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Himali Men’s Altitude Down Parka
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Looking at belay jackets for primarily next season for the Northeast. Common to start the day in the low teens (or less) with a windchill near to below zero. Also- headed to Rainier Kautz with 2 days at Hazard late May so it speeds up the purchase a bit since I’ll use it there as well. I’m 5’10 and 160lbs endurance athlete so not a ton of body fat to stay warm. Ever. Front runner was the RAB Mythic Ultra. It’s 537 grams and warmth would be 7650ci based on fill weight and fill power. It would be $495 before AAC discount. Obviously it’s RAB. It’ll be bomber and fantastic. I’m being picky and they don’t have a size/color combo I’d want. For that price, I’d like to be a little choosy. Tie for second: Mount Equipment Kryos. 610g/6600ci warmth and around $598. Zero stock till 9/2024 RAB Neutrino PRO 585g/6000ci warmth/$400
Then I came across the Himali. A search here has led to very little other than its decent. Specs wise it’s more Neutrino than Mythic at: 623g/6800ci warmth/ BUT… I’d like warmer, like the Mythic. At 6800 however that puts it in the ballpark -4°f comfort rating which tends to start at 7000ci. For the price, it seems like it would certainly do the trick and it’s not like I’m counting on it to summit Denali. So- any thoughts on it? Anyone own one? Comments at all? |
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I would confidently say that the Mountain Equipment Kryos is the best option in the lineup, though unfortunately the hardest to get. Absolutely bombproof of the best hood in the business. Its construction Lends itself to being warmer than that 6600 CI number. I know multiple people who have taken it up Denali in all sorts of conditions and have been comfortable. |
Finn Lanvers wrote: I agree and I actually rate it higher than the neutron due to its “shell” and construction. I know it absolutely would punch well above its weight. I plan to get one for sure, but can’t till well after Rainier. I’m thinking for the price I can snag a Himali for, it may be a good option as a placeholder. But I know nothing about it! |
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https://cumulus.equipment/us_en/men-down-jacket-neolite-endurance.html I have posted this here before and I love mine. .1oz less total weight with .5oz more of down than the mythic. |
Danny V wrote: That does look real nice. I’d likely end up leaning RAB at that price point since they are a few dollars apart and I’ve got a really solid history with them and their quality….unless cumulus runs a big sale. |
Kai Larson wrote: |
Kai Larson wrote: I should add that I own a Troll, and it is a really impressive jacket. Really warm, and great mobility (even if you generally only wear it when you're not moving.) |
Kai Larson wrote: First person reviews are great and helpful. Based on my chart I made it seems to be ver comparable in all stats to the FF Helios and the Himali Altitude. If I can track down a 15%ish off season sale it would be a great choice. |
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I have the Himali Altitude Parka. Unfortunately I was not able to use it as I just got it recently. I purchased it to use as a belay jacket. I tried Rab Alpine Generator before this. I am short 5’7” and stocky at 185. The large Rab was comically big and the medium too tight. I bought the large Himali based on comments and it is just right. Seems very puffy and I would have no qualms about taking it to Denali. My requirements were for it to fit comfortably over all my gear including harness. Also the Himali has one inside drop pocket which I have found handy. The Mythic doesn’t. Also the outside pockets are quite large and fleece lined. Hood seems great with or without helmet. With your athletic build you will probably have an easier time finding something that fits. Good luck |
Shawn John wrote: Troll is warmer than a FF Helios. Troll is fully baffled. |
Craeg Dubh wrote: Thanks Craeg. I’m thinking the medium would likely work for me in most any jacket. I tend to be a medium for sure in everything I own, and actually measure small in a few metrics. The only hangup I go back and forth on is typical ice climb wear when I’ve got 3 layers and then a BD stormline shell I always wear, and then a puffy over it. Medium is almost certainly fine- but I’d likely be able to pull off a large as well, albeit with a good amount of room. Plus side is that extra room doesn’t really matter on belay or sitting around at camp waiting to climb. I also can’t understand why RAB didn’t put an inside pocket in the Mythic Ultra. I get it’s supposed to be super light, but can’t understand why you’d forego what is basically an essential feature. It’s also not durable at all due to prioritizing weight- but I’d be fine with that since I wouldn’t likely be climbing in it. |
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Montbell‘s Japanese store is worth checking out— the exchange rate is excellent, their Alpine parka (200g fill, fully box baffled) is less than $200 shipped to the US. They also have an expedition model that’s probably overkill. (stick to the western fit models) https://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=230138 |
Eli W wrote: Great idea. Hadn’t thought of this route. |
