Mountain Hardwear Women's 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.