Crux down jackets with event shell

Hi Lars,

I have the Crux Lava but only use it around town so it does not see much use.
Coldest has been down to baout -22C, the event shell is very good

I am thinking of selling it though to get a warmer Parka as it gets to -30c where I live.

Regards,

Stephen

I'm personally not really into the mix of insulation + waterproof shell for the backcountry, especially if you are trying to go light. It's a fantastic sort of jacket for single day-only use like going to work or going skiing, but having your waterproof and insulation in a single piece really hampers the versatility when you are facing changing weather conditions and a multi-day trip.

For instance, you may choose to wear your waterproof shell if it is VERY windy or raining, while you are active. You would not want insulation then. I have snowshoed in windy conditions where nothing short of a waterproof shell is sufficient, due to wind cutting through my windshirt.

Conversely, when you are taking a break you may choose to put on insulation but not your hardshell, so that some moisture can pass more readily through your insulation and not condense sweat inside the jacket. Insulation welded to a hard shell will dry slower in this case, as well.

Finally, maintenance. It's often best to wash eVent garments as frequently as possible to restore the DWR and clear the membrane of oils and grime, up to several times per month with heavy use. On the other hand, most people will wash down garments no more than once a year, if even that much, because down has to be treated carefully and correctly to maintain the loft.

Fair points Stephen,

I know the guy who designed the Crux Lava and he has used it on Cho Yo in the Himalya and said it worked perfectly.

A lot of Expedition grade Parkas do have waterproof shells, I would see this a as good parka for Winter Alpine.

Stephen,
I don't doubt that the Crux Lava and other pieces are great. I love gear and have (too many) pieces of awesome, specialized gear in my garage.

I have a waterproof insulated jacket that I like very much. However, I find it stuffy when I am active and then I sweat, so I could not use this alone under all conditions I may expect to face on the mountain. When I am less active it is great, owing to the fact that I do not lose warmth to air movement.

If there is any kind of fabric to use for a waterproof/insulated jacket, eVent would be the best as it is the most breathable. However, I feel that the combo jacket's versatility is still lessened by the fact that it is, in fact, combo waterproof/insulated, since there are times I may require one and not the other.

I don't know anything about 20k'+ mountain gear and have never been below 0ºF so I wouldn't be surprised if there is a different philosophy towards gear used there, but with a little bit of subfreezing backpacking, some 12-14k' summits and ice climbing experience, I found what I prefer and what works for me.

Hi Stephen,

To me this Parka is definitely only for static use no matter how cold. If I tried to wear this while active at -10f I would fry.

Thanks guys, useful insights!

I´d mostly be using a piece this warm in town and for day trips, I think. Another use will be hanging out and watching the kids play in the snow – and playing with them, which is why I´d like some protection against it getting wet. I´m too much of a wuss to sleep out when it gets below 0f.

Maybe better to get a lighter one with good DWR. RAB Neutrino Endurance, maybe. I think I´ll wait with the treated down until it has proven itself.

Thanks again!

In that case, you should go for it if you still desire it.

For general, non-backpacking/climbing/alpine-day use I strongly prefer my waterproof/insulated jacket over some other combination of jackets. It is warmer, has better hand pockets, and one less layer to shed and don as I go indoors and out. I'd never take it to the backcountry (heavy!), but it does a great job in frontcountry and urbania.