W Stellar Down Parka 2.0

How warm is it, really?

It's really warm. Built for when you're not moving: at the belay, waiting for the lift, standing around waiting for your crew even at altitude. 260 grams of 850 fill power down in a size M means it will keep you comfortable at −20°C / −4°F while layered up and moderately active.

Is this a sized down men's parka?

No. It's cut from its own pattern, and designed and tested by the women on our product team and our ambassadors in the field. The shoulders, the sleeves, the waist and the hips are all different.

What size do I take?

It depends on what you plan to wear under it. It's cut to go over everything, including a shell and a harness, which is why there's so much room in it. If you plan to use it over just a layer or two, size down. If you really will put a shell underneath, order your normal size.

Is 850 fill power a good number?

Yes, it's actually very good. Warmth comes from two numbers: down quality, and how much of it is in the jacket. And to complicate things there's a sweet spot between the two. We use 850 fill power and a lot of it: 260 grams in a size M. When you're comparing parkas, look for both. Most brands leave the fill weight out.

Can I ski in it?

Yes you can, but it's not what it's built for. This is the jacket you put on at the top, while waiting, or when the wind turns — and on the coldest days, people do ski in it. But you'll probably run warm, and there's no venting.

Where does the down come from?

From Allied Feather, and we can tell you exactly where. High-grade down, RDS certified and Bluesign® approved, treated with ExpeDRY so it keeps lofting even in damp air. Every batch is source-track verifiable.

Will it pack down small enough to carry?

Yes. 583 grams in a size M, with its own compression bag. It goes in the pack on the way up and comes out at the top. But store it on a hanger, not in the bag — down lofts best when it's had room to rest, and a parka kept that way is as warm in its tenth winter as its first.

Which of your down jackets should I choose?

Depends on how you'll use it. If you're moving fast and taking it on and off all day, the Ultralight Down Hood is lighter and packs smaller. If you want to stay warm while you ski, the Stellar Insulated Shell is built for that. If you want a longer cut and a more urban look, the Free Down Parka. And if you're going somewhere genuinely extreme (8,000 metres, the Arctic), take the Guide Expedition Down Parka.