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High altitude women's/Unisex parka Recomendations

Original Post
Rebekah Lührs · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2018 · Points: 0

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). 

Melanie Shea · · Denver · Joined Oct 2015 · Points: 10

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?

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0

Rab Neutrino Endurance or Positron.

Hanna D · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2017 · Points: 0

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 :/ 

Amy Krull · · Oregon · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 91

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.). 

AlpineIce · · Upstate, NY · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 255

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?  

Rebekah Lührs · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2018 · Points: 0
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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