Mountain Hardwear Aiguille Parka - Men's

 Brand : Mountain Hardwear
Item : MHW0215
The Mountain Hardwear Men's Aiguille Parka provides complete moisture protection and weighs only 1lb. No, it's not a typo, you read it right. Made from waterproof breathable Gore-Tex® PacLite® and Gore-Tex® XCR® material, this rain and snow shell is completely seam taped. Every zipper on the Aiguille Parka is waterproof, from the front pockets to the pitzips. When the wind is really cranking, it seems that snow can get into every nook and cranny. To combat this, Mountain Hardwear gave the Aiguille double drawcords on the hem, allowing you to completely seal off the bottom with two separate baffles. An ideal lightweight jacket for alpine climbers and backpackers, the Aiguille keeps you dry in horrible weather and barely weighs more than the tags it comes with.
Price: $294.95
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Product Reviews
Mountain Hardwear Aiguille Parka - Men's



Exceeding expectations
The Aiguille Parka was my first technical shell purchase. I tend to sweat a lot when working hard, even in the cold, and my old rubber raincoat was not cutting it on long hikes. I wanted something waterproof, but breathable, that was versatile enough for 4-season use. After much research, I settled on the Aiguille Parka because it had all the features I desired, and at a reasonable price. For my intended usage, the best waterproof/breathable material on the market right now, in my opinion is Gore-Tex Paclite. However, I tend to carry a heavy pack (40lbs.). So I wanted something that would offer the breathability of Paclite, but would resist abrasion from the straps of my pack. The Aiguille's design meets these needs exactly with Gore-Tex XCR on the shoulders. In a downpour, this thing stays bone-dry, and it isn't a sauna when climbing a Class 4 pitch. I have yet to take it into freezing weather, but I feel that I won't be disappointed in its performance below 32 degrees. Highly recommended - worth every dollar!


Well crafted parka, needs some polish
This is a great lightweight parka. My two complains are: the front zipper gets stuck (a beefier zipper would help) when trying to zip and when you raise your arms the skirt of the jacket pull up as well—not ideal when you’re ice climbing. However, if you’re not ice climbing this is a great jacket that is well built and well priced.


Super Jacket
First and foremost, I would like to give you guys a big thumbs up. I placed my order at 9:14PM and the package shipped later that night at 11:14PM. I got my jacket on time and in great shape. I could not be happier with the ordering experience. Now, to the jacket. This shell is very well made. The fabric feels very sturdy, but the overall package barely weighs a pound. The seams are seamed well, the zippers work fabulously, and the fit and finish are every bit as good as an Arc'Teryx shell. As for sizing, order larger rather than smaller This jacket is cut quite slim. Because of my lanky build, the length is a little short, but most climbers should fit well.


My experience with this parka
First of all this is a very well made jacket that weighs next to nothing. So, that being said here are my comments. One, I have the same problem with the sticking zipper that others have had and I just don't understand why it happens. My concern is that this front zipper will break or jam. Two, the fit of this jacket just doesn't make any sense to me. I normally wear a small to medium. And, this jacket is just way too snug for any type of serious layering. I have a size medium. I don't see how I can use it for winter camping at all. It will probably be just great for spring, summer or early fall wet weather. But, there is just not enough extra for a thick layer.


light and serviceable, but some drawbacks
Lightweight and packable, with a good fit all-around for my very slender frame. Downsides: 1) zipper catches on the way up and require some jacket manipulation to get all the way up, 2) pockets are the cross-pocket kind, which takes some getting used to and doesn't let you stand around with your hands in your pockets.




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