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
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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 HardwearÂ’s proprietary waterproof/breathable Conduit laminate. ItÂ’s cut long for good coverage and has handy features such as an interior water-bottle pocket. ItÂ’s perfectly good for Denali, and probably even for May climbs when it is really cold.
Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Parka
Sub Zero SL ParkaI also like MarmotÂ’s Greenland Baffled Down Jacket ($325). ItÂ’s 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. ItÂ’s also a little bit lighter at 31 ounces, versus 37 ounces for the Sub Zero.
If you really feel like spending some money, itÂ’s very hard to beat Feathered FriendsÂ’ 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 IÂ’ve mentioned, 34 ounces. The price is sort of stratospheric, at $475, but itÂ’s a real investment in thermal well-being.
Hope you have a great trip!
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