Nunatak Skaha Down Sweater

As I age and slip into decrepitude I find my ability to tolerate cold decreasing. I needed to up my insulation game if I wanted to keep doing overnight or multi-day trips in the snow.

The Nunatak Skaha down sweater became part of my cold weather gear kit four winters ago. Its use case is to ameliorate cold where I was feeling it most — on extended breaks and in camp. That is, it provides warmth when I am resting, not while I am moving.

The Skaha can be ordered as a stock item, but I have my preferences and ordered it as custom, omitting the hood and adding the kangaroo pocket, interior zip pocket and HyperDry down. Checking the website, it looks like kangaroo pockets and ExpedDry down are now stock. As a custom item, I was also able to order the sweater tailored to my measurements such as chest, sleeve length, back length etc.

You pay for all this of course. But I figured this would be the last backcountry winter jacket I would ever own, so I just went for it. And on cold winter mornings and evenings I have been very glad that I did.

Strengths:

• Outstanding workmanship and general quality. The stitching is straight and even. No loose threads on receipt, and none in its fifth winter of duty.
• It is warm. I’m good down into the single digits with baselayers, a mid-weight fleece,  the Skaha and a shell.
• Light and packable: 12 oz (w/ stuffsack), 13 x 5 inches packed. A hood would add 2-3 oz.

Weaknesses/limitations:

• Pricey. You can get something 90% as good for 60% of the cost. This limits my recommendation score.
• The collar is understuffed, allowing drafts in. I gave Nunatak my neck measurement, so no excuse for this.
• Not particularly breathable. You do not want to be wearing this if you are sweating. And you will be sweating if you are moving (unless it is well below zero F).

Bottom line: this is a top of the line item and you will pay accordingly. You will also appreciate it accordingly when the temperature drops.

Warm and toasty in camp. Wild Basin RMNP Feb 2022