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Waterproof down jacket or Parka

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
I’m looking to get a new waterproof down jacket or Parka for days when not skiing but out in equally cold weather. Also I am going to Iceland during winter so will be using it then also. Can anyone recommend a manufacturer or has anyone got experience of a certain model that they are happy with. I’m 6ft 5in and about 90kg

Thanks
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I tried on a Rab Resolution in the local Go Outdoors last winter. It looks a serious piece of kit. I'm still tempted!

https://rab.equipment/uk/resolution-jacket
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
I used to use a lot of Rab down kit at work, and have used their down products in the Himalayas. For the past 4 years I have been using Jottnar kit, and can say that the Fjorm down jacket is very warm indeed and see that they are taken pre-orders for their new waterproof down ski jacket the Ragnarok.
If you want a longer length for very cold environments then have a look at the Fjallraven Yupik too.
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I'm 6'3" & about 88 kg with a long back & arms & find it almost impossible to buy jackets to fit, especially re. arm length. I was in NZ this year & tried on padded jackets at the Macpac shop & they actually felt long on my arms so I bought one & am very happy with it. Not sure about the waterproof issue though; not what I would choose to wear in the rain.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Maybe try LL Bean, who usually do a "Tall" version.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
Arcteryx have several which would be suitable. Camosun, Therme and Fission SV off the top of my head. Not cheap though but samples can be purchased from Sportpursuit

I have a Fission SL which fits the above requirements well
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Some good suggestions so far, thanks!! (but keep them coming)

I can feel the wallet getting a bashing soon Smile
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
I have a Montane down jacket (800 fill) that has served me very well and is very stylish.

I also have a Craghoppers BG parka which is a little better for wetter/snowier weather.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
DrNo wrote:
Arcteryx have several which would be suitable. Camosun, Therme and Fission SV off the top of my head. Not cheap though but samples can be purchased from Sportpursuit

I have a Fission SL which fits the above requirements well


Most of the samples on Sportpursuit are Mediums. In the Arcteryx sale only 2 items are XL (my size).
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
Not sure down+waterproof is a good combo . To me, if its warm enough to rain I dont need super warm jackets. With that in mind, wet = shell + layers, for cold weather i have a montane ice guide , which is resistant to rain, yet stays warm if it gets wet.
In a similar vein but colder, I had a mountain equipment citadel, which was incredibly warm , so much so that it rarely got worn.
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I have a lightweight rab waterproof jacket that I put on over a down jacket if going out in the rain, that way I have a three way combo it rolls up small so can easily fit in the pocket. Just a thought.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I've had waterproof down jackets now and then over the years, but on balance for me at least it's not the correct combination. If it's seriously cold then it's generally snowing not raining. Stuff like GoreTex isn't really designed to be used like that. Pertex is fairly common and seems like a reasonable compromise, but it's not "water proof".

As far as manufacturers... I've never had a bad down jacket. I like the more niche manufacturers, whose quality I think is more consistent than major fashion brands.
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So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
@Pezza26, I bought a RAB Electron a year or two back for broadly the same reasons as you after a fair bit of research.

Nikwax hydrophobic down and Pertex shell - had it for a couple of years, nice and warm and if it rains, it just beads and runs off.

I like that it has extra down sewn into "cool" areas of your body - well designed.

Cant say I have tested the "hydrophobic" qualities of the down as yet, I always take the view that down jackets need a decent airing after use (i.e. dont stuff them straight in the cupboard).
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
I'm with @Roguevfr, and @philwig, - if it's cold enough to need down, it's not going to be raining.

Anyway, in the main, I'm layering, down jackets excepted all I have are shells.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Indeed, that was actually sarcasm wink
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@philwig, but absolutely spot on. Could see some stationary activities (belaying) in sleet ... but still.

Actually plays into the other thing, I don't think you want natural down if you're being active Shocked
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Iceland is not *that* cold, it looks like in winter average temperature range is around +3 to -10. Assuming you are mainly out in the "day" (not a whole lot of sun at that time of year!) You can be expecting +3 to -6. A big down jacket is overkill. Layering approach makes more sense and gives you more flexibility in controlling your temperature. Thermal base layer, fleece, light down jacket, waterproof shell over the top should be adequate. Add an extra layer of still cold.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
boarder2020 wrote:
Iceland is not *that* cold, it looks like in winter average temperature range is around +3 to -10. Assuming you are mainly out in the "day" (not a whole lot of sun at that time of year!) You can be expecting +3 to -6. . Thermal base layer, fleece, light down jacket, waterproof shell over the top should be adequate. Add an extra layer of still cold.


Jeez, you've at least one layer too many there already..
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That's absolutely true. I was to Island in January 2019 and it really wasn't "that" cold. On the coldest day, it was around -5, so there's really no need for a big down jacket.
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