Emperor Parka

Built in partnership with the Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) team this parka has it all: extremely durable fabric, loads of down to keep you warm and pockets to hold everything from energy bars to equipment manuals. We call it bombproof cold-weather workwear but the guys who helped design it call it just part of the job.

"It's the real deal: The heavy-duty nylon shell resists abrasion, precip, and water, while the 700-fill down insulation is so hearty it feels like you could survive a long South Pole winter in it."
National Geographic

• Storage pocketsStows tools, manuals and gear
• Articulated elbowsFacilitate easy movement
• Triangle bar-tack stitchingReinforcements add critical strength

Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions is the provider of logistic support and safety backup for climbing expeditions to Mt. Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. Working in the world's coldest environment, the mechanics at ALE operate and maintain everything from snowmobiles and turbo-prop planes to the tracked passenger vans that shuttle climbers from the blue ice runway to Union Glacier Camp. As part of First Ascent's Vinson expedition, our design team worked with ALE to create a down parka that would not only keep their employees warm in the coldest place on earth but also stand up to the daily task of twisting wrenches on the ice.