It is very warm and comfortable. I have worn it on two climbs, both with very nasty weather. The parka really did its job. My only complaint is that the zipper is hard to get started. At first, I thought it was the high winds, darkness, altitude clumseyness, and thick gloves. Not so. It was hard to get started in the best of conditions. For a plan B- it has velcro strips, so you can close it if you get frustrated with the zipper. Also, for climbing, size it on the big size so it fits over your other layers easily.

Absolutely OUR favorite parkas. I bought my wife one and liked it so much that she bought ME one! We just got back from a Montana hike where the parkas worked especially well in the high winds,snow and variable temps. We use them here in the east for damp cold conditions with winds and light rain. O yeah my wife says that are great for riding horses in the cold ! Can't recommend them enough. Thanks to the staff of Whittaker Mountaineering for you help and recommendation. Karen and Joe Barkley. Oak Ridge, TN

I purchased this jacket to summit Rainier this summer based on the overwhelming great feedback from RMI and other retail sites. I have not used it on the mountain yet but have been wearing causally where I live in MN where we have been experiencing -21 air temps. I have worm this jacket while doing outside activities for hours and have had no issues with cold or wind. The jacket is extremely durable, an accommodating to additional layers. I really like that the hood is a zip off vs. snaps which usually wear on the fabric. My only concerns (if any) are the Jacket vs. the parka runs a little short in the front to accommodate a climbing harness so make sure your other layers protect these areas in extreme cold. Secondly, the zipper takes a little getting use to since it is sometimes hard to get lined up and started.

pros-light weight, very warm, compresses easily cons- none I have owned this parka for over 2 years now and it has been the best jacket I have ever owned. I went on a hike last year and the temp was around 30 below zero with wind chills around 50 below zero. I never got cold with this jacket on and just a base layer and a fleece under it. The other nice thing about this jacket is that you can carry a lighter weight sleeping bag and sleep with this jacket on to keep your pack weight down a little. every little bit helps. It is also nice to wear while taking a break just to put over you, it keeps you very warm. The shell is waterproof, so if it is snowing heavily, you also stay dry. A perfect jacket!! I just wish I would have bought it from Whittakers becaus they have the best price.