Puffy suggestions

[Kevin G]

I picked up a well reviewed Black Diamond Belay Parka (200g) insulation. I’m still going to add a down option such as the Mirage in my arsenal though..

[Edward John M]

Have you ever had to do an overnite emergency bivvy before?

If you haven’t then you might find it worth your while to give one a go in your backyard or local area.

[Martin D]

I have a sierra designs parka from 20 years ago. 22oz, sewn through, 850 down with delicate fabric and zippers so a fair fill weight I’m sure. Sized to go over my shell.

It’s been with me on two February 3-day presi traverses, Katahdin in February twice as well, half the adk 46 as overnights. I had it down to -15f. I never had a need for something warmer.

[Edward John M]

I have a sierra designs parka from 20 years ago. 22oz, sewn through, 850 down with delicate fabric and zippers so a fair fill weight I’m sure. Sized to go over my shell.

I never had a need for something warmer.

I think the operative words there are the ones I highlit in bold, nothing worse than trying to cram a poofy down jacket inside a slim fitting hard shell; especially if taking off the hard shell to do so makes you cold by exposing you to a biting wind

[Kevin G]

I ended up getting  a Montbell Alpine Down Parka and a Black Diamond Stance parka as my two heavier insulating or “ belay pieces”. If it’s forecast to be wet and stormy I might bring the Black Diamond as it’s synthetic, otherwise the Montbell will be my go to option..

[JCH]

Kevin – I think you will be quite happy with the performance of your Montbell choice.  It looks like the Alpine Parka is a new model that offers similar warmth to the Mirage at a lower price and higher weight.

I find Montbell’s Down Insulation Chart graphic to be both very helpful and very accurate. I have previously owned a Superior Down Parka and currently own both the Plasma 1000 and Alpine Light Parkas. I find the Plasma and Alpine Light parkas to be nearly identical in warmth, as the chart indicates, and the position of the Superior in the chart aligns with my experience.

[Kevin G]

Thanks, I did go with the Alpine👍

[Kevin G]

Thank you. Yes, there was an email with a chart comparing all of their down jackets and the Alpine down was on par even slightly warmer than the Mirage so I went with that, plus had a nice look to it so it can do double duty even on cold days around town.. That chart was super helpful..

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