With its iconic design and modern innovations, the parka is still a surefire way to stay warm.
When winter’s temperatures settle into the biting sub-zeroes, your best option for staying warm is the iconic arctic parka. Today’s iterations draw from mid-century military designs, placing equal weight on function and warmth, but utilize modern waterproofing and wind-proofing innovations. Met with down fill and an optional fur hood lining, cold weather doesn’t stand a chance.
There are also brands making more streamlined versions of the parka, removing the bulk, slimming down the cut and yet still delivering crucial, warm insulation. They’ve come a long way from original adventure jackets designed by the likes of, say, Eddie Bauer and worn in grueling conditions.
The time will come when you absolutely need a parka – you’ll know it without a doubt.
On top of its functionality, the parka is an easy design to incorporate into any wardrobe, complementing a wide range of different aesthetics. In the case of cold-weather outerwear, the aphorism “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” readily applies, and the parka is still the best. Shop a few of our favorites below.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
