The Perfect Night For a Parker
I feel like there are very few occasions that bring the whole family together quite like bonfire night can. And when you're doing it the old school way, in a field, with a proper fire, sparklers, and at least one child who is absolutely convinced they don't need a coat, for me it’s the perfect night to call the winter Parka into action.
But getting everyone out of the door is, of course, the real challenge. One of my nieces for example, at three years old, has very strong opinions about which mittens she's wearing. The older ones think they're too cool for a coat until they’re shivering, and dad has to come to the rescue with his own as sacrifice. And by the time everyone is wrapped up and the sparklers are located, the sky is already dark and someone has lost a glove…
Sound familiar? Well that’s where Didrikson’s is my top pick for keeping the whole family warm this bonfire night.
Why Didriksons for Bonfire Night?
We all know that standing still in a cold field for two hours in November is a very different ask from walking round one! The wind and damp seep in, and there's no nipping inside to warm up- well not here when the fire has just got going and the children are desperate to get their hands on a sparkler.
You need both waterproofing and insulation, and Didriksons have been pros at perfecting this power combination since 1913, when Julius and Hanna Didrikson began crafting protective clothing for fishermen on Sweden's west coast. This, and their motto, "See You Outside", gives you the idea- Didriksons a brand built for people who are really outside, and we mean really.
And if you’re thinking only winter blacks and greys are for winter, think again. Factory Blue, Deep Green, Spring Red- a Didriksons Parka by firelight doesn’t have to mean dark all round.
For the Adults: Warm, Waterproof, and Worth the Wear
Our Top Women's Picks:
-
Didriksons Erika Ladies Parka 3
Our bestseller, and my standout women's pick for bonfire night. The Erika Ladies Parka is fully waterproof and windproof with taped seams, an adjustable hood with detachable faux fur trim, and reflective details throughout. The faux fur hood is the extra detail that takes it from just functional to fashionable too. And in Deep Green or Dark Night Blue, it takes the top spot for a reason.
-
Didriksons Bea Womens Parka 6
A slightly sportier option, but still a bestseller that works equally for bonfire night and every other day in November. Also fully waterproof and windproof with taped seams, adjustable hood, and a colour palette that includes Factory Blue, Deep Green, and Sunrise Mist. The Bea Women’s Parka is the alternative for those who want a little less structure, with none of the compromise on warmth.
Our Top Men's Picks
-
Didriksons Mens Soren Parka
The classic men's anchor for a cold November evening. A straight, unfussy fit that works in a field as well as it does day-to-day, with a two-way zip, adjustable hood, Velcro cuffs to keep the cold out, and chest and front zip pockets for everything from phones to sparklers. The Mens Soren Parka is also fully waterproof and windproof with taped seams, (you'll probably be noticing a theme by now!)
-
Didriksons Mens Grit Jacket 4
A shorter, more active cut for those who prefer a jacket over a parka. Boasting an adjustable hood with shaped brim, waterproof zips, and reflective details for visibility once the fireworks come out, the Mens Grit Jacket is a more relaxed option that doesn't compromise on the cold. Available in Black, Light Moss, and Blue Fog, and yes, waterproof and windproof with taped seams (of course).
Don't Just Rely on the Fire
Adults are the ones who know better than to leave the coat behind, but as we mentioned, standing still in a cold November field is a different beast entirely! Even a good coat needs something working underneath it, and a mid-layer under a Didriksons parka means you can stay comfortable from the first sparkler to the last ember.
For women, the Didriksons Anniken Womens Full Zip Fleece 2 is a snug, soft and comfortable layer that sits neatly under a parka. For men, the Didriksons Mens Vito Full Zip Fleece Jacket does the same job, keeping things warm and simple, with colour options of Light Moss, Dark Moss and Sleepy Blue if you fancy keeping the colour theme going.
For the Kids: Warm Hands, Bright Colours, No Arguments
I can certainly speak from experience when I say that getting children warm enough for a November bonfire night without a full-scale negotiation is an art form, and after years of practice as Aunty Sarah, I can confirm that the secret is making them actually want to wear the kit!
My youngest niece, at three, will wear whatever has the best colour. The older ones need to feel like they've chosen it themselves. And Didriksons, as it turns out, is surprisingly good at solving both problems.
-
Didriksons Kids Polarbjornen Printed Parka
My hero pick for the children. The Polarbjornen Printed Parka is seriously warm padded parka with a soft lining, detachable synthetic fur on the hood for extra insulation, and adjustable sizing that grows as they do. A key detail worth knowing on bonfire night is he reflective details throughout, which means they're visible in the dark even when they're not holding a sparkler! A coat for running, for standing, and for coming home exhausted.
-
Didriksons Kids Biggles Reflection Mittens
It’s not all about the coat, and this one is my bonfire night-specific pick. Waterproof and windproof, also with a reflective outer that catches the light. Add Reinforced palms and an adjustable cuff that actually stays done up, and the cold hands are the thing that ends a bonfire night early are no more with the Biggles Reflection Mittens!
-
Didriksons Kids Biggles Mittens 7
What’s better than one pair of mittens? One and a back-up! The warmer, cosier alternative for younger children or those who prioritise snugness over everything else. Still fully waterproof, high-pile lined, with a Velcro wrist strap and a clip to attach them to the jacket- which, for anyone who has ever lost a mitten at a bonfire, is a detail worth having!
See You Outside
Bonfire night in the countryside, with the right people and the right kit, is one of the best evenings winter can offer. The fire, the sparklers, the hot chocolate that's never quite hot by the time it reaches the last cup, and another reason to be out in the field with the family.
Didriksons' motto is "See You Outside", and on the fifth of November, standing in a dark field with the fire lit up and the kids finally happy in their mittens, is definitely worth the chaos.
Browse the full Didriksons collection at Hollands and get the family sorted before the fifth, and if you need a hand choosing, just give us a call, we're always happy to help!
About the Author
Sarah Holland
With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.
