Hi, wanted to go camping in Norway all year round. Temps can get as low as -40c. Was wondering if I could settle for this jacket or should I go for an absolute zero? Of course I want the absolute zero because it seems to be the best jacket on the planet, but of course its over double the price. I will also be buying an athletic cut softshell (arc'teryx venta sv)So could perhaps layer it under my sub zero sl parka. I would like to know I could camp in the dead of winter there and not die with that setup. Any advice would be welcome. I don't want to go overkill with the other jacket but seems like from all the pics of people wearing this thing on top of mountains at altitude this thing could do the job with layering.

I'm from aus as well so I know also that when I get back if I have the absolute zero then I may never use It again but also want to make it back.

I am norwegian - done a lot of wintercamping/climbing. Get old fashion 100%woolen underwear!!!!!!! (icebreaker, devold or janus) forget about syntetic things. I have Mountain Hardware down jacket - fantastic! I only use it when I am sitting still or in and out of the car. To bulky to go for long skitrips with a backpack.

Andreja, I would recomend if you are going to wear a shell over down you would be better served with an 800 fill down sweater, or if you want a hood, an 800 fill down Jacket. Much more compact and extremely wrm. I would also recomend a hard shell for your outer layer. Arc'teryx Sidewinder shell is world class, I wear mine year round for rain or snow. And since your most concerned about survival and getting the most for your money this would be a more practical purchase. For camping in winter be sure to consider a good set of hardshell bibs. I'm small and light and this type of setup works well even for me in subzero F temps.

I have this jacket, and I love it. Its super warm, and I would think that the Absolute zero would be overkill. I've belayed long windy pitches in weather down to -15 F and was plenty warm. If it truly gets too cold while you are sitting around at camp, you could always just grab your sleeping bag. I think that this jacket would be a much more versatile choice for you. Hope that helps!