A parka is a heavy winter coat designed to keep you warm in extremely cold weather. The word comes from the Inuit people of the Arctic, who invented this style of clothing to survive brutal winter conditions where temperatures can drop far below zero.

What makes a parka different from a regular winter jacket? Parkas are typically longer, extending past your waist to protect your legs. They usually have a hood lined with fur or fake fur that shields your face from icy winds. The best parkas are insulated with materials like down feathers or synthetic padding that trap warm air close to your body.

When early Arctic explorers ventured into frozen regions, they quickly learned to copy Inuit designs. Modern parkas still follow the same basic principles: keep wind out, trap heat in, and protect as much of your body as possible. Today, you might see someone wearing a parka on a snowy day walking to school, or you might wear one yourself if you live somewhere with harsh winters. Scientists working in Antarctica rely on heavy-duty parkas to do their research. The parka remains one of humanity's most practical inventions for conquering cold weather.