WHAT IS A PARKA?
A parka is an insulated jacket, typically with a hood, designed to keep you warm and protected in cold conditions. Whether you’re experiencing a cool fall in the Pacific Northwest, planning to venture to the Arctic or simply commuting, our range of men’s and women’s parkas are ready to help.
In this guide, we cover the types of insulation, wind and water protection, and other features (such as pockets, reflectors, and more) that you should consider when choosing the right parka for you.
INSULATION – STAY WARM
Trapped air is how most insulation works; the trapped air is what creates warmth and gives a jacket that “puffy” look. That’s why people often call a parka a “puffy,” “puffer,” or “puff coat.” Yet, insulated parkas can often be more subtle, with only a thin layer of synthetic insulation (creating a touch of warmth without much bulk). There are many different variations of insulated jackets.
Insulation can be constructed in segments (called baffles) or evenly throughout (called sheets). Baffles create a more paneled look. Both down parkas and synthetic parkas usually are constructed in baffles, but synthetic can also be baffled. Sheet insulation (usually synthetic) gives a smoother look and removes any “cold spots” that can occur in baffling.
The two most common types of insulation are synthetic and down. Each type offers different benefits, so understanding these qualities will help you choose what’s best for you.
1- DOWN INSULATION
Down is a natural insulating material, formed by clustering duck or geese feathers. Thousands of tiny criss-crossing fibers create air pockets, which enable the body to efficiently trap and store air. All our down parkas are certified by the Responsible Down Standard, which aims to ensure down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to any unnecessary harm. The key advantage of down is that it delivers more warmth for weight than synthetic insulation.
Quality and Fill Power
The effectiveness of down parkas comes down to 2 factors:
- Quality
The quality of the down is displayed by the percentage split of down cluster/ feathers. (e.g. 80/20 or 60/40). The higher the cluster percentage, the higher the quality.
- Fill Power
This is how well the down will expand after being compressed. In general, fill power ranges between 300 and 900. The most common rating is 400 – 500, but our home of Norway is cold, so our down parkas are rated 480 – 600. As a rule of thumb, the higher fill power, the more effective the insulation and the easier it will be to compress the down parka into a rucksack or bag.
What are the benefits of down insulation?
- Easy to compress
- High warmth to weight ratio
One thing that down does not do so well is tackle moisture. Once wet, it can lose its insulating function. This is because the feathers clump together, preventing air from being trapped and stored. If you live in a rainy climate, then it’s time to consider synthetic insulation. Read on to learn more about synthetic insulated parkas.
2- SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Synthetic insulation is designed to mirror the qualities of down with one key difference: it performs better when wet. The core function of insulation is warmth, so it’s important to remember that even parkas with synthetic insulation shouldn’t replace a quality rain jacket.
How warm is Synthetic Insulation?
Not to be confused with the weight of the parka, synthetic insulation is measured by its thickness, which is displayed in grams per meter squared (gm/s2). Generally speaking, the more grams per meter, the thicker (and warmer) the synthetic insulation.
What are the benefits of Synthethic Insulation compared to down?
- Absorbs more moisture than down
- Dries faster than down
What materials are Synthetic Insulated Parkas made from?
Our parkas are available in three types of synthetic insulation:
- Primaloft® are the experts in advanced material technology solutions, and the world leader in the development of high-performance insulations and fabrics.
- Polartec® High Loft™ takes fleece comfort and thermal warmth to greater heights. Their patented high loft fiber structure ensures an ultra soft and high compressible material.
- LIFALOFT™ is our proprietary lightweight insulation, developed in an exclusive collaboration combining our unique LIFA® technology with Primaloft® insulation.
CONSTRUCTION
Windproof, Waterproof and Breathability
An important feature of a versatile parka is protection from precipitation and wind. Staying protected from these elements also help keep the warmth in. Always remember that it’s harder to generate heat than it is too maintain it. Our parkas with HELLY TECH® construction offer waterproof and breathable performance, which is especially useful when the storm clouds come in.
How long should a Parka be?
Parkas can come in a variety of lengths. Our range of parkas are typically mid-length, which offer both warmth and versatility (with room for layers underneath). Some also have adjustable features that make them more adaptable for different uses. A two-way zipper, for example, will help loosen the bottom of the parka when you’re sitting down.
If you’re looking for a warm jacket with that’s shorter, we recommend that you check out our puffy jackets.
If you’re looking for a parka that can shield more of the body, we recommend our long parkas, like the Men’s Active Long Parka. One of our design team’s favorite long parkas for women is the Maud for its adaptability.
What should you wear with Parka?
What you wear underneath your parka will impact your overall level of warmth and comfort. A thinner parka like our W Aden Insulated Coat with 60gm/s2 insulation will not only protect you in the fall season, but also see you through the winter when worn together with a warm midlayer. The key here is to manage your layers just right to keep you comfortable. You don’t want to overheat, so remember that too much insulation can have its downsides too!
FEATURES TO CONSIDER IN A PARKA
We listened to the insights from scientists working in the Arctic to create a parka that met their specific requirements. The Arctic Patrol Modular Parka 2.0 is packed with features, many of which we have incorporated into our range of parkas.
Hoods
Unlike hats, the best benefit of a hooded jacket is that it protects your neck against the elements. Our faux fur trims, inspired by the Caribou Inuits’ “sunburst ruff” hoods, minimize heat loss by creating a microclimate around the face. We know that hoods aren’t for everyone though. If this is the case for you, simply go for a parka without. And for those who prefer a more flexible approach, we have got you covered with removable hoods too.
High Collar
Extra protection against the elements can also be achieved with a high collar. The purpose of our parkas with high collars is to stop the rain and cool wind from running down your neck and spreading to the rest of your body. Made with faux fur lining, they’ll keep you warm too.
Cuffs
Often overlooked, a jacket’s cuffs create more warmth. Cuffs also serve the added function of holding the sleeves in place while keeping out chilly drafts.
Pockets
We’ve all been there. We go to the store, spot the perfect coat and try it on in front of the mirror, only to find ourselves patting it down in desperate search of pockets. The apparel industry is laced with these stories, especially among women, so we’ve made sure to include pockets that are roomy enough for your valuables or your hands.
Different pockets have different purposes. For storing valuables, check out our parkas with pockets that can be accessed from the top or the side. For warming up cold hands, our parkas with fleece-lined drop pockets will keep these peripheries toasty.
In colder climates, you might grow tired of your phone’s battery life draining quickly. Life Pocket™ offers an ideal solution. The pocket, made with thermogel, acts as an extra insulating barrier to help your phone survive the chilly temperatures.
Reflectors
As winter sets in and the nights grow longer, staying visible is more important than ever. Consider our range of parkas with fold-up reflectors to keep you safe in the dark.
Whether you’re heading to the city for a day out or commuting to work, parkas are a versatile piece of apparel that have stood the test of time. Everyone can benefit from a parka in their winter wardrobe.
References:
Title: How to Choose a Parka
Website: https://www.hellyhansen.com/
URL: https://www.hellyhansen.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-parka#anchor-473720773
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