Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket

Best down jacket for extremely frigid conditions. I call it the "Mt Everest" coat. It is ideal for temperatures below zero degrees F. I bought this down coat for a trip to Alaska in the winter.

I bought this coat for a couple trips to Alaska back in 2016. I am finally reviewing it because it has proven to be my go-to winter coat for extreme cold conditions, such as below zero. It is by far the warmest winter coat I have ever owned. I bought it at an REI Garage Sale in Tacoma, WA for a steal! The MSRP at the time was over $500, I paid $300.

 

 

 

Product DetailsMaterial

SL Rip AXE™ body and Conduit™ SL Laminate – 100% nylon ripstop. 30 denier warp and weft. Durable, lightweight and tear resistant. 1.6 oz/sq yd

AXF Super DWR finish repels water five times longer than standard DWRs

Durable, waterproof body with warm 650-fill down

Tech Features

Detachable hood for versatility

Baffle construction for maximum loft and warmth

Reinforced abrasion areas for durability

Articulated sleeves for mobility

Interior zip pocket for ID, keys, other small items

Interior water bottle pocket

One-handed hood and hem drawcords for quick fit adjustments

Stuff sack included

Fit

Relaxed

I have purchased really nice down jackets since I bought this one, with even higher down filling, but there is no comparison to the extreme warmth of this coat. This coat has a relaxed comfortable fit, it also has multiple points of adjustment cinch cords. The water resistance is rated at a 3000 which is a low number on the scale of waterproof. I did not find this an issue in freezing temperatures.

It is quite breathable with a high rating of 20000. I did not sweat at all while wearing this in Alaskan temperatures in the winter. However, if worn in higher temperatures, the answer is a definite yes. For instance, if I put the coat on in my house I am sweating within 5 minutes. It literally is made for freezing/frigid temperatures. It does layer very well. As seen below in my photos, I wore three base layers underneath, covered with a waterproof Mammut Jacket over it. I was quite warm and could play all day. 

I found that if I brushed up against anything it tolerated abrasion better than some of my other down jackets. The features of this coat work better than expected. The velcro sleeves prevent snow from coming up my arms and although it does not have a snow apron, I have not had any issue with snow in the waist area. What I especially loved about this coat in freezing temps is the removable hood. It is very well made and covers a lot! It also fares well with wearing a beanie type hat underneath the hood, as well as wearing a helmet. 

I have owned this coat for over nine years, and it has held up for very well for all the super cold winter trips I have used it on. In my mind I do not need to buy any other coat for this purpose.  I see no reason why this cost shouldn't hold up for another 10 years. 

 

 

Background

I grew up in Connecticut, so many years of cold winters and multiple winter coats.

Excellent jacket. Looks good and fits good. Shell is windproof and it's reinforced in the right spots. Plenty long to cover down to the hips and you can wear this over a shell if necessary.

Pockets (5) are great. The two big lower pockets are fleece lined. One interior and 2 Napoleon pockets. Hood is great and is detachable! Collar has been overfilled to block any wind from coming in the jacket. Wrists are velcro and elastic.

*The only problem with the jacket is the zipper could be bigger. It's hard to thread sometimes so I can imagine with gloves the cold or dark it would be tough. Fix that and this jacket is a steal at the price!!

This jacket is warmth.

As a photographer, I am often out in both pre dawn cold, but also just standing there. When I need to keep warm while not moving in really cold winter weather this is my turn to jacket.

The Jacket is big, puffy, and warm. I like the Conduit SL which makes this jacket able to withstand a wet snow I might otherwise need a shell over a down jacket. Fleece lined pockets make a difference to keep hands warm. The hood is super! A jacket for winter really needs a hood and this one delivers.

The cut is short but long enough. Perfect for a climber as it allows access for a harness.

My back measures around 19" and I fall right at the breakpoint between M and L on the Osprey back measurer. I find the Sub Zero is a perfect fit. But those with longer torsos often report it too short.

MH builds three jackets in this series- Jacket, Hooded Jacket, and Parka.

The plain jacket is a city coat. For winter outdoors get the hooded or parka as both have hoods. And for outdoor wear in milder seasons I'd get an 800 fill down sweater over the plain jacket. Both the parka and hooded jacket are nice. Check the length and decide which one is better for you and that is the one.

Note with 650 fill it is reasonably compressible. An 800 fill parka is more so but also costs twice as much. Catch a year end or REI sale and score this one. Two thumbs up!

This is hands down the best down jacket I've ever owned. It has many nice creature comforts, such as the lined pockets, but the real standouts are the excellent construction and overall warmth.

I have a fairly small build, so I haven't experienced the length problem that other reviewers mentioned. I have a size medium of this jacket.

I've used this jacket on many extended climbing trips, several spanning the winter. I've had mine for about 5 years now, and it's still in great shape. Own this jacket and fear no cold!

I've had this jacket for at least 5 years. It's been on one major expedition and numerous climbs in the Cascades. The longer I own it the more I like it. I'm a bit rough on it, stuffing it in the top of my pack along with screws and other sharp stuff, but there is not a single puncture or rip in the fabric. It still looks great and repels moisture. It's plenty warm. I got it a bit large to go over other gear; so it covers lower than a typical jacket. With down or fleece pants, it is adequate in all but the coldest conditions (where you need a full parka).

This is an excellent down jacket at all point of view, nice design, high quality fabric, strong and still supple, Conduit fabric is wonderful. A versatile winter down jacket for mountaineering and town.

If I had a wish, it would be to add a down section at bottom back because even for a XL men it was a little shorter for my 69.3" size, that's the reason why I bought also the same item in parka version (longer back)in a very nice blue color. If you buy this item you won't be disappointed.

Pros: very warm, good fit, hood adjustable to any head-size, convenient pockets.

Cons: velcro closure over zipper has started wearing out threads on jacket front after two years of wear.