Columbia Whirlibird Parka: The Perfect 3-in-1 Parka!
We were in the market for new winter jackets this year. Even though my 19-year-old Columbia parka still has plenty of life left, I’ve… ahem… expanded a little in those years.
We were looking for an all-weather system that was super-warm (my teeth chatter at 70 degrees!), not bulky, high quality, and a great value for the money. We decided on Columbia Whirlibird parkas and we were not disappointed!
Men's Compass Blue
Chosen as a Ski Magazine Editor’s Pick for Best Gear, the Columbia Whirlibird Parka combines a waterproof, breathable outer shell with an insulated liner featuring Columbia’s Omni-Heat reflective lining. It’s a 3-in-1 all-weather jacket that provides exceptional warmth on even the coldest days!
This parka has great convenient features for your outdoor adventures including a removable storm hood, a super-soft high collar protect your face, a zippered pocket in the chest, an internal pocket with routing for headphones, “pit zips” in both layers, and glove loops. It also has a large interior pocket for goggles, camera, or protecting the “treasures” your little one collects.
And I love the two zippered external hand-warmer pockets. Years ago I had a parka from a different manufacturer that only had one unlined external pocket on the chest; it was such an awkward design – one hand was always freezing!! The two well-placed hand-warmer pockets on the Columbia Whirlibird Parka are MUCH more convenient and cozy!
You simply will not find a more comfortable, convenient, superior quality jacket that will keep you as warm as the Columbia Whirlibird Parka.
But what makes the Columbia Whirlibird Parka such a great value is the ability to use it in ALL seasons, even down South! The zip-out liner doubles as a lightweight jacket for Spring and Fall that repels water and stains.
And of course you could always wear just the outer shell on rainy days or while boating. It’s breathable and waterproof with sealed seams.
Add to this Columbia’s superior craftsmanship and one Columbia Whirlibird Parka 3-in-1 system is really all you need to stay comfortable and dry!
Check out these video demonstrations of the men’s and women’s parkas:
I have an intolerance to cold. Fingers and toes turning red, white and blue just relaxing in my heated house- kind of intolerance to cold. However I was perfectly toasty RELAXING in 35 degree wheather while camping recently…no hat, no gloves…just this amazing coat. Worth every penny!!!!
I had never been disappointed with a Columbia product in the past, and the Whirlibird has so far exceeded that level of expectation. I can’t say if it’s science or psychology, but it appears that those little silver dots DO keep you warmer. I bought the coat for my girlfriend, who is always cold, but is also…frugal…and would not buy a coat at this price for herself. Since receiving the coat, she insists that it is the warmest she has ever been. Even ice skating at Rockefeller Center (in just the liner!) didn’t make her cold. Now, I will say this; as a product, I believe Columbia is pricey, often too pricey. But, when it comes down to it, the product is usually worth it. I hope your experiences are as pleasant as mine.
I am a woman and bought this coat for myself because I trust the Columbia brand, but the woman’s coats don’t go up to my size. This coat looks Unisex enough that I can get away with wearing it. I followed the sizing chart and it fits perfectly. Even the arms are long enough (usually the arms are too short.) It is well made and comfortable. The Omni-Heat does what it’s supposed to do. I stay very warm, but when I get too warm the coat let’s out the extra heat and moisture. There are tons of features on this coat. There are “pit zips” so your underarms can breath, an elastic band around the bottom that you can use to keep out the wind and snow and a detachable hood. There are pockets where you need them on both the liner and the shell. This coat does triple-duty by providing you two pieces that can be worn separately or together. When you wear them together you don’t really notice they’re two pieces because they attach very well. I really love my coat.
Just got this for Christmas ’11 and then took a trip to Colorado to ski the next week and ended up having to take out the liner because the jacket was too warm for me, which is a good problem to have with a jacket. The temp was low 30′s and the jacket without the liner was still good and warm. (I was just wearing a cheap long sleeve thermal shirt underneath) The jacket is made of great quality material. Don’t waste your money on those $400+ jackets. There is no way they are better than this fantastic Columbia jacket. Plenty of pockets and clips inside of the pockets to clip your gloves to and even a pocket for your ipod. Pair this jacket with the Columbia Woodcut pants and you’ll be set and not have to worry about getting cold AT ALL. I know I may I sound like I’m employed by Columbia but I promise I’m not. Just a big fan of their products. Hope this review helps with your search for a great jacket. The price on this jacket is definitely a steal.
Be sure to check out the great matching Columbia accessories for your parka like gloves, mittens and beanies.
AND…
When you order today through any of the links on this page you can get FREE shipping!
**Note: While the men’s parka appears to run fairly true-to-size, the women’s interchange jacket tends to run a little small. Ladies, you might consider sizing up one size, especially of you plan on wearing a sweater underneath.
Double-check your measurements with Columbia’s Size Chart here.
Hope you found our information on the Columbia Whirlibird Parka to be helpful. If you have your own review, please leave a comment for us below. Thanks!
Read more posts on the Columbia Whirlibird Parka here:
It is very hard to find waterproof, breathable and warm outerwear, sounds like you found a winner.