The REI Norseland 2 Parka is an extremely warm insulated layer for the coldest conditions in the Pacific Northwest.

I like to go on outdoor adventures year round, including hiking and camping at the coast in the winter. When I’m hiking, I don’t need something as warm as this parka. But when I’m relaxing at camp in the mornings and evenings, I need an insulated layer that will keep me warm without needing to wear multiple layers. I used to layer up, wearing up to four different items that end up constricting movement.

I recently wore this parka on a winter camping trip and it made a big difference in my comfort level. I was able to stay out longer instead of retreating to my sleeping bag to get warm.

Specs

• 650-fill-power duck down (RDS certified)
• outer fabric: nylon
• lining fabric: recycled polyester (bluesign® approved)
• back length: 36.5 inches
• 2-way front zipper
• size availability: XS to 3X
• price: originally $199, on clearance for $118.93

View at REI

What I like about the Norseland Parka

This is the warmest coat I’ve owned and I know when I put it on that I will stay toasty in frigid temps. It effectively blocks wind, and even repels light rain with a DWR finish (though it is not waterproof). The fleece-lined hood fits around my head snugly without falling off like most hoods on parkas that I’ve worn in the past. And the front zipper is burly, yet easy to zip and unzip, and it has a stormflap with snaps to keep cold air out.

The length of this parka is 36.5 inches and falls just above my knees, with the back slightly longer than the front. Longer coats can sometimes constrict movement, but the Norseland parka has two 6-inch side zippers to make sitting or walking around easier. They also work to vent the lower body when needed.

Additional features include two outer pockets with zippers to keep items like gloves from falling out, and a chest pocket on the interior that’s great for carrying my phone. Knit cuffs inside the sleeves seal out wind and snow, but since I have shorter arms, I found that it was difficult to wear gloves with them so I cut them out and I like the way the sleeve fits better without them.

MY REVIEW POLICY

This parka was provided to me by REI for testing. However, I’m under no obligation to give it a favorable review. As an independent gear reviewer, my policy is to review only items that I have used on multiple outdoor trips and that I feel are quality products worthy of recommending. If I don’t like a product, I send it back and don’t review or recommend it.

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