Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Parka - Men's
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Nyati's Review of Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Parka - Men's

Why get a jacket that is supposedly so warm? Well I live in Northern MN and ice fish on Canadian border lakes where the temps dip to -30F and the wind can make the wind chill drop to -50F. I've done this for 30 years and have tried many types of claimed warm clothes. Some work, some didn't. I'm hoping the Absolute Zero lives up to its name. 45 years ago I hiked 5 miles in -25F with the wind blowing 15 mph in a similar down jacket. It kept me from freezing as I'm still here. I wore that jacket out. Now I found the Absolute.
It fits true to size on me. I wear a XL and that is what i purchased. There is some room for a couple layers under it. I believe that is necessary. The construction is first rate, as are the bells and whistles. The loft matches or exceeds the coat I mentioned I had years ago. The hood and storm collar shield most of my head and face. Which should hold in the heat my body produces, so, I don't loose much up the chimney. In extreme cold I'll add a Balaclava to insure that doesn't happen.
Thus far my test experience has been to use it during MN's deer hunting season. It was cold and windy in the northern farm country where my stand is. Temps at sunrise ranged from +2 to +20F at daybreak. Winds were usually 10 to 15 mph with gusts one morning exceeding 35 mph. In my stand, I was exposed to the weather and the Absolute kept me comfortable. It blocked the wind and the water proof down did not loose loft from exterior moisture on one drizzly morning. My upper body never felt cold while I wore this jacket. The true test will come in January when trout season opens mid month up north. I look forward to the challenge.
PS: During one day of the deer hunt, a cold front in Canada moving south, got the geese to head south. On that day so many flocks flew over that the goose honking was continuous from noon to sunset. I've never witnessed such a spectacle before.
Pros:
  • Features, loft and construction
Cons:
  • Bulky
Best Used for:
  • temps below 32F
Would Recommend: Yes
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