High altitude women's/Unisex parka Recomendations
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I am having a hard time finding a high altitude women's or unisex parka under $500. Does anyone have any suggestions? Looking to buy something for winter mountaineering. All of the mountaineering "Parkas" I am finding online seem to be glorified down winter coats not Alpine climbing Parkas (though their names suggest otherwise). What Parkas do you recommend?!?!? Also, I would love it if someone can point me in the direction of product reviews (FOR WOMANs Alpine climbing gear, if it exists). |
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How cold and what use, does it need to withstand sharp rocks or just snow and ice, would you wear it moving or sitting still? |
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Rab Neutrino Endurance or Positron. |
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I am very happy with my Mountain Equipment (the British brand) Dewline for jacket. I think their jackets have a good price/quality ratio. The Dewline is pretty much a lightweight down jacket (lightweight fabric, style) but has a lot wider baffles and some pretty serious down insulation. It's kept me warm down to minus 15/20 C and for me the women's fit is very comfortable. It's not really an issue with how I use it but a trade-off for the great warmth/weight ratio is durability. You're pretty much wearing a sleeping bag. For me it's warm enough but that's for ski touring/winter climbing in the Alps. You could check out their Lightline for a more substantial high altitude/expedition jacket. I agree that it really very much depends on what you will do with it :/ |
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I second recommendation for Rab and Mountain Equpiment! Both UK companies have a fairly robust technical offering in women's specific models. I have two down jackets from Rab, a box baffle parka (Alaska or winter camping) and big puffy (Infinity Endurance? that I wear for alpine climbing/ice climbing/mountaineering, etc.). |
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Are you actually planning on using this parka at high altitude, or just want something expeditionary warm for ice? If so, I don't recommend shopping on a specific budget. If it were me, and I was spending "X" amount on an expedition to a 6K-8K meter peak, then I'd want something that first and foremost fits the best, and secondly, meets the temperature requirements for the conditions I plan to encounter. I'd give Feathered Friends a look, followed by Rab's Expedition line. Most, if not all, high altitude specific down parkas are probably going to be more than $500, unfortunately. Think of it like this - Do you want to skimp on something that not only may save your life in the event of an emergency, or shop on a budget & buy something inadequate for the conditions? |
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