Bringing up images of extreme cold, blizzards, and mountain expeditions, the parka jacket is almost instantly recognizable. Though it comes in many styles, cuts, colors, and degrees of weather protection, this type of jacket has a well known and well loved look that has remained stylish for years. So what exactly constitutes a parka jacket?

The first layer of a parka jacket is typically make of a more water and wind-proof material, such as a nylon blend. This prevents moisture from getting in and sapping your heat on cold days, protects against the cutting effects of the wind, and keeps internal body heat from escaping into the outside atmosphere.

The second layer of the parka jacket is typically made of natural or synthetic down or a layer of polyester. This gives parkas a great deal of their warmth and their signature puffy look. While some people feel this type of lining makes the coat too bulky and obscures the shape beneath, it is one of the most effective ways to create an very warm and comfortable coat for cold days.

Knox Armory N-3B Parka Jacket

The liner of a parka jacket may be made out of a number of different materials. Flannel is one popular option, since it is both warm and wicks moisture away from the skin, preventing the wearer from becoming damp and uncomfortable. Fur or fake fur liners are also popular due to their warmth, soft feel, and stylish look. The air pockets created by the fur creates yet another barrier of warmth between the wearer and the outside weather Some parkas are also lined in the same water proof material that the outer layer is made of.

Another signature of the parka jacket is the hood. This is typically a full hood to protect both the face and ears, and may include a drawstring or even a visor to offer greater protection to the vulnerable face areas. This is important for two reasons. First, the head is the area of the body that looses the most heat. If this heat can be preserved rather than lost to the air, it is much easier to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Secondly, the ears and nose receive less blood flow than many other areas of the body, and are prone to frostbite in extreme conditions. The hood my also have a fur lining that helps keep the wind away from the face when the drawstring is drawn tight.

The parka jacket is a great way to stay warm in the winter, and comes in many stylish looks.

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