The Parkajacket - Warm, Comfortable, and Stylish

The Parkajacket - Warm, Comfortable, and Stylish

When it comes to cold weather gear, parka jackets are some of the best winter coats you can find.parkajacket They are warm, comfortable, and stylish in equal measure.parkajacket From the classic snorkel parka of the military (originally made with a sage green DuPont flight silk nylon outer and padded with a wool blanket type material) to today’s sleek women’s anorak and ultra light down parka options, these jackets are ideal for both everyday wear and subzero conditions.parkajacket

Parkas are typically longer than the average coat, extending down to the thighs or knees.parkajacket They are insulated with down or synthetic fill, and they often have a hood lined with fur.parkajacket They also feature waterproof shells, storm cuffs, drawstrings and other practical details.parkajacket

The difference between a parka and an anorak is sometimes confused, but there are distinct differences.parkajacket Anoraks are generally smaller than parkas and can be worn as pull-overs.parkajacket They can be used as a raincoat but are more often designed for windy, dry weather.parkajacket The word anorak is a variation on the Nenets word for animal skin, and anorak-style coats have long been a staple of Inuit clothing for hunting and kayaking in Arctic climates.

A parka is typically a long, insulated jacket that extends down to the thighs or knees and features a hood with fur or faux-fur trim.parkajacket It is usually a wind-resistant jacket and may have drawstrings at the waist and cuffs.parkajacket Unlike anoraks, which are generally pull-over coats, most parkas are designed with zip closures and have pockets on the front.parkajacket

Parkas are a popular choice for cold-weather outdoors activities, such as hiking and skiing.parkajacket They are insulating and warm, and their length eliminates any coverage gaps that might occur when you’re climbing or backpacking in the backcountry.parkajacket However, a large parka hood can be uncomfortably bulky and obstruct your field of vision when you’re wearing a backpack or harness.parkajacket

The defining feature of a parka is the hood, which can be either zipped completely up into a “snorkel” or left rolled down to protect your head in very cold weather.parkajacket The original snorkel parka was developed in the US by the US Air Force in the early 1950s to give service members in extremely cold areas a coat that could be zipped up while still leaving their heads exposed to air.parkajacket The style gained popularity in the UK in the 1960s among the Mod culture, who wore them for both their practicality and as a symbol of their youth movement. The hoods on these coats were originally genuine fur, but were replaced by synthetic versions later.