I knew Big Agnes mainly for their great tents and camping gear. In the past few years they got in to apparel in a big way. When I needed a new super warm-bomber-oh-snap-it’s-cold coat I picked up a Big Agnes Dunkley Belay Jacket. This jacket is everything I wanted and more.
The Dunkley Belay Jacket brings warm to a whole new level. I have owned a few big puffy coats in my day, the Dunkley is warmer than all of them. This coat literally saved my last backpacking trip. I thought it would be a bit warmer so I took my 20°F bag and the temps were well below that. I was able to sleep comfortably through the night by throwing this coat on top of my bag. Then in the morning when I was breaking down camp I put it on to stay warm, it was a gift from above!
The Dunkley Belay Jacket has a feature that all big puffy coats should have; an insulated hood. This hood is even nicer since it has a brim to keep the snow out of your eyes. Bonus the hood fits over a helmet too.
The Big Agnes Dunkley Belay Jacket has all the right touches. Besides two pockets for your hands, it has a chest pocket that can fit an iPhone or other small items. I often use it to keep my spare camera battery warm.
And possibly one of my favorite features on the Dunkley Belay Jacket is these two inside pockets that can fit a ton of stuff. Which is great if you want to keep your extra gloves, hat or your phone plus a water bottle, etc.
The sleeves have a nice cuff that keeps snow out and warmth in.
Big Agnes includes a stuff sack for packing in your bag. And since this jacket is so warm I always bring it along as my just-in-case jacket.
I have to let you know, I love this coat! The fit and warmth are just great. This is the warmest coat I own while not being the biggest coat I own. Which says a lot. This coat is a steal at well under $200.
Big Agnes Says: https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Apparel/mendunkleybelayjacket
- Synthetic hooded belay parka with a full, straight cut that provides maximum insulation
- 120g Pinneco Core™ synthetic insulation in body, 80g in the sleeves
- Insotect Tubic™ construction provides supreme loft and thermal efficiency
- 100% recycled polyester shell is wind-proof and water resistant
- Helmet compatible hood with adjustable drawcord closure keeps the weather out
- Main zipper includes interior no-draft flap and a zipper garage at chin
- Adjustable drawcord at hem seals out wind
Adjustable cuffs for securing over gloves- Two zippered hand-warmer pockets with zipper garages
- Textured zipper pulls are easy to use with gloves
- Large interior mesh pockets for extra stash space
Interior chest pocket- Fill weight size Large – 9.6oz/ 274g
- Jacket weight, size Large – 27oz/ 765g
Nice review. I'm looking at getting one of these online. What size did you get and how does that compare to your t-shirt size? Do you happen to know what changes were made for the 2016 version. Thanks!
Hey Tony – Thanks for reading! I got a medium and I wear a medium in T-shirts. I am 5'10" and 152pds. It fits nicely with a fleece underneath, maybe even a vest and a thicker base layer. But it is more on the… fitted side than say a medium North Face would be. I've had it now for a long time and have to say, this is an amazing coat. I wore it yesterday walking the pups in single digit temps and was toasty. Plus it looks good.
Cheers,
-Joe