One of the biggest concerns for incoming freshman here at UW-Madison are the dreaded winters. With temperatures reaching below zero not even considering windchill, the thought of walking around campus going from class to class can be a frightening thought. I was not prepared for my first winter in Madison. I thought I would be able to make it to winter break without any of my heavy-duty winter gear, but I was very wrong about that. Walking around in a jacket to class until Christmas time was brutal, and I dreaded it every day. When I went home for break, I knew that I needed warmer clothes if I wanted to comfortably make it to spring-time.
Parkas and jackets are very similar, and sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between the two. With new technology and designs, they are increasingly becoming interchangeable. However, there is one key detail that separates a parka from a jacket.
Advantage of a Parka
Length
The key difference between a parka and a jacket is the length of each article of clothing. A parka is typically longer than a jacket, so it covers more of your body. Although it may seem like a minor difference, the extra length that a parka provides, will offer a lot more warmth than a jacket does.
I switched from a jacket to a parka in the middle of freshman year, and it made my walk to class easier and much more enjoyable.
If you are interested in getting a parka, here is a great guide for you.