In a matter of months, temperatures are going to drop in the Northern Hemisphere, sending shoppers running for the newest and warmest winterwear available. Winter coats have been doing their job, keeping body heat near the body, since the beginning of time (when they were merely strips of animal hide.) Now, winter wear brands are continuing to improve on their original formula, finding new ways to keep people warm when the weather gets cold. From fillers to liners to shells, top brands are trying out new combinations, looking to create the perfect winter coat. Here’s the latest in winter jacket technology, and some recommendations for the upcoming season. An Inside Look at Jacket Fill When it comes to warm winter coats, it’s what’s inside that counts. Different clothing brands offer a variety of fill combinations. Here are their strengths and weaknesses. Down - Using fowl feathers as an insulator isn’t anything new. Down is popular for a reason, because of its efficiency in keeping in the heat, and ability to be compressed. Buyers look for down jackets with impressive fill power and weight, with a shell that’s reliably waterproof so the fill never gets wet. Some brands have been criticized for their “live plucking” practices used to glean feathers. But brands like The North Face and Patagonia have made progress in the area of down ethics. The Patagonia Women’s Down With It Parka boasts the use of 100% recycled down insulation. Synthetic Insulation - Because of the costs involved in high-quality down fill, many suppliers have worked to create synthetic insulation that has the same warming effect as down, creating small holes that can trap warm air and keep it close to the body. Synthetic polyester has had some success in keeping people EXTRA warm, especially in the case of Alaska-based Apocalypse Design, a company that creates outerwear for Iditarod participants. The most popular synthetic fill is called PrimaLoft, and it works well, even when it gets wet Shells and Liners If the fill is the insulation factor, it’s the shell and liner that keep out the elements, and provide the comfort many shoppers are looking for. Synthetic materials are also commonly used for the other layers of winter jackets, as well as the inner lining. Gore-Tex is probably the most popular coating for synthetic shells, effectively keeping moisture out of the inner fill. Lately, brands like Columbia are getting creative with their lining technology, using the inner layer to trap even more body heat than ever before. The Columbia Omni Heat Lining is a reflective material similar to the “space blanket” popularized by NASA. It sends heat back to the wearer with impressive efficiency. The Top 3 High-Tech Jackets In Stores Patagonia, North Face, and Columbia are all at the top of their game when it comes to winter jacket technology. Here are the top three pics from these companies in the high-tech coat category: Patagonia Men’s Exosphere Jacket This jacket expertly regulates body temperature with creatively-placed zips under the arms, and breathable material. Built for outdoor exploration, the jacket boasts expandable chest pockets and waterproof slots for cell phones and wallets. The North Face Houser Triclimate Jacket Like the Patagonia pick, this jacket has many options for changing weather conditions. The Triclimate Jacket is actually made of a two-part shell and lining that can be worn together or separately. The adjustable hood can be worn loosely or tight, and the outer shell is compatible with any other zip or snap North Face jacket. Columbia Electro Interchange Jacket This jacket is a go-to pick for when the temps drop very low. The Electro Interchange jacket actually pumps heat around the core, offering three omni-heat electric warming systems (combined with your own body heat). This techy jacket also offers battery packs that can charge your cell phone if you’re out in the elements for an extended period of time, Winter jacket technology just keeps getting better, which is good news for those facing the ever harsh winters of the far north or south. We’re excited to see where cold weather textiles will take us in the future. Read more about fabric technology below: The 411 on Odor Resistant Fabrics Brands Need To Promote Use of Smart Textiles In Clothing, Study Shows