retains a surprising amount of warmth.
The Durability
As I’ve already said, both Moncler and Canada Goose garments are made out of premium-quality materials and that’s exactly why both of these brands are held in high regard by millions of people all over the globe.
Just like in the case of warmth, the durability of their jackets is something you notice immediately upon trying on a Moncler or a Canada Goose jacket. Not only are the materials very sturdy due to their superb quality, but they also feel very comfortable against the skin.
But still, there are some differences between the ways in which these two brands construct their outerwear, with one of these differences being the exterior fabric’s overall weight.
Canada Goose
This company sources down from the farmers living in small communities – the Hutterite colonies – on the prairies of northwestern North America. The water repellency, fabric, and stitching are all remarkably durable and last for a lifetime.
In fact, all garments designed and manufactured by this company come accompanied by lifetime warranty deals. These protect products from defects in workmanship or materials during the product’s lifetime.
Moncler
A vast majority of jackets made by Moncler are manufactured from Japanese nylon. This is a high-quality, durable material – the chances of having a loose feather are close to zero.
And, as I’ve already said, the down ratio is almost always 10% feather to 90% down, which is among the best down ratios on today’s market.
Fit & Style
Canada Goose
In my opinion, this is the biggest difference between these two renowned brands. Utilitarian and straightforward, Canada Goose jackets sport a no-frills design that is actually a lot more versatile than you may think at first. Wearing one of these garments on virtually any occasion makes the wearer look bold and ready for freezing temperatures.
Yes, it’s true that a lot of people living in large cities wear jackets that look quite similar to those made by Canada Goose. However, the simple design of CG’s garments is not necessarily a bad thing. They’re just like your regular blue jeans and look good in all situations.
Most of the down jackets sold by this brand look similar to one another, but that’s not exactly true for their Black Label collection, for example, or for any of their numerous collaborations. Even though CG’s garments are often criticized for their plain and dull looks, I think that the refined design of their coats looks splendid in a variety of colors and that it’s, well, timeless.
Moncler
Moncler garments, on the other hand, tend to be more stylized, sharper, and slimmer. As far as I’m concerned, the fashion reputation of this company is absolutely deserved – Moncler is highly innovative in this department and always keen to blend high-quality warmth technologies with designer fashion.
In addition, the brand has recently released an extensive range of finishes and patterns that allow customers to make themselves look unique while staying at the top of the current fashion trends. If the design is really important to you, I’d definitely advise going for a Moncler jacket instead of a Canada Goose one – the aesthetics of their garments are hard to beat.
In the broader world of outdoor apparel, there are other notable comparisons that enthusiasts often discuss. For instance, the debate around Eddie Bauer and L.L. Bean comparisons brings to light the distinctions between two other iconic brands, emphasizing the rich history and quality they bring to the table.
The Price
Canada Goose Jackets
The prices of Canada Goose winter jackets range from about $500 to $1300. One of my personal favorites from this season’s collection retails for about $1000 and is called the Skreslet Parka.
This particular piece of apparel was co-designed by the most famous Canadian mountaineer – Laurie Skreslet – and is, in my opinion, very reasonably priced for a jacket that not only looks phenomenal but also effortlessly handles Arctic temperatures.
That’s yet another proof that those who decide to go with Canada Goose jackets really do get what they pay for. I think that the price of around $1000 is more than justified if you need a jacket that can actually protect you from the freezing Himalayan winds.
Moncler Jackets
The prices of winter jackets made by Moncler range from $1000 to more than $5000. Why are these garments so expensive? When you come to a certain price point, the cost of the garment stops being related to its actual functionality and practicality – it has more to do with designer branding, fashion heritage, and brand reputation.
In my opinion, you should look at this Italian brand like you would look at Range Rover – an expensive but genuinely luxurious product combined with quality manufacturing and rugged functionality. Let’s not forget that even despite becoming a fashionable brand, Moncler still creates jackets for challenging expeditions and harsh conditions.
Are There Any Downsides to These Brands?
Canada Goose
The Pervasiveness of the Brand
Are you someone who really cares about wearing clothes that are totally different from those worn by other people? If so, keep in mind that Canada Goose is a very popular brand.
In a big city such as NYC, you’ll see CG’s jackets worn by at least 3 or 4 out of every 10 people walking the streets. In other words, if you decide to go for a Canada Goose coat, you are more than likely to see people wearing the same coat as yours. This is all but a major flaw, but uniqueness is important to some people.
Comparatively Less Style
When compared to a designer brand such as Moncler, it’s easy to see that Canada Goose doesn’t really care that much about the stylishness of its jackets. This is where I have to point out that the straightforward look of garments is an important part of Canada Goose’s core identity.
What is more, CG does have some very creative designs, and these can be found in their designer collaborations. And while these can be very expensive, they absolutely do provide the durability and warmth this company is so well-known for.
Brand Stigma
In the last couple of years, a lot of people have criticized Canada Goose for using coyote fur for the hoods of their jackets, saying that the company sources the fur in an unethical way.
And while the brand stated more than once that the coyote fur they incorporate into their products is sourced ethically, various animal rights activists have managed to place a “stigma” on Canada Goose.
However, the company responded to this quite quickly and is now slowly but surely moving away from using coyote fur at all, opting for a sleeker and more modern look of their jacket hoods instead.
Moncler
No Lifetime Warranty
As I’ve already mentioned, all Canada Goose jackets are covered by lifetime warranty deals. In other words, buying a garment made by this brand means making a great investment as you’re buying something that will last you for many years to come.
Buying a Moncler jacket, on the other hand, is more of a designer investment. These garments are warm and durable – there’s no doubt about that – but their long-term durability is not as guaranteed as in the case of CG’s apparel. So, if you decide to go with a Moncler-made jacket, try to avoid wearing it in extremely harsh conditions – be a bit more gentle with it.
Difficult to Clean
Hundreds of people all over the internet have complained about how Moncler jackets lose a tiny bit of their shiny finish with each successive washing.
Even though there’s a pretty good chance that this was a problem on the consumer end, the company has definitely taken notice of these complaints and slowly moved away from the above-mentioned shiny finishes.
Designer Cost
Before everything else, let me say that it’s debatable whether this is a disadvantage or not. An important thing to keep in mind here is that Moncler is a luxury brand – there’s no doubt about that. One might even say that they prefer designing and manufacturing jackets that are fashionable rather than practical.
For that matter, Moncler may not be the best choice for folks looking for something that effortlessly traps body heat and protects against the harshest colds that come with the dead of winter. However, if you don’t mind bearing a little cold just to have a first-rate look, Moncler is one of those brands whose style is hard to match.
Canada Goose and Moncler Parka Designs
Canada Goose
CG Men’s Expedition Parka Coat
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Nylon
- Shell: Polyester 85% / Cotton 15%
- Insulation: 625-fill-power white duck down
Made out of materials such as nylon, polyester, cotton, and white duck down, and having a Canadian coyote fur-lined hood, this parka is one of CG’s most popular designs.
There are numerous convenient features here – rib-knit cuffs, a storm flap that covers the main zipper, a drawcord waist, a nylon snow skirt, and many, many other perks.
PROS:
- Great features
- Many pockets
- Soft collar
- Incredibly warm
- Lifetime warranty
CONS:
- Expensive
CG Men’s Carson Down Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Nylon
- Shell: Polyester 85% / Cotton 15%
- Insulation: 625-fill-power white duck down
Available in 5 sizes and 4 colors, the Carson Down Parka is yet another great product from Canada Goose.
The main material used in the manufacture of this garment is CG’s proprietary Arctic Tech fabric, which is designed to stay dry in extremely cold climates. It’s a feature-rich model, with goodies such as rib-knit cuffs or a 2-way adjustable hood.
PROS:
- True to size
- Super warm
- Stylish
- Lifetime warranty
CONS:
- Heavy
CG Men’s Chateau Fusion Fit Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Nylon
- Shell: Polyester 85% / Cotton 15%
- Insulation: 625-fill-power white duck down
There’s a lot to like about this CG men’s parka. Using the same Arctic Tech I mentioned above, the model features the so-called Fusion Fit that provides a perfect fit for smaller folks.
It has six pockets in total – 3 on the inside and 3 on the outside – as well as a soft chin guard, an adjustable hood, and recessed cuffs.
PROS:
- Exceptionally warm
- Lifetime warranty
- Comfortable
- Stylish
CONS:
- Pricey
CG Women’s Shelburne Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Nylon
- Shell: Polyester 85% / Cotton 15%
- Insulation: 625-fill-power white duck down
Sporting the same quilt-through design as most other Canada Goose parkas, this women’s winter jacket provides phenomenal protection against the cold while looking absolutely stylish at the same time.
It is equipped with 4 pockets, a back vent, snap-closure exterior cuffs, a tricot-fabric lined chin guard, a down-filled hood, and interior backpack straps.
PROS:
- Interior carrying straps
- Stylish
- Windproof
- Highly water-resistant
CONS:
- Boxy fit
CG Women’s Lorette Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Nylon
- Shell: Polyester 85% / Cotton 15%
- Insulation: 625-fill-power white duck down
Looking to conquer freezing temperatures in style? If that’s the case, this Canada Goose parka sporting 625-fill power down is an ideal choice.
Just like the women’s parka I’ve described above, this one is also a feature-rich piece of apparel that effortlessly keeps the cold at bay with its zippers, cuffs, chin guard, and hood.
PROS:
- Impressive craftsmanship
- Durable
- Super warm
- Stylish
CONS:
- Heavy
CG Women’s Rossclair Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Nylon
- Shell: Polyester 85% / Cotton 15%
- Insulation: 625-fill-power white duck down
One of the most popular Canada Goose women’s winter coats, the Rossclair Parka justifies its hefty price tag with the phenomenal build quality and many convenient features.
The combination of 625-fill power down, proprietary Arctic Tech textile, and all of the model’s drawcords and zippers keep the wearer warm and the harsh elements at bay.
PROS:
- Weatherproof
- Comfortable
- Lifetime warranty
- Warm, plush hood
CONS:
- Hem not adjustable
Moncler
Moncler Men’s Eiger Parka
Specifications:
- Material: 78% Nylon / 22% Polyurethane
- Style: Parka
- Insulation: Duck down
Moncler advertises this particular model as a parka that hits the perfect balance between substance and form.
While it’s available in only one color, the model comes equipped with features such as snap-closure cuffs, a die-cast zipper closure, or a warm hood.
PROS:
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Warm hood
CONS:
- Comes in only one color
Moncler Men’s Canmore Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% polyamide / nylon
- Shell: 95% polyamide / 5% elastane
- Insulation: Down
One of the company’s newest models, this particular parka features genuinely lightweight down and is fully water-resistant and windproof.
Some of the convenient features it boasts include interior elastic waist drawcord, lots of zippered pockets, a hood with an elastic drawcord, and the frontal 2-way zipper closure.
PROS:
- Windproof
- Water-resistant
- Warm
- Great features
CONS:
- Runs slightly small
Moncler Men’s Hanoverian Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Polyamide / Nylon
- Shell: 100% Polyamide / Nylon
- Insulation: Down
Sporting a resistant but versatile design, this Moncler parka has everything you’ll need to stay warm in cold weather while looking exceptionally stylish at the same time.
It’s a down-filled, long-length model with adjustable cuffs, side pockets, and a detachable hood.
PROS:
- Stylish
- Warm
- Detachable hood
- Adjutable cuffs
CONS:
- Comes only in one color
Moncler Women’s Echinops Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Polyamide / Nylon
- Shell: 100% Polyamide / Nylon
- Insulation: Down
The cocoon-like design of this Moncler women’s parka with diamond quilting is guaranteed to keep you both warm and good-looking.
Besides the frontal 2-way zipper closure, the Echinops Parka also boasts features such as the elastic drawcord hem, sizable side pockets, and a cozy hood.
PROS:
- Elastic drawcord hem
- Cosy, cocoon-like design
- Stylish
- Impressive crafstmanship
CONS:
- Hood not removable
Moncler Women’s La Baronne Parka
Specifications:
- Material: 90% Polyester / 10% Nylon
- Style: Parka
- Insulation: Down
Perfect for both cold days in the city and ski vacations, this is one of the most stylish Moncler parkas for women, and one that also provides high-performance.
Featuring a mesmerizing polyester/nylon shell, it’s yet another feature-rich Moncler garment whose hefty price tag is justified by its impeccable design and sheer practicality.
PROS:
- Beautiful design
- Durable
- Relatively lightweight
- Warm
CONS:
- Pricey
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Moncler Women’s Hermine Parka
Specifications:
- Lining: 100% Polyamide / Nylon
- Shell: 100% Polyamide / Nylon
- Insulation: Down
As far as I’m concerned, this is the most stylish out of all women’s parkas made by Moncler.
Sure, the company sells pricier models, but none combine functionality with a design that enhances a feminine silhouette as well as this one. As always, the features such as the snap-off hood or the interior elastic drawcord are also here.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Tailored silhouette
- Warm
- Great features
CONS:
- Very expensive
Canada Goose vs Moncler – The Verdict
In case your primary concern is durability and warmth during the freezing winter, you’ll make no mistake by going with one of Canada Goose’s jackets.
This company makes some of the warmest garments available on today’s market and backs them up with lifetime warranty deals on top of that.
However, if you prefer style over substance, you should definitely go with a Moncler-made coat.
Yes, you’ll have to deal with a (marginal) loss in terms of warmth and you’ll also have to fork out a lot more money, but the slim fits and eye-catching finishes and patterns of Moncler jackets are simply unmatched.
Make sure to check out this Canada Goose or Nobis comparison as well if you’ve found this post useful.
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.