ashenWe’ve reviewed quite a few winter jackets of various calibers in our blog. But The North Face Arctic Parka is definitely an exceptional piece of clothing for extreme winter conditions. Like most of the jackets we’ve reviewed, this too is a combination of quality, style, comfort and versatility. As always, the downside is the price although you cannot really argue with it given the value it offers. They also used to have the The North Face Arctic Parka II before this. Before we proceed to the review, here are the specs.
The North Face Arctic Parka Specs
- Available in XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Material: 75D 184 g/m² DryVent™ 2L—100% recycled polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
- Insulation: 600 fill 100% recycled waterfowl down
- Faux Fur: 660 g/m² 70% acrylic, 17% polyester, 13% modacrylic
- Attached, fully adjustable hood with a zip-off faux-fur trim
- Internal elasticated cuffs with thumbholes
- Secure-zip welt hand pockets
Insulation and Warmth
As we’ve mentioned before in our reviews, the fill power of down refers to its loftiness and ability to trap air, providing insulation. A higher fill power generally indicates better insulation capabilities. Down insulation is known for its warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility. This parka, as mentioned, possesses 600 filled recycled waterfowl down. Together with the faux-fur brimmed hood, it is built to keep your body heat trapped even in sub zero temperatures even if you aren’t wearing layers underneath. The previous version of this parka faced issues with the heat retention as the down fill power was only a 550. Not much insulation compared to some of its competitors considering the weight as well. However, the latest version covered all of that and now stands tall amongst the competition with its warmth to weight ratio.
Waterproofness And Wind Protection
Specific features may vary between different models or versions of the parka. However, a sealed DryVent™ 2L shell with a non-PFC DWR is what we are discussing about. This hifi terminology refers to the specific features of the outer fabric designed to enhance the jacket’s performance in various weather conditions. Developed by The North Face, DryVent™ is a waterproof and breathable technology used in the design of outerwear. It consists of a multilayer formula that includes a waterproof, breathable membrane. Of the two layers, the internal layer is often a membrane that prevents water from penetrating while allowing moisture (such as sweat) to escape, promoting breathability. We’ve spoken multiple times of what DWR is, which is a coating applied to the outer fabric of a jacket to make it water-resistant. It is also environmentally friendly as it avoids the use of perfluorinated chemicals.
Weight And Packability
The Parka weighs around roughly 3 pounds which does not sound a lot and comparatively identical to its competitors. If you are commuting all the time and constantly on the road though it would be wiser to look for lighter options. Arctic Parka uses down insulation which is relatively packable compared to synthetic. So it is compressible when required. All these specs on paper but we will see how it actually turns out practically at different instances.
Design And Other Features
The Women’s Arctic Parka hits at the mid thigh and features a V-shaped, drop-tail split hem for extra coverage in the back. Don’t forget the removable hood and the removable faux-fur trim which are independent of each other. Especially useful during harsh winds to cover up your face and can be detached during mild conditions. Also features the encased internal shockcord at waistband for an adjustable fit. Secure pocket placement to store your valuables and easily reachable. Up next is the most important part of the review. How much heat does it actually retain? How many layers can you wear underneath? Is it breathable, comfortable as the specs make it sound? Is it durable? Keep reading.
User Feedback For The North Face Arctic Parka
The user feedback is ultra positive which initially sounds quite unreal! The Women’s North Face Arctic Parka has made its mark successfully turning customers into subscribers. Most users are from quite cold regions such as Vermont, Michigan, Anchorage, Boston, Iceland, Norway and so on. The obvious common pro is of course the promised heat retention and the resistance from elements. So warm that one user specifically mentioned that “she does not need to wear undergarments to keep cold air from her legs“.
Another vital point that all users reviewed was the parka’s perfect fit. For example, a customer who is 5’9″ and 155lbs swapped the large with a medium and it fits perfectly. A 5’3″ and 125 lbs customer states that the XS is a perfect fit for her and she uses it when skiing, hiking and casually as well. There are many more users who took it skiing and they claim that despite falling down many times, they were well warm and dry and none of the zippers snapped or deformed in any way.
Not to mention the stylish nature brought out by the color combinations and the shape. Furthermore, quite a few users mentioned that it was not hot inside, but a comforting temperature without even having to wear layers underneath. The only complaint we came across was that the pockets had no lining and the zipper closure rubbing uncomfortably against the hand when inside the pocket. Other than that teeny bit of negativity, the parka is flawless and worth every penny you pay.
