I posted a thread some time ago about the fishtail parka, that I was looking for a wind shell that is mid-thigh length, has a hood, a waist cord, and no built-in insulation and most importantly that is NOT waterproof, that is no laminate or coating whatsoever. I may spray it with a water repellent spray though.

I recently discovered the sixty-forty cloth which was popular during the 70s when Sierra Designs introduced their 60/40 Mountain Parka.

I don't want to pay for the silly Gore-Tex. It may work around the town but in an extended outdoor situation it will not work indefinately and besides it doesn't protect your rucksack and I'd rather use a real waterproof poncho in this set-up. And in the extreme cold it is not justified and you want the maximum breathability. And I don't believe either in trendy and pseudo-technical waist length soft shells.

So do they still make this kind of product today? What would be the closest parka to the Sierra Designs Mountain Parka?

Thanks
Frankie

I had a 60/40 "mountain parka" when a young man. I sewed it using a Frostline kit. It was a GREAT jacket and I like the material. I haven't seen 60/40 cloth in a long time.

I asked Mr. Google about it, and he came up with this. . Don't know if this is close to what you want or not...

I still have my original SD 60/40 parke. It is a little beatup with a few small patches here and there. I still love the parka, it has been everywhere with me. I wish they stll made them, I would buy another in a minute.

No, the 60/40 is 60% cotton and 40% nylon and it's a long shell. I think I've found what appears to be a pretty close parka if not a remake on the Woolrich site, only it has a top 2/3rds of 70% wool/30% nylon liner that shouldn't be there but I think this is it:



"We introduced our first Mountain Parka to the world in 1978, and ever since it has been a favorite jacket for anyone who ventures outside in the winter. This modern-day classic is perfectly designed to handle any weather--on its own for a cold day or layered over a sweater or fleece during the heart of winter. The shell is a comfortable water-repellent 60% cotton/40% nylon blend. Permanently attached hood has a chin guard, adjustment tab, and drawcord. Two-way front zipper with snap-close storm flap. Lower dual-entry pockets, upper patch pockets, and internal security and glove pockets. Adjustable cuffs. Lined inside with wool blend (70% wool/30% nylon) on the top two-thirds and nylon taffeta drip strip on the bottom one-third. Waist drawcord seals out the cold. 33" length. Imported. Dry clean."

It's affordable at $89 and I would remove the velcro on the cargo pockets and replace them with military slotted buttons.

Frankie

Several years ago Sierra Designs reissued their 60/40 parka on a limited basis. I don't think they sold well as eventually the excess wound up at Sierra Trading Post. I'm not aware of anyone making anything out of 60/40 (or 65/35 the better of the two fabrics) any longer.

I'm a thrift store junkie and find these with some regularity for very little money. I've worn and bought and sold several over the years. My current favorite is by Alpine Designs. My all time favorite was by Class 5 Mountaineering Equipage, but it was just too large for me and I sold it on ebay.

Oh man. Now I miss mine. Gave it to my son when I "outgrew" it.

I still have several in a pile in my basement. The unlined Woolrich 60/40 parkas are the most commonly found in thrift stores. I've yet to find one by Holubar, but I've come across most every other brand over the years.

Hi Frankie,

You may want to have a look at the Keela Falkland Parka



http://www.keelausa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=020K

No doubt that ventile is the way to go, but ventile is very expensive.