Very disappointed...

By SMAn Ranked #42 - Men's Down Jackets February 25, 2009

I already own a new MH Absolute Zero parka so when I saw the super low price on the Himalayan I thought I would go for it since just about every review I've seen says the Himalayan is superior to the Absolute zero. Well, they're absolutely wrong. I would say the only thing better about the Himalayan is the down insulation doesn't seem to move around the arms as much but that's it. The Himalayan has 2 serious flaws in design. Number one is the zipper. This thing is almost impossible to zipper unless you're looking at it and for me it takes a few tries before it goes. The Absolutes zipper is big and burly and easily slides into place every single time even in pitch black. Number 2 is the drawstrings at the waist on the Himalayan. If you pull them tight, they immediately come loose causing cold air to blow up under. it's ridiculous. The hood is also a pain to adjust compared to the Absolute Zero, where both drawstrings are in the same position. The handwarmer pockets on the Absolute Zero are much bigger and are higher up on the chest. The Himalayan has that goofy clasp at the neck. I just don't know what clown designed this thing because they got it all wrong. I could go on but just do yourself a favor and pay the extra hundred and fifty and get yourself a real mountaineering parka. The Himalyan just doesn't cut it.

View Details: The North Face Himalayan Insulated Parka - Men's

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