Sure, scaling Mt. Everest and dog-sledding across Antarctica require some seriously warm jackets. But even winter in the city can leave you shivering, wet, and cursing the gods. So, with sub-zero temperatures right around the corner, it’s time to review the best urban winter parkas on the market. Discover how each of them stacks up across three key metrics: build, performance, and price. Today, we’ll be reviewing the:
- Alternative 1: Haglöfs – Mörkret GTX Down Parka
- Alternative 2: The North Face – Expedition Arctic Parka
- Alternative 3: Helly Hansen – Arctic Patrol Parka
- Alternative 4: Kanuk – Malex Parka
- Alternative 5: Fjällräven – Greenland No.1 Down Parka
Arc'teryx Therme Parka Overview
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Inspired by Canada’s harshest season, the Arc’teryx Therme Parka is truly built for extreme urban winters. In contrast to the busy-looking facade of most modern parkas, the Therme boasts a minimalist design and streamline fit that complements just about any outfit; you can pair it equally well with a plaid fleece as you can with a tailored sports jacket. This versatility makes it ideal for both formal events and hygge weekends.
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Though the layout and design of the Therme Parka is not well-suited for, say, alpine adventures, the technology within certainly is. The face fabric is waterproof and windproof GORE TEX. Inside, RDS-certified 750 fill-power down offers ample loft to keep you warm (even through a February polar vortex). It features two hand-warmer pockets, one zippered chest pocket, and one internal zip pocket.
Two standout features of the Therme Parka are its Down Contour Construction and Down Composite Mapping. The former enables down insulation to form around your body effectively, providing better thermal efficiency. The latter means that wetness-prone areas—such as the cuffs, hood, and underarms—are insulated with Coreloft, a hydrophobic synthetic.
The men’s Arc’teryx Therme Parka retails for $849.99.
ALTERNATIVE 1
Build
Haglöfs designed the Mörkret GTX Down Parka for Scandinavian winters. The outer is a 2-layer GORE TEX construction that optimizes durability, breathability, and—of course—weather-resistance. Inside, the 700 fill-power hydrophobic down delivers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. The drawstring cinch on the drop tail hem is a nice touch for maintaining a dry behind. On its own, the Mörkret GTX will keep you reliably warm in temperatures between 5°C to -10°C, but you can increase this rating with strategic layering.
Other features include:
- Reflective details for increased visibility
- Adjustable hem, hood, and cuffs
- Uses recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics
Performance
Haglöfs isn’t a newcomer to the outdoor apparel scene. Founded in Sweden in 1914, the brand has been designing and manufacturing rugged adventure gear for over a century. With their Mörkret GTX Down Parka, you get that same level of technical performance packaged inside a more minimalist, urban aesthetic. Plus, Haglöfs’s commitment to the environment makes them a shining star in the outdoor apparel industry.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s Haglöfs Mörkret GTX Down Parka retail for $829.99.
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Alternative 2
Build
The exterior of the The North Face Expedition Arctic Parka is a waterproof, breathable, and seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell with DWR finish. Inside, the fluffy 700 fill-power down will keep you warm without adding much weight or bulk. The jacket offers ample protection; it falls to about mid-thigh and features an elongated back for extra protection.
Other features include:
- Elastic cuffs and adjustable hood
- Soft brushed-tricot chin guard
- Articulated sleeves for increased mobility
Performance
Whether tramping through the city in the midst of a snowstorm or waiting for your Uber in -25°C, the Expedition Arctic Parka will keep you toasty. Of course, despite its name, we wouldn’t recommend it for a real Arctic expedition. Nevertheless, the high-quality materials and thoughtful design make it ideal for any urban expedition you brave this winter.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s The North Face Expedition Arctic Parka retail for $699.99.
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Alternative 3
Build
Inspired by true Arctic adventure, the Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Parka brings cutting-edge wilderness technology to bustling city life. The polyester-cotton shell is breathable and offers some level of waterproofing. Inside, the Body Mapping insulation combines 480 fill-power, RDS-certified down with synthetic PrimaLoft. The faux-fur hood brim is removable, as is the powder skirt with coated lining.
Other features include:
- Adjustable bottom hem and hood
- Elastic cuffs
- 2 hand-warmer/cargo pockets; 1 secure zippered front pocket; 2 internal stash pockets
Performance
Though bulkier than our other contenders, the Arctic Patrol Parka is nevertheless a lightweight and stylish choice for winter in the city. It’s a look inspired by the professional adventurers who braved Antarctica’s remote interior and the Arctic’s frigid void. Though not ideal for formal occasions, the Arctic Patrol Parka is a good choice for casual wear.
Price
The men’s Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Parka retails for $999.99.
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Alternative 4
Build
The first thing to note about the Kanuk Malex Parka is that it’s made in Canada. The second thing to note is that it’s made pretty darn well. The shell fabric is a 100% polyester with a hydrophobic microporous lamination and DWR finish, delivering both wind and water-resistance. The insulating Thermo+ is a lightweight, ethical, and thermally efficient synthetic. It’s been carefully engineered to perform well in wet, cold, and humid conditions without compromise.
Other features include:
- Detachable snap hood
- Upper front pockets with zipper closure; interior pocket with zipper; lower front pockets with buttoned down flap
- Insulated knit wrist with coldbreaker elastic
Performance
As a Montreal brand, Kanuk understands the meaning of cold weather. The Malex Parka performs admirably in frosty temperatures as low as -25°C (even lower when combined with an insulating midlayer). In terms of looks, the dressed-down aesthetic is sleek and modern—perfect for any urban encounter this winter.
Price
The men’s Kanuk Malex Parka retails for $1,099.99.
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Alternative 5
Build
Rated for temperatures between -10°C and -25°C, the Greenland No. 1 Down Parka is a remarkably warm winter coat. The durable G-1000 Eco face fabric stands up to both wind and water. Meanwhile, the toasty insulation is composed of 95% goose down and 5% feathers. All of the materials used in the construction of the Greenland No. 1 Down Parka are eco-friendly: the down is traceable, while the synthetics are either organic or recycled.
Other features include:
- Leather details on the hood and cuffs
- Fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets; 2 snap chest pockets; 1 internal zip pocket
- Ethical, traceable down and recycled materials
Performance
Similar to the Greenland No.1 Down Jacket, the Greenland No.1 Down Parka is a Fjällräven icon. The aesthetic is rugged without being bulky, the craftsmanship is top-notch, and the attention to detail is unmatched. This parka pairs well with nearly anything—from athleisure worn while skating the Rideau Canal to a single-breasted suit worn during an important client meeting.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s Fjällräven Greenland No.1 Down Parka retail for $864.99.
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Wrap Up
After reviewing the best winter parkas individually, it’s time to compare two of their more quantifiable metrics: temperature rating and price.
Temperature Rating
- The Haglöfs Mörkret GTX Down Parka offers the least thermal efficiency of our selection, with a maximum temperature rating of just -10°C.
- We have a five-way tie for first-place between the Arc’teryx Therme Parka, The North Face Expedition Arctic Parka, the Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Parka, the Kanuk Malex Parka, and the Fjällräven Greenland No.1 Down Parka. Each of these jackets has a max temperature rating of -25°C.
Price
- The North Face Expedition Arctic Parka is the most affordable, retailing for $699.99.
- In the $800-range, we’ve got the Haglöfs Mörkret GTX Down Parka at $829.99, the Arc’teryx Therme Parka at $849.99, and the Fjällräven Greenland No.1 Down Parka at $864.99.
- The Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Parka is the second most expensive at $999.99.
- The Kanuk Malex Parka is the most expensive urban winter parka, with a price tag of $1,099.99.
Creating an urban winter parka is the true test of any outdoor apparel brand. It’s a project that demands timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge performance. As we’ve seen, this fusion has been successfully executed by all of our top choices.
Whether it’s the Arc’teryx Therme Parka or any of its five alternatives, each jacket is a remarkable achievement—both in terms of fashion and function. So no matter which of these you decide to rock this winter, you can be sure that you’ll look as good as you feel.
Next up, check out the best alternatives to the Arc’teryx Atom LT.
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