I bought this jacket after seeing it was a RMI Guide pick for Mount Rainier.

This is a very nice technical shell that is water and windproof-Gore-Tex. It is very light on and in the pack.

Don't let the term "Parka" confuse you though. There is no insulation to speak of. It is a thin shell and needs a mid layer fleece or similar to insulate.

The cut is 100% athletic. Slim taper down to the hip. If you like to have items on your pant belt, like a water bottle and GPS, you probably won't get the bottom of the jacket zipped. It's that tight. (See other reviews). I usually wear a large, and bought a large this time. I am happy with the size.

The up side to this is there is no bulky excess material that gets in the way when climbing, hiking, or running.

I would have given it 5 stars had it only cost $150. For $250 bucks I was happy with the purchase, but not jumping for joy. $250 is a lot of money for me.

I plan on using it for Spring/Summer mountaineering and summer canoe trips in the BWCA.

Like every other piece of Mountain Hardwear equipment, I am very impressed. The PAC-LITE material is very lightweight, and although I haven’t tried this out on the slopes yet, I was camping a few weekends ago and endured a heavy downpour with this jacket repelling every little bead of water.

I bought my first Mountain Hardwear jacket about 10 years ago. After 5 years of heavy use, I ripped it while wiping out on some heavy rocks under powder. I mailed the jacket to Mountain Hardwear, who not only repaired the rip under warranty, but gave me a call and said that for $30 more, they would replace all the fabric panels on the jacket’s exterior (basically giving me a brand new jacket). The folks at MH are awesome, you can call them for advice, get great warranty service (and beyond), and even custom tailoring (which I normally do to extend length since I’m 6’2).

This jacket is worth 3X it’s price, because it will last you 6X longer than most.

The Aiguille Parka was my first technical shell purchase. I tend to sweat a lot when working hard, even in the cold, and my old rubber raincoat was not cutting it on long hikes. I wanted something waterproof, but breathable, that was versatile enough for 4-season use. After much research, I settled on the Aiguille Parka because it had all the features I desired, and at a reasonable price.

For my intended usage, the best waterproof/breathable material on the market right now, in my opinion is Gore-Tex Paclite. However, I tend to carry a heavy pack (40lbs.). So I wanted something that would offer the breathability of Paclite, but would resist abrasion from the straps of my pack. The Aiguille's design meets these needs exactly with Gore-Tex XCR on the shoulders.

In a downpour, this thing stays bone-dry, and it isn't a sauna when climbing a Class 4 pitch. I have yet to take it into freezing weather, but I feel that I won't be disappointed in its performance below 32 degrees. Highly recommended - worth every dollar!

This is a great lightweight parka. My two complains are: the front zipper gets stuck (a beefier zipper would help) when trying to zip and when you raise your arms the skirt of the jacket pull up as well—not ideal when you’re ice climbing. However, if you’re not ice climbing this is a great jacket that is well built and well priced.

First of all this is a very well made jacket that weighs next to nothing. So, that being said here are my comments. One, I have the same problem with the sticking zipper that others have had and I just don't understand why it happens. My concern is that this front zipper will break or jam.
Two, the fit of this jacket just doesn't make any sense to me. I normally wear a small to medium. And, this jacket is just way too snug for any type of serious layering. I have a size medium. I don't see how I can use it for winter camping at all. It will probably be just great for spring, summer or early fall wet weather. But, there is just not enough extra for a thick layer.

Lightweight and packable, with a good fit all-around for my very slender frame. Downsides: 1) zipper catches on the way up and require some jacket manipulation to get all the way up, 2) pockets are the cross-pocket kind, which takes some getting used to and doesn't let you stand around with your hands in your pockets.

First and foremost, I would like to give you guys a big thumbs up. I placed my order at 9:14PM and the package shipped later that night at 11:14PM. I got my jacket on time and in great shape. I could not be happier with the ordering experience.
Now, to the jacket. This shell is very well made. The fabric feels very sturdy, but the overall package barely weighs a pound. The seams are seamed well, the zippers work fabulously, and the fit and finish are every bit as good as an Arc'Teryx shell. As for sizing, order larger rather than smaller This jacket is cut quite slim. Because of my lanky build, the length is a little short, but most climbers should fit well.

The aiguille is a great jacket for backpackers who are conscious about their pack weight, skiers, climbers, and everyone in between. It provides little warmth but keeps the water out completely without adding much weight in your pack.