Do you know the American outdoor brand ” SIERRA DESIGNS (Sierra Designs)” that is said to be the originator of the mountain parka? It is a brand that has been loved by many people for a long time, adopting a simple, yet functional design that never gets old in many models. This time, we focus on the iconic “mountain parka” of Sierra Designs and introduce its charm and recommended models!
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What is the history of “SIERRA DESIGNS”?
SIERRA DESIGNS” was born in the United States in 1965. The birth of “Sierra Designs” began when two men, George Marks and Bob Swanson, the founders of “Sierra Designs,” met and hit it off in the early 1960s at an outdoor goods store called “Ski Hut” in Berkeley, California. In the United States at a time when outdoor culture had not yet taken root, they became backpackers, yearning for the hippie movement, and gathered at the “Ski Hut” outdoor store. 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 original mountain parka of today, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is a gem that truly created 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 five most notable features of the “Mountain Parka”?
The iconic “Mountain Parka” from Sierra Designs has five characteristics that fashion lovers should know about. Here we will introduce some of these characteristics, which are also followed by the modern mountain parka.
Characteristic of the mountain parka (1): ” 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 these functionalities, 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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Characteristic of Mountain Parker (2) “Made in the U.S.A. with special care, made across the U.S.A.
The aforementioned “Rokuyon” is all made in the United States. The fabric is woven on the East Coast of the U.S., dyed in the southern part of the Great Lakes near the border between the U.S. and Canada, and sewn on the West Coast to finally complete the excellent “Rokuyon Cloth.
Characteristic of Mountain Parka (3) ” Superior durability for long-term wear
One of the features is that the 100% nylon yarn used in the warp direction has excellent durability, with high 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 as it ages and a sturdy construction, it will become a long-lasting companion.
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Feature of Mountain Parker (4): “Equipped with many user-friendly functions
The “Mountain Parka” is not only good for its material. The many easy-to-use functions are another reason why this model is so popular. 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 of Mountain Parka (5) “Classic and simple design that you will never get tired of
Mountain Parka” has many functionalities, but one of the reasons that distinguishes it from other mountain parkas is its classic and simple design that does not make you feel the functionality of the 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. The item is available in a variety of colors, so you are sure to find the color that suits you best.
There are many other attractive items as well! Sierra Designs’ recommended mountain parkas
Sierra Designs offers a wide range of variations other than the classic mountain parka. Here we introduce a selection of our recommendations.
Sierra Designs Mountain Parka Recommended Model (1) “65/35 Big Mountain Parka with a roomy detailed silhouette
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 3-way mountain parka with an inner down attached. It can be easily attached and detached with snaps, and can be worn with only the mountain parka or inner down during slightly chilly weather, or with both for warmth 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.
Sierra Designs Mountain Parka Recommended Model (3) “Short Parka,” an updated version of the original model in a short 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 zipped 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, which has a history of attracting many outdoor freaks with its traditional design and particular quality, wanted to convey this appeal to young people in blue, so the ” Sierra Designs Blue Label ” was born. The first model to go on sale is 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 with a big silhouette and A-line-like silhouette
The “Big Silhouette Mountain Hoodie” 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 not found in other Sierra Designs parkas. 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.
