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Backpacker Magazine – September 2008

Extreme Layering: Cold-Weather Clothing

Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.

by: Annette McGivney, Photos by Sethhughes.com

Rab Ascent
Rab Ascent
Cloudveil Koven Plus
Cloudveil Koven Plus
ARC'TERYX Kappa AR Pant
ARC'TERYX Kappa AR Pant
The North Face Omen Power Stretch
The North Face Omen Power Stretch
Sierra Designs DriZone Booties
Sierra Designs DriZone Booties
Outdoor Research Criterio
Outdoor Research Criterio

All weights are for men's large (unless otherwise noted), on BACKPACKER scales.

For more in-depth apparel reviews, check out our exclusive online Apparel Guide supplement.

INSULATION

Rab Ascent
One game tester used this super-puffy 650-fill down parka in lieu of a sleeping bag in Colorado's Pawnee National Grasslands. Even though temps dipped below freezing, he reported snoozing soundly inside his bivy sack with the Ascent (plus a soft shell draped over his legs). Supple Pertex shell fabric makes the Ascent water and wind resistant, breathable, and stuffable down to football size. Large, zippered handwarmer pockets offer plenty of storage, and a generously insulated, detachable, wire-brimmed hood sheds snow without blocking vision. And the price is right. $185; men's S-XXL, women's 8-16; 1 lb. 15 oz.; rab.uk.com. Reader service #101


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READERS COMMENTS

i agree whole-heartedly.

and thanks to dan and andy, i can now navigate around this stie.

thanks, guys!
Posted: Oct 11, 2008 erichapman

+1 on Dan's post
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 TMick

It's true what Dan said! Either use the numbers on the picture or the catagories or both to change the view. I kept changing the numbers on the picture and nothing happened with the review until I read Dan's comment.
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 Andy Stotz

why is your review section so confusing!!! it's impossible to figure anything out... let alone leave a review because nothing ever matches up. time for a complete revamp. seriously.
Posted: Oct 03, 2008 dan

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