Parka Evaluation and Selection Guide

Ninpo Library::Ura & Omote::January 1996::

Ron Blackwood

I have reviewed ten different options/combinations of parkas. Any one of them ill serve you well for a long time. Pick the one that meets your needs the best. Make sure that the fit is good .... one that allows freedom of movement but will still prevent drafts around the neck, wrists, and waist. The following is a selection guide that I made up for myself a couple of years ago.


    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: Fieldline "6 in 1: Gander Mtn.

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex "Quiet Cloth"

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: Thinsulate: 200 gr. body & 100 gr. hood

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside, 2 inside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo, with hand warmers

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 50/50 blend of cotton & polyester.  acket/liner has knit cuffs & waistband and zips to liner.

    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: Columbia "Quad Parka": Gander Mtn.

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex "Stealth Cloth"

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: Thinsulate: 200 gr. body

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside, 1 inside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo, with hand warmers

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 50/50 blend of cotton & nylon Jacket is reversible with knit cuffs and waistband.

    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: L.L. Bean "Maine Warden": L.L. Bean

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: Thinsulate: 200 gr. body

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside, 2 inside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo, with hand warmers

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 2-ply supplex nylon laminated to Gore-Tex and nylon taffeta.
    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: Cabelas "Premium": Cabelas

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: None

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: None

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 100% nylon laminated to Gore-Tex and nylon taffeta.



    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: Brigade Quartermasters "EWCS": Brigate Q/M

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: None

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Snap

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 100% nylon, laminated to Gore-Tex and nylon taffeta. Price includes pants as well.



    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: REI Co-Op "Thunder Ridge": REI Co-Op

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: None

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 100% nylon, laminated to Gore-Tex and nylon taffeta.



    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: REI Co-Op "Stormfront: REI Co-Op

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: None

    POCKETS - CHEST: 2 outside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 cargo

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 100% nylon, laminated to Gore-Tex and nylon taffeta. Zipper vents for underarm cooling.



    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: Campmor "Technical": Campmor

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: None

    POCKETS - CHEST: 1 inside

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 slash

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is 100% nylon, laminated to Gore-Tex and nylon taffeta. Zipper vents for underarm cooling.



    MANUFACTURER or SOURCE: Campmor "Packaway": Campmor

    WATERPROOF MEDIUM: Gore-Tex

    HOOD: Zips on

    INSULATION TYPE: None

    POCKETS - CHEST: None

    POCKETS - WAIST: 2 slash

    CLOSURES - WRIST: Velcro

    CLOSURES - HOOD: Drawstring

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Shell is lightweight nylon laminated to Gore-Tex and lightweight nylon. Total weight is only 15 oz.