I started winter coveting my friend’s fitted parka–she looked so sleek in it–but then I got to test Haglöfs’ Dala Mimic Parka, and it turned out to be the perfect style for me. I love the roomy fit, longer parka length, and light weight.
Designed for Warmth
I’ve been wearing it as my every day coat and for late night strolls in temperatures ranging from just below freezing to about 45 degrees F. It is plenty warm, even with just a thin cotton shirt underneath, and provides good protection from drizzle and light wind. Even better, Haglöfs absolutely nailed a few important features of the Dala Mimic Parka that make a significant difference in keeping me warm.
First, there’s the high collar. Five inches! I zip up the jacket, and the collar forms a protective wall against the cold. I don’t need to hunch into it or wear a scarf because the collar is snug enough and tall enough to keep my neck completely warm.
I also appreciate the elasticized hood. No pull ties. Again, I just pull on the hood and zip up the parka. The hood is snug enough to stay in place, and there’s still room for me to wear a thick hat. Same with the parka. It’s warm on its own, but I could easily wear a mid-weight merino layer and a thin insulated vest underneath it for below-freezing temperatures.
Next, there are the elastic wrist bands inside the sleeves. So subtle. The sleeves taper at the wrist and the thin inner elastic bands, which are set about half an inch up the sleeve, gently hug my wrists. I love this design because it keeps the wind and cold out, and it seems to work with all of my different gloves.
The Dala Mimic Parka is the ideal length: long enough to cover my bum, not too long that it feels like an urban-only jacket. I can wear it for travel, for outdoor events, and for squid fishing at night. (I’ve worn it on many cold-weather walks, but I actually get too warm.) I like the parka’s simple design and straight cut through the torso (it has a very slightly curved hem that prevents the parka from looking boxy). It’s nice and roomy on the inside without looking bulky on the outside. I also like that I get the warmth of down without the feathers: I’m allergic! Plus, synthetic insulation says warm even when wet.
Sustainable and Practical
I appreciate the Dala Mimic Parka’s sustainability creds, which include recycled materials in the thin DWR-treated Pertex® outer fabric and Mimic Gold filling, a 100% recycled bluesign® synthetic insulation. Haglöfs uses a thicker fabric on the shoulders of the jacket and around the brim of the hood to add durability for backpack use.
Overall, the Dala Mimic Parka is one of the most practical and effective winter jackets I’ve tested in a long time. I like the seemingly simple design that has some thoughtful features. I wear it most often out and about and for sedentary activities (like fishing for squid!). It’s a warm winter parka that keeps me cozy in cold weather, and with added layers underneath is warm enough for sub-freezing temperatures. I love the huge zippered front pockets. I don’t even have to carry a bag when I go out because I can fit my phone, wallet, inhalers, and gloves into the two pockets, with room left over for more.
Available in black in women’s sizes XS-XXL. I tested my usual size and found a great fit.
$300 available at Aktivstyle.com (note: jacket photo featured on site is not the current style)
Manufacturer’s Site: www.haglofs.com
Photos from the Haglöfs website.