Gear Review: Rab Ascent Jacket

Warmest

Your sleeping bag might be warmer than this overstuffed, 650-fill down parka–but not by much. In the Tetons, testers stayed comfortable in the Ascent when sitting around in single-digit temps. At under two pounds, it offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The generously insulated (and removable) hood cinches down over the forehead; a wire brim provides extra snow protection and increases field of view.

The tall, fleece-lined collar and face guard snap over the mouth to batten down the hatches–”like an insulated balaclava,” notes a tester. Baffles across the chest and shoulders are still keeping the fill in place after numerous stuffings. The Pertex Endurance shell fabric repelled drizzle and snow, and showed no wear after a season of use. The cut is trim for a parka, but still has room for layering underneath. $200; 1 lb. 12 oz.; men’s S-XXL, women’s 8-16; us.rab.uk.com