Mountain Hardwear Woman’s Sub Zero Parka
Retail price: $190
Specs per manufacturer: A tough down parka, built for tough environments, the Sub Zero handles arctic weather, so while the temperatures drop below zero, you stay protected and warm. Wt: 1 lbs 12 oz. 650-fill goose down.
When not in use, the jacket fits into a small stuff sack.
Findings: Let me begin by saying that I really hate being cold. I want to be warm and I want my coat to work. This means I have to have zippers that go and down easily and pockets that are in the right places and a hood that keeps your head warm and–and this a really big and–allows to still see where you are going. This coat scores big in all areas. There is a velcro strap around the wrists for a tight fit over gloves–this is especially handy when digging your kids out of snow caves that have collapsed. The inside pocket keeps my chap stick nice and warm so I don’t have to run a frozen stick of wax over my lips. This pocket is also placed in an ideal location for ski lift passes. The had warmer pockets go down deeper than the zipper. This means your stuff stays in the pocket even when it isn’t zipped up. Big bonus for me! There are two rip cords–one at the waist, and one at the bottom–to personalize your fit and keep snow out of your coat. The hood zips off for warmer, cold days when you don’t need to wrap your noggin in 650 fill down. Wide velcro closures wrap the hood around your chin for the days when you DO need the extra warmth. The extra length the parka provides over the jacket length, gives your tush some much needed insulation as well.