What Coats Do They Wear In The Arctic?
Especially in the Arctic where it’s sometimes as low as sub-zero, coats should be made to be warm, insulating, and resistant to wind, sun, and freezing temperatures. Arctic coats are often rugged, designed with sophisticated components to help you get through the harshest climate on Earth. What they look like, and how they are worn, are broken down here.
Parkas: The Arctic Essential
Why Parkas Are The Way To Go In the Arctic?
- Extreme Warmth: Parkas will fit up to the thighs or knees to complete coverage and extreme warmth.
- Special Features: Fur-lined hoods, wind-protected panels, heavy-duty insulation.
Insulation Type:
- Down Insulation: High-fill-power goose or duck down has a high heat-to-weight ratio and is popular.
- Synthetic Insulation: For damp places, it keeps you warm when wet.
Examples of Popular Arctic Parkas
- Canada Goose Expedition Parka: A parka for scientists in the Antarctic, this parka is extremely warm and includes a fur-lined hood and multiple pockets.
- Fjällräven Yupik Parka: Synthetic insulated, waterproof and windproof parka for the Arctic.
Inuit Traditional Parkas (Amauti)
Why They’re Effective
- Inuvial Amauti: Inuit parkas are ancient garments made from animal hides (caribou, seal, polar bear), which are insulating and windproof.
Features:
- Double-Layered Construction: Provides warmth.
- Fur-Lined Hoods: Avoid frost forming around the eyes.
Modern Adaptations
Though parkas are still worn today, newer versions are made with synthetic materials and new designs to be more efficient and sustainable.
Down Jackets
Why They’re Used
Down jackets are thin but highly insulated and are perfect for layering or using alone in the Arctic.
Key Features
- High Fill Power: 800-fill or more down gives jackets more warmth.
- Lightweight: Lightweight dis esigned to be mobile without losing insulation.
Examples
- Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Parka: A down jacket made for the polar and climbing world.
- Patagonia Grade VII Down Parka: A cloak of extreme cold with full-fill-power down and waterproof fabric.
Extreme Expedition Coats
Why They’re Necessary
They’re for polar explorers and scientists, and they’re built to withstand the coldest of Arctic conditions.
Features
- Shells With Insulation: Fill down or synthetic with wind and water-repellent shells.
- Longer Lengths: Offer additional cover for the lower part.
- Durable Fabrics: Seam-reinforced and abrasion-resistant materials for lasting wear.
Examples
- Feathered Friends Volant Parka: An all-around jacket with the highest quality down insulation for the Arctic.
- Rab Expedition 8000 Down Parka: A pack for extreme adventures, with the ultimate in warmth and insulation.
Gore-Tex and Windproof Jackets
Why They’re Used
Gore-Tex coats are also a go-to product for the Arctic because they are waterproof, windproof, and breathable. These jackets are generally accompanied by insulation to be covered.
Examples
- Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket: Built to last and sealed with Gore-Tex Pro for ultimate protection and weatherproofing.
- Marmot Fordham Jacket: Down insulation + waterproofing materials in one for the Arctic.
Layering Systems in the Arctic
In the Arctic, you’ll layer a variety of clothes to catch heat and be flexible for activities and climates:
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking fabric (merino wool, etc) to wick away moisture.
- Mid Layer: Jackets made from fleece or synthetic for insulation.
- Overlap: Warm parkas or jackets to keep wind and cold out.
Additional Features of Arctic Coats
The arctic coats often sport specialties for comfort and utility:
- Fur-Lined Hoods: Stop frost from setting on the face by dividing winds.
- Fitted Cuffs and Hem Seals: Air is kept out and heat comes in.
- Double Zippers: Mobility and ventilation for when you need it.
- More than One Pocket: Holds gloves, tools, and more.
Top Brands for Arctic Coats
Several brands make Arctic clothing:
- Canada Goose: Superwarm and dependable parka, favorites of polar scientists.
- The North Face: Cold-weather extremes with top insulation.
- Arc’teryx: Technical and tough.
- Patagonia: Sustainability and high performance in one.
- Furry Friends: Premium down parkas for serious weather.
Conclusion
Which is the best Arctic coat, that will depend on the cold temperature and what you need. Most popular, they include full-body parkas like Canada Goose and Fjällräven that are very warm. For expeditions, super-insulating coats such as Feathered Friends Volant Parka or Rab Expedition Down Parka can take you further. The secret is finding a coat that’s warm, waterproof, and durable, whether you go for new technical gear or old-style Inuit pieces.
FAQ
Q: What is the warmest coating in the Arctic?
A: Feathered Friends Volant Parka and Canada Goose Expedition Parka are two of the warmest coats for the Arctic.
Q: Are down jackets OK for the Arctic?
A: Yes, high-fill power-downs are phenomenally warm if used under a windproof shell.
Q: Why are the hoods of Arctic coats fur-lined?
A: Hoods lined with fur thaw out the frost and guard the face against cold winds.
Q: Will synthetic insulation perform as well as down in Arctic coats?
A: Synthetic insulation does a decent job in damp climates, but it’s not up to par with the down-for-warmth-to-weight ratio.
Q: Are there still traditional Inuit parkas in the Arctic?
A: Yes, old Inuit parkas from animal skins are still used for natural insulation and wind resistance in some areas.
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