We tested the Chilkoot Pass Parka by Filson in frigid temperatures in the Tetons. This cozy, and surprisingly lightweight, parka quickly became the favorite thing in our closet.
Table of Contents
Named after a high mountain pass on the Alaskan/Canadian border, the Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka is an ultralight jacket filled with fluffy goose down that adds insulation without weight. Its double-baffle construction ensures the down stays dispersed through the Parka, without any cold spots.
This jacket promises to keep you warm through whatever winter throws your way. It’s been rigorously tested in Arctic conditions and has proven itself a worthy contender for your favorite winter coat. Our staff tests in a historically cold and snowy winter in Jackson Hole revealed a piece of outerwear that stands out in a crowded space.
The nearly $900 price tag isn’t cheap—but you can file the Chilkoot Pass Parka in the “buy it nice or buy it twice” category.
Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka
Highlights: The Parka’s outer shell is a blend of organic cotton and recycled nylon woven into a lightweight fabric that allows for maximum breathability. Filson’s Parka is made from 100% goose feathers. Each forearm is reinforced with double-layered fabric for protection against rips and snags, and a two-way zipper lets you optimize the fit for better insulation.
- Could not be more comfortable, we looked forward to putting the parks on in the mornings
- Warm despite being lightweight
- Thoughtful design touches
- Versatile enough for urban or mountain wear
- Ethical down
- Durable and fun to wear
- The fit will be too baggy for some
- The army green color shows dirt and stains with extensive wear
About Filson
American outdoor brand Filson started in 1897 during the Yukon Gold Rush. Word spread quickly about its durable, weatherproof clothing and gear. Today, Filson remains a favorite supplier for hunters, miners, mariners, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Headquartered in Seattle, the Filson remains renowned for its distinctive materials, which include durable Mackinaw Wool and the Filson Tin Cloth that keeps the elements out like a suit of armor.
The Chilkoot Pass Parka is filled with 850FP goose down contained within two overlapping channels that prevent cold pockets for optimal coziness.
Is Filson Eco-Friendly?
We have long been a fan of Filson sweaters, which last forever.
In the hundred-plus years that Filson has been in business, the brand has always prioritized natural, sustainable materials like down, wool, and cotton. When synthetic material is necessary, much of it is made from recycled content or sourced from environmentally conscious mills. And when possible, Filson prioritizes partnerships with suppliers that exhibit high standards for humans and the environment.
Many Filson products are made domestically at the Seattle headquarters and other US factories. Others are made by brand partners in China and India.
Furthering its commitment to sustainability, Filson supports conservation organizations such as the National Forest Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Conservation Alliance.
About Goose Down in the Chilkoot Pass Parka
While many outdoor brands choose to deal with cheaper duck down, Filson’s Parka is made from 100% goose feathers. Since these birds are bigger, their down feather “clusters” are larger, meaning they can trap more air within them—leading to better insulation in your jacket.
Filson exclusively uses ethically sourced 850FP 90/10 goose down from Allied Feather & Down, the industry leader in quality, responsibly sourced down. This down is traceable, certified with the Responsible Down Standard, and processed within Bluesign-approved facilities that ensure the geese used were not harmed during the down harvest.
In fact, most of Filson’s down comes from birds raised in Europe for meat, meaning it uses a byproduct that would otherwise be wasted.
Attached to the Parka is a “Track My Down” hangtag with a lot number. Enter it into the Allied Feather & Down website, and you can track your jacket’s down origin. You’ll learn which goose species the down came from, where the birds were raised, and more.
Other Chilkoot Pass Parka Features
The Parka’s outer shell is a blend of organic cotton and recycled nylon woven into a lightweight fabric that allows for maximum breathability. This makes it a jacket you can wear on the move without worrying you will become a sweaty mess.
Each forearm is reinforced with double-layered fabric for protection against rips and snags, and a two-way zipper lets you optimize the fit for better insulation. An all-weather hood will fasten tightly against your chin with reinforced Velcro, and Rib-knit cuffs on the wrists prevent cold gaps between the coat and your gloves.
At publication, the Parka is priced at $895, with free shipping. Sizes range from XS to 2XL, and the available colors include dark forest and snow camo.
Testing the Chilkoot Pass Parka in the Tetons
There is cold and snowy, and then there are the Tetons. We tested the Chilkoot Pass Parka in a year of historic snowfall in Jackson Hole, where the valley got just under 600 inches of snow. In winters like we get in the Tetons, your choice of parka means a little more than in other regions.
Although the Chilkoot Pass Parka isn’t a good option for skiing, we wore it everywhere else. Although the fit will be too baggy for many Manhattan types who prefer something more tailored, the comfort and utility of the product win out.
The outer feel of the material is soft to the touch and could almost be described as velvety. Putting the parka on is like wearing a cozy sleeping bag or blanket. Even though the fit isn’t what I would normally go for, I enjoyed wearing the parka so much that I put my Patagonia Tres Parka on the shelf. Many products in this category rely on a PCF coated outer shell that adds weight and rigidity to movement. By contrast, the soft, natural feel of the Chilkoot Parka makes it easier to move your arms with several layers on, which means it’s easier, and more comfortable, to get into a cold car in the morning, or grab coffee from a drive through.
About the Filson Product Guarantee
Filson stands behind its apparel and offers a product lifetime guarantee against failure or damage when used as intended. This covers material failure, failure of workmanship, and manufacturing defects. If you experience a product failure within its understood lifetime, the company offers free return shipping so that its repairs team can evaluate your item and make a decision on whether to repair or replace it.
Note: any repairs done by you or a third party will void the warranty.
Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka Care Instructions
The Chilkoot Pass Parka can be treated like any other down jacket. Filson recommends that you machine wash it on cold, without bleach. It can tumble dry on low heat, preferably with a few clean tennis balls to prevent the down from clumping as it dries. If you need to iron, do so at a low heat setting.
Be careful wearing the Parka to dinner during winter, as even a drop of oil will permanently create a mark on the sleeve, and washing won’t do much to remove the stain.
Filson Chilkoot Pass Parka
Highlights: The Parka’s outer shell is a blend of organic cotton and recycled nylon woven into a lightweight fabric that allows for maximum breathability. Filson’s Parka is made from 100% goose feathers. Each forearm is reinforced with double-layered fabric for protection against rips and snags, and a two-way zipper lets you optimize the fit for better insulation.