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Ridiculously warm, this bulky jacket is for the high end user in extremely cold climates and conditions
The coyote-fur hood on the Canada Goose Expedition Parka is fantastic for blocking wind and spin drift. It also makes a strong style statement. This is an example of a parka that works well in very cold, everyday situations.
Does a temperature of -5°F mean a warm day to you? Do you wake up in the dark to go outside to clear the driveway with a snow blower? If this is starting to describe a typical winter day for you, you might be interested in what the Canada Goose Expedition Parka Heritage can offer. This burly winter parka provides incredible warmth and function in severe conditions, designed for polar expeditions and long, frigid snowmobile commutes in the cold northern latitudes. It is undoubtedly the most niche jacket in our review and is likely too much jacket for most people. Many would be better off choosing a less robust product. But if you need the ultimate in cold weather protection, this one will fit the bill. If you want to see how it compares to other jackets we tested, take a look at our men's winter jacket review.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly warm
Many pockets
Great features
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Too warm and heavy for most users
Consider Donating to Polar Bears International with PBI Expedition model
The Expedition Parka is part of a line of custom products that donates a part of your purchase to Polar Bears International. PBI is a non-profit organization that strives to protect polar bears and the habitat crucial to their survival. For a little extra, the Canada Goose PBI Expedition Parka comes in a signature royal blue. A Polar Bears International patch is sewn on the right shoulder, recognizing your contribution to the future of a vulnerable species.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on February 28, 2024, to update our metrics and to share new recommendations on other jackets worth your consideration.
2 zippered handwarmer, 2 flap waist, 1 zippered internal media
2 zippered waist, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered interior media
Weight
4.46 lb (L)
4.64 lb (2XL)
3.41 lb (2XL)
3.24 lb (2XL)
3.29 lb (2XL)
2-Way Front Zipper
Yes
Yes
Yes - on outer jacket only
No
No
Weather Resistant Features
Real fur line hood, full-length design, snow skirt, cinchable waist and hood, rib-knit cuffs, powder skirt, water-resistant shell,
Faux fur lined hood, cinchable hood and waist, adjustable cuffs, heavy exterior shell, rugged front zipper flap, water-resistant shell,
Full-length design, H2No Performance Standard waterproof membrane, cinchable hood and hem, adjustable cuffs
Integrating hood flaps, cinchable hood and hem, adjustable fleece lined cuffs, rugged front zipper flap, water-resistant shell,
Water-resistant shell, cinchable hood and hem, adjustable straps, spandex interiior cuffs, powder skirt
Available Sizes
2XS - 3XL
XS - 3XL
XS - 3XL
S - 2XL
S - 3XL
Social or Environmental Certifications
Power Responsibly Sourced Down, ethically sourced real wild fur and down monitored via The Canada Goose Fur Transparency Standard and The Canada Goose Down Transparency Standard which also mandates that all down adheres to the Five Freedoms policy set out by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
Shell, lining, and filling made from 100% recycled polyester
Produced in a Made in a Fair Trade certified factory, 100% reclaimed and recycled duck and goose down, shell and lining of outer and inner jacket are 100% recycled polyester
Shell is 100% post-consumer recycled polyester
None specified
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Weighing in at 4 pounds 9 ounces, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka is the most substantial and bulkiest jacket in our review. The reason for this weight is the immense amount of 625-fill duck down and the heavy-duty Arctic Tech outer shell material. Storage is not an issue with a total of 10 exterior pockets, with a mix of zipper and Velcro closures, as well as one interior zippered pocket. Additional features like a snow skirt and best-in-the-business hood make this jacket one of the most effective dedicated winter parkas out there.
Performance Comparison
Like many specialized products, the very excellent Expedition Parka doesn't have high marks in all of our metrics. The overall performance of a product like this involves inherent compromises. Warmer jackets are less comfortable, for instance. The Expedition Parka optimizes for warmth at the expense of other things, hence the inconsistencies in its scores.
The hood and high collar work together to block out the coldest wind and blowing precipitation.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Warmth
Unless you want to zip yourself into a full-body Himalayan down suit, you would be hard-pressed to find a warmer jacket elsewhere. It earned one of the best scores in this metric. During our review, we saw temperatures from 40°F down to -10°F.
This coat was comfortable while standing around but was too hot when doing something active like shoveling snow. This warmth comes from 625-fill duck down. Although it is not the highest quality down available, the amount of down fill, as well as its super dense shell, is the root of this parka's warmth. With the help of a Bluetooth thermometer, we monitored this jacket's interior temperatures while we stood around in 20°F nighttime temps in Utah's mountains. It managed to hold an interior temperature over 80°F.
It has a full-length parka with a snow skirt and an insulated hood lined with genuine coyote fur that is roomy enough to fit a beanie under. This jacket does an excellent job of trapping body heat and keeping the cold out.
Enjoying a chilly mountain evening at 8750 feet above sea level in order to test our jacket's ability to retain heat.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Long rib-knit cuffs provide a superb seal while allowing gloves to be worn over the top. The only cold spots we could find were in the outer pockets, which are non-insulated.
Heading back from talking to a man about a horse. Despite 20°F temps, this jacket still heats up during simple, moderate activities like walking.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Weather Resistance
The Arctic Tech fabric that constitutes the jacket's outer shell is coated with a DWR treatment, which is unsurprising given this jacket's intended environment. It is one of the more wind and waterproof options.
While able to shed snow and sleet, the fabric did begin to show wetting in prolonged exposure to moisture. Again, if it is raining, it is probably way too warm to wear this parka, so it is unlikely you will find this a problem. Because it's meant to be used in the coldest of cold climates, it will be overkill in areas with more temperate winters.
The huge cuff allows for even the biggest gauntlet style mitts to be used with ease.
Credit: Jen Reynolds
The integrated snow skirt keeps updrafts from entering from below. An insulated adjustable hood with coyote fur trim keeps the face warm and is less ticklish and more resistant to freezing up than faux fur trims.
The “snow skirt” is something we expect on ski resort specific jackets. In this context, it makes sense to lock in that valuable heat.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Comfort
We like the recessed rib knit cuffs that provide a snug fit and the soft real coyote fur trim around the hood. However, the Expedition is a beast of a jacket, and its bulk makes it tough to sit comfortably while wearing it. Also, due to the volume, exertion is laborious. Again, you are unlikely to want to exert a high amount in this jacket, as it will just get too warm. It earned a relatively low score for comfort due to these factors.
The size of the front zipper means that not only will this jacket be durable, but it is also much easier to operate with gloves on than any of the other contenders. This isn't directly a factor of comfort, but it does help improve the overall experience.
While this jacket is really bulky, it doesn't seem all that bad when wearing insulated pants and winter boots.
Credit: Jen Reynolds
Versatility and Style
This Canada Goose jacket has a unique style. It might have an application in specific casual settings, but this is a functional parka designed primarily for cold, inhospitable conditions that do not demand a flattering fit. It earned a score on the lower end of the group.
The cut is boxy and allows for plenty of layering underneath, and, although it hits mid-thigh, it does not have any of the high fashion of the more casual trench coats we reviewed. Additionally, some may find the use of real animal fur unappealing.
This jacket's drawstring waist not only helps trap heat, it also is a nice style feature that gives this otherwise boxy jacket somewhat of a tailored look. We liked this option.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Canada Goose put every bell and whistle it could on this parka, and although a researcher in the Antarctic may find a use for the ten exterior pockets, the average consumer will be hard-pressed to use them all. The only feature we wished for is an extra-large interior pocket for a thermos, gloves, or goggles.
There are a LOT of pockets on this jacket. Top load, side zipper, you name it, this jacket has it.
Credit: Jen Reynolds
The hood uses a three-way adjustable drawcord to keep the snow and wind from whipping you in the face and is lined with real coyote fur to provide more protection. The waist also uses a draw cord, although the fabric is so bulky that it is hard to cinch tight. A Velcro snow skirt wraps tight around the inside waistband, keeping you dry when riding fast on a snow machine or walking out into the whipping snow.
Look at all those pockets! You can carry a whole day's supplies in the pockets of this parka.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Construction Quality
The Expedition Parka is a tank, and we did not experience any abnormal wear and tear issues during our test.
The zippers on this jacket are some of the largest on the market, and the Velcro closures are burly and held up well to the stresses of the massive outer fabric. With a lifetime guarantee, one can be assured that their investment is protected.
We loved the burly shell fabric for hard-working chores in brutally cold temps.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter
Should You Buy the Canada Goose Expedition Parka?
The Canada Goose Expedition is one of the warmest and most burly jackets available. It will keep you warm and happy if you have to spend extended time outside in extremely frigid regions. This jacket is somewhat of a niche parka, so if you like to splurge on unique clothing, this jacket is your jam. More practically speaking, if you plan to have consistent, extensive contact with extremely cold temperatures, the Expedition is our top recommendation.
Shoveling snow in the front walkway is almost too much for this jacket. We quickly overheated thanks to the large amounts of down fill. This parka is better suited to more sedentary pursuits in really cold climates.
Credit: Jen Reynolds
What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?
The Expedition is the most expensive jacket in our review. Although it is a significant investment, this is a jacket that should last for many years. However, it is overkill for the majority of outdoor enthusiasts. There are other options better suited to everyday use, and you don't have to spend thousands to purchase one. The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka and The North Face McMurdo Down Parka are also built for the cold. They both come with a little more style and a lot more wiggle room when it comes to cost.
The huge and protective hood of the Canada Goose Expedition parka does the job, but some will object to the use of real coyote fur.
