Review: CANADA GOOSE EXPEDITION PARKA FOR WOMEN
Scientists in Antarctica have been wearing Canada Goose Expedition Parkas for the past twenty years. You can’t get a better cold gear referral than from them! This coat is durable, well insulated, has lots of pockets and without a doubt, will keep you warm and toasty.
Snapshot
- 625 fill power white duck down
- Shell: 190gsm, Arctic-Tech; 85% polyester / 15% Cotton blend with a DWR finish.
- Lining: 55gsm, Nylon plain weave treated with a WR finish
- Relaxed Insulated Fit
- Mid-Thigh Length
- 2-way adjustable tunnel hood with coyote fur ruff
- An elasticized nylon snowskirt
- Drawcord waist
- Heavy-duty 2-way locking front zipper with Velcro storm flap covering
- Rib-knit cuffs
- Fleece lined chin guard
- 9 External & 2 Internal Pockets
- Interior nylon belt with Velcro closure
- 4 lbs
- 12 different colors
- Made in Canada
- Retail: $625
Company Overview:
Canada Goose is a leading manufacturer of extreme cold weather outerwear. Founded in 1957 in Toronto, Canada, Canada Goose has grown to nearly $100M in annual revenue.
Design Features:
The Arctic-Tech shell is made with Canada Goose parka cross section. The outer shell is treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) fabric protector and 3XDRY treated, water, dirt and stain repellent. Thermal mapping follows with a down-proof containment weaved, inter-lining and premium down and down proof nylon lining. This strategic distribution and multi-zone linking of down insulation with a functional secondary fabric utilizes both the warmth and protection components of each material.
Design Features:
The Arctic-Tech shell is made with Canada Goose parka cross section. The outer shell is treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) fabric protector and 3XDRY treated, water, dirt and stain repellent. Thermal mapping follows with a down-proof containment weaved, inter-lining and premium down and down proof nylon lining. This strategic distribution and multi-zone linking of down insulation with a functional secondary fabric utilizes both the warmth and protection components of each material.
Thanks to the 3XDRY® treatment, the Expedition parka is wind, water, dirt and stain repellent. Along with the c_change™ membrane, it will independently react to changing temperatures and activities. Like a pine cone, the c_change™ membrane closes when exposed to cold and opens in response to warmth. The existing humidity and body moisture are taken into account in this process. Any moisture resulting from perspiration is quickly absorbed and distributed over a large surface area, accelerating the evaporation process and helping to regulate your body to its ideal temperature.
Cold wrists are never an issue with the recessed, heavy-duty, stretchy rib-knit cuffs.
The adjustable coyote fur ruff, down tunnel hood with fleece lining has a drawl string allowing you to customize your protection and will instantly warm your ears and head.
The signature Yoshida Kogyo durable, heavy-duty 2 way locking front zipper is easy to use and with the added Velcro flap, nothing is getting inside your parka.
Externally, there are 9 pockets on this parka, not including the two pencil/pen pockets on the left sleeve. There are two upper chest pockets secured with Velcro flaps and directly underneath them, accessible via outside, side zippers are two more pockets. The two lower pockets, located about six inches below, are deep, lined with fleece and will keep your hands warm. They also have another pocket directly underneath them accessible via an exterior outside, side zipper. The right sleeve has a pocket, to store a cell phone or small camera.
Internally, there are two pockets on the left side of the parka. One is protected by a zipper and ideal for keeping a passport and money. The other is an open mouth
pocket. It is perfect for wanting to easily access something without having to fumble with additional zippers or Velcro.
Also inside there is also a nylon belt with Velcro fastener as an additional option for securing yourself into your Expedition parka. 
Field Functionality
Canada Goose does not weather rate their coats. It is universally recognized that their outerwear is used in the arctic and thus can handle extreme cold weather conditions. As I mentioned earlier, if the scientist in Antarctica have been using these parkas for twenty years, then I know the Expedition can handle a Chicago winter.
In fact, the Expedition is worn by many Iditarod Mushers, Everest Mountain Climbers and ordinary people trying to make it through the long, cold winters. I wore mine during an Alaskan winter and double digit, sub-zero temperatures. This coat is warm & kept me dry.
At 5’9” tall and weighing in at an athletic 150 lbs, a medium size was the perfect fit for me. It is very roomy and you can layer underneath. It’s bulky, but you will be warm and well protected!
The tunnel shaped hood will instantly warm your head and ears. Hearing may become a little challenging as the hood is so good it blocks out the wind and some decibels. Just ask your friends to speak up! The hood size may also impair your peripheral vision so you’ll have to compensate by turning your head more.
Another thing you should know about the coyote ruff is that dogs will take an instinctive interest in your hood’s fur. While in Alaska covering the Iditarod, anytime I was petting dogs, they would purposely sniff my fur ruff. They were just curious and I didn’t mind their loving attention.
I really like the long, ribbed wrist cuffs. They firmly secured my gloves in place. Even after a friendly snowball fight, my wrists stayed warm and dry.
You definitely have enough pockets where bringing a purse or even a day pack if hiking, is not necessary. You can even store a liter bottle in one of the lower front pockets! There is plenty of room for granola bars, wallet, ChapStick, camera, iPod, gloves etc.
One thing I would modify with the Expedition is a slightly roomier zipper pull. The current one is narrow and does not easily allow for attaching/ hooking ski-lift passes or laminated credential.
Overall, I love the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. There are so many pockets you will forget which one you put whatever you are looking for inside. It is the warmest coat I have ever worn.
Pros: Warm, Functional, Lots of Pockets
Cons: Bulky. You’ll look and feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
Review originally published with Woods Monkey
