These Big Red Parkas are missing their reflectors. In most cases, they were there once, leaving behind a rectangle of less faded fabric. In some cases, there is no evidence that the parka ever had a reflector.
Extremely Limited Quantity!
Our stock is very limited, and is available first-come, first-served. Size availability may vary by condition, and once a size is sold out, it’s gone.
Due to the nature of our inventory, we do not offer international returns or exchanges. Domestic returns are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you experience an issue with your order, please contact us and we’ll be glad to review your situation.
These parkas are being sold by a former Antarctic Program member, all parkas are numbered and will include a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
Sizing Guide
The parkas are sized 2XS – 4XL, and tend to run large due to the multiple layers worn underneath by Antarctic researchers in temperatures down to -100F.
You can determine your parka size with Canada Goose’s sizing tool, which can be found here. Generally speaking, most people can wear a size down, which will be more form-fitting. These parkas were designed to be worn looser, with extra room for layering, which is how they are worn at the South Pole.
Condition Guide
These parkas have endured some of the harshest conditions on Earth, with signs of wear that reflect how many seasons they were used, which Antarctic stations they served at, and who wore them. Each has been professionally refurbished to ensure it is fully functional and ready to wear.
We grade each parka as Fair, Good, or Very Good based on overall wear and UV fading. The grading standards are as follows:
Fair: The parka will show obvious wear from service in Antarctica. Scuffs, staining, UV fading, or small rips may be present. There may be evidence of field repairs done by the Antarctic Program as well as one or more visible patches from our tailor. All major flaws have been fixed.
Good: The parka is in reasonably good condition, without major tears or damage. It may show general signs of wear, UV fading, staining, visible (but not excessive) patches, repairs or other imperfections.
Very Good: The parka is in excellent condition, with minimal UV fading and may show minor signs of wear / staining. There will be no major staining or obvious signs of repair.
Example photos are provided, but individual features and type of wear / damage willvary. You are always welcome to request pictures of an individual parka via our contact form.
Parka #12 (Fair) has many small but obvious flaws including staining, small pinholes, and small repairs.
Patches of staining, mostly on the arms and inside the zipper cover (Parka #12 - Fair)
Multiple small repairs in easily-seen places (Parka #12 - Fair)
Small pinholes on the hem (Parka #12 - Fair)
Parka #20 (Fair) has a high level of UV fading, and a large, obvious repair to side of the hood. It also has multiple smaller visible repairs
Large repair to the side of the hood (Parka #20 - Fair)
Darker spots where field patches once were (Parka #20 - Fair)
Multiple small repairs (Parka #20 - Fair)
Parka #58 (Good) has relitively light UV fading and a few small stains. Most notably, it has several minor repairs on the back
Several small repairs on small of the back & near hem (Parka #58 - Good)
Several field patches on the inner lining (Parka #58 - Good)
Parka #79 (Good) has some small repairs, as well as a name written on the nametag velcro. The parka has very light UV fading.
Name written on the velcro for the name tag (Parka #79 - Good)
Several repairs (Parka #79 - Good)
Residue from a field patch which once covered a repair (Parka #79 - Good)
Parka #340 (Very Good), one of our newest parkas, came to us stained black. Our specialized cleaning process was able to get almost all of the staining out.
A few VERY minor stains remain (Parka #340 - Very Good)
Parka #227 (Very Good) has a minor stain on the hood, as well as a few VERY small repairs
Several tiny repairs on one of the front pockets (Parka #227- Very Good)
The edge of the hood has a small stain (Parka #227- Very Good)
Individual Parkas Will Vary!
Every “Big Red” is a one-of-a-kind piece of Antarctic history. You’ll receive a randomly selected parka in the size and condition you choose. Because each parka is unique, details may vary—such as logo style or branding (some older parkas are labeled “Snow Goose”).
Parka conditions are based on overall condition and appearance in addition to the criteria described above. Some parkas, of any condition, may need to be dry-cleaned.
Condition Guide
These parkas have endured some of the harshest conditions on Earth, with signs of wear that reflect how many seasons they were used, which Antarctic stations they served at, and who wore them. Each has been professionally refurbished to ensure it is fully functional and ready to wear.
All of these parkas, regardless of condition, are missing their reflectors.
We grade each parka as Fair, Good, or Very Good based on overall wear and fading. Example photos are provided, but individual features and condition will vary. The grading standards are as follows:
Fair: The parka will show obvious wear from service in Antarctica. Scuffs, staining, color fading, or small rips may be present. There may be evidence of field repairs done by the Antarctic Program as well as one or more visible patches from our tailor. All major flaws have been fixed.
Good: The parka is in reasonably good condition, without major tears or damage. It may show general signs of wear, fading, staining, visible (but not excessive) patches, repairs or other imperfections.
Very Good: The parka is in excellent condition, with minimal fading and may show minor signs of wear / staining. There will be no major staining or obvious signs of repair.
Individual Parkas Will Vary!
Every “Big Red” is a one-of-a-kind piece of Antarctic history. You’ll receive a randomly selected parka in the size and condition you choose. Because each parka is unique, details may vary—such as logo style or branding (some older parkas are labeled “Snow Goose”).
Parka conditions, as described above, are based on overall condition – some parkas, of any condition, may need to be dry-cleaned.
The iconic “Big Red” parka is built for extreme cold and trusted by those working in the harshest environments on Earth. The iconic “Big Red” parka is built for extreme cold, with a windproof shell, multi-layered down insulation, and an adjustable hood for maximum protection. Practical features include recessed cuffs, snow skirt, fleece-lined chin guard, and many pockets.
An official USAP patch is displayed on the left chest pocket. Each “Big Red” also carries its USAP-assigned serial number, handwritten in black marker inside the lower left pocket flap.
Adjustable hood with fur ruff (synthetic or coyote) & shaping wire
Fleece-lined chin guard
Interior waist drawcord
Recessed cuffs
Velcro flap to cover zipper
Silver reflector patch
Snow skirt for added protection
Velcro for name patch
Official USAP chest patch
4 exterior pockets with velcro flap & zippered side entry
2 interior pockets (1 drop-in, 1 zippered)
2 utility pockets on sleeves
Shipping
Shipping is available to the USA, Canada, Europe, and Oceania. We will ship to other countries on request. Buyers are responsible for any import taxes and fees.
Returns
All sales should be considered final.
Depending on the circumstances, we may consider returns from within the United States on a case-by-case basis. Due to the nature of our inventory, we do not allow international returns or exchanges.
If you experience an issue with your order, please contact us and we’ll be glad to review your situation.
Antarctic Surplus 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:
We make every effort to describe products accurately, but exact colors, labels, etc may vary slightly. Gear is sold for personal use only and is not covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Parka #12 (Fair) has many small but obvious flaws including staining, small pinholes, and small repairs.
