Parkas vs. Jackets and Puffers
When the coldest of the cold weather comes around, you need to be prepared. That's why at The North Face, we offer parkas in a variety of styles.
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What makes a parka different from other jackets and puffers? Â Length. Â Parkas are long coats that run down to the thighs, while most other jackets stop at the waistline. Â They were initially adopted for use in the military because they could be worn over uniforms due to their oversized fit. Â These days, while puffers and jackets are ideal high-intensity outdoor activities like jogging and hiking, parkas are best for protection from cold wind and snow when going about life.
With only a handful of exceptions, parkas come with a hood and are well-insulated. Â Most puffers omit the hood in favor of a puffy look. Â Our best-selling Arctic Parka, for example, features 550 fill goose down throughout the body and a beautiful faux-fur lined hood.
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Best For Winter, But Also Good In Rain
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Because of their design, parkas are ideal for winter weather. Â Their length helps protect more of your body from chilly wind and their insulation keeps the body warmer when the temperature dips. Â However, if you live in an area that does not receive a lot of snow, parka jackets can still be a great choice for fall and winter. Â Many have a waterproof or water-repellant material that, when combined with the hood, makes them a great raincoat. Â
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Some of our waterproof women's parkas include the Arctic Parka, our Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT styles, the Women's New Outerboroughs Parka, and the Women's Snow Down featuring DWR.Â
What To Wear With A Women's Parka
For the best protection from the elements when outdoors, consider these:
•  A moisture-wicking baselayer
•  A fleece top
•  Pants or fleece-lined leggings
•  Waterproof, insulated pants (for snow activities)
•  Wool socks
•  High-quality winter boots or snow boots
•  Winter gloves and scarf
•  Beanie
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What To Look For When Shopping For Parkas
•  Features:  Does it have a hood?  Is the hood detachable?  Is the zipper waterproof?  How many pockets does it have?
•  Insulation:  What kind of insulation does it have?  Goose down is often considered the top of the line with 900 fill being the most warm.  Synthetic fill is also a great choice but can give your parka a more puffy appearance.  Thinsulate is not as warm, but is designed to let moisture from perspiration escape.
•  Material:  Is it waterproof and windproof?  It is breathable?  For a breathable, water resistant material, check out our FUTURELIGHT technology.
•  Length:  How far does it reach?  Does it hit just the upper thighs allowing for more movement or does it reach the knees offering more protection?
Looking for men's parkas? Â We have those as well.