Hands On: Moose Knuckles Saint Ulric Parka

We are finally in the middle of winter, and that means cold weather, increased precipitation, and bone-chilling winds. While the winter is a wondrous time of the year that signals the holiday season, it requires adequate preparation so you don’t freeze while commuting or taking in the crisp weather. It’s beyond frustrating to try to enjoy winter festivities when you’re ill-equipped to take on the winter elements, however, when you have the proper attire, the vast breadth of winter activities suddenly becomes enjoyable.

When it comes to winter gear, there are a variety of brands in the outerwear space that specialize in winter garments, but only a select few have forged their reputations in the frigid crucible of the arctic circle. Sure, you can buy a parka from a brand that’s based in sunny California, but doesn’t it make more sense to buy from a company that has first-hand experience with Canada-cold temperatures? Of course it does, and if there’s one brand in the space that will prepare you to tackle the cold while looking dangerously good, it’s Moose Knuckles. Our stylish neighbors to the north enlisted us to test out their handsome-looking Saint Ulric Parka so we could see why they’re a superior name in the winter outerwear space.

The Saint Ulric is part of Moose Knuckles’ Iconic Collection which established the Moose Knuckles Brand, and one look at its gorgeous design explains why the collection is so aptly named. At first glance, the Saint Ulric offers a slim-fit, modern, and “no-fur” silhouette. Its design is elegant, minimalistic, and streamlined due to the detachable hood’s lack of fur. The YKK zippers on the sides, front, and sleeves provide a nice visual contrast to the deep navy color of the parka.

In its interior, a fun embroidery of an American hockey player and a Canadian hockey plater fighting each other greet the wearer. The other notable feature for the interior is the super-soft shearling liner inside of the hood, which is a departure from the fox fur that’s featured in Moose Knuckles’ Stirling Parka.

All one needs to do, in order to appreciate the quality of the Saint Ulric, is pick it up. The Saint Ulric is filled with Responsible Down Standard certified 650FP 80/20 down, which ensures lightweight warmth. Its durable water repellent-treated, Bluesign-certified cotton/nylon shells resist tears and will also keep the rain, sleet, or snow at bay, making it ideal for everyday wear no matter the conditions. Moreover, the heavy-duty Bengaline used to construct the Saint Ulric adds an extra layer of durability without conceding its softness or luxuriousness.

In terms of durability, the collection is second to none. From fabric to trim, every detail is carefully considered and inspected by hand to ensure quality and longevity. It’s abundantly clear these aren’t single-season pieces.

One of the best perks of wearing gear from a brand as premium as Moose Knuckles is that you never have to sacrifice style for versatility and comfort. The Saint Ulric parka is the winter equivalent of having your cake and eating it too. Not only does this parka offer unparalleled style, comfort, and durability, but it also features plenty of storage with six total pockets. Moreover, its increased coverage ensures total protection of your torso from the elements.

The Saint Ulric even has zipper adjustable side seam vents and zipper adjustable sleeves to make it more breathable. The longer you wear this parka, the more you realize the amount of time and effort the designers at Moose Knuckles put into making the Saint Ulric. Speaking of zippers, its Canadian-made metal YKK zippers resist freezing and rusting while providing an effortless pull. Every snap, rivet, button, and buckle is reinforced and made of metal to eliminate the threat of snags, tears, or rips.

For as stylish and durable as the Saint Ulric is, you’re going to have a difficult time thinking about anything other than how unimaginably comfortable this parka is. The Saint Ulric is smooth and soft to the touch while its weight and puffy insulation make you feel like you’re wrapped in an opulent blanket. What’s more, despite the Saint Ulric’s dense construction, it hugs the body comfortably without restricting your mobility in the slightest. While the idea of a slim-fit parka sounds almost paradoxical, the Saint Ulric is exactly that, as it follows the lines of your body seamlessly.

This comfy and snug fit comes as a surprise when you consider the ultra-warm, responsibly sourced RDS certified 650 FP 80/20 down insulation. For a parka this dense and warm, it wears like a base layer yet insulates like a parka. Its water and wind resistance is the real deal, too, and we had no trouble staying warm, dry, and cozy upon being caught in a surprise torrential downpour accompanied by some nasty winds during our testing.

In 2009, Moose Knuckles was born out of the desire to create the world’s best outerwear, and the Saint Ulric Parka is evidence that they succeeded. It’s a parka that accomplishes everything you’d want and need from a parka, while also elevating the standard of what a parka should be. Not only can this dapper garment tackle the harshest elements, but it also is versatile enough to wear every day. If you’re looking for a garment that protects, insulates, and dramatically ups your style quotient, then the Moose Knuckles Saint Ulric Parka is for you. The Saint Ulric retails for $1,045 and can be purchased on Moose Knuckles’ website.

Purchase: $1,045