Columbia Reveals Limited Edition Star Wars: Empire Crew Parka

“R2 says the chances of survival are 725…to 1.” Fortunately Star Wars fans won’t have to worry about cold temperatures when they’re wearing the new Star Wars: Empire Crew Parka! Ahead of the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back Columbia Sportswear is celebrating with a limited edition parka inspired by the coats worn by the film crew.

UPDATE (12/6/2018):

  • Looks like the Columbia Sportswear store at Disney Springs will be getting some of the limited edition jackets for tomorrow’s official release.
  • Disney Springs shared a tweet encouraging guests to park at the Orange Garage for the best access to the store.
  • According to Columbia’s website, the Disney Springs location is open from 10 am – 11:30 pm on Fridays.
  • Columbia PFG at Disney Springs
    1520 East Buena Vista Drive
    Lake Buena Vista , FL 32830
    407.560.0868

What’s happening:

  • Columbia Sportswear has announced the release of a limited edition Star Wars: Empire Crew Parka.
  • The jacket is inspired by the original worn by cast and crew in 1979 while filming the iconic scenes of The Empire Strikes Back on ice planet Hoth.
  • The limited edition, unisex parka sells for $500 and will be available online at 12:01 am EST on Friday, December 7.
  • Additionally, select Columbia retail locations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea will also be selling the jacket.
  • Select U.S. stores are also carrying a handful of parkas signed by Mark Hamill. Fans can purchase a signed jacket for $1,980, with all proceeds of that sale donated to charity.
  • 1 per transaction, may not be combined with any promotion.

What you need to know/Nerd facts:

  • The officially-licensed jacket is modeled after the coat sworn by The Empire Strikes Back cast and crew while filming in sub-zero weather in Norway.
  • Worthy of ice planet Hoth, the waterproof-breathable shell with Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining and 200g insulation will keep you as warm as a Wookiee.
  • Features include:
    • Removable, adjustable hood with removable faux-fur trim
    • Two-way collar
    • Ribbed comfort cuffs
    • Wrist zips
    • Multifunctional pockets
    • A bold blue design with security stripes
    • Star Wars patches
    • Geographical filming coordinates in the lining
    • Customizable name plate on the chest pocket
  • The Empire Crew Parka is a unisex style.

Inspiration behind the jacket:

“Nearly 40 years ago in the frigid wilderness of Norway, a small group of cast and crew filmed several of the most recognizable scenes from Star WarsThe Empire Strikes Back. They needed winter gear to keep them protected from sub-zero temperatures encountered on location. Their jacket featured a unique design that currently makes it one of the most sought-after items among Star Wars collectors. Now fans can go behind-the-scenes with Columbia’s limited edition Star Wars :Empire Crew Parka.”

“The Star Wars: Empire Crew Parka pays homage to even the smallest details of the original design while incorporating Columbia’s weather-defying technologies to help protect against the most extreme winter conditions.”