What parka's warm enough for Everest's Khumbu Icefall?
My sweetie and I are going to Everest's Khumbu Icefall this December, where it's likely to be numbingly cold. I'd like to buy her a toasty parka for this trip and have homed in on Feathered Friends' Icefall and MEC's Frobisher. But will those jackets be significantly warmer than our current 550-fill REI parkas? Should I pay for the 800-fill down or Nextec Epic (apparently the best thing since somebody figured out how to shear a sheep) if I go with Feathered Friends? Or should I be looking at other parkas? Robert Fairview, Oregon
As for Nextec Epic, a silicon-impregnated fabricwell, I flat don't like it. The pieces I've worn simply didn't breathe very well. Better to go with the PTFE Lite shell, which is similar to Gore's DryLoft material.
MEC's Frobisher is also a fine parka, and at a current price of $336 U.S., it's also a bargain (www.mec.ca). It's a long-cut parka, like the Icefall, with marginally lesser down-fill (700, versus 750 for Feathered Friends) and features similar to the Icefall. Plus, it has a DryLoft shell, which isn't waterproof but is good at keeping the down dry when things like snowmelt are an issue. Strictly on price, the Frobisher is the way to go. Otherwise, my belief is that the Icefall or Frontpoint are slightly better made garments.
Have a great trip!
Support Outside Online
Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.