Talking today about the jacket I wear to walk Riley in the snow and the rain – here is my North Face Snow Down Parka Review.
North Face Parka // Dudley Stephens Park Slope (I go up one size for a looser fit) // Running Sneakers // Amazon Leggings // Amazon Sunglasses
What Is a Parka Jacket?
A parka jacket is the ultimate blend of function and style for cold-weather months. Known for its long length, insulated lining, front zipper, and protective hood—often trimmed with faux fur—a heavy duty parka is designed to keep you warm in even the harshest conditions. This jacket is a winter wardrobe staple, perfect for everything from snowy hikes to city commutes.
Whether you’re bundling up for outdoor adventures or running errands in freezing temps, a parka combines practicality with timeless design.
The North Face Snow Down Parka Review
This is the first parka I’ve worn in a LONG time. Growing up in Buffalo, I wore parkas from October through almost April. The real challenge as a kid was figuring out a Halloween costume that could adapt to trick-or-treating in a snowstorm (it happened and I got more candy than imaginable but that’s another story for another day).
After I moved to DC and entered the professional world, I stopped wearing parkas in favor of more polished, ladylike coats. Think favorites like J.Crew Factory’s City Coat. During this time, I just really didn’t have a need to invest in a parka. I had a really quick walking commute to work and with the exception of a handful of storms that were few and far between, DC winters really pale in comparison to Buffalo winters. I wasn’t out in the elements that much and when I was, all I needed was my City Coat, a cozy scarf, and a pair of gloves.
Then, Miss Riley came into my life.
Riley is a foxhound/beagle mix who was rescued by my husband James from the shelter when he was living in North Carolina. She makes frequent guest appearances over on my Instagram and is the most loving and needy dog there has ever been. I could gush about my sweet girl but that’s another post (possibly even a series).
With James’ long commute to work, Riley’s weekday morning and evening walks are my responsibility. I love taking her on walks and it’s a nice way to start the day with some steps and to close out the day after work wraps up. Then the drizzly, gray weather kicked in and Riley’s coat far outlasted my chic coat on walks.
It was time for a parka to re-join my winter wardrobe. I needed one that could withstand the cold weather, long walks, and could be easily cleaned if, say, muddy pawprints from an enthusiastic hound got on them.
The North Face Snow Down Parka Review
After researching the tried-and-true brands for winter gear (Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, etc.), I decided to go back to my roots – The North Face. I still have my North Face Denali Jackets from high school. They are still just as cozy as they were 15 (eek!) years ago.
I wanted to try on their parkas in person to assess the proper size I’d need, especially taking into consideration bulky sweaters and other layers, and to see which style would be best for me.
Warmth
I landed on The North Face Snow Down Parka and I am SO glad I went with that style. This knee-length parka is waterproof and is rated as “Warmest” on The North Face’s scale.
It also “features 600-fill down, Heatseeker™ Eco and the breathable, waterproof performance of DryVent™ 2L.” Phew, that’s a mouthful. But what does all mean in terms of daily life and use?
This parka is wonderful for anyone spending a long period of time outdoors in the cold. The down means I can handle the sniffiest, most meandering walks that Riley takes me out on. The pockets keep my hands perfectly warm, even if I forget my gloves. The hood has ties that create a snug fit, very necessary for DC’s propensity for unannounced rain.
Easy to Clean
The Down Parka is also so easy to clean – perfect for those aforementioned muddy pawprints. I had managed to keep Riley away from my new jacket for several weeks. But the inevitable jazz paws move was bound to happen. All it took was a damp cloth to remove the dirt completely without a trace.
Sizing
I’m typically a size 8-10 and I went with a size Medium in this jacket. I’ve worn my Dudleys underneath along other thick winter sweaters with no problem at all. Truth be told, given how warm the down is on this parka, I haven’t really felt the need to layer as much as I used to.
How To Wash North Face Parka Jacket
Check the Care Label
Before washing, always read the care label inside your parka to confirm specific instructions for your jacket style.
Prepare the Jacket
Empty all pockets and close all zippers, snaps, and Velcro to prevent snagging. Turn the jacket inside out to protect the outer fabric.
Choose the Right Detergent
Use a gentle, non-detergent cleaner designed for technical fabrics. Avoid regular detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they can damage the waterproofing and insulation.
Machine Wash on a Gentle Cycle
Set your washing machine to a cold or warm water setting on a gentle cycle.
Use a front-loading washing machine, as top-loading machines with agitators can be rough on delicate fabrics.
Rinse Thoroughly
Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed.
Dry the Jacket
Place the jacket in a dryer on a low-heat or air-dry setting.
Add a few clean dryer balls to help fluff the insulation.
Reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) if Needed
After several washes, you may need to restore the jacket’s water repellency. Use a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment. Check your parka’s cleaning instructions to see if this is something you need to do to take proper care of your parka.
Store Your Parka Properly
Once fully dry, store your parka in a cool, dry place, avoiding compression to maintain its insulation.
Following these steps will keep your North Face parka jacket clean, functional, and ready for your next adventure, commute, or sniffy walk with your pup!
