Convert : Quantum Spectra Parka

Review:
As anyone can tell by looking at mountain fashion, the down parka look is big right now. Convert hit the nail on the head with this puffy jacket. Everything about it works right; it was well designed from looks to function to the little details.

Although it doesn't have a very high waterproofing level, when it is cold enough that you need this parka, you probably won't have a problem with getting wet. The shell fabric is a very tightly woven rip-stop fabric that has proved extremely resistant to any kind of snagging.

This coat is warm. It handles temperatures of -20 F without a problem, add some kind of medium-weight layer underneath, and it is easily good to -40 F, and maybe below. There were a couple of days that seemed cold enough to justify wearing this coat, which then turned warm; in no time I was sweating, and had to switch it out for a lighter-weight one. The Quantum Spectra uses a synthetic fill, but it is so light-weight and warm that you can't even tell that it isn't down. Also, whatever the synthetic filling is, it compresses very well, and re-inflates almost instantly, making it easy to cram into a small backpack space "just in case".
There are plenty of pockets, two inner chest pockets, either of which can be used for a media player, two lower outer pockets, and one outer chest pocket that works great for a digital camera. The armpits have zips, so you can somewhat control the heat if the temperature swings up during the day. The hood also zips off, but I don't really like the non-hood look, it's a little too generic. As long as the hood is on it has a very distinctive snowboard style.