Even the Eskimos know why the N-3B parka is an excellent garment

We owe the parka coat to the Caribou Eskimos, as they invented this model. For people living in the freezing Arctic, it was very important that their clothing provided adequate protection during fishing and hunting. The fur lining of the coat kept their bodies warm, and some Inuit anoraks or parkas were regularly coated with fish oil to preserve their waterproofness.

Although the words anorak and parka are interchangeable, they denote slightly different garments. Strictly speaking, anorak is a waterproof, hooded pullover jacket, while parka is a winter coat with a synthetic interior. The word parka comes from the Nenets language, meaning animal skin. This word was first used in English in 1625 by Samuel Purchas, who made travel guides for people traveling abroad.

N-3B Parka

The snorkel parka was developed in the United States, featuring a 3/4 length and a hood that can be almost completely closed. In the 1950s, these coats were made for military use, for soldiers stationed in extreme cold of up to -51 degrees Celsius. Originally, they were produced in sage green from DuPont silk nylon, lined with wool inside. Later in the 70s, the lining was replaced with polyester, making the parkas lighter and warmer.

The N-3B model was named the snorkel parka because the hood can be pulled tight enough that only a small slit remains for breathing. This is especially useful when we have to stay in strong wind and cold for a long time. The disadvantage is that our field of vision narrows and fewer outside sounds and noises reach us. In the early days, real fur was used on the edge of the hood, but nowadays this part of the jacket is made of synthetic material.

In the 70s and 80s, the parka became widespread for civilian use as well, with more and more manufacturers beginning to market their own versions. Production started in various colors at this time, although the inside of the jacket usually remained with an orange lining.

Alpha further improved the N-3B parka when it created the VF59 version. This model emphasized a slimmer fit, making it much more popular than the original coat. In Europe, the popularity of the parka began to revive in the 90s and 2000s, thanks to the fact that designers are developing more and more new variations.

In Alpha's 2018 winter collection, one of the novelties is the N-3B Puffer, which combines the stitching of classic puffer jackets with the elongated parka. Available in three colors, alongside the traditional dark green and greyblack, the latest trend, orange camo, can also be found in the selection. By clicking here, you can view our webshop's N-3B parka selection.

We must present one more special item, namely the N-3B VF 59 BN NASA model designed for women, which is an attractive model for buyers with its white color inside and out. The feminine line combined with a military character can be easily integrated into urban trends. The NASA patches and the Remote Before Flight inscription clearly make the wearer's style unmistakable.