This parka from Everlane is my go-to for freezing cold weather - and it's made with 100% recycled material

• Winter means it's time for you to take your parka out of hibernation. And if you don't have one or just want something new, it's time to act on that.
• Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer ($175) is an impressive parka at an affordable price. It's warm, looks nice on, has thoughtful features, and is made from recycled bottles.
• I took the ReNew Long Puffer for a spin around New York City and was impressed at how well it fared, especially considering the price.

A parka is a winter essential in colder climates. Piling on layers of wool and fleece is a futile attempt at staying warm without the thick, all-encompassing warmth of a good coat. Luckily, there are plenty of great winter coats out there.

But if you're anything like me, the endless options can actually make the decision process all the more difficult. There are so many things to consider: How much are you willing to spend? Is the more expensive option always warmer? Are there cruelty-free options? Will it even look good on? If you want to cut through the noise, Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer is an easy choice. It's warm, sustainable, and affordable, a rare find in the winter coat world.

Everything you need to know about the ReNew Long Puffer

Last year, Everlane announced a lofty environmental goal - by 2021 the brand will have no new plastic in their supply chain. But there are already 8 billion tons of plastic on the planet, and they're not going away. The ReNew collection was built as the brand's innovative first step toward a plastic-free future. Instead of creating new synthetic fabrics, the ReNew collection features a range of outerwear made from recycled plastic bottles.

Each ReNew Long Puffer is made from 60 renewed plastic bottles. Both the fabric and insulation are 100% recycled. The only parts of the coat that aren't recycled are the zippers and trim, though Everlane is working to source those from recycled materials as well.

The coat itself has the look of a classic parka. It's long, puffy, and relatively thick, with three color options: black, navy, and a rich cobalt blue. There's a drawstring waist, which allows you to get a more flattering fit from the otherwise oversized silhouette. A hood adds some easy warmth, and there's a drawstring so you can keep your head protected on those chilly, windy days.

There are two oversized pockets with a fleecy lining inside - a nice spot to warm up cold hands. The jacket is not too long, but it hits about mid-thigh to knee (depending on the person) so you get a good amount of leg coverage. The whole jacket is water-resistant, an important feature for something that'll likely be seeing snow. Everlane says the coat is recommended for temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees.

Wearing the Everlane ReNew Long Puffer

Slipping on the ReNew Long Puffer, I immediately felt ready to brave the cold. The jacket has a heft to it that makes me feel protected. It doesn't feel as lightweight as the down parkas I've worn in the past, but it isn't uncomfortably heavy to wear. I loved the length. The jacket grazed just above my knee, but the zipper didn't go down all the way. I appreciated this thoughtful design, which made it easier to walk as there were no constraints around the legs.

The deep pockets are another great feature. When you're wearing a jacket this puffy, having to rifle through a bag to find your belongings can feel particularly laborious, so I appreciate the big pockets which help you keep your everyday essentials handy. My only qualm with the pockets is the lack of a zipper, as the flap top lets in cold air easily.

I wore the coat on a low-30s day and was more than warm enough. The insulation, hood, and long silhouette keep me cozy. I haven't yet seen how this coat fares in even lower temperatures, but if customer reviews are any indication, it should do just as well.

Puffy parkas aren't the most flattering coats you can find, but all things considered, this one is pretty cute. I have the cobalt, a vibrant blue color that stands out in a sea of neutral outwear. The simplicity of the coat - there's no serious hardware or colorful signage - gives it a minimalist feel, which (in terms of parkas) is simple and stylish.

What I really can't get over, though, is the price. At $175, this coat feels like a steal. It's high-quality, fits well and looks nice on, keeps me really warm, and seems pretty durable. So far, it's on par with jackets that are two or three times the price. Sustainability is the icing on the cake with this impressive piece. If there's an option at a great price that's also better for the planet, why wouldn't you choose it?

The bottom line

Parkas are notoriously expensive pieces. And while some may be worth the investment, spending hundreds of dollars on a coat isn't always feasible. Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer also proves it isn't always necessary. The coat does some pretty heavy lifting for just $175. It's warm enough to withstand freezing temperatures, made more sustainably than most other options out there, and actually looks cool too.

For the price, you'll surely get more than your money's worth of wear after just one season, though I'm sure you'll keep it in your wardrobe for far longer.

Get the women's ReNew Long Puffer for $175 at Everlane

Get the men's ReNew Long Puffer for $198 at Everlane