Oct 14, 2022

The Best Winter Parka

A Shackleton jacket is an investment, so when making your choice it’s important to understand the performance features and technical specification of each coat in the Shackleton range to ensure you choose the best winter jacket to complement the way you live, travel and explore.

With the aim of producing the best cold weather clothing we have developed six jackets to cover a range of conditions and scenarios. (Explore the full range HERE to familiarise yourself with each jacket before reading further).

The Shackleton range is shaped by authenticity: each jacket is tested by the Shackleton Challenges team, real polar explorers and mountaineers who push each coat to the extreme. Director of Expeditions, Louis Rudd has covered more miles on Antarctica than anyone else on the planet, so knows better than anyone that the right preparation and the right gear can make or break an expedition. Therefore he would be first to note the significance of choosing suitable clothing for extremely cold weather conditions. This ethos is particularly prevalent when selecting cold weather tactical gear and extends through all types of winter activity.

Designed in London, our expedition-grade parkas and down coats are unapologetically functional, forming an extension of your body, built to protect against extreme weather, but never compromising on comfort.

To help you better understand the performance features and technical specification of each Shackleton parka and jacket and ultimately decide which is right for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to read before you buy.

MAIN PURPOSE

To start simple, if one of the following criteria is of the utmost importance to you, follow the jacket link next to the relevant function.

Waterproof // Shackleton recommends… Lockroy All Conditions Parka, Vostok Storm Parka
Cold rated to -22ºC // Shackleton recommends… Haakon Tactical Parka
Packable // Shackleton recommends… Endurance Parka
Lightweight // Shackleton recommends… Endurance Parka
Three-season versatility // Shackleton recommends… Escape Jacket, Vostok Storm Parka, Endurance Parka

Read on for a more detailed overview of each Shackleton parka, including temperature operating range, waterproof rating and breathability rating, as well as materials, down-fill and suggested conditions for use.

HAAKON TACTICAL PARKA

The Haakon Tactical Down Parka is the embodiment of the Shackleton mission and represents the pinnacle of technical innovation with an unparalleled sensory experience. The Shackleton design team have built an expedition-grade parka that simultaneously protects you in the field and provides a luxury feel that instills confidence from the moment you put it on.

Warm, windproof, breathable and filled with RDS-certified 850 fill goose down, Shackleton’s Antarctic expertise is clearly evident in the Haakon’s DNA. Engineered from 100% recycled 3-layer fabric, it offers an impressive 10,000mm (H/H) waterproofing that is luxuriously soft to the touch but engineered to withstand prolonged wet snow, wind and light rain. The shell fabric’s mechanical stretch increases freedom of movement, which ensures comfort when active and on the move.

OPERATING RANGE:	WATERPROOFING:	BREATHABILITY:

Highly efficient down insulation which will retain warmth in extreme conditions. Assumes the use of a sweater or base layer during colder temperatures.	Hard shell fabric has a 10,000mm hydrostatic head (H/H) waterproof rating making it resistant to light rain and drizzle.	Fabric membrane has highest breathability rating of 20,000g/m2/24hrs, letting water vapour escape while keeping warmth in.

ENDURANCE PARKA

Lightweight and packable, the Endurance Parka features all the technical requirements for a jacket that keeps you warm and protected from the elements in a tailored design inspired by the classic explorers. Its mid-thigh length baffled coverage reduces heat loss while complimenting any choice of mid-layers. The detachable synthetic fur ruff and moldable tape on the edge of the peak add protection and sophistication, while the waist and hood adjusters offer a custom fit. The option to pack into its own bespoke stuff sack sets the Endurance apart from other parkas and makes it the perfect, versatile choice for everyday wear or packing down when on the move.

OPERATING RANGE:	WATERPROOFING:	BREATHABILITY:

Highly efficient down insulation which will retain warmth in extremely cold, dry conditions. Assumes the use of a sweater or base layer during colder temperatures.	Shell fabric has a 10,000mm hydrostatic head (H/H) waterproof rating that will protect in short downpours or continual rain.	Fabric membrane has breathability rating of 10,000g/m2/24hrs, suitable for mid to high output outdoor activities.

ESCAPE EXPEDITION JACKET

Back by popular demand the Escape Expedition Jacket offers a unique combination of outstanding warmth provided by the 850 fill down insulation and superior colour and texture that can only be produced through its highly specialised garment dyeing process. With an ergonomic, tailored fit, expansive baffles containing RDS certified down and a refined look and feel, the new Escape is designed to be your go-to insulation this winter.

OPERATING RANGE:	WATERPROOFING:	BREATHABILITY:

Highly efficient down insulation which will retain warmth in extreme conditions. Assumes the use of a sweater or base layer during colder temperatures.	Fabric is treated with a bluesign® certified PFC free Bionic Finish ECO durable water repellent finish, making it resistant to light rain and drizzle.	Fabric has extremely high breathability, letting water vapour escape while keeping warmth in.

LOCKROY ALL CONDITIONS PARKA

Refined weather protection in all conditions, from city torrents to frozen tundra. The Lockroy All Conditions Parka’s long-form silhouette is complemented by a sleek and unique welded-baffle design created through specialised production processes which allows for full waterproofing and windproofing. The 3-layer shell fabric is 100% recycled, paired with RDS-certified 800 fill goose down insulation to give a level of warmth, comfort and performance that is testament to its Antarctic DNA. Full seam sealing and the extended mid-thigh length add further protection against the elements, to keep you seriously protected even on low activity days out in the wild.

OPERATING RANGE:	WATERPROOFING:	BREATHABILITY:

Highly efficient down insulation which will retain warmth in extreme conditions. Assumes the use of a sweater or base layer during colder temperatures.	Fully waterproof with 20,000mm hydrostatic head (H/H) rating and fully seam sealed with a C-zero durable water repellent finish.	Fabric membrane has a breathability rating of 9,000g/m2/24hr, letting water vapour escape while keeping warmth in.

VOSTOK STORM PARKA

The Vostok (A.L.S.) Parka is a smart four-pocket parka made with a 100% recycled polyester Italian shell fabric that is seam-sealed and waterproof to 10,000mm (H/H). Warmth comes from PrimaloftⓇ Gold thermal insulation, the best in synthetic insulation technology, resulting in a warm, windproof & breathable mid-length parka. The Vostok is part of Shackleton’s Adaptive Layering System, so it can be easily combined with ant A.L.S. down items to provide an even wider range of comfort and warmth in extreme conditions.

OPERATING RANGE:	WATERPROOFING:	BREATHABILITY:

Highly efficient down insulation which will retain warmth in extreme conditions. Assumes the use of a sweater or base layer during colder temperatures.	Waterproof with 10,000mm hydrostatic head (H/H) rating and fully seam sealed with a C-zero durable water repellent finish.	Breathable fabric membrane lets water vapour escape while keeping warmth in.