The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka delivers with top-notch warmth and weatherproofing. Photo: Heather Hendricks/The Inertia
From blizzards and windy city streets in Colorado and Minnesota, to a relentless atmospheric river soaking Southern California in February’s record-breaking rain, we faced it all while testing winter jackets. But one jacket stood out as a cold weather champion: The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka ($350), our pick for Best Women’s Winter Jacket of 2024. Despite the diverse weather conditions I threw its way, TNF’s Arctic Parka conquered each extreme. Its warmth and weatherproofing exceed expectations.
I was continually impressed with the performance of this piece, and it became my go-to. I tossed it in the Sprinter van and relied on it for many cold-weather activities, from running errands in sub-zero temperatures to breaking trails in heavy snowfall while walking my rescue dog, Rosie. It even held up to a drizzly, cold concert outside. TNF’s Arctic Parka delivered time and again.
So, how and why does the Arctic Parka rise above the rest? Read on for first impressions, notable features, comparisons, and more. For a full rundown on the highest-performing winter jackets of 2024, jump over to The Best Women’s Winter Jackets of 2024.
| Pros | Cons |
| 600-fill recycled down insulation offers exceptional warmth | Might feel bulky for some, it’s a weightier option, but it sure is warm |
| Weatherproof: DryVent technology shrugs off wet rain and snow | The removable fur on the hood is a bit clunky and can mat when subjected to extra wet conditions |
| Durable & soft: built to last with a surprisingly soft outer shell | Lighter colors may stain, be mindful of spills |
| Stylish options: find your perfect shade from a variety of colors |
First Impressions: The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka
Ideal For: Cold weather queens who need a dependable and fashion-forward piece that goes seamlessly from out in the elements to a night out on the town.
Maybe Not For: Those who live in moderate and mild climates. Possibly overkill for your everyday winter wear if you rarely face extreme cold.
Upon slicing open the box and shaking away the white paper packaging, I was immediately impressed. The overall feel, texture, and style of The North Face Women’s Arctic Parka were on point. The simple, sleek silhouette oozes classic appeal. It looked like it would envelop me in warmth as soon as I slid it on. So naturally, that’s what I did. I popped it on directly from the box over my tee shirt and zipped it up. The silky feeling of the interior lining was initially cold on my bare arms. But within moments, as I fiddled with pockets and the oversized faux-fur hood, it encompassed me in warmth. This TNF parka felt up to being tested in whatever I could manage to get into. Weather and otherwise.
The matte lavender hue TNF calls “Grey Fawn” (more of a lavender than a gray or fawn, in my opinion) paired beautifully with the detachable fur ruff on the hood. The 600-fill recycled down felt incredibly plush and inviting. I also found the Sherpa-lined neck to be a nice addition. Weight-wise, the jacket felt a bit bulky. It was not the easiest to pack down, but I was ready to see how it would stand up to my winter-weather lifestyle.
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Cold snaps are no match for the warmth of the TNF Women’s Arctic Parka. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
Notable Features of the TNF Arctic Parka
Weight: 2 lbs, 13.5 oz
Insulation: 600-fill recycled down
Fit: Slim (Plus sizes available)
Sustainable Features: Yes
Length: Thigh
Insulation: Packed with 600-fill recycled down, the Arctic Parka offers exceptional insulation. This was especially evident when a blizzard blew through Colorado earlier this winter, and temperatures dropped well into the sub-zeros (Fahrenheit). With windchill, we had some -20 nights. One night in Boulder, Colorado, I wore this jacket out on Pearl Street during the cold snap. Though the wind whipped around, it was no match for this parka. The down felt delightfully warm, while the outer shell provided a protective barrier against wind and precipitation.
Waterproofing: The parka boasts a DryVent 2L membrane, making the parka fully waterproof and breathable. Wind is no match for this parka. It also kept me dry during an unseasonably wet and freezing rain we experienced in Minnesota over Christmas of 2023. Despite being covered in rain mixed with frost, the durable water-repellant (DWR) helped wetness to bead off. And even when the outer shell material started getting wet (no DWR can stand up to rain forever), the 2L membrane kicked in and kept moisture from saturating further.
Construction: The eco-friendly, recycled down is a solid feather choice for environmentally conscious adventurers who want to know where their down-fill comes from. I appreciate that the down used is certified Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
Zippers and Snaps: Also providing quick and secure protection is the parka’s double zipper, complete with a placket with snaps. I found this to help further repel wind and biting cold. And it made closing the coat super easy on the fly. Truthfully, I often only secured a few snaps while on the move. A quick snap of the first few made getting in and out of this jacket easy. I also like how the double zipper easily moved up and down without catching bits of material. The use of the bottom zipper created greater mobility in the longer silhouette. This helped when stepping into my tall Sprinter van and made sitting easier without feeling clunky or restrictive.
A thigh-length fit provides loads of warmth. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
Pockets: I liked how the Arctic Parka’s three roomy pockets easily fit my essentials. The front pockets have zipper closures, which are perfect for securing valuables. They were big enough to stuff my hands and stash my phone and wallet. The interior left pocket is deep enough for goggles, sunglasses, a small snack, or a passport.
Fur Hood: Since this jacket is so warm, I appreciate that the oversized faux-fur hood is removable. Given its circumference, it can make a statement while wearing it up, providing extra protection and warmth, as well as style. However, it detaches easily via its own zipper for versatile wear. While some might find the hood too large, we appreciated the additional coverage for when the weather is burly. Also notable are the elastic hand gaiters at each wrist with thumb holes. They provide a welcome bit of extra length to the sleeves, keeping drafts out and hands warm.
Washing and Care: The lighter colorways of this jacket are more prone to dirt and stains, requiring extra care. Admittedly, I found this out the hard way. Our elderly dog unfortunately had an accident while we were traveling in the van and got the mess directly on the jacket. We wiped away most of what we could, but unfortunately, it had saturated the material, which required me to wash the Arctic Parka. Thankfully, it is machine washable and came clean after washing, per the directions on the tag. It fluffed back up and appeared as if nothing had sullied it. It was a win that the jacket was so easily washable, allowing me to forget the unfortunate stain forever.
Sizing: I am normally a women’s large, and ordered the jacket in this size. It provided a perfect fit, except the hood is very oversized. This jacket also comes in plus-sizes (1x, 2x, 3x) and men’s versions, offering everyone warmth and style.
The faux-fur ruff provides a welcome layer of warmth in a critical zone, but may be more than some want to deal with. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
Drawbacks
While undeniably warm and protective, The North Face Arctic Parka isn’t without its quirks. The overall weight of the jacket clocks in at two pounds and 13.5 ounces. While this doesn’t sound too bad, it’s enough to notice in holding it while shopping indoors. This parka also isn’t the most packable. When traveling, I found it too large to stuff into my suitcase. It was too voluminous. We also found the hood to be fairly oversized, which is great for staying warm in the harshest of conditions, but otherwise can be a bit much (removing the fur ruff can help keep things more manageable).
The buck stops here when it comes to winter-ready warmth and weatherproofing. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
TNF’s Arctic Parka’s exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio ensures coziness without feeling cumbersome. The durable construction promises longevity, while the classic style offers versatility for various winter activities. Compared to similar parkas, like the Rab Women’s Valiance Waterproof Down Parka ($445), and the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka W ($500), the Arctic Parka’s price point of $350 (on sale right now for $245!) is super competitive. This is a compelling choice for anyone seeking warmth, style, and value in their winter gear.
While it isn’t the lightest or most technical jacket, it excels in real-world everyday winter. It’s a reliable parka to conquer the coldest days for years to come and one we recommend for women+ of all ages.
For those who are genuinely looking for a warm winter jacket that excels in daily activities, night-outs, and adventures in between, the Arctic Parka is truly a solid choice.
Check Price on REI Check Price on AmazonEditor’s Note: To see how this jacket stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to The Best Women’s Winter Jackets. For something more lightweight, here’s our guides to The Best Puffer Jackets for Men and The Best Puffer Jackets for Women. For boots, here’s our guide to The Best Winter Boots. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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