A Winter Jacket to Withstand It All: Arc’teryx Patera Parka Review

Despite living through six brutal Colorado winters, I didn’t realize that my closet needed a solid winter parka until wearing this coat. Sure, I’ve had my fair share of down jackets, vests, and merino wool sweaters. But this longer waterproof jacket may have actually changed my life — for the better. 

I donned the Arc’teryx Patera Parka for the first time while photographing the 2024 Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., one of the coldest and snowiest sporting events of the year. Over the 4-day event, I wore this parka while shooting skiers and snowboarders in the superpipe, running between the media tent and venue, and even while skiing to the slopestyle course. All of this occurred in temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees F with occasional blowing snow and icy conditions. 

While this jacket is fantastic for its waterproofness and warmth, it does come with a hefty price tag of $800. I’ll dive into how worthy the design is for the steep investment. 

In short: The Arc’teryx Patera Parka ($800) utilizes GORE-TEX and a 750-fill power goose down to deliver a moisture-fighting, toasty winter jacket for the coldest, snowiest environments. While many other winter parkas tend to be bulky and cumbersome, the silhouette on the Patera is not only streamlined but also elegant and even classy. This parka suits a range of snowy activities from hiking to strolling around town.

Check out the GearJunkie Women’s Winter Jackets buyer’s guide for all of our winter parka picks.  

Arc’teryx Patera Parka Review

Over several decades, Arc’teryx has become one of the most popular outdoor brands for top-of-the-line apparel and gear — albeit pricier. After testing out the Patera Parka, I realized that sometimes the investment can be worth it — especially for a garment that can keep you plenty warm in the coldest temperatures. 

To assess the Patera Parka, I tested it for several months during a cold, snowy winter in Aspen. From late-night dog walks in blizzards to wind-chilled hikes, this parka became a staple on my coat rack for its quality and sophistication.

Warmth

Let’s chat about warmth and insulation on the Patera. This winter jacket is made with a 750-fill power goose down. There’s also synthetic insulation, called Coreloft. That’s used in the targeted zones that are more prone to moisture like the underarms and hem. For this coat having a pretty minimalist and sleek design, I was impressed with how toasty I was while wearing it. 

During my work hours at the Winter X Games, I stood outside from day to night in the Patera for many hours. During the nighttime events, the temps dropped well below 15 degrees F. Despite the circumstances, I stayed much warmer than I expected. When I’ve previously photographed the event, I’d get cold while wearing a down jacket and a ski shell.

Targeted Insulation: Down and Synthetic

Throughout 3 months of testing this jacket, I realized the sleeves are not as insulating as the body. That’s most likely due to the synthetic insulation used in the underarms. This was noticeable during the coldest of days or when I did not have the proper laying on underneath.

Hybrid insulation can be beneficial overall. Moisture from sweat can cause down feathers to lose some of the insulating abilities and overall loftiness. Alternatively, synthetic insulation is quicker to dry without sacrificing warmth. The insulation zones are near the neck, underarms, and bum, so those areas stayed dry. 

Dubbed “Down Composite Mapping,” I appreciated the jacket’s down-synthetic mix when it was 35 degrees F (or more) and sunny. The down fill helped keep my body temp stable in the hood, arms, and near the skirt. Sure, sometimes I was just a little hot. It’s better to be warm than too cold, in my opinion. The weather can change on a whim in Colorado. 

Fit and Range of Motion

Winter jackets can often be quite bulky and cumbersome, but the Patera Parka has an elegant and sophisticated silhouette. Arc’teryx updated the fit to be trimmer for the 2023-2024 season. Now, it fits more snugly in the chest, waist, and hips. I found that it was still easy to have on a midlayer without feeling restricted. 

The Patera is comfortable and easy to move in. I frequently layered this jacket over ski bibs and thicker sweaters with no issues while testing it out. I really love to bundle up, and I found it wasn’t stifling but retained a level of breathability. For reference, I am 5’3” and measured in between an XS and an S. I went with the small to accommodate for more layers, but the XS would have been sufficient, too.

I appreciated how this modern parka was easily styled for visits to the office or outdoor events. That versatility was great for all-day use and molding to any application. 

Length and Zipper

The length of the Patera fell to around my knees with a center back length of 36 inches (92 cm). Keep in mind that as sizes increase and decrease, the length follows suit. For example, the XS has a length of 35 inches while the XL is 38 inches. A longer version is available — the Patera Long Parka — for 100 bucks more if you desire fuller coverage.  

I liked that this coat’s length didn’t restrict my mobility when hopping into my truck bed to load gear. The two-way zipper ends a few inches above the hem of the jacket, allowing sitting and squatting in this coat. If you need more range, just pull the zipper up from the bottom, which gives you more squatting room. 

Overall, the length and fit were particularly one of my favorite aspects of the Patera. Despite being trim, the jacket is layer-friendly and has a modern aesthetic. 

Waterproofness

If you’re investing in a winter jacket, you’ll want to ensure it can withstand various elements and accidental scrapes. The Patera is designed with a two-layer GORE-TEX membrane, and the surface is treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR). It’s made to withstand both water and wind.   

I found that this jacket was stellar at keeping me dry during the most blizzardy days of the season. Moisture beaded off fairly quickly thanks to the DWR and waterproofness, and the materials dried briskly. 

Thanks to the storm flap over the zipper, moisture was impenetrable. The wrist gaskets protected me from gusts and wetness while I scraped ice and snow off my truck. This jacket is made to withstand the most brutal winter conditions.

Durability

The material is also highly durable, and I didn’t really notice any holes or creases after months of use. I probably threw my skis over my shoulders at least 20

times when wearing the Patera. The shoulders stayed pristine despite the sharp edges. I also hiked through the sagebrush while exploring with my dog and found it to hold up well.

Speaking of dogs, pet owners will want to buy a lint roller, because this jacket was quite the hair magnet. I have a German Shepherd mix that sheds an abundance of fur every day. 

For the price, this jacket is an investment. But thanks to its GORE-TEX and overall durability, it should last for many, many years of use. 

Pockets and Hood

Let’s be honest — the pockets and other details can make or break a solid jacket.

The Patera Parka has two exterior zippered hand pockets that are great for keys or chapstick. These pockets are not lined, so you’ll want to pair some gloves with this coat on frigid days.

An interior chest pocket was perfect for my headphones and iPhone. Those are two items that I wanted to keep insulated while spending time outside. 

Up top, the hood is one of my few critiques. It is a bit awkwardly shaped and hard to reset after it’s been adjusted. The stiff brim is nice for facial protection from falling snow and rain. However, I found that it was easily creased and didn’t sit quite right. 

I appreciated that the collar shielded the lower half of my face without chafing or uncomfortable rubbing. The interior material is soft, but the exterior is stiff enough to stay upright and block blustery elements. Furthermore, the wrist cuffs on the Patera have a luxurious texture, which is nice when your skin is sensitive. 

Sustainable Components

The Patera utilizes an RDS-certified goose feather down, meaning that the insulation is approved by the Responsible Down Standard. This global initiative was created to ensure that down products use feathers from geese and ducks that are ethically treated. This helps prevent exploitation in the supply chain, while also creating transparency for both manufacturers and consumers.

RDS is spearheaded by a group of knowledgeable farmers, animal welfare experts, environmentalists, and brands around the world.

The Patera is made with Bluesign-approved GORE-TEX and nylon. This Swiss-based group pays attention to fabric types and treatments. It also examines the labor ethics and emissions testing of textile production. Bluesign approval is a multifaceted process that ensures consumer safety and accountability regarding sustainability and labor laws.

The synthetic Coreloft insulation found in moisture-prone areas on the jacket is likewise constructed with a Bluesign-approved 80% recycled polyester. I also want to note that the lining of the Patera is made with a 100% recycled nylon.

Between the environmental standards and secondhand materials, Arc’teryx did a superb job making the Patera super sustainable. 

Is It Worth the Price Tag? 

Now that we’ve run through the nitty gritty, is this jacket worth the price tag? I am inclined to say yes. But I do think there are winter jackets that serve well without emptying the bank. 

For example, the Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat has a very similar style and construction. It’s waterproof and designed for brutally wet winters, much like the Patera. But it’s half the cost. 

However, the Patera is easily one of the most comfortable and effortlessly stylish winter jackets I’ve tested. Between the waterproof and windproofness, it is a benchmark choice. This jacket is great for folks living in weather-prone environments where snow is part of the daily routine. You also can’t beat the GORE-TEX outer, an industry standard for durable, hydrophobic textiles. 

So, yes: If you’ve got the budget, I would recommend this parka. While trying out several different winter jackets this winter, I truly found myself coming back to this one a lot. The Patera is cozy, well-made, and expertly crafted to keep you insulated when warmth is most needed. 

Conclusion

The Arc’teryx Patera Parka is an investment that will last you many years of use throughout winter, while also being a versatile addition to your closet. Thanks to the streamlined but comfortable silhouette, the Patera is ideal for women needing a winter jacket that isn’t cumbersome and doesn’t sacrifice warmth. 

When it comes with a steep cost compared to the rest of the winter jacket market, it is important to remember that this Parka is made to last thanks to a GORE-TEX membrane that creates waterproofness and increases durability.

My only criticisms of this jacket revolve around the hood and its adjustment system. In the future, I would like to see the hood reworked without the awkward shape. I’d also like to see insulation in the two hand pockets.

If you live in a coastal climate that sees more snow and rain than other regions, definitely give the Patera a shot. As a Colorado resident living in the Rockies, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this jacket repelled moisture and retained heat. I enjoyed wearing this jacket all winter long — it quickly became a daily staple for me.