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The popular Canadian outerwear brand Moose Knuckles is continuing to expand its name across the nation and into America. Moose Knuckles is a relatively new brand founded in 2009 by Will Poho and Mark Peros. Most of its manufacturing is done in Winnipeg. The brand is dominating the winter fashion scene through bomber jackets and parkas. Moose Knuckles are created from quality materials and are sweatshop free. The company also uses Canadian-origin gray duck down and farmed fox fur from Finland in order to ensure the materials are able to combat Canada’s harsh winters. Here is the Moose Knuckles Stirling Parka review:

How It Looks

"Wearing a Moose Knuckles Stirling is like driving a red Ferrari. You will be noticed."

The Stirling comes in at least 9 different shades of color. We reviewed the red model with black fur trim. Photos on the website convinced me the garment will provide a cinched waist, however I didn't feel restricted. The fur trim and goose down insulation allows you to be all bundled up and warm. Noticeably, the jacket has a Moose Knuckles signature metal detail on the upper arm of the garment. The signature catches the eyes in an instant, due to its unique look and new brand.

The pom-poms add a nice touch to the parka, adding a more feminine touch to the style. The double stitched durable canvas, luxurious fur, YKK zippers, and soft interior lining came together wonderfully upon putting it on for the first time. It was heavier than I thought, but the fitting was perfect. It was comfortable to wear and provided a more urban and versatile look. I took the Stirling out on a 9 degree day to see how it holds up. Wearing just a t-shirt inside, I never once felt the cold. Walking the streets of Philadelphia where every other person is wearing a Canada Goose or Montcler, I stood out like a sore thumb as people are trying to figure out what brand I'm wearing. A couple of girls even stopped and asked me what brand it is and where I purchased it. Wearing a Moose Knuckles Stirling is like driving a red Ferrari. You will be noticed.

Specialty

Moose Knuckles is ranked as the top parka brand for having the highest thermal insulation value. The Moose Knuckles parka came out with the result of a thermal insulation value of 2.11 clo. Thermal Insulation is the measure of resistance to dry heat transfer from a heated thermal manikin to a more cool environment. Thermal insulation is used to prevent excessive heat loss, which is the entire framework of an effective jacket. Moose Knuckles provide an amazing dependability on warmth and comfort due to their thermal insulation value. And wearing the Stirling for an entire day in single-digit weather, I can confidently say their research paid off.

Features

In addition to looking fabulous and keeping you warm the Stirling also comes equipped with features to appreciate. Most of which you'll have to see in person or experience first hand to appreciate.

Form fitting

This matters a lot to women and young girls. The Stirling looks great and even though it's fitting, it doesn't feel restricting.

Spacious hood

The fur lined hood is cavernous but fits comfortable thanks to adjustable straps on the back.

Quality fox trim fur

Moose Knuckles didn't cheap out on the fur. You will get plenty of high quality fur with the Stirling. Some parka offers low-grade synthetic fur purely for aesthetics. The fur on the Stirling is genuine, feels incredibly soft to the touch, and doesn't shed like many other brands.

Durable & Water resistant

The canvas material combined with double stitching are durable and made to last. It's also water resistant!

Quality zipper

The front zipper is heavy gauge YKK zippers and won't break on you anytime soon.

Plenty of pockets

Girls will understand the excitement of having pockets in just about anything. Four pockets on the outside and two on the inside of the jacket.

The Verdict

Many brands fail to understand what quality means in a jacket. Winters in Canada are harsh, it’s windy, cold, and downright undesirable. Comfort and style is a rare combination when you're trying to make a parka that can withstand Canada winters. The Moose Knuckles Stirling parka is able to give you the swag look and still keep you toasty warm. Despite having plenty to love, we managed to find a few flaws.

Pros

• You look unquestionably rich
• Fashionable
• Attention to detail styling
• Plenty of pockets
• Warm. Sourced from Canadian-origin gray duck
• Quality fox fur from Finland
• Durable construction that will last
• Value doesn't depreciate as much

Cons

• Heavy when compared to similar parkas
• Canvas material despite being durable, can feel rigid
• Outside breast pockets are too small

If you're looking for something discreet and low-key, look elsewhere. Moose Knuckles never intended the Stirling to be subtle. Make no mistake, you will stand out. For those living in harsh, cold conditions, investing in a reliable winter outer garment is a must. We highly recommend the Moose Knuckles Stirling because it's incredibly well made, warm without the bulk, fashionable, and will likely be the last winter coat you'll ever buy.

At $950, it's certainly not cheap but you get more than what you pay for. Despite being the new kid on the block, Moose Knuckles' unique line of products rival Canada Goose and Montcler in terms of quality, value, and appeal. The next time you're out shopping for a winter coat, put Moose Knuckles near the top of your list.

According to Ayala Pines and Elliot Aronson authors of Career Burnout: Causes and Cures; burnout is defined as "A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in emotionally demanding situations" and psychologist Herbert J. Freudenberger describes it as "A state of fatigue or frustration brought about by devotion to a cause, way of life, or relationship that failed to produce the expected reward". Taking these descriptions in mind, burnout in simple terms is a state of exhaustion and a sense of disillusionment.

Feeling exhausted and annoyed is common and many people often encounter these feelings at work or at home. But burnout goes deeper and there are just some days wherein you feel like throwing in the towel and just walking away. If you feel that you have signs of burnout, there are healthier ways of coping with it other than eating a pint of ice cream or bag of cookies. Here are some ways you can avoid burning out.

Get Fit

Following a fitness plan does not only help you stay healthy and keep off the pounds, but it can also keep you from burning out. Regular exercise helps release endorphins to the system, which is why you feel relaxed and accomplished after working out. It helps reduce stress levels in the body, plus makes you feel good that you are taking care of yourself physically.

Exercise also helps you sleep better at night. Good sleep can help your body repair itself after a stressful day so you feel rested and alert the next day, ready to tackle obstacles with a clear mind.

Job Analysis

Sometimes work can feel like running in a never ending treadmill. You feel like it’s a race and you’re never going to catch up. Feeling stressed frequently can lead to burn out. To avoid this, perform a job analysis so that you are clear on what is expected of you and you can prioritize what is important. When you know what to do, you can tackle projects more efficiently and delegate other tasks that aren’t important.

If you feel like you have more on your plate or if you’re taking on more work that you can handle then schedule a talk with your boss and discuss the issue privately. Let them know that the excessive workload is leading to your burn out. Be prepared to come up with ideas on how work can be delegated to somebody else.

Volunteer

Giving to others is an easy way to feel good. Sometimes all you need to brighten your soul is to help the less fortunate. Spending time in soup kitchens, senior homes or animal shelter can help you forget about your problems because you're focusing on other things. You can ask your community for referrals to local places where volunteer work might be needed. Helping others is a good way to appreciate what you have and forget about how bad you have it.

Ask For Help

If you're an I-can-do-it-by-myself sort of person, asking for help can be one of the hardest things you need to do if you want to avoid burnout. But asking for help does not mean to say you’re not resourceful or independent. Sometimes admitting that you need help is worth the embarrassment. Asking for help on a difficult project for instance can offer solutions you never thought of and can lead to the faster completion of the project. Help can also keep you from getting frustrated and save you from stress.

Laughter The Best Medicine

Humor helps keep stress and burnout away. Laughing or making others laugh can help lower stress levels and helps to relax you. When you're laughing, you will find it hard to be negative or glum about work or home life. Entertaining negative thoughts or being frustrated is harder when you’re watching a funny clip or making others around you laugh. Avoid burnout by learning funny jokes or watching funny videos on the web and sharing them with co-workers.

Burnout can lead to a variety of health problems such as depression, heart disease and even substance abuse. If you are concerned about burning out, seek professional help before it can affect your personal and professional life.