Normally when I’m in Finland in the Winter, my North Face 3-in-1 has done me well down to -30F, but when It gets that low, we normally stay indoors. So would the following parka work well down to at least -20F with a base layer and a sweater or a polyfill puffer underneath?
[https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-windproof-fishtail-parka/61258](https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-windproof-fishtail-parka/61258)

I’ll only be outside for about 1-2H at a time.

25 comments

  2. Probably?

    I think it is more important to have layers though.

    Even thickest parka feels cold if you don’t wear anything under it.

  4. How bout learning some C while you’re over here!

    Edit: but yes, it will be fine, almost any shell jacket will be fine as long as you have something like a t-shirt and woolly sweater or light puff underneath.

  5. You don’t see any snow/ice in the promo pics so that should tell you about the conditions this jacket is made for.

  11. Layers layers layers layers.

    Merino wool is very expensive, but it really is the best.

    When it gets to -20 and colder I wear a merino long sleeve, and merino leggings and merino boxers. A wool sweater on top and wool or fleece “sweatpants” below. Then on top something windbreaking. If I’m just running around town I just wear jeans over my merino leggings and don’t bother with any thick mid layer.

    I use a windresistant cotton jacket down to around -20. If it’s windy or if I’m going to stand around outdoors a lot, a down puffy jacket over everything keeps you nice and warm.

    A nice warm 100% wool hat (non of those polyester ones, they are cold) and thick wool gloves (or something windproof and artificial if it gets windy), and a wool scarf (I like woolen tube scarves).

    It really is just layers, you don’t need a thick jacket at all if you are layered up. Your jacket just needs to stop the wind.

    A thick jacket is a nice lazy way to dress for e.g. just quickly taking the trash out or walking 5 min to the grocery store. But it’s much more comfortable to dress in layers.

  12. You can dress lighter than a parka. I use an [anorak](https://www.r-collection.fi/product/282/anorakki-sammal) that looks (and is!) extremely light but is windproof (or resistant? dunno, one or the other). The trick is that underneath you have a woolen sweater, you protect your neck with a scarf and so on. That way you can get relatively light look. Also, nice bonus of anorak is that you can still use it in autumn and spring too, especially if its not a padded one. It’s honestly the best apparel I’ve ever bought.

    That all is to say that yes, parka will absolutely work as long as you dress underneath properly. And don’t forget your legs too, which likewise have a lot of blood circulating through them.

  13. Layered clothing is the best option imho. I’ve never had a very heavy winter parka / jacket because the weather keeps changing throughout the winter. Instead of buying multiple winter jackets I invested in a waterproof / repellent parka with a good hood for cold wind and just keep changing what’s underneath it. Sometimes it’s a light shirt, sometimes two, even three layers of merino. Never cold.

    If you want the exact items, the parka is Tretorn Arch Jacket and the layers underneath are mostly North Outdoor merino items, which unlike its name suggests, works in office too.

  14. Should work fine. I have a soft spot for parkas and have a recreation of the M51 that this is also based on. They designed them for “extreme cold” as per military requirements and AFAIK they measured up in actual use. With the extra liner it’s a toasty jacket, and if you’ve got a t-shirt and a wool sweater underneath, you’re golden.

  15. I have no idea because I wear shorts year around and when it gets chilly I put my hoodie on.

  16. I would say you can get warmer parkas with that money. It can get as low as -35⁰C here in Southern Finland. Of course the key is layering.

  18. Also it depends on what you’re doing, are you walking, staying still for a long time, going in and out of buildings etc. But layers, you can then just shed those. Also the ones closest to your skin should be very breathable, like merino, so if you sweat you wont feel soggy and clammy and cold.

  21. The key to staying warm is layering correctly.
    First layer is long sleeved base under clothing. Make sure it breaths.

    Second layer wool or mixture , not tight, air pockets help hold warm air ur body produces.

    Third layer a hoodie or thicker jumper , not right but not super loose … snug.

    Fourth layer is outer shell. Should be moisture and wind resistant to some extent for full effeciency.

    Of I use a big heavy thick jacket I tens to skip third layer but I won’t be out for as long as comfortably.

    Good gloves , hat are obvious , don’t underestimate a scarf

    Double layer ur socks (thin then wool or mix)but never have ur feet squeezed inside the shoe. Ur feet will get cold fast . My winter shoes are one size larger for this reason.

    Sauna , sauna,sauna . Expose ur self to the cold during sauna breaks as much as possible . This will help u get uses to the cold a little , helps withstand it … Infact do this enough and when summer comes around, if we ever get normal summers again (21c), it will feel like 30c

  22. I have a coat of a similar style and usually wear a sweater underneath when it is really windy. I also always wear warm boots. I find that in Helsinki if I don’t have proper shoes, I can feel the cold from the pavement. No idea how all those teenagers go around with sneakers and no socks at -15C

  23. As an upgrade to your North Face, no.

    You need to trust what people are saying about base layers. Svala make the best, but they’re expensive. Anything that’s wool will do. You want long johns as well as long sleeve. Assuming you don’t plan on visiting Lapland in the winter, you’ll only need one set for occasional days.

    Also, invest in good insulated boots and good mittens (don’t kid yourself, gloves that work in these temperatures have fat sausage fingers and won’t have any dexterity anyway). Varusteleka’s Särmä TST Trapper boots are great. Hestra make great mitts, but again, they’re expensive and there are cheaper options.

    If you can find a second hand ushanka style fur hat, they’re also great in -15 and below.

  24. Update: this post presumes the context of lengthy period of outdoor activities.

    Please don’t forget that much of your body heat dissipation happens through your head. And it’s worse with wind. I’ve used for years a thin sheep skin headware, with a thin layer of fur on the inside. It covers my ears without blocking my hearing too badly and very effectively prevents wind reaching my scalp. It also covers part of my forehead and cheeks and extends down to my nape and neck and chin, with a zipper down in the front. I can wear it closed or open and remove it altogether, because I usually have another headgear for added warmth (or I use the hood of my overall or parka).

    Admittedly, it’s not very stylish, but I’ve been over such considerations for years now. Being comfortable outdoors is so much more important.

  25. This would work for spring/autumn. I wouldn’t use it for winter.

    Also because you are not Finnish you might not be used for the cold. Better be warm than cold lol.

    What Finnish people call cold can be actually freezing for you.

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