Choosing a coat for extremely variable conditions is challenging. A wet climate needs one type of coat, cold needs another, the combination of those too — wet and cold can be brutal, and if it’s windy too… And there’s the weight and/or space in your luggage — you’re going to have to sacrifice one or both of those things so you want to get it right. On top of all that, versatility is key. The Women’s Frosty Forest Parka does all that and is packed with design details that make this jacket ideal for travelers in colder, changeable weather. Candidly, this is a great coat, I’m nutty for it. Here’s why.
The parka comes in two pieces — a zip-out Interchange down liner and a waterproof hard shell. The shell uses Columbia’s fancy new Omni-Heat technology, a lining which essentially reflects your body heat inwards while allowing moisture to escape . The result? You stay warm and dry because sweat isn’t trapped during activity. (Columbia has a whole mini-site devoted to Omni-Heat if you want to know more and see other products that use this technology.)
The keep warm and dry design is a good thing, of course, but I also really like the thumb-loops in the sleeve liners. Pull on your gloves and there’s no gap for cold air to get in. The down liner has pit zips, always key, to let air in when you need a little ventilation but don’t want to take your coat off. There are zippered side pockets for your stuff (or your hands). The shell has little keeper loops to anchor it inside the shell so it stays in place. It works well as a warm outer layer when it’s not wet out.
The waterproof shell has the same attention to detail as the liner. It’s also got taped, waterproof zippers, pit zips, zippered side pockets, and hey, here’s a nice touch, the wallet pocket has a little pull through for your headset, it knows you’re using your iPod on the lift. The shell is fully lined and there are elastic pulls to close the bottom of the jacket and to tighten the hood. The collar is just right for pulling up over your chin when it’s windy — not too tight and there’s a softer fabric where it contacts your face so it’s not scratchy.
By itself, the shell is a perfect wind or rain jacket for milder weather. But with the down liner zipped in, it’s an extreme weather parka designed to keep you warm and dry. I’m packing this coat for Antarctica, but it’s also a perfect addition to my wardrobe for life in the Pacific Northwest.
The Frosty Forest Parka retails for about 280 USD; you can find one for slightly less on Amazon.
Get the Women’s Frosty Forest Parka at Columbia.com or at Backcountry.com
