Gear Review: Hi-Tec Napier Ridge Parka

In a world where everyone living in a cold-weather climate tends to lust after a Canada Goose parka as the epitome of winter comfort, it’s good to see there’s still room for other options and a little individuality.

That’s where a coat like the Hi-Tec Napier Ridge Parka comes into play. While everyone is looking the other way and shelling out huge dollars for the most coveted brands, the Napier Ridge is sneaking up and providing a viable alternative.

Let’s look at the details. The coat features a 75Dx 150D, two-layer 10K/10K polyester ripstop shell, with a 100 percent polyester wicking mesh lining. There’s a removable Alpine Start Parka zip-out with 550 fill power down insulation. That’s nothing to sneer at, and engenders warmth in me just by thinking about it. It also comes equipped with 10K/10K Dri-Tec that is waterproof, breathable, and fully seam-sealed. That’s important if you’re out in a miserable wet-snow-filled-day, where a soaking can ruin your day… or worse.

There are also underarm zippered vents for when all that insulation is a little too much, waterproof zippers for the center front and chest pockets, a removable storm hood with a volume adjustment/roll-up feature, which is very handy, and Hi-Tec’s usual two hand-warmer and two exterior chest pockets.

The coat also features an interior security/tune pocket with headphone cord loop, and a single-hand draw-cord adjustable hem

All of those features combine to make a coat that is as versatile as anything you could want. It’s basically a three-in-one jacket that delivers far better than average warmth. That’s something you can’t argue with when it comes to practicality, and the coat also delivers on looks.

It retails for approximately $260, which is a bargain compared to some of its rivals. That also makes it well worth checking out.

For more information on Hi-Tec, visit www.hi-tec.com.