Rock Magazine

By Simon Madden

Before striking out in to the Victorian High Country I had an inkling that this jacket was going to be a slight bit of overkill. Once I had struck out into the Victorian High Country I was glad that I was killing the cold with this beast of a jacket.

First the confession, I’m a little sooky when it comes to being freezing so my natural inclination is to go for more rather than less. Though it is undoubtedly heavy and takes up a fair whack of your precious space, I was very glad to have it when we were up on top of Mt Feathertop, the sun below the horizon, a cold wind tearing across the ridgeline and the air feeling every bit of the predicted -7. The envious eyes of my companions confirmed it.

It’s got a multitude of different pockets and I reckon that I used just about every one. Being organised and knowing where your little bits and pieces are is key to being comfortable in hostile surrounds. Lighter, check; gloves, here; beanie, this one; port, yes. The lined front pockets were especially excellent for quickly warming hands that had been exposed during cooking, eating or adjusting a buffeted tent. The insulated hood was exceptional, largely doing away with the need for a dedicated neck warmer. The press stud attachment system though saw me popping a few of them when I didn’t want to, maybe it would work better as a zipper because I’m not sold on it’s current design. The front zipper is also a little troublesome to first engage. My fat fingers or slight usability issue? I’m leaning toward usability (I have quite delicate fingers).
Sub Zero by name, sub zero by nature: this jacket was long, warm and has the same comforting embrace as your mother did you were a child.