UL winter Parka

So no interest in separating the systems into using a dedicated hardshell plus a separate puffy insulating layer?

It seems like any parka that combines the waterproof breathable shell with puffy insulation will always get wet in heavy aerobic activity since it breathes less.

I also have the MB Mirage but soon found a need for a more durable weather resistant parka to layer over an active midlayer Westcomb Tango (like the Nano Air) and/or my shell went with the Arcteryx Nuclei AR. Going on 4 seasons now and pretty happy with this parka and it is a pretty warm and weather resistant enough even on its own in an active scenario that I sometimes don’t even bring my shell when skiing downhill at a resort.

I found a used Grade VII and find it amazing, but yes, heavier than some and still pricey. 23.8oz in a medium on my scale, 11.7oz 800 fill, fit is pretty big with long arms and torso which was lacking on my previous Rab infinity. Medium covers my bum and I’m 5’11, somewhat broad shouldered. Easy to tuck hands in the sleeves. Face fabric feels tough without being overkill. Hood collapses well but also helmet compatible, great interior and exterior pockets. Burly #8 zips with draft tubes, zippers don’t catch.

Otherwise, nunatak, PhD, Goosefeet come to mind. Anyone have experience with these parkas? On paper they look great.

My Fitz Roy is pretty good and I was able to get it 50% off. But goosefeet can make it exactly how you want it for almost the same price as I paid.

Serge, you might want to pop into the MyTrail store on the Pearl St. mall. Seems like everything is on sale right now. An 850 fill parka, which looks a lot like the old GoLite Roan parka, goes for $250, and a 700 fill parka is just $80. The prices are right, for sure.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Rick, I’ve had that thought that maybe I want a thick synthetic. That AR shell looks bomber. If they made one, I’d probably buy an EE torrid with thick Apex and a 20d shell.

Edward, that grade VII looks tough to beat, just wish it were a lot cheaper.

Gary, thanks for the suggestion. Hope you are well!

As you mention apex…Nunatak Skaha Pullover apex?

I have the Pullover in 3.6 ounce body and 2.5 arms weighs 320 grams should it interest you.There are more variations-there is a paid section review on here.

Used it to -2C (but I believe in the BPL review they might refer to it’s use in much colder weather).with almost nothing underneath-purely for me a Static piece.

yeah, if your down is getting wet and losing it’s loft, maybe synthetic like apex would be better

but it weighs about twice as much for the same warmth.  And takes a lot more room to store in a backpack, down compresses very good for storage.

Thanks again for the input guys. Though I’d love to have a thick synthetic jacket, I’m thinking lots of down is what I really want.

Was able to find a great deal on a used Rab Neutron, which has 9oz of down with an endurance shell. Would rather have box baffled, but hard to pass this up at the price.

9oz of down sounds a bit light to me for an “Oh Sh*t” winter parka but if the price was right that’s also what I’d have bought.

Yeah, probably not ‘oh shit’ for all places but for where I’ll be going it should be a bit more burly than the mirage.

If’n yer gonna git down then git down with a water resisting treatment like Dri-Down or Down Tech.

I agree with the notion of using a lightweight wp shell over the top of a down jacket. The shell also blocks wind on the downhills and at other times. Easy to take off and put on. Or better, wear the shell and a fleece and carry the down jacket until needed.