Description
This extreme cold weather parka is the warmest US military parka that is worn by our soldiers, and these particular parkas were left in Antarctica by naval air detachments in the 1990s.
Many of these parkas feature US Navy acronyms stenciled on the back. These markings tell you something about the parka’s story, and who may have worn it in the past.
Examples of these acronyms are:
- CNSFA: Commander Naval Support Force Antarctica
- NSFA: Naval Support Force Antarctica
- NASU: Naval Antarctic Support Unit
These markings tell you something about the parka’s story, and who may have worn it in the past.
Condition:
This N3B extreme cold weather parka is genuine military surplus made in the United States. Although still in great condition, there may be wrinkles, repairs, a soldier’s name, or there may be other minor flaws. Each parka has been inspected, repaired (if needed), and carefully conditioned. Make your condition and size selection from the drop-down boxes above to order.
- Very Good: Will show mild signs of wear, including slight fading or small/not obvious stains. Does not require dry cleaning by the buyer.
- Good: Will show mild to moderate signs of wear and minor/less obvious repaired rips, staining, etc. May need to be dry cleaned by the buyer.
- Fair: Will show signs of moderate wear such as obvious repaired rips, worn edges, staining, fading, etc. and may have major staining. May need to be dry cleaned by the buyer.
Jackets of all sizes and conditions will include the following as part of the package:
Extreme Cold Weather Parka Features
This extreme cold weather parka is fully lined with a water-repellent exterior and this coat will keep you warm among the world’s colder conditions. It features a drawstring adjustable lined hood with fur ruff and drawstring adjustable waist. This parka also features two breast double buttoned pockets and two front single pockets.
When worn over other cold-weather gear, it can protect you down to -14 degrees Fahrenheit. Its outer shell is 100% cotton and the fur is 60% modacrylic and 40% wool.
Parka History:
Prior to the US Air National Guard taking over logistics for the US Antarctic Program with Operation Deep Freeze in 1999, all polar logistics were handled by the Naval Antarctic Support Unit (NASU). Navy pilots, airmen and support crews were issued these olive-drab N3B Extreme Cold Weather parkas for their rotations at McMurdo Base and South Pole.
Some of these parkas have “NASU” or other identification numbers stenciled on the back. All of them were found in various storage locations in Antarctica over two decades after the last Navy plane took off from the continent, and are some of the last parkas of this vintage around!
Admiral Richard Byrd, an early Antarctic pioneer, wears an earlier parka variation in 1955
Airmen wearing newer parka variations saluting the last LC-130 to depart from Antarctica in 2010
GUARANTEE :
This website sells parkas, clothing, and gear which have been retired from the United States Antarctic Program. All have seen service in one or more of the three American Antarctic research stations, unless specified otherwise in the product’s description. As such, they will show some degree of wear/tear/use.
We hope our gear will serve you, wherever you are, just as well as it did the scientists, researchers, and support staff who relied on it at the bottom of the world!
DISCLAIMER:
Limited stock, available only while supplies last. All sales are final with a no-return policy. If there are issues with your order which do not meet our guarantee, please contact us.
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