Parka Selection

Ninpo Library::Ura & Omote::December 1995::

by Ron Blackwood


Parkas constitute one of the most basic survival elements for the outdoor
recreationalist.  It bears the brunt of the weather and wear, keeping you
warm, dry and safe from hypothermia.

A good fit is crucial to the parka's ability to protect you from the
elements.  If the fit is too tight, you will compress the fill and loose the
insulating benefits.  If it is too loose, the heat loss will be very rapid,
again loosing the insulating qualities you seek.  A good fit means that
proper wind seals occur at the neck, sleeves and waist.  The sleeves should
extend over the wrist to trap the warmth.  Pay close attention to the way a
parka fits around the neck.  Windy drafts can reach the bare neck and chill
you quickly.  Neck features to check for are an internal knit storm collar,
tunnel collar that seals the neck area, or the various hoods that attach
below the collar with a drawcord that pulls close around the face without
inhibiting your view.

Look for a durable external shell with a closely woven fabric of
nylon/polyester/cotton.  This will resist snags and protect you against the
wind.  This should be followed by an internal lamination of Gore-Tex.  This
is a lightweight, yet breathable waterproofing layer.  Some shells are
waterproofed with a plastic coating on the inside of the fabric.  These are
not breathable.  These will keep you dry, but they tend to make you perspire
and that can conspire to chill you.  Next comes the insulating layer.  As
with sleeping bags, there are two types of basic insulation.  Down is a
natural fiber with excellent insulating qualities.  Unfortunately, it looses
most of its insulating qualities if it gets wet.  Synthetics insulate as well
as down but will retain approximately 85% of their insulating ability when
wet.  The most popular synthetics today are Thinsulate and Quallofil.  There
should be an internal liner of either nylon or cotton.

I like lots of pockets.... just make sure that you can get into them easily
with gloves or mittens on.  I particularly prefer cargo pockets with
handwarmer pockets behind them.  I also like insulated hoods with good
easy-to-operate drawstrings.