REI Co-op and Beams unveiled the Beams x REI Co-op Expedition Parka, a limited-edition collaboration that revives one of REI’s most iconic cold-weather designs through the lens of contemporary Japanese style.
Inspired by an original 1986 Expedition Parka discovered in REI’s archive, the new jacket blends nearly 90 years of outdoor heritage with Beams’ distinct design. The result is a modern interpretation of a co-op classic, honoring the original’s purpose-built functionality while introducing modern materials and performance features for life outside today.
“The best pieces in our archive don’t feel like relics. They feel as relevant today as they did when they were first designed,” said Scott Mosher, creative director of brand at REI Co-op. “What made the Expedition Parka special in 1986 still matters today: purposeful design, durability and a deep connection to life outside. Working with Beams gave us a chance to celebrate that heritage while seeing it through a completely fresh lens.”
“Beams has always been interested in American style and the stories behind the clothes,” said Keita Kobayashi, Beams men’s casual buyer. “When we began working with the original Expedition Parka from REI’s archive, there were so many details that felt special and worth preserving. We wanted to respect what made the original distinctly REI while bringing a Beams perspective to how it could be worn today. That balance between outdoor function, history and everyday style is what makes this collaboration exciting to us.”
While rooted in heritage, the Expedition Parka is built for the present. The jacket features Windstopper by Gore-Tex Labs fabric, 650-fill-power down insulation, a durable water repellent (DWR) made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and recycled materials—and it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Co-branded details and a coordinating stuff sack complete the design.
Only 500 Beam x REI Co-op Expedition Parkas were produced, making this a highly limited-edition release.
The Expedition Parka marks the latest chapter in the relationship between REI and Beams, building on the brands’ successful 2025 collaboration with Swiss performance brand On. That collection brought the three brands together around outdoor culture, technical performance and everyday style, with REI’s archive providing inspiration and examples of timeless colorways.
