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BEAMS and REI Co-op have revived REI’s 1986 Expedition Down Parka as a limited-run collaboration: REI announced 500 jackets at a $599 launch price, with sales beginning October 6, 2026. The modern parka keeps the original’s oversized, brightly colored character but updates its materials and construction. It comes from REI’s own Living Archive—not the separate ARC’TERYX archive project BEAMS also launched for its anniversary.
What is the BEAMS x REI Expedition Parka?
It is a modern collaboration based on an original REI Expedition Down Parka from 1986. REI says a BEAMS team encountered the cobalt-blue archival jacket in REI’s Living Archive during a visit to Seattle in spring 2025. An archival tag helped identify it. According to REI’s account, the original was designed for severe cold and sold for more than two decades.
REI’s historical editorial gives the original a comfort rating of 40°F below zero. That figure refers to the archival garment as described by REI; it is not a warmth rating for the 2026 collaboration.
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The new version updates the insulation and shell while retaining visual cues that made the original distinctive. REI describes a lighter jacket that preserves the original’s puffy character.
#1 Best Overall
- Quality Materials: This unisex parka for kids is insulated with 600-fill power down for amazing warmth. Waterproof shell keeps them dry while the upper body and hood are lined with anti-pill fleece.
- A Parka For The Ages: This outerwear staple has amazing Grow-A-Long sleeves that extend up to 1.5 inches. The bungee cord-lock adjustable waist assures the perfect fit. Guaranteed to grow alongside many winters.
- Warm and Cozy: Polyester insulation keeps you kid toasty all winter long. Faux fur trimmed collar adds a stylish touch to this classic solid color coat. SnowGuard wrist cuffs keep out snow and slush.
- Winter Ready Fit: Drop hem provides extra coverage in the back. Ideal for a family ski trip. Parka length falls below the hips. Adjustable cuffs feature a rip & grip closure.
- Go Everywhere: Pair this parka with a hat and gloves and your little one is ready for winter. Water repellent shell is perfect for hikes in the woods outdoor play and sledding down a big snowy hill.
| Feature | 1986 archival parka | 2026 BEAMS x REI collaboration |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette and appearance | Oversized, bright-colored design, as described by REI’s historical account. | Oversize fit and bright color, with archival-style snaps and heritage details. |
| Insulation and shell | Not stated in the cited REI accounts. | 650-fill-power down and WINDSTOPPER® by GORE-TEX LABS® fabric. |
| Weather treatment and materials | Not stated in the cited REI accounts. | DWR treatment made without PFAS and recycled materials. |
| Other details | Not stated in the cited REI accounts. | Snap-in powder skirt, D-rings, gold co-branding, replica-style internal care label and coordinating stuff sack. |
| Price and run | Not stated in the cited REI accounts. | REI announced 500 units at a $599 launch price in 2026. |
WINDSTOPPER fabric and DWR should not be read as a claim that the parka is waterproof: REI describes the DWR as providing water resistance, not a waterproof rating.
Why does the new jacket have a red hood?
The red hood is a deliberate design reference, not a detail attributed to the original cobalt parka. REI says it was inspired by a vintage jacket in the collection of BEAMS buyer Shigeru Kaneko. The contrast adds a strong color accent to the collaboration’s archival styling.
Rank #2
- Quality Materials: This unisex parka for kids is insulated with 600-fill power down for amazing warmth. Waterproof shell keeps them dry while the upper body and hood are lined with anti-pill fleece.
- A Parka For The Ages: This outerwear staple has amazing Grow-A-Long sleeves that extend up to 1.5 inches. The bungee cord-lock adjustable waist assures the perfect fit. Guaranteed to grow alongside many winters.
- Warm and Cozy: Polyester insulation keeps you kid toasty all winter long. Faux fur trimmed collar adds a stylish touch to this classic solid color coat. SnowGuard wrist cuffs keep out snow and slush.
- Winter Ready Fit: Drop hem provides extra coverage in the back. Ideal for a family ski trip. Parka length falls below the hips. Adjustable cuffs feature a rip & grip closure.
- Go Everywhere: Pair this parka with a hat and gloves and your little one is ready for winter. Water repellent shell is perfect for hikes in the woods outdoor play and sledding down a big snowy hill.
When did it launch, and what was the announced price?
REI announced the collaboration on October 6, 2026, with sales beginning that day online and at select stores. The announced launch price was $599, and REI said it produced 500 units. Those are launch details, not confirmation that the jacket remains in stock or available in every region.
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How does this relate to BEAMS’ other archive revival?
The REI collaboration is distinct from BEAMS’ 2026 ARC’TERYX × BEAMS KOYO Anniversary Collection. BEAMS said KOYO marked its 50th anniversary and its 25th collaboration anniversary with ARC’TERYX. Its central item, the Theta AR Jacket, draws on the original 1998 model; the six-piece collection also included a Gamma Jacket, Jogen Pants, Kragg Cotton LS Shirt, Konseal 15 Backpack and Gamma 5 Panel Cap. BEAMS listed a September 25, 2026 launch at BEAMS Harajuku and selected ARC’TERYX brand stores in the US, UK, Canada and China.
Rank #3
- Quality Materials: This unisex parka for kids is insulated with 600-fill power down for amazing warmth. Waterproof shell keeps them dry while the upper body and hood are lined with anti-pill fleece.
- A Parka For The Ages: This outerwear staple has amazing Grow-A-Long sleeves that extend up to 1.5 inches. The bungee cord-lock adjustable waist assures the perfect fit. Guaranteed to grow alongside many winters.
- Warm and Cozy: Polyester insulation keeps you kid toasty all winter long. Faux fur trimmed collar adds a stylish touch to this classic solid color coat. SnowGuard wrist cuffs keep out snow and slush.
- Winter Ready Fit: Drop hem provides extra coverage in the back. Ideal for a family ski trip. Parka length falls below the hips. Adjustable cuffs feature a rip & grip closure.
- Go Everywhere: Pair this parka with a hat and gloves and your little one is ready for winter. Water repellent shell is perfect for hikes in the woods outdoor play and sledding down a big snowy hill.
BEAMS was founded in Harajuku, Tokyo, in 1976 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in March 2026. The two archive projects share an anniversary moment, but the REI parka’s source is REI’s Living Archive, while KOYO revisits an ARC’TERYX design.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Quality Manufacturing: 100% waterproof polyester shell removable faux fur trim hood and 600 fill power down. Lightweight Hyper DRY Down retains its loft and warming power through tough conditions.
- Incredible Warmth: 600 fill power down offers thermal warmth in polar like temps. Lining and antistatic thread keep down in place. Sealed seams on shell. Insulated removable hood with bungee adjustment.
- Design Features: Mid-thigh length. Longer trench-like hem in back for added warmth when sitting. Two-way zipper front offers venting mobility. Inner drawcord waist adjusts. Waterproof.
- Everyday Essential: Keeps you warm without adding bulk. Ideal for layering and even better for those blustery days. Lightweight and cozy means it's easy to wear throughout the colder months.
- Fit for Every Body: Getting the best coat at even better value makes this the ultimate find for your winter needs. Everyone deserves quality winter clothes and we design clothing to fit every body.
Rank #4
- Quality Materials: This unisex parka for kids is insulated with 600-fill power down for amazing warmth. Waterproof shell keeps them dry while the upper body and hood are lined with anti-pill fleece.
- A Parka For The Ages: This outerwear staple has amazing Grow-A-Long sleeves that extend up to 1.5 inches. The bungee cord-lock adjustable waist assures the perfect fit. Guaranteed to grow alongside many winters.
- Warm and Cozy: Polyester insulation keeps you kid toasty all winter long. Faux fur trimmed collar adds a stylish touch to this classic solid color coat. SnowGuard wrist cuffs keep out snow and slush.
- Winter Ready Fit: Drop hem provides extra coverage in the back. Ideal for a family ski trip. Parka length falls below the hips. Adjustable cuffs feature a rip & grip closure.
- Go Everywhere: Pair this parka with a hat and gloves and your little one is ready for winter. Water repellent shell is perfect for hikes in the woods outdoor play and sledding down a big snowy hill.
Sources
- REI Co-op Newsroom: “REI Co-op and BEAMS bring a 1986 outdoor icon back to life,” October 6, 2026
- Erin Berger, Uncommon Path: “How a 1986 REI Co-op Parka Inspired a New Collaboration,” October 5, 2026
- BEAMS: ARC’TERYX × BEAMS KOYO anniversary collection announcement, September 21, 2026
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
