Outer Edge Magazine

Mountain Hardware Sub Zero down jacket
RRP $579.99
mountainhardwear.com

REVIEW #1:
Before striking out in to the Victorian High Country I had an inkling that this jacket was going to be a slight bit of overkill. Once I had struck out into the Victorian High Country I was glad that I was killing the cold with this beast of a jacket.

First the confession: I’m a little sooky when it comes to being freezing so my natural inclination is to go for more rather than less. Though it is undoubtedly heavy and takes up a fair whack of your precious space, I was very glad to have it when we were up on top of Mt Feathertop, Victoria, the sun below the horizon, a cold wind tearing across the ridgeline and the air feeling every bit of the predicted minus 7 degrees. The envious eyes of my companions confirmed it.

It’s got a multitude of different pockets and I reckon that I used just about every one. Being organised and knowing where your little bits and pieces are is key to being comfortable in hostile surrounds. Lighter, check; gloves, here; beanie, this one; port, yes. The lined front pockets were especially excellent for quickly warming hands that had been exposed during cooking, eating or adjusting a buffeted tent.

The insulated hood was exceptional, largely doing away with the need for a dedicated neck warmer. The hood’s press stud attachment system though saw me popping a few of them when I didn’t want to, maybe it would work better as a zipper because I’m not sold on its current design. The front zipper is also a little troublesome to first engage. My fat fingers or slight usability issue? I’m leaning toward usability (I have quite delicate fingers).

Sub Zero by name, sub zero by nature: this jacket was long, warm and has the same comforting embrace as your mother did when you were a child.

Reviewer: Simon Madden, journalist & backcountry skier
Location: Mt Feathertop, Victoria, snow/mountain
Date: July, 2010

REVIEW #2:
The Sub Zero SL was the most ‘hardcore’ jacket on the Outer Edge magazine down jacket survey (see edition 20, Jun-July 2010) and is designed specifically with alpine climbing in mind.

Checking in at just a shade over a kilo, it is not a lightweight jacket. However, it is extremely warm, durable and water-resistant.

It comes with a longer than usual body, snug hood (which is removable) and loads of neat features, from fleece-lined pockets to reinforced abrasion areas in high-wear spots.

It is also the only jacket with baffles (just on the body, the arms are stitched through). The jacket uses a 650 loft goose down, while the face fabric is Conduit SL – making the jacket super water-resistant.

While it is not a jacket for those who like to travel light, it will keep you toasty warm in all but the most extreme conditions.

Reviewer: Pat Kinsella, managing editor, Outer Edge
Location: Chill On ice bar, Melbourne (chillon.com.au) + Mt Buller, Victoria, ice cave, snow/mountain
Date: April/May, 2010