Woolrich Wool-Lined Mountain Parka

Great three-season outer layer. Warm, durable, water resistant.

The Woolrich Mountain Parka has been a very important outer layer for me for four decades of hiking/backpacking here in northern New England where I have grown up.

I have worn this parka on Mts. Washington and Katahdin during winter ascents of both. It has a water resistant outer shell of what Woolrich calls Ramar Cloth that in reality is pretty waterproof.

A few weeks ago I tried out my third parka in 40 years during an all-day bushwhack on a 3,000 acre forest preserve in southern Maine, in a soaking rain. When we got back to camp the only parts of me that were bone dry were my head and torso, and I might add I was still warm owing to the wool lining in the hood and body.

The hood adjusts well around the face. It has a chin guard to prevent zipping of a beard if you have one, and prevents chafing from the zipper on the chin when snugged up tight. Complete with waist cinch toggle cord and adjustable hood, plenty of pockets and lined handwarmer pockets, it is great during the cold months of northern Vermont, where I work as a mountain guide for hiking/snowshoeing.

Although not advertised as being breathable I did not suffer from being clammy owing to the light teflon coating on the outer cloth. I always layer several wool pieces underneath and there is enough room to do this and stay warm in below zero temps that are common up here.

This is one article of clothing that I hope I am never without.