Gear Review: Apu Parka By PAKA
Discover the Apu Parka by PAKA, a game-changing alternative to down and synthetic insulation. Lightweight, and warm even when wet, this well designed active jacket is perfect for cold weather adventures.
Recently PAKA released an updated version of their Apu Parka, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on one! I have been curious about PAKA's premium PAKAFILL insulation, and the lightweight build of this piece.
With claims that the Apu Parka will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -20°, a gear test was in order! Keep scrolling to see how the Apu Parka 2.0 by PAKA performed during some extremely cold adventures!
Until PAKA came along, lightweight adventure jackets have been limited to mainly two options for insulation: goose down (not wonderful for geese) and synthetics (made with oil). Ethically sourced from free-roaming alpacas in the Andes, PAKAFILL® is now a third option that many of us are stoked on.
Quick Rundown of the Apu Parka By PAKA
- Insulation: PAKAFILL® 130GSM Body, 110GSM Sleeves and Hood. PAKAFILL is warmer than any synthetically-insulated jacket currently on the marketplace 2.1 thermal CLO value
- Weight: women's medium 26.10 ounces, men's medium 28.98 ounces
- Waterproof 4-way stretch shell. Shell fabric has a soft feel without the stiff crunchy feel that most DWR jackets have
- Armpit zips to speed ventilation and dump heat during high-output aerobic activity
- 2 glove pockets, interior zip chest pocket
- Helmet-compatible 2-way adjustable hood to keep you protected in extreme conditions
- Keeps you warm when wet
- Very breathable
- Naturally odor resistant
My Experience with the Apu Parka By PAKA
When I first put my Apu Parka on, I was impressed by the fit. PAKA is typically good with sizing, and you should order your usual size. If you plan to do some serious layering, size up. But I found that it is no problem to wear a base layer and mid layer under my usual size. The shell feels really nice to the touch, and overall the Apu Parka is quite lightweight and cozy.
The length of the Apu Parka is perfect for backpacking or wearing a climbing harness. It has a drop hem, which helps with drafts during camp chores and scrambling. I noted the pit zips, which is a feature I find very important in active pieces. The zipper seems very durable and the overall look of the Apu is modern and nice.
With a serious cold snap happening, I loaded up my backpack, put on my Apu Parka and hit the trail. A gorgeous frozen waterfall hike was the destination of the day! At the trailhead my thermometer was reading 7° so it seemed like an ideal day to find out what PAKAFILL is all about!
As I made my way, gaining lots of elevation as the miles ticked by, I was heating up! Perfect opportunity to dump heat with the pit zips. I had no issue reaching them and unzipping while wearing the parka with my backpack on.
When I arrived at the waterfall, I wanted to test out the Apu Parka's ability to insulate during times that don't involve cardio. I was a bit sweaty from my trek up and I'm sure my base layer was a but damp, so it was also a great test of the PAKAFILL's prowess with moisture management. As I sat and had my snacks, I didn't feel cold. I was comfortable and content. My thermometer read 0°.
It started snowing very lightly as I was photographing the frozen falls, and PAKA's new parka had no issue with that. The snow slid right off the Apu Parka. I definitely believe the Apu would have no problem shedding light rain.
During my time chilling in the Apu Parka, I was seriously impressed by how toasty warm I stayed. Even in some burly down jackets, I have eventually felt some cold creep in. But that wasn't the case here. I think it's a combination of the parka's cut and design, and also that PAKAFILL insulation. It is effective! For my descent form the falls, I left the Apu Parka on since the cardio output would be so much less going downhill.
By the time I got back to the trailhead, I was feeling very confident the PAKA Apu Parka's ability to be a versatile outer layer for super chilly adventures. I plan to bring it on a backpacking trip in a couple weeks as my main insulation layer. That should be a wonderful test of the Apu's packability and quality when you depend on all of its features most! I will of course be updating this review after the trip.
Be sure to check back for the updated Apu Parka 2.0 gear review! And if you're looking for a new active jacket that is cozy, up for technical adventures and super warm, be sure to check this out.
The Apu Parka by PAKA is fully traceable to the small farm in the Andes where the alpaca wool was shorn. It is bluesign® certified, which guarantees the highest level of security for consumers to ensure healthy and safe textile materials.
Apu Parka by PAKA: Pros and Cons
The Women’s Apu Parka and Men’s Apu Parka are excellent alternatives to traditional insulated jackets. Check out the pros and cons below to learn more:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Amazing alternative to both down and synthetic insulation | Maybe too warm for some activities |
| Extremely warm even when wet | Women’s parka is not available in a high-visibility color |
| Very lightweight for being so warm | |
| The cut and design are both practical and good-looking |
Click to explore the Women’s Apu Parka or the Men’s Apu Parka and elevate your cold-weather wardrobe today!
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
