FrizmWorks Karakoram Down Parka Khaki Beige

An iconic FrizmWorks piece, the Karakoram Down Parka revisits one of the great parkas in the history of mountaineering. Inspired by the model developed by Eddie Bauer in the early 1950s to withstand extreme high-altitude conditions, this interpretation retains its generous volume, protective construction and down insulation while adapting them for contemporary wear. The Khaki Beige colour brings a natural tone that particularly highlights the parka's generous proportions and numerous construction details.

Features

• Outer: 60% cotton / 40% nylon
• Lining: 100% polyester
• ARFILL Premium Duck Down filling: 80% duck down / 20% duck feathers
• Relaxed fit
• Large buttoned flap patch pockets at the front and back
• Three drawcords to adjust the volume
• Adjustable hood with visor
• Metal wire integrated into the visor to maintain its shape
• Two-way zip closure with buttoned storm flap
• Ribbed cuffs
• Made in Vietnam

Description

The Karakoram Down Parka takes its inspiration from a garment designed in the early 1950s by Eddie Bauer at the request of American mountaineer Charles Houston. At the time, Houston was preparing an expedition to K2, the world's second-highest mountain, located in the Karakoram range. The objective was to develop a garment capable of providing substantial insulation while remaining functional enough to withstand the particularly demanding conditions encountered at high altitude.

FrizmWorks revisits the defining characteristics of this historic parka while retaining its distinctive volume and highly protective construction. The outer shell combines cotton and nylon to create a durable fabric suited to everyday wear, while insulation is provided by an ARFILL Premium Duck Down filling made from 80% duck down and 20% duck feathers, providing the loft, lightweight feel and natural insulating properties sought after in this type of construction.

Particular attention has also been paid to functional details. The large patch pockets provide plenty of storage space, while the two-way zip is protected by a buttoned storm flap to help prevent cold air from entering. Ribbed cuffs help retain warmth, and the generous hood features a visor reinforced with a metal wire, allowing its shape to be adjusted.

Several drawcords allow the volume of the parka to be adjusted and its level of protection adapted as required. These details are directly inherited from the utilitarian purpose of the original garment, which FrizmWorks translates here into a piece designed to work just as naturally as part of an everyday winter wardrobe.

Fit & Sizing

The Karakoram Down Parka features an intentionally relaxed fit, with generous volume through the body and sleeves. This construction retains the distinctive proportions of expedition parkas while leaving enough room to comfortably layer a thick sweater or several garments underneath.

We recommend choosing your usual size to maintain the volume intended by FrizmWorks. Several drawcords allow the silhouette to be adjusted afterwards, making it possible to wear the parka either loose or more fitted depending on the desired look.

Why We Selected It

The Karakoram Down Parka perfectly illustrates FrizmWorks' approach: taking a historic garment originally designed for a very specific purpose and reinterpreting it for contemporary everyday wear without losing the qualities that made the original so interesting.

We particularly appreciate its balance of volume, warmth and functionality, as well as the numerous details directly inherited from expedition clothing. The Khaki Beige colour offers a softer, more natural interpretation of the model while particularly highlighting its generous proportions, large pockets and the various construction details that define its silhouette.