Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

Another preliminary review focusing on fit, features and construction.

Although many of you might be more attracted with the (on paper) 1 oz. savings of weight of the Cocoon Hooded Pullover, the Pro Parka has a lot going for it.

Let me first dispel one misconception of this garment---this is not a "parka" in the traditional sense of the word. Most parkas are cut discernably longer than a jacket---often over the hip and butt. The Pro Parka is not. For a given size compared to the pullover , this is about an inch longer. However, like most parkas, this does have a full zip, a real boon to ventilation.

Designed as a "belay jacket", this has a helmet compatible hood if you size it normally and has a fuller cut and longer arms compared to the pullover to accomadate both thicker layers and free movement. One can also elect to size it smaller---I'm normally a "L" but got this in the "M" as I'm not using this as a belay jacket but instead, as a part of my sleeping system and as a "warmup" jacket. If one looks at the sizing charts of both the Pullover and the Parka, a M Parka has the same sizing as a L Pullover, etc. Even at my 6' plus height and long arms, this works for me without hindering movement and I'll be able to use light and mediumweight baselayers underneath.

In keeping with the Alpine/Backcountry Skiing emphasis on the design of this "Parka", it has a different outer fabric than the pullover---another Pertex fabric, "Endurance" which is what I would call a "semi" Waterproof/Breathable fabric. It does have a thin membrane applied to the face fabric (giving it a slightly stiffer hand than the Quantum lining, but still quite soft and only nominally heavier) which makes it highly water resistant. Pertex does not claim it to be totally waterproof---on the Pertex website, the description of the fabric and it's membrane almost makes it sound like a form of "Epic' although unlike Epic, this does have a DWR treatment. Endurance is also supposed to be highly breathable, even at low temps. We shall see. I am hoping it will be breathable enough to use as a sleeping garment in conjunction with my quilt, a general use insulation jacket on backpacking trips as well as being my prime insulation on backcountry skiing trips.

Besides the full zip (a light but stout toothed zipper), there are 2 chest pockets (harness and waistbelt compatible) handy for storage of items you want at hand like camera, gloves, lip balm, compass, gps, etc. This is an improvement on the mini pocket of the pullover, in my book.

As I once wrote in a review of the original Pullover, I wish these garments had a true droptail (a feature claimed by BMW but very subtle in reality) to protect my heine from the elements. However, used in conjunction with the Cocoon Pants, there is plenty of overlap and certainly wouldn't be an issue as sleepwear. Other additions I'd like to see would be a small interior stash pocket, a more articulated neck (to allow the hood to move with your head movement) and an offset zip at the top so it doesn't hit you in the front of the chin. the stiffened zipper guard is effective in preventing your goatee from being sucked into the zip. I will probably remove the metal zipper pulls and replace w/ corded loops for easier use w/ gloved hands.

Quality, is very nice. materials first rate, detailing good and simple--- elasticized hem, shockcord hood adjustment. The hood will be very warm and a much desired addition to my sleeping system.

The weight, against all previous BMW precedent runs heavier than the specs (add "shocked" emoticon here). I have weighed both a L ( 12.85 oz.) and a M (11.78 oz.). This is against the 11 oz. for a size L stated by BMW. I wonder what actual weights for the Hooded Pullovers are coming in at?

I'll give this a provisional 4.5 out of 5.

Update--- I sprayed water at the exterior fabric for 15 min. without any penetration. Wow! Water would get in at the pockets but this is one very water resistant puppy.

Edited by kdesign on 07/13/2007 13:14:23 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

I read great reviews about this parka, and I am happy to say that, for the uses I have, it has been great.

I live in Australia, and was after a lightweight insulted jacket for ski touring, and also to add to my winter sleep system. Downunder we unfortunately seem to suffer from a significant deficit in high quality lightweight gear - I'm not sure why, as this item was hardly expensive compared with the locally available products.

The jacket is extremely well made, and the weight is insignificant compared with the fleece or down jackets we are used to - AND it has a water resistant outer layer!

As to design, the size fitted me well, although I would have liked a longer back, by about 2 inches, as I have a cold spot there, between it and the insulated pants I have. The hood fits very well, and as an addition to a lightweight homemade quilt style sleep system, it allows me to use the quilt (500g of 650 loft down) in temperatures down to -5C. However , for my requirments, the pockets are not that great - I would far prefer handwarmer pockets in a parka than the ones offered - in Oz we would rarely ski in such a jacket, so such pockets would not be used for storing skins, camera etc - it would more normally be used in the evenings around the tent, when the handwarmers are far more useful.

Overall, I'll give it a 4.5.

Rating: 4 / 5

I read great reviews about this parka, and I am happy to say that, for the uses I have, it has been great.

I live in Australia, and was after a lightweight insulted jacket for ski touring, and also to add to my winter sleep system. Downunder we unfortunately seem to suffer from a significant deficit in high quality lightweight gear - I'm not sure why, as this item was hardly expensive compared with the locally available products.

The jacket is extremely well made, and the weight is insignificant compared with the fleece or down jackets we are used to - AND it has a water resistant outer layer!

As to design, the size fitted me well, although I would have liked a longer back, by about 2 inches, as I have a cold spot there, between it and the insulated pants I have. The hood fits very well, and as an addition to a lightweight homemade quilt style sleep system, it allows me to use the quilt (500g of 650 loft down) in temperatures down to -5C. However , for my requirments, the pockets are not that great - I would far prefer handwarmer pockets in a parka than the ones offered - in Oz we would rarely ski in such a jacket, so such pockets would not be used for storing skins, camera etc - it would more normally be used in the evenings around the tent, when the handwarmers are far more useful.

Overall, I'll give it a 4.5.

Rating: 4 / 5

I have been able to test the Pro Parka now for about one month.
Sizing/Fit: I am 5'6 and 140lbs; the Parka (size XS)fits great with the exception of its length. one or two more inches would have been great.
Function: The two front pockest are nice but I also would have preferred hand-warmers. The directionality of the zippers is a bit counter-intitive; up=open and down=closed. Weight is 10oz.
Performance: This parka keeps me warm when resting down to 20F with two light baselayers. For me it has been warmer than the Micro Puff Pullover combined with a Possumd Down hat. I have yet to test its water/snow resistance.

Rating: 4 / 5

excellent review by Kevin Davidson - especially re sizing

as a result i also ordered the M which fits fine (normally i would order a L)

excellent build quality

like the hood

not sure about the shape/size/location of the pockets (would also prefer hand warmers plus mesh inner)

BPL states the L weighs 312g

my M weighs 339g....

Rating: 3 / 5

Build quality and materials are top notch. The Parka weighs 10.3 oz in a small. It abounds in warmth. Used it in temps. down to 13F over a TNF Impulse Hoodie and Marmot Ion windshirt while hanging out in camp during a snow storm. Sheds snow with ease.

I'm 5'10" and 165lbs. I ordered the small based on the BMW's recommedation.The torso is too short and was only okay because the waist on my Pro 60 Pants was up to my belly button and covered the gap. Ideally I would want the length of a large the sleeves of a small and the chest of an extra small. I know these are designed to go over other layers and if that was what I was looking for I would have gotten a medium to go over my Mont Bell UL inner jacket. I was looking for a trimmer fit and the small still didn't fit trim enough.

Other than fit it is an excellent product.

Edited by lightingboy on 07/30/2008 15:15:55 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

Ok, I'm new around here, so take this for what it's worth. I ordered this in XXL/Red. I love this thing! I'm very happy with the over-estimated sizing. I am 5' 11" and 285 lbs. In my case the parka fit perfectly! We recently dipped down to 8° here in northern Alabama and I eventually had to unzip this thing as I began to warm up durring a recent hike. I stood out in 30-40° temps for two hours today directing traffic at my church, the bright red color really helped here! Snug as a bug the whole time! I'm about to run out of exclaimation points so I'll end this... Just get it, it works.