Mountain Hardwear Chillwave Jacket

Summary

Warm, windproof, very comfortable winter parka.

Moved to a much colder (But sunny'r! ) town. Was finding my lighter, low weight, hiking and skiing insulating jackets were just not warm enough for casual dog walking and sitting around outside etc. I was contemplating a 800 plus fill heavily insulated belay style parka, but stumbled into this at a excellent price and was wowed by the fit and comfort after trying it on. 

It is built a little beefier than most and for my intended use that's better. It has more abraision resistant fabric on the shoulders, hem and sleeve tops. It has 6 pockets, (2 hand warmer, fleece lined, 2 outside chest, 1 dump pocket and 1 zippered pocket inside).

Hood is heavily insulated with its own large chin draft collar (kind of redundant as the reg collar is tall, insulated and fleece lined) but is removable. 

Size... I was lucky and was able to try a medium and a large. I am 5.10, 175 lbs, and usually wear a medium in Mtn Hardwear, but I liked the large better for this jacket as the medium collar was to tight and the sleeves to short. As it is goiing to be a cold weather jacket i wanted room for an insulated under layer as well for those well below zero days here. When I put this on in a large I felt i was in my down sleeping bag, super comfy and snuggly! Perfect for throwing on in a hurry and beiing impervious to windy cold conditions.

This is not a minimalist small packing jacket, the weight is 2 lbs 7 oz, (39 oz)  and it is the same size as my 15 degree down sleeping bag in its supplied stuff sack,  but it has a wind blocking membrane and baffle construction. This makes for no cold spots or breeze thru the coat, it makes the jacket much warmer.

What a blast sitting around watching the stars in late October at 6000 ft in mt, and feeling like you are in your own bed at home!