Kinda off season, but this is when I start snooping around for deals!!!
I was considering the Montbell UL thermalwrap Parka w/ hood, or the Patagonia Puffer.
The montbell looks nice, but I have a Thermalwrap jacket and it is quite thin, but as warm as my fleece jackets.
Any other suggestions for a light WARM hooded parka for lauging at blowing snow?

I got a Montbell UL Down jacket for xmas. It was nice but I exchanged it for the Montbell Alpine Down jacket. The Alpine Down doesn't have a hood but throw a shell with hood over it during any precip and you are good to go. I only break it out in camp after a hike – it is too warm to hike in.

I have heard good things about the Patagonia Puffer especially if you are thinking synthetic.

Edited by tdilf on 05/12/2006 20:21:16 MDT.

The Rab neutrino endurance is my pick
it is also available in quantum fabric, but in wetter conditons. You will want the pertex endurance shell.

it is pricey ($390 endurance, $340 quantum)
but it is super warm at 22oz, it simply blows the competition away
Ryan jordan has called it the lightest winter worthy parka. But of course, it really depends on the temperature you are faceing, I am sure the thermawrap parka will be excellent if matched with other layers for the winter.

Note: the thermawrap parka is made with 80g/m2 excelloft compared to the 50g/m2 in the jacket, So is significantly warmer

good luck



"Alan and Ryan facing off in their Quantum-shelled down knickers and Rab Neutrino Parkas - which comprise a sub-28 oz combo, that when combined with a one (Ryan) or one and a half (Alan) pound down sleeping bag, provided plenty of warmth for winter camping in these conditions. Ellen and Carol look on, enamored by the puffy sexiness (sexy puffiness?) of their down clad comrades."

here is a link to some pictures from a trip where Ryan Jordan, Alan Dixon, and Dave Schultz all used the Neutrino parka

Edited by ryanf on 05/12/2006 21:00:53 MDT.

Thank you for the comparison! That is exactly what I was looking for.
I am looking for a hooded coat I can wear slacking around camp. I chill easily, and was thinking of layering the Thermalwrap Jacket under the Parka (I would layer fleece under it anyway, and the jacket has replaced my fleece) for bomber warmth.

From the picture, that looks like a great trip!

I have an opportunity to purchase a Montbell Thermalwrap parka, or a Patagonia Puffer Jacket.

Which one might perform best in cold winter conditions?