A DOWN PARKA “UNICORN”

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I have a light, good quality down jacket (E.Bauer First Ascent) and a down vest, also from E.Bauer  First Ascent line. Ok for 3 season use and together with a WPB parka good for unexpected cold.

On the other end of the spectrum I also have an Eddie Bauer First Ascent PEAK XV baffled down parka rated at -30 F. (yep). The closest parka to it in warmth and features I know of os the Patagonia Fitzroy.

BUT -30 F. is too warm for most of my alpine skiing activities so I’m looking for a parka what is BAFFLED but good to around -15 F. or so. Seems 90% of the ones I like from Patagucci or Montbell are SEWN-THRU parkas.

Unless I’ve been hallucinating years ago (well, could have happened…) I thought PERTEX made a type of woven baffles that were maybe 1/2″ wide between inner and outer shells. IS it still around in any parkas?

In any case dows anyone know of a 15 F. baffled parka from a decent vendor?

 

[William Chilton]

I don’t know how much down you need for 15F, but Montane make the box-baffled Alpine 850 Hooded Down Jacket.

Are offset-baffles (in the torso only) good enough for you? If so, there’s the Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket, or the Berghaus MTN Arete Ultra Down Hoody.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Thanks William. The Montane is too pricey but looks like what I want.

The Berghaus is right in my brice range and might work. I think they are saying the torso is box baffled but the arms are not. Description is vague but I could live with that too. I’ll look into it more when I call them tomorrow.

Or I may just go with the very good LL Bean sewn-thru parka and wear my eVent parka over it in cooler weather. It’s doable and may be the most versatile route. Bean’s stuff wears and wears, always.

I have the -20 F. down mummy they once sold (luckily got it on a one day double sale) and it’s the best designed winter down bag I’ve ever seen such as being long for storing stuff in the foot area that you want to keep warm and has the best cord adjustments on any bag I’ve seen. It’s a winter cocoon – with a proper mattress, natch.

[Nicholas P]

The Katabatic Gear Tin cup has a great looking warmth to weight to price ratio and it is also on sale. It’s only boxed wall in the hood and shoulders but is definitely worth a look if you are considering a sewn through from LL Bean.

https://katabaticgear.com/products/tincup-down-jacket-mens

Otherwise I’d say check out Montbell and Nunatak but they are going to be a bit more expensive.

[Rob P]

Would the Tin Cup go down to -15f?  I think the OP was talking 15 below zero F, not 15 above zero F.  Did I read that incorrectly?

[Kevin O]

Cumulus neolite endurance? 9 oz of down and box baffled.

[Chris K]

Nunatak Kobuk UL when available..

Patagonia Alploft, but expensive..

Anyone try the Neolite Endurance?

[Marcus]

unicorns are expensive…

The Cumulus Neolite Endurance is a top contender

Montbell is also compelling with their –

Alpine (not alpine light) for a lighter non waterproof option

Or

Permafrost (not “permafrost light”) for a Gore Windstopper exterior for a 9oz weight penalty

 

Both are top choices given the cheap yen abailable on the montbell japan website. The permafrost from en.montbell.jp is only $320usd right now which is a smoking deal for this class of jacket.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Still deciding but I’m liking Montbell. i know it’s great quality.

[Gumbo]

I have a Cumulus Neolite Endurance, and am very happy with it. Warm!

https://cumulus.equipment/us_en/men-down-jacket-neolite-endurance.html

 

[Todd Stough]

https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/8495234/men-s-down-mountaineering-jacket-29c-red

Eric I’m pretty sure these are box baffle and only 21 ounce.  I can’t find it listed on the USA site but Canada has it for $220 CAD.  Decathlon also has their Trek 900 which is very similar and $199 USD, which might go on sale throughout the year.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Todd,

That’s like my Eddie Bauer -30 F. parka, which is a very nice expedition parka.

I’m looking for something that works to say, -10 F. With a base layer and heavy wool sweater or my Patagucci R2 hoodie.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Gumbo, That Cumulus Neolite looks good, price again, but good. Thanks

 

[Dan]

If you have access to a Montbell retail store, you might find some winter garments on the sale rack this time of year.

[Author]

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