The Recycled Down Sweater Parka by Patagonia, made from recycled fishing nets, stands out as the best lightweight women’s parka according to Travel + Leisure.
Recycled commercial fishing nets are being repurposed in innovative ways, with one of the most notable applications being seen in Patagonia’s Recycled Down Sweater Parka. Recently highlighted in the February 12 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, the parka was rated as the best lightweight women’s parka out of 41 jackets tested, a feat that showcases Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability in its apparel production.
Maggie Stepian, a Montana-based writer and editor with extensive experience in outdoor gear testing, noted Patagonia’s use of NetPlus, a postconsumer recycled ripstop nylon made from discarded fishing nets. The parka also utilizes fully recycled goose and duck down for insulation. “Patagonia has a consistent dedication toward sustainability in its apparel, and this parka is no different,” she stated in the magazine.
Weighing just over 1 pound, the Recycled Down Sweater Parka is designed for convenience, as it can be packed into one of its own pockets, making it a travel-friendly option that fits easily in carry-on luggage. The testing conducted by Travel + Leisure assessed the jackets on various criteria, including warmth, fit, and unique features, with the Patagonia parka particularly noted for its performance in moderate winter weather and transitional shoulder-season temperatures experienced during tests in the chilly Northeast U.S.
The Travel + Leisure review highlighted the parka’s effectiveness in offering comfort without sacrificing mobility, a common drawback associated with longer jackets. “It does have a two-way zipper to ease any restriction, but we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been to move around in it,” the review mentioned.
The netting used in the creation of the parka is sourced from Bureo Inc., which operates from offices in Tacahuano, Chile, and Oxnard, California. The company is known for its signature NetPlus material, which addresses one of the more pressing forms of ocean pollution caused by discarded fishing nets.
Consumers interested in the Recycled Down Sweater Parka can find it available in multiple colors at retailers such as REI, Backcountry, and Patagonia.com, further emphasizing the growing trend of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
