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Freedom251 › Blog › Archive collaborations

BEAMS and REI Bring Back the 1986 Expedition Parka for BEAMS’ 50th Anniversary

By Freedom251 Team · · 2 min read

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BEAMS and REI Co-op have revived REI’s 1986 Expedition Down Parka, turning a piece from REI’s own Living Archive into a limited-run collaboration. REI announced 500 jackets at a $599 launch price, with sales beginning October 6, 2026. The modern version keeps the original’s oversized, colorful character but uses updated materials and construction.

What is the BEAMS x REI Expedition Parka?

It is a new collaboration inspired by an original 1986 REI Expedition Down Parka found in REI’s Living Archive—not an ARC’TERYX archive piece. REI says the original was sold for more than two decades and designed for severe cold. Its historical account gives the original a comfort rating of 40°F below zero; that figure applies to the vintage garment, not the 2026 collaboration. REI’s announcement and Uncommon Path’s account describe the revival.

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REI says a BEAMS team visited Seattle in spring 2025 and saw the cobalt parka while browsing the archive. Will Dunn, manager of REI’s historic collection of products and stories, recalled that “in that moment, it was just obvious. That’s the garment.”

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What changed in the modern parka?

The new jacket combines recognizable heritage styling with updated materials. REI describes it as lighter than the original while retaining its puffy character.

#1 Best Overall
Boulder Creek Lightweight Expedition Parka
  • This lightweight parka has everything you need to face the elements. Made for changing temperatures, this winter jacket was made with a removable hood and equipped with 7 pockets so you can always carry what you need, including two button-snap top pockets, one with a second pocket with zip-closure, and two dual entry bottom snap-close pockets.
  • Relaxed fit
  • Removable hood with adjustable bungee
  • Full zip front
  • Boulder Creek is prepared for all of the big & tall guy’s adventures. Whether it’s adding a side-elastic waist to our durable cotton twill cargos or adding extra pockets to our jackets, we make sure everything passes the test for reliability, utility, and comfort. Even if your adventures aren’t in the great outdoors, tackle life in gear that’s rugged to the core.
Feature 1986 archival parka 2026 BEAMS x REI parka
Design Oversized, colorful silhouette; REI says it was designed for severe cold. Retains an oversized fit, bright color, archival-style snaps and heritage details.
Warmth information REI’s historical account gives the original a comfort rating of 40°F below zero. 650-fill-power down; no modern comfort-temperature rating is stated by REI.
Materials Not stated in the cited REI accounts. WINDSTOPPER® by GORE-TEX LABS® fabric, DWR treatment made without PFAS, and recycled materials.
Details and features The archive account identifies the cobalt original. Snap-in powder skirt, D-rings, red hood, gold co-branding and replica-style internal care label.
Price and quantity Not stated in the cited REI accounts. REI announced 500 units at a $599 launch price.

The red hood is a deliberate design reference: REI says it was inspired by a vintage jacket in the collection of BEAMS buyer Shigeru Kaneko. The sources describe the outer fabric and DWR treatment as water-resistant protection; they do not establish that the parka is waterproof. The modern jacket was also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, according to REI.

How to distinguish this from BEAMS’ ARC’TERYX archive revival

BEAMS has a separate 50th-anniversary project with ARC’TERYX called KOYO. Its central piece, the Theta AR Jacket, draws on the original 1998 model. The six-item collection also includes a Gamma Jacket, Jogen Pants, Kragg Cotton LS Shirt, Konseal 15 Backpack and Gamma 5 Panel Cap. BEAMS listed a ¥187,000 price for the KOYO Theta AR Jacket in its announcement; that is a separate product and price, not part of the REI parka collaboration. BEAMS’ KOYO announcement listed a September 25, 2026 launch at BEAMS Harajuku and selected ARC’TERYX brand stores in the US, UK, Canada and China.

Rank #2
Boulder Creek Lightweight Expedition Parka
  • This lightweight parka has everything you need to face the elements. Made for changing temperatures, this winter jacket was made with a removable hood and equipped with 7 pockets so you can always carry what you need, including two button-snap top pockets, one with a second pocket with zip-closure, and two dual entry bottom snap-close pockets.
  • Relaxed fit
  • Removable hood with adjustable bungee
  • Full zip front
  • Boulder Creek is prepared for all of the big & tall guy’s adventures. Whether it’s adding a side-elastic waist to our durable cotton twill cargos or adding extra pockets to our jackets, we make sure everything passes the test for reliability, utility, and comfort. Even if your adventures aren’t in the great outdoors, tackle life in gear that’s rugged to the core.

BEAMS was founded in Harajuku, Tokyo, in 1976 and marked its 50th anniversary in March 2026. The REI collaboration draws on REI’s archive, while KOYO revisits an ARC’TERYX design; they are distinct projects that share the anniversary moment.

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Price and availability

REI announced the 500-unit run at $599, with sales beginning October 6, 2026, online and at select stores. These are launch details, not confirmation of current stock. REI’s announcement does not establish availability through Amazon or other retailers.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Boulder Creek Lightweight Expedition Parka
Boulder Creek Lightweight Expedition Parka
Relaxed fit; Removable hood with adjustable bungee; Full zip front
$83.99
Bestseller No. 2
Boulder Creek Lightweight Expedition Parka
Boulder Creek Lightweight Expedition Parka
Relaxed fit; Removable hood with adjustable bungee; Full zip front
$83.99
Rank #3
Expedition Parka - Bilberry
  • Expedition Parka is an excellent choice for small and big adventures in cold weather where additional warmth is needed
  • This winter coat has been designed for all dogs, but it is especially beneficial for short-haired dogs and dogs without undercoat in cold conditions
  • The Expedition Parka is designed to allow for extended range of motion and not to restrict movement when the dog is running and playing
  • The neckline, length of the back and the collar circumference of the Expedition Parka all can be adjusted for a perfect fit. 3M reflective piping improve safety and visibility in the dark
  • NO TWO DOGS ARE THE SAME - Don’t guess on the size. Use the size chart along with the “Measuring Your Dog” size guide for a perfect fit. The back length is the most important for apparel. In addition to the basic sizes 8–32”, there are sizes 16XS and 18XS for Dachshunds and 12XL and 14XL for small, bull-type dogs

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.

Archive collaborationsBEAMSExpedition Parkaoutdoor apparelREI Co-op

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