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High loft synthetic insulating jackets are versatile performers whose primary advantage over down garments is the retention of insulating performance even when wet. Many of us have had moments when we have questioned the wisdom of our passion for the outdoors: lying in our bags during a night of freezing rain, hopping around camp to generate warmth on a sub-freezing morning, or sitting out a surprise summer squall high on a mountain ridge. A well-chosen high loft synthetic jacket can turn these moments of potential misery into fond memories and still help to keep us traveling light.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

  • Overview
  • Jackets Reviewed
    • Arc’Teryx Fission Belay Parka
    • Cloudveil Enclosure Mountain Parka
    • GoLite Belay Parka
    • Integral Designs Dolomitti Jacket
    • Mountain Equipment Co-op Magma Jacket
    • Moonstone Cirrus Jacket
    • Patagonia DAS Parka
    • Wild Things Belay Jacket
    • Wild Things EP Hooded Jacket
  • Synthetic Fill Insulation Overview
  • Shell Material and Performance Overview
  • Other Features
  • Ratings
    • Table: Ratings Chart for High Loft Synthetic Jackets (Warmth, Storm Resistance, Usability, Loft/Weight Ratio, Value, Value Weighted Average Score)
    • Table: In Brief Specifications for High Loft Synthetic Jackets Reviewed by Backpacking Light (Fill Type, Shell Fabric, Weight, Loft, Loft/Weight Ratio, cost)
  • Gear Guide to High Loft Synthetic Jackets
    • Gear Guide Selection Criteria
  • Review Criteria: High Loft Synthetic Jackets
    • Warmth
    • Storm Resistance
    • Usability
    • Value
  • Index of Reviews: High Loft Synthetic (Belay) Jackets
    • Arc’Teryx Fission Belay Parka
    • Cloudveil Enclosure Mountain Parka
    • GoLite Belay Parka
    • Integral Designs Dolomitti Jacket
    • Mountain Equipment Co-op Magma Jacket
    • Moonstone Cirrus Jacket
    • Patagonia DAS Parka
    • Wild Things Belay Jacket
    • Wild Things EP Hooded Jacket

ARTICLE LENGTH: 2,700 words. 3 Photos. 2 Tables.

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