Gear Review: Montbell Colorado Parka

Circumstances of review

Throughout the winter and early Spring I wore the Montbell Colorado Parka exclusively.  I’ve worn it extensively both on and off trail.  It’s ideal for keeping warm and the ever important style factor is pretty high too.  I have shovelled snow and slept in this parka.  Worn it on super cold and windy days on the trail and out with friends and family.  It became my go to parka in the cold PA winter.

Description

This reversible down parka boasts a generous urban cut and value oriented performance details making it ideal for light duty trekking, leisure travel, or the daily commute. We maximize the effectiveness of the insulation by sandwiching the down between two layers of lightweight nylon, then adding a third layer of more durable nylon. All of the fabrics utilized are tightly woven and extremely resistant to wind helping you to hold on to the heat your body naturally produces. With the use of different fabrics and a quilted or smooth face you get two very distinct looks; town or trail. The Colorado Parka is well suited to active travelers that require warmth, value, and versatility.

Specs

Weight	21.4 oz. (607 g)
Fill weight	3.2 oz. (90 g)
Insulation	650 Fill Power Down
Fabric	40×90-denier nylon tussah 20-denier rip stop nylon
DWR	Standard DWR treatment
Country of origin	CHINA
Other	Front zipper: Left hand insert (Right side slider)

Pros

Many down puffy’s have sewn through baffles.  The material on the outside is sewn directly to the inside material to create the baffles.  This creates cold spots and reduces the overall warmth of the jacket.  The parka is a 3 layer construction.  Making it warmer and more wind resistant.  Hand warmer pockets as well as a breast pocket perfect for a cell phone.  It also has a 2 way adjustable hood.  So you can tighten it around your face and still pull the top back to keep it out of your eyes.  Hidden drawstring inside the pockets keep the strings from catching on anything you walk passed.  Elastic cuffs to keep the draft from going up your sleeves.  It also comes in an urban cut but with plenty of room for added layers underneath.  I spent one chilly night with my Montbell Down Anorak comfortably under my Colorado Parka while in my tent.

“Montbell never purchases down from operations that practice “live-plucking” methods.” – Montbell.us

Cons

The only thing I could see as being an issue with the parka is the weight.  It weighs in around 21 ounces so it’s approaching the top end of the UL category, but since it’s for warmth and wind protection it’s more of a compromise than a con.

Value

If someone was looking to get into the down puffy game but didn’t want to spend the money on more than one jacket, this is the perfect way to do it.  Priced at $179 and available in 3 color choices it’s a functional stylish and warm option.  It will provide you with warmth and wind resistance without having to buy 2 seperate expensive layers.   It’s also perfect for those of us trying to minimize out closet space by purchasing numerous outer layers.

Overall

I’m a huge fan of my Colorado Parka to say the least.  I’ve gotten more compliments and been asked about it more than any other piece of gear or clothing I own.  I have used it to keep warm on super cold nights in my tent as well as nights out on the town.  It’s a great addition for those of us living the outdoor lifestyle.  Montbell has an extensive down lineup seen below for all levels of activity and warmth.

Shop the Montbell Colorado Parka Here