Pajar vs. Canada Goose: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Pajar is a Canadian heritage brand delivering functional winter footwear and outerwear at an accessible price point, while Canada Goose is a global luxury name known for its premium, high-performance parkas that are both expensive and an aesthetic staple. The choice between them comes down to balancing practical needs and budget against the desire for an iconic luxury product engineered for extreme cold.

Let's find out exactly which brand of Canadian outerwear makes sense for you and your adventures.

Pajar: The Functional & Stylish Winter Essential

Pajar is a family-owned Canadian brand that has been crafting durable and stylish winter gear since 1963. Focused on merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, Pajar targets consumers who face harsh winters and need reliable gear that looks good without commanding a luxury price tag. Their specialty lies in creating warm, waterproof boots and practical outerwear that stand up to snow, ice, and frigid temperatures.

• Product mix: Pajar's collection is anchored by its insulated, waterproof boots, but it also includes parkas, puffers, and winter accessories designed for cold weather functionality.
• Price point: The brand is positioned in an accessible price tier. Winter boots typically range from $100 to $300, and jackets are often priced between $200 and $600.
• Quality & Materials: Pajar uses high-quality materials including genuine waterproof leather, durable waterproof nylons, and warm insulation like down blends and synthetic fills. Their boots often feature thermal linings to ensure warmth in very cold climates.
• Style & Aesthetic: Pajar offers a practical and stylish aesthetic that is a great fit for outdoor activities and everyday city use. Its designs often have a rugged yet refined look, more classic than overtly trendy.
• Sizing/Fit: Outerwear generally runs true to size. Consumers often note that Pajar boots can fit slightly narrow or small, so it's a good idea to consider sizing up a half size, especially if you plan to wear thick socks.

Ultimately, Pajar is a go-to for shoppers who demand dependable winter performance and a versatile, understated aesthetic at an affordable price.

Shop Pajar: pajar.com

Canada Goose: The Ultimate Luxury Winter Parka

Canada Goose, founded in Toronto in 1957, is globally recognized as a benchmark for luxury outerwear designed to withstand some of the coldest places on Earth. Known for its iconic down-filled parkas with their unmistakable patches on the shoulder of its jackets, Canada Goose combines technical performance with high-end style. It is not cheap, and so it caters to a customer who views their winter coat as a long-term investment blending function and fashion.

• Product mix: While best known for its heavy-duty parkas like the Expedition and Chilliwack Bomber, Canada Goose also produces lightweight down jackets, vests, raincoats, and accessories for a variety of weather conditions.
• Price point: Canada Goose operates squarely in the luxury segment. Jackets typically range from $900 and reach as high as $2,000 for its more high-performance parkas.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is famous for its use of ethically sourced, high-loft down insulation that provides exceptional warmth without the same bulkiness seen in many competitors’ parkas. It also utilizes robust, water-resistant fabrics and often real fur trims. The excellent craftsmanship that goes into each piece is made to last a generation.
• Style & Aesthetic: A minimalist, yet luxurious style of outerwear designed for both demanding outdoor environments and modern sleek city lifestyles. A jacket from Canada Goose has become very popular among the fashion set in major cities around the world and it is seen as a staple and a status symbol. Many other brands have copied the signature style of its parkas, jackets, and pants.
• Sizing/Fit: Most Canada Goose parkas run true to size, with a slightly relaxed and boxier fit for better layering. Its 'Fusion Fit' is specifically designed for smaller body frames with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. They offer detailed sizing charts to ensure comfort when ordering online.

Canada Goose provides premium performance, great warmth, and impeccable attention to branding that helps justify its high price.

Shop Canada Goose: canadagoose.com

Pajar vs. Canada Goose Comparison

Price Comparison

The most stark difference is the price of their outerwear. Canada Goose is a premium luxury brand where most jackets start at $900, while Pajar offers more accessible pricing, usually between $300 and $500, rarely reaching the thousand-dollar range. Pajar is more affordable if you want quality at a value, you look to Canada Goose if you want an investment for years and a status symbol as well.

For example, Pajar boots typically cost around $250, offering waterproofing and a durable fur lining. Canada Goose might sell similar boots for $600. In jackets, the difference is even more pronounced with the Canada Goose Expedition parka starting at $2,000, while a similar style from Pajar can offer warmth for under $500.

Quality & Materials

With Canada Goose, you get high-quality materials with each piece. The brand sources well and has been critiqued in the past for using coyote fur, but it has pledged to change its practices. Their insulation and fabrics like "Arctic-tech" make a significant difference in performance, designed for polar conditions, whereas Pajar is meant for heavy winters around the home. You can imagine the type of material used per product and how it will affect performance.

Pajar uses quality leather, thermal insulation, and down insulation similar to what Canada Goose offers. However, it does not have its own "Thermal Experience Index" (TEI) for specific temperatures, which is one reason for the premium price on Canada Goose outerwear.

Style & Aesthetic

Canada Goose is known for clean lines and a slim silhouette, popular with urban crowds, identifiable by the distinctive logo patch. Its style has been adopted by those who work outside and other creatives for its durability and practicality.

Pajar's aesthetic is more traditional and rugged, similar to classic hiking gear. It offers stylish designs without the high-fashion flair of Canada Goose, both rooted in a Canadian tradition of high-quality winter gear.

Sustainability & Ethics

Canada Goose has made commitments to sustainability and ethics by being transparent about sourcing its down and other materials. It has faced pressure but is making efforts to meet the ethical standards of today's consumers.

Pajar focuses on durability and longevity, which is a form of sustainability, but it is less prominent compared to Canada Goose, having faced scrutiny for the materials used.

Return Policy

Both brands offer excellent return policies, providing full refunds within 30 days of purchase.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice depends on your style preference, budget, and specific needs. Whether you prioritize a luxury investment or value and practicality, both brands offer unique benefits to suit your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pajar or Canada Goose better?

Pajar is better for value, while Canada Goose is better for extreme weather and as a status symbol.