Well, it聮s true that Alaska is warming up聴the mean low temperature at Barrow has moved up about 5 degrees since 1950聴but that doesn聮t mean it has gone tropical. Expect regular lows of near zero, and that聮s without wind chill. So as much as I love anything from Carhartt, the only thing they have that I think would be adequate is the Carhartt Extreme Coat ($130; carhartt.com). And that might be what you have. It does have an optional hood, which is $30. It聮s quilt-lined, not fur.
L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka
Baxter State ParkaIf it were me, I聮d get a Baxter State Parka from L.L. Bean ($199; llbean.com). This is a great piece that聮s insulated with 650-fill down and has a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing. It has lots of pockets, plus a full, removable hood with synthetic fur ruff. It聮ll layer nicely over a midweight fleece jacket. Plus it looks pretty cool.
For a more traditional down parka, Marmot聮s Ama Dablam ($180; marmot.com) is a good buy. It聮s very light but also very warm. But it聮s not very rugged if you聮re doing construction or anything like that. Carhartt and L.L. Bean offer much better durability.
I聮d also invest in some good long underwear. I swear by Icebreaker聮s Bodyfit 260 line (icebreaker.com), a midweight merino wool base layer. The long-sleeve crew is $70, so are the leggings. Great stuff. Don聮t even thank me.
What takes you to Barrow?
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