Outdoor Research

Super Alpine Down Parka - Men's

Great parka

Very comfortable. I like that the large feels like a large tall. Outside in single digits for hours and stayed warm. I like the stuff sack attached to the inside pocket so I can stow it in the pack if I get too warm.

Subpar details + packaging

Size Bought:

S

Height:

5' 7"

The parka is decent but has noticeable flaws, including loose threads and small needle holes around the zipper, which could cause feathers to leak over time. Due to this lack of craftsmanship and attention to detail, I do not recommend this product. Backcountry's packaging was equally disappointing. For such an expensive and bulky item, it was shipped in a thin plastic wrap without perforations, making it difficult to open without tools and risking damage to the parka. The parka was squashed into a small ball, and the package even had a dark footprint on it (as shown in the picture), suggesting it had been stepped on during transit. A sturdier box or padded packaging would have provided better protection. Overall, I'm very disappointed in Backcountry's cost-cutting on shipping at the expense of their customers' satisfaction, especially given the company's already significant profit margins (we all know how they manipulate the "price match" system).

Great coat

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

XL

I bought this for cold days, and I’m always chilly. Wore it for the first time on a night when it was in the low 20’s and 20mph winds. I was very comfortable, not a bit of chill! Very earm, yet light weight!

Great build-odd sizing

Great build quality while being super light and comfy. My only issue is the sizing. I have lots of OR gear and always wear XL. I'm 6'2", 220lbs with wide shoulders. This jacket fits up top but is absolutely huge around the waist. Maybe I got the maternity version?

Great fit, extremely warm

Fits true to size, plenty of room for a helmet. I’ve only worn it out in the cold a bit to see how it heats up. Will update when I get a chance to test this more thoroughly.

Fantastic Coat!

My unit got issued these when we were overseas. Down to -40F it was tolerable with a base layer and watch cap. Wind didn't cut through and it didn't limit flexibility as much as our 3 layer parkas. It was bulky, but we were doing admin stuff so it was a pretty neutral concern at the time. When it comes to extreme cold every day, this is the coat to get.

Great for 6000m peaks

Bought this to climb & ski Cotopaxi and Cayambe in Ecuador. It kept me warm, not the lightest parka out there but it works great! It compresses down nicely as well.

I have bought this product 3 times

I use this all around in the cold climate. Super light, comfortable, and really warm. Only complaint is that the shell rips easily on a rouge branch or door appendage but that's my fault for not being aware of these types of dangers. This is the 3rd time buying this jacket. Usually lasts me 2 to 3 winters until my wife tells me it looks ratty. Scrunching up into the provided "scrunch" pocket into an 8" by 3" pillow has come in handy many times as a pillow or just to pack it away.

Nice jacket

Very good looking, great color, fits well, and is very warm. Looking forward to using it

Great Parka!

I have found this to be an exemplary parka, especially for its light weight, warmth, and compressibility / packability. It is soft and comfortable. There are similar parkas with a more element-resisting shell but most are less flexible and less versatile than this design. I highly recommend this parka.