The original “Mountain Parka” created by the American outdoor brand “Sierra Designs”!

Do you know the American outdoor brand “SIERRA DESIGNS (Sierra Designs)”, which is said to be the original existence of the mountain parka? It is a brand that adopts a functional yet simple and never-boring design for many models and has been loved by many people for a long time. This time, we focus on the iconic “mountain parka” of Sierra Designs and introduce its charm and recommended models!

What is the history of “SIERRA DESIGNS”?

SIERRA DESIGNS was born in the United States in 1965. The birth of SIERRA DESIGNS was triggered by an encounter between two men: George Marks and Bob Swanson, who would become the founders of SIERRA DESIGNS, met and hit it off in the early 1960s at a store in Berkeley, California, called “Ski Hut,” which handled outdoor goods. They became backpackers and gathered at the “Ski Hut” outdoor store, as they admired the hippie movement in the U.S. at a time when outdoor culture had not yet taken root there. Bob and George worked in the same manufacturing department, improving and repairing the store’s original products. In 1965, with little money, they acquired a lofted warehouse in Richmond, converted it into a workshop, and started Sierra Designs, which focused on backpacking equipment. In 1968, Sierra Designs released its iconic “Original 60/40 Mountain Parka. Since then, ” Sierra Designs” has created a variety of outdoor products and gained popularity, and in 2015, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. It is an outdoor brand that is still supported by people around the world.

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The iconic item of Sierra Designs is the “MOUNTAIN PARKA” made of 60/40 cloth.

The “MOUNTAIN PARKA” was launched by Sierra Designs in 1968 and quickly became a big hit. It is not only a representative item of the brand, but is also famous as the originator of the mountain parka of today, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is a gem that truly set an era. The design of this mountain parka has hardly changed from the time it was first released to the present, and even now it is being homaged by other brands. And although it was born as an outdoor product, it is now also loved as a standard for street wear.

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What are the 5 notable features of the “Mountain Parka”?

The iconic “mountain parka” of Sierra Designs has five characteristics that fashion lovers should know. Here, we will introduce some of the features that have been retained in the modern mountain parka.

The MOUNTAIN PARKA has the following characteristics: 1) It is made of 60/40 cloth, which is both water-repellent and breathable.

The most distinctive feature of the Mountain Parka is the “60/40 cloth,” or “rocuyon,” which is made of 60% high-strength cotton in the weft and 40% high-density nylon in the warp. This fabric is an original fabric developed by Sierra Designs, and when it gets wet, the cotton expands and the threads close up, making it impervious to water. This, combined with nylon’s unique water repellency, makes the fabric water-repellent. In addition to this functionality, when dry, the casual texture and breathability of cotton is restored, making it a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. Another reason why many people continue to support Sierra Designs is that they value the “craft sense (handmade feeling)” that is the theme of Sierra Designs, and the more they are used, the more they develop their own flavor.

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Mountain Parka’s feature 2 “Made in the USA with special care, made across the United States”.

All of the aforementioned “rokuyon” products are made in the United States. The fabric is woven on the East Coast, dyed in the southern part of the Great Lakes near the U.S.-Canada border, and sewn on the West Coast to make the excellent “Rokuyon Cloth.

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Feature of Mountain Parka (3) “Excellent durability that can be worn for a long time

The 100% nylon yarn used in the warp direction is one of the characteristics of this fabric, which has excellent durability in terms of tear strength, friction strength, and resistance to snagging and scratching. In addition, the cotton used for the weft yarn is more fire-resistant than synthetic fibers, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping. With a texture that can be enjoyed over time and a sturdy construction, it will become a long-lasting companion.

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Feature ④ of the mountain parka “Equipped with many useful “functions

The “Mountain Parka” is not just about the material. Another reason for the popularity of this model is that it is equipped with many easy-to-use functions. The large map pocket on the back can be used to store newspapers or other items for protection against the cold, and the large front pocket with hand warmers is very useful in the cold winter months. The gusset is large enough so that you can go out with just this one piece if you don’t have a lot of luggage. The large, sturdy VISLON zipper (plastic zipper) makes it easy to open and close even when wearing gloves.

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Feature 5: “Classic and simple design that you will never get tired of.

The “mountain parka” has many functionalities, but one of the reasons it stands out from other mountain parkas is its classic, simple design that makes you feel as if you are not wearing a functional parka. The raglan sleeves are designed to allow for ease of movement and easy on/off, and a diagonal transition from the neck to the sides allows for ease of movement around the shoulders. A drawcord at the waist prevents wind from entering the garment and also gives it a different look. Velcro cuffs are placed at the cuffs to fit securely around your wrists to prevent cold air from entering and to keep you warm. With many colors available, you are sure to find a color that fits you.

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There are many other attractive items! Sierra Designs’ recommended mountain parkas

Sierra Designs offers many other variations besides the classic mountain parka. Here is a selection of recommendations from among them.

Sierra Designs Mountain Parka Recommended Model 1: “65/35 Big Mountain Parka with a roomy silhouette in every detail

The ” 65/35 Big Mountain Parka ” has a more casual look and feel with a 65/35 ratio of cotton to nylon. By updating the overall size to a big silhouette, it is a piece with an urban and fashionable atmosphere. Also of note is the elimination of the chest pocket from the basic design, creating a more minimalist look. The simple look makes it easy to match with any item, and its versatility is unmatched.

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Sierra Designs mountain parka recommended model ② “3-way mountain parka with integrated inner down

This is a mountain parka with an inner down layer attached, making it a 3-way outfit. It can be easily attached and detached with snaps, so you can wear only the mountain parka or inner down when it is a little chilly, and both can be worn warmly in the winter season. The main material is Stella Designs’ iconic “Rokuyon Cloth. This material combines water repellency and moisture permeability, making it comfortable to wear even on rainy days. The double zipper makes this model even more versatile in terms of styling. The inner down is the same item as Stella Designs’ other item number “Light Down Vest,” so you can enjoy different combinations if you purchase a Light Down Vest in a different color.

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Sierra Designs Mountain Parka Recommended Model 3: “A short parka updated from the original model to a shorter length.

The “Short Hoodie” is a short version of Sierra Designs’ signature item, the “Mountain Hoodie. While using American-made Rokuyon cloth, the map pocket on the back of the original Mountain Parka has been eliminated, and the left chest pocket has been changed from a flap pocket to a zip pocket. The drawcord on the waist, which was placed at the waist in the original, is placed at the hem to further prevent cold air from entering. The design is just right for wearing lightly, and will surely come in handy in your fall and winter outfits.

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Sierra Designs Mountain Parka Recommended Model 4 “The first blue label model to be reissued, the Mountain Trail Parka

Sierra Designs” celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015. Sierra Designs has a history of attracting many outdoor enthusiasts with its traditional design and quality, and the ” Sierra Designs Blue Label” was born out of the desire to convey this appeal to young people in blue. The first model to go on sale was the Mountain Trail Parka, a reissue of the 1979 Trail Parka with a modern twist, but made of durable 65/35 cloth. While more reasonably priced than the original mountain parka, this is a piece of clothing that shows the brand’s pride in its solid quality.

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Sierra Designs Mountain Parka recommended model 5: “SHIPS special order Big Silhouette Mountain Parka featuring a big silhouette and A-line-like silhouette.

The “Big Silhouette Mountain Parka” is a special-order model from the popular select store “SHIPS. The oversized waist-length and A-line silhouette that expands toward the waist make this a special-order model unlike any other Sierra Designs parka. The oversized size makes it perfect for wearing as a jacket when the weather is chilly, but it can also be worn with a variety of other items during the winter season. In addition to basic colors, vivid pink is also available, making this a series that can be enjoyed by women as well as men. The casual and rugged impression of the mountain parka has been rearranged in a modern way to create a fashionable piece of clothing.

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