Feathered Friends Frontpoint Parka

Review Date
March 5, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: CharlesG ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Very good jacket. I took it with event and with the 800 upgrade. This jacket is really light for it's warmth! The down really loft well. The baffle construstion is great and the hood is huge. I'm not a fan about the "removable hood" but this one sure do the job. A great insulation jacket.

Customer Service:
Never needed it

Similar Products Used:
North face Baltoro parka, dolomitti jacket, a dryloft north face with hood and down 700.

Review Date
December 14, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: User in Texas(Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $340.00 at factory/mail-order

Summary:
This jacket rates the highest in initial quality of any piece of gear I have ever purchased. The seams are accurate and the loft is incredible. The fit seems true to the description on their website which says it is cut full for layering. I am 6'0 175 pounds and i wear a size 42 coat and the large fits perfectly. I ordered the Epic fabric and it seems highly water resistant as I have worn it in light showers with no problem. It is not a full parka but it still covers below my waist. Do not waste your money on the North Face nuptse ot the MH Subzero SL. The quality of down and the custom order availability from Feathered Friends makes these products obselete. Overall a great value with looks to match.

Customer Service:
I ordered my jacket on November 8th and received it on Dec. 11. Customer service was helpful even when I called and added the 800 fill upgrade and shoulder reinforcement. My biggest complaint is the Feathered Friends web site. Since there are no retail stores except in Seattle, they need to have more detailed pictures and better descriptions of each of their products. The same goes for the catalog. Another suggestion would be to have pictures with people wearing the clothes.

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Hardwear Sub-zero SL

Review Date
April 10, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Jason F(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Fairbanks, AK

Price Paid:  $320.00 at Mountain Sports (local)

Summary:
Shell (Epic by Nextex Ripstop Microfiber):
- Water Resistance -
1. When i received the parka the first thing i did was pour water onto it and try to rub it in. Wouldn't go through.
2. First trip i tried to rub it on the tent walls to get condensation all over it and see if that would go through. Nope, and with a simple brush it was all gone.
3. Second trip was snowing like crazy and it just fell right off. Although the snow was not a very wet snow.
4. Seems to breath well as i have not had any build up of moisture, but any moisture from my clothes and body dries quickly once i put this inferno on.
- Wind Resistance -
1. Both trips had gusts of at least 50mph and constant 35mph winds so i put myself right in front of it with the parka. From what i could tell it shedded wind without a problem because i lost no warmth. ]

We'll see how this shell holds up over time.

Insulation (13.3oz of 800+ down, including the 2 extra oz's i had added):
1. This thing is light for the loft it provides.
2. It is super warm, although i have yet to try it in temps below 0. But i am confident that i can take this on denali next year and use it all next winter.

Design and Construction:
1.Their sizing is tighter than other manufacturers. I wear a large of other parkas i have tried, but an XL in feathered friends.
2. Construction is beautiful. You can see the time and effort that went into making this. Quality.
3. Articulation is perfect on the arms and the cuffs are nice.
4. Hood is very well stuffed and the draw cord works well, although there is only one. The stiffened brim works nicely to keep out wind and snow, but can be folded back and will stay in place.
5. The inside pockets are huge and can fit stuff to keep warm.
6. The outside pockets are also large.
7. Well designed draft flaps.
8. Waist is cut nicely and has elastic as well as a draw cord (very awesome design here). I am a narrow guy so it takes a lot of pulling to get it tight.
9. Collar fits nice and tight, but not too tight. It is fleeced lined and that feels great.

In general i am very pleased with this parka and would never fork out money for any other brand again. Very glad that i gave feathered friends a try.

Customer Service:
Bought it through a retailer. Took 8 weeks for them to put it all together with the custom stuff i had done.

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Hardwear, Marmot

Review Date
December 10, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: andrew mitchell(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from albany, ny

Price Paid:  $200.00

Summary:
another great product. Mine is goretex. The hood is huge very warm and expensive. I wear it in -20 to 30, and I never worry about being cold.

Customer Service:
no problems

Similar Products Used:
helios

Review Date
November 7, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Tim(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Ames

Price Paid:  $320.00

Summary:
Great winter jacket. Much warmer than comparable jackets. Construction is light, but definately tough and accurate. Upgrade to 800 fill.. it's worth it. I also added 2 ounces of overfill for a bit more. I'd go with the Epic shell.. it's very water repellent/wind resistant and has the advantages that nylon has over the PTFE shell. Couldn't ask for a better winter camp jacket!

Customer Service:
FF seems to have somewhat of a bad rep as far as CS goes... I talked to them via email and phone (3 times) talking about differences in shells/styles. They were extremely friendly and helpful. Always curtious, even when I changed my order. Call them and you'll see.

Similar Products Used:
None