Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Conduit SL Parka

[Captain Crunch]

Hi all,

 

I'm considering this parka. My intended uses are for -20F thru 20F. Mostly winter Cascades as a camp parka or belay jacket for ice.

 

Thoughts? Overkill? If you have one how do you like it and what purpose does it serve for you? I've read that the jacket is cut too short so I'm leaning toward the parka. How about size, I'm 6'0" and 180. I'm thinking an XL to ensure I can throw it over anything I'm wearing.

 

Thanks!

 

http://www.whittakermountaineering.com/cat/92/on-sale/insulation/mountain-hardwear/sub-zero-conduit-sl-parka

[LeTiger]

A good friend of mine uses his Sub-Zero on Hood in the winter with not many qualms.

 

You might try checking out the Jacket w/hood option, as E-OMC has it a bit cheaper (and is a CC Sponsor as well!)

 

http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/1121/Mountain-Hardwear-Sub-Zero-SL-Hooded-Jacket-Mens.html (Check out the XL "Tiger" colored one for 70 bucks off your quoted Whittaker price)

 

Another great option would be the FF (also a CC sponsor) Volant or Frontpoint Jacket, although quite a bit more expensive, definitely excellent quality. (Lighter, packs smaller, I have their "Icefall" parka, but its overkill for your average outing on Hood in acceptable weather)

 

http://www.featheredfriends.com/Picasso/Garments/Mid/VolantJacket.html (Make sure to get the hood version!)

http://www.featheredfriends.com/Picasso/Garments/Mid/FrontpointJacket.html

 

 

As far as -20 use of the Sub Zero, that might be pushing it if your on belay. I've seen it used comfortably down to about -10 with relatively zero windchill and a light underlayer, but at -20 you might need a heavier base layer to keep comfortable while on belay or at camp/bivy. Of course, this always depends on the person using it....

 

[Dane]

Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor Jacket

 

Bought this on sale last summer and used it all winter and spring in the Canadian Rockies and the Cascades. I have a couple of heavier jackets (Wild Things and NF and a similar lwt Patagonia) more akin to what you have posted. The Compressor has become the only climbing/belay jacket I use. As good in cold dry conditions as it has been in the typical wet and sloppy Cascade conditions. Credit given to the outer shell's "dry" finish and the synthetic insulation.

 

It is long enough to keep you warm, short enough to actually climb difficult terrain in. And a hood that works over any helmet. One of the most useful and best pieces of kit I own.

[CollinWoods]

If looking at the same jacket. Im 6'5" and i heard the same thing about it being short. Im going to run to REI, try it on and if i like it order it online.

: )

[paramagic]

Decent jacket (with hood) that I've used from AK to South America. Sure, there's better out there and I would love a Feathered Friends, but it works just fine.