stanhope2003
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I am looking for a cold weather mountaineering jacket for use mainly in NH for winter in the White Mountains. I am debating between Down and Synthetic (Primaloft).
I have looked at the Feathered Friends Volant and Wild Things Nevado Jacket. In terms of pricing I have a military discount that can be applied at Wild Things but not the FF Down Jacket. The Wild Things Jacket will be $155. The FF $430 +. The Wild Things Jacket could possibly be a little customized for a minimal cost as well.
Suggestions and advice?
Thank you.
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marks
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How cold does it get in the White Mountains? Feathered Friends makes incredible stuff but they are typically used for expedition mountaineering trips like Denali, Everest etc.
I think you'd find that a Feathered Friends jacket would be overkill for your needs. I don't have experience with Wild Things so I can't comment there.
I love down. It's warmth (especially anything with 400+ fill) is unbeatable. I just purchased this for my father who lives in Calgary, Canada (-22 F, -30 C multiple times per year):
650-filled down, insulated hood which is large enough for a helmet (if you're skiing etc).
The obvious downside is you can't get it wet but that's what a shell is for. That being said though if you get synthetic materials wet you're not going to be happy either (but it may keep you alive if you're a long way from civilization).
What activities are you using this jacket for?
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stanhope2003
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The temperatures in the Presidentials can be as low as -20F w/wind chill. I'll be using this jacket for generally single or two day ascents. I rented a FF Volant jacket for a May 3 day trip up Rainier and it was a great jacket but the high cost is hard to get past.
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marks
| Posted: October 9th, 2009 Edited: October 9th, 2009 | Quote, Reply |
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stanhope2003 said:
The temperatures in the Presidentials can be as low as -20F w/wind chill. I'll be using this jacket for generally single or two day ascents. I rented a FF Volant jacket for a May 3 day trip up Rainier and it was a great jacket but the high cost is hard to get past. |
Ok cool. Ya in that case I'd recommend you spend less on the jacket and plan on layering. This will cost you less, allow you to adapt better (because you can take things off; obviously if you have a expedition level jacket and a wicking shirt on your options are very limited).
For example:
or
with a mid to light fleece underneath it would allow you to partially unzip your jacket without your core freezing.
This way you could spend money where most people need it (gloves and boots). Checkout this years Mountaineering Gear Guide for more ideas. But ya I wouldn't recommend spending $400+ on a jacket if you're not planning to do Denali or something in that tier (and this isn't purely financial; sweating is a good way to be miserable in the cold regardless of the gear you've got so you don't want to overheat).
Mark
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brettbrown
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I have a M.H. Phantom jacket that I love. It's 800 fill and weighs one pound. The stuff sack is the size of a one pound coffee can. The only thing is that it does not have a hood and it is not DWR treated. (yes I have a hard shell but who throws on two layers when you belay). I was looking to upgrade to a jacket with a hood. It seems to me that buying the Sub zero 650 fill jacket is a step down (vs. 800 fill). The Absolute zero seems like a bit much. I stopped by Eddie Bauer to check out the 850 fill DWR treated jacket they have in their First Ascent line. It weighs 2 lbs and seems like a nice jacket. Then I looked through the pockets until I found the stuff sack. I think my M.H. Banchee zero degree sleeping bag has a smaller stuff sack. Any ideas on an 800-850 fill jacket with a hood that is not made for just the Himalayas or Alaska? I'm looking for a belay jacket (-20) and I am also planning a winter ascent of Rainier.
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brettbrown
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Just to answer my own question. I just ordered a Marmot Greenland Jacket from backcountry.com. With 20% off it was $288. It's 800 fill with DWR finish. I figure backcountry will let me return it if it shows up and I don't like it. I could have saved $50 if I wanted a blue one. I just figure that if I got red it would be easier to find my body should something happen.
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marks
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brettbrown said:
I could have saved $50 if I wanted a blue one. I just figure that if I got red it would be easier to find my body should something happen. |
Haha wow. Well, lets hope it doesn't come down to the color of your jacket because at that point you're in some serious trouble!
Mark
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stanhope2003
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For a belay jacket you might want to consider www.wildthingsgear.com they have a Outlet section and their belay jacket looks great. I am considering the Nevado or Belay jacket myself. The price is great. This is mainly for NH with a drier climate.
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