Is the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Parka good for Denali?
Is the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Parka good for Denali? Eduard Burleson, Texas
Heck, yeah. The Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL ($295) is designed for that kind of thing. It combines an ample amount of 650-fill down with a shell made from Mountain Hardwears proprietary waterproof/breathable Conduit laminate. Its cut long for good coverage and has handy features such as an interior water-bottle pocket. Its perfectly good for Denali, and probably even for May climbs when it is really cold.
Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Parka
Sub Zero SL Parka
I also like Marmots Greenland Baffled Down Jacket ($325). Its built with a little different design philosophy than the Sub Zero. It uses a higher grade of down (850 fill) and a water-resistant polyester shell, which in my view offers a little better breathability. So overall I think the Greenland may well be better suited for the cold, dry conditions you are apt to find on Denali. Its also a little bit lighter at 31 ounces, versus 37 ounces for the Sub Zero.
If you really feel like spending some money, its very hard to beat Feathered Friends Icefall Parka. It combines 850-fill down with an eVent shell, which makes it super-warm, waterproof, and very breathable. Weight is right between the two others Ive mentioned, 34 ounces. The price is sort of stratospheric, at $475, but its a real investment in thermal well-being.
Hope you have a great trip!
The 2009 Winter Outside Buyers Guide is now online so you can get prepped for gift-giving seasoneven if everything you pick is for yourself!
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