Best 1 lb. down jacket

[Mooselook Marty]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a down jacket as an emergency layer for winter dayhikes in the New England mountains. Am looking for the best and warmest down jacket weighing approximately one pound or less for size large. Right now there are three contenders: GoLite Inferno, Montbell Alpine Down Jacket and Mountain Hardwear Phantom.

Being that I am 6 foot 1 and 175 pounds, I have some concerns about the the fit in a size large, which typically fits me well. The Montbell states its chest size for size large is 41 to 43 inches. I fear that might not fit a thick mid layer underneath, such as a warm fleece jacket. I do not have much experience with GoLite and could not find any online reviews. For the Mountain Hardwear, I worry about length, which I read was 27 inches. That length would barely touch my waist, with my long torso.

I would greatly appreciate your recommendations regarding these three jackets or any others in the 1 lb. weight range.

Many thanks,
Mooselook Marty



I have a concern with the Montbell

[Just a Hiker]

I have the Mountain Hardware jacket you mentioned. It's cut a bit small, so I would get the XL if you get it, but it's a great jacket overall.


Just Jim

[SGT Rock]

Make yourself a Kennebeck pullover from www.thru-hiker .com and get it tailor made to you.

[bigcranky]

I usually wear a size Large, but in Montbell I find an XL is better. If I had to make this choice, I would look at the Montbell Alpine Light Parka. This is a slightly lighter jacket, but it has a hood. Just the thing for an emergency warm layer.

[Tipi Walter]

I'm surprised you didn't check out the Feathered Friends/Western Mountaineering jackets.

FF
Volant 9 oz fill 1 lb 6 oz
Helios 8 oz fill 15 oz total
Hyperion 5.15 oz fill 11 oz total

WM
Flight 10.5 oz total
Meltdown 17 oz total
Vapor 16 oz total

I'd like to get the fill weights on the Western Mountaineering jackets. I'd also like to know the fill weights on Mt Hardwear, Montbell and Golite, do you know? It's ALL about fill weights!! My North Face Nupste is really underfilled and I should of checked on their fill weights before buying it. Too much fabric, too little down, etc.

If I had to upgrade right now, I'd go with a Feathered Friends Icefall Parka, 15 oz fill weight at 2 lbs 2 oz. Way beyond your criteria but a great backpacking jacket. Expensive?? Uh . . .

[Egads]

Buy a FF with a hood.

[Franco]

BPL gave the top marks to the Nunatek Shaka Plus, then a very close second to the WM Flight with the FF Hyperion at the third spot. One comment was that the WM had a better warmth to weight ratio then the FF but there was little in it.The av loft of the Nunatek was 4.1 ", 3.7" for the WM and FF.
My usual size is M but with the WM, L is the one I would go for ( to accommodate a couple of layers underneath) . The M is just a bit snug.

[ARambler]

I'm surprised you didn't check out the Feathered Friends/Western Mountaineering jackets.

FF
Volant 9 oz fill 1 lb 6 oz
Helios 8 oz fill 15 oz total
Hyperion 5.15 oz fill 11 oz total

WM
Flight 10.5 oz total
Meltdown 17 oz total
Vapor 16 oz total

I'd like to get the fill weights on the Western Mountaineering jackets. I'd also like to know the fill weights on Mt Hardwear, Montbell and Golite, do you know? It's ALL about fill weights!! My North Face Nupste is really underfilled and I should of checked on their fill weights before buying it. Too much fabric, too little down, etc.

If I had to upgrade right now, I'd go with a Feathered Friends Icefall Parka, 15 oz fill weight at 2 lbs 2 oz. Way beyond your criteria but a great backpacking jacket. Expensive?? Uh . . .

And conversely, I'd be careful of jackets at and below the 16 oz cut-off. The inside and outside are going to weigh at least 6 to 8 oz. Going from 5 to 8 oz of fill increases warmth by over 50 % but 3 oz fill + 0.5 oz fabric is less than 30 % extra weight.

I'm very happy with the Helios. I only use it backpacking an don't hike in the cold that much.
Rambler

[Egads]

I have the WM Vapor jacket but gave the nod to FF because of the hood. I'd want a hood in an emergency jacket.

#300
Egads

[Tipi Walter]

And conversely, I'd be careful of jackets at and below the 16 oz cut-off. The inside and outside are going to weigh at least 6 to 8 oz. Going from 5 to 8 oz of fill increases warmth by over 50 % but 3 oz fill + 0.5 oz fabric is less than 30 % extra weight.

I'm very happy with the Helios. I only use it backpacking an don't hike in the cold that much.
Rambler

Hey, thanks for the input. And per Franco's advice, I checked out the Nunatak stuff and once again there's another great maker of down jackets, etc. Which to choose? It ain't easy, especially when dealing with expensive items. Like I said, I'm looking at heavier things beyond Mooselook Marty's weight range, and some of the Nunatak stuff looks as good as the beefier Feathered Friends stuff.

[Smile]

Montbell Alpine Light Down Jacket 12.6 oz ( Large)
Nice jacket, and some cool color this year. Best price I've seen was on Prolitegear.com

[springerfever]

I second Egads on the WM Vapor. Purchased mine a couple of weeks ago up at Mountain Crossings. Absolutely amazing comfort and loft !!

[Franco]

Springerfever
To clarify, you would also purchase the FF version now ?

[Footslogger]

Whats the best price on thoes WM Vapors ??

'Slogger

[Egads]

I paid $247.50 for the WM Vapor Nov 06.

[springerfever]

Yea, as everyone know the quality comes at a price (unless you want to make your own !!). Vapor is now $275.00 and Egads made a valid point about it not having a hood. In truly cold weather head protection is a must, so you've got to figure that weight in ,as well as the jacket.

I use a WM Aspen semi-rectangular bag for sleeping along with a Nunatuk balaclava for keeping the noggin warm and it should work well with the Vapor. See link below........

http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Balaclava.htm

[springerfever]

Franco,

Welcome from Down Under !!

I assume by FF you mean Feathered Friends. I took a long hard look at their Hyperion jacket and also the Helios...(note that they do have a hooded version, just not pictured), but it would take a lot to steer me away from the Western Mountaineering products.

The advantage of FF is your ability to choose materials (and colors). By far their #1 fabric is EPIC, which is a great choice. I was pretty much toast after trying on the Vapor. It fit me like it was tailor made, the quality was outstanding and I really liked the windstopper fabric.

You really can't go wrong with either manufacturer. Be advised though that FF garments run on the small side so you might want to go a size larger. WM products seem to be be true to size.

[Franco]

Sorry Springerfever I was just having a bit of fun.
Egads stated :"
I have the WM Vapor jacket but gave the nod to FF because of the hood. I'd want a hood in an emergency jacket."
Your comment was "I second Egads on the WM Vapor".............That left it open to interpretation, as in "yes I also would go for the Feathered Friends because of the hood" or maybe you meant that you are happy with the WM Vapor
Maybe it's just me, it was 40c (104f) yesterday so it is possible that my brain is not functioning well

[Mooselook Marty]

Thanks everyone for the great information! I was reviewing an earlier post and came across the New Balance Fugu jacket. Just bought that as it was on sale for $129.99 (incl. free shipping) at Overstock.com: http://www.overstock.com/Clothing/New-Balance-Performance-Mens-Fugu-Jacket/2870458/product.html

I also went a size up and bought the XL, so I could layer it more effectively. New Balance sizing seemed to be just a tad small for me.

Best regards,
Mooselook Marty

[yappy]

I have a wm down vest and it is awesome. I imagine their jackets are terrific too. Love that company.

[Footslogger]

I'm in the market for a down jacket and at the moment the New Balance Fugu has my attention. All things being equal (or thereabouts) the price tag on the Fugu is pretty attractive. Personally I could care less what label is on the front of the jacket. I own other New Balance stuff and it measures up quite well.

Looking to get some feedback from any Fugu owners out there.

Thanks in advance ...

'Slogger

[Mooselook Marty]

Looking to get some feedback from any Fugu owners out there.


Here is a thread from Backpackinglight on the Fugu:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/7755/index.html

Also, here is an earlier thread that mentions the Fugu:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29792&highlight=fugu

Best regards,
Marty

[Footslogger]

Here is a thread from Backpackinglight on the Fugu:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/7755/index.html

Also, here is an earlier thread that mentions the Fugu:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29792&highlight=fugu

Best regards,
Marty
=========================================

Thanks Marty ...saw those and actually posted a message asking for updated comments.

I am also curious if anyone here on WB has experience with the MontBell Ultralight Down Jacket

Price is comparable to the Fugu and I really like the lighter weight. I hiked in 2003 with an MEC Primaloft Pullover which is on its last leg. The MonBell UL Down Jacket appears to be about the same type of garment. Probably not as warm as the Fugu or WM jacet but if you look at price/weight and consider the possibility of layering it is an attractive alternative.

'Slogger

[Dirtygaiters]

My vote goes for the Nunatak Skaha Plus.

My size medium with 2 ounces of down overfill and drawcord waist and hood weighs 13.2 ounces. Be advised, though: this is a pullover without handwarmer pockets. Nunatak will add a custom kangaroo front pocket, though, for some additional cost.

I used to own a WM Flight jacket, but sold it. Compared to the Skaha Plus, the Flight jacket was definitely less warm, due to: 1) less loft, 2) sewn-through construction vs the baffled construction of the Skaha Plus, and 3) no hood. The WM Flight was also significantly over the spec'd weight. It was supposed to have been 10.5 ounces, but my measured weight was more like 12 ounces. For that much weight I could have gotten the baffled, hooded Skaha Plus with 1 ounce overfill.

The downside of the Nunatak is the price and the delay from ordering to delivery (every one of their items is custom made). However, I believe that the price is definitely worth it.

[Dirtygaiters]

I'm in the market for a down jacket and at the moment the New Balance Fugu has my attention. All things being equal (or thereabouts) the price tag on the Fugu is pretty attractive. Personally I could care less what label is on the front of the jacket. I own other New Balance stuff and it measures up quite well.

Looking to get some feedback from any Fugu owners out there.

Thanks in advance ...

'Slogger


I got a Fugu this summer and have had half a cold season so far to test it out. My impressions of it can, (unfortunately? predictably?) be summed up in the old adage: you get what you pay for. Yes, it is 850 fp down, and yes the shell is ultralight 15 denier nylon. However, the lining fabric is not ultralight. It's some aluminized ~2 oz/sq.yd. "heat reflective" fabric. One thing so far has gone wrong: the shock cord around the waist broke and I had to rig it up so it's permanently cinched up, which actually isn't that bad, but doesn't reflect good craftsmanship. Thr jacket packs down small, and is well sized. The sleeves are warm, but not long enough to pull my hands back into. Fortunately the hand warmer pockets are insulated, so I can leave them unzipped and no have two big cold spots across my stomach. The sleeves are warm, like I said, but the torso is a little lacking comparatively. New Balance should have graduated the loft in this jacket so the torso is as warm as the sleeves. Wind is this jacket's enemy: it seeps through the seams and through the not-fully-windproof shell fabric. That said, with all the non-esential features stripped off the jacket, my size large is 13.6 ounces, has a super tall and puffy collar, is long enough to layer over my Nunatak Skaha Plus if I need more warmth on a trip, and was a very good deal for the $125 I paid.

Also, I should say that the first one I bought I ended up having to exchange because one of the down chambers wasn't filled. The place I bought it from, Joes New Balance Outlet, are very professional, though. They gave me free shipping to return the defective one and sent the replacement one to me less than a day after I first contacted them.

[NICKTHEGREEK]

I bought one of the first WM meltdown jackets, they came w/o a hood then. Mine is filled with 800 down and it is as warm as I'd like. I wore it on a -30 deg morning in Victor NY about 3 yrs ago and ended up with it unzipped, because it was getting too toasty for me. I have a 43' chest and a large fits quite well.

[Critterman]

Make yourself a Kennebeck pullover from www.thru-hiker (http://www.thru-hiker) .com and get it tailor made to you.

What does it weigh ? I couldn't find any info on that.

[saimyoji]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a down jacket as an emergency layer for winter dayhikes in the New England mountains.


What kind of emergency do you envision? Will your emergency involve you getting wet? Sweating your ass off while you snowshoe out of a blizzard?

Anyhoo, I own the LLBean 750 down Mountain Guide, weighs in at 22oz Large. Cost 99$. I've worn it in snow, sleet, even driving rain, it has not wet through. I know, heavier than what you asked, but if you only need it for an emergency....

[Smile]

The Montbell is very well made, and sheds an amazing amount of wind as well. Is there anyone on here that owns one that can comment on good/bad experiences with this jacket? :)

[Footslogger]

The Montbell is very well made, and sheds an amazing amount of wind as well. Is there anyone on here that owns one that can comment on good/bad experiences with this jacket? :)

===============================

Which MontBell are you refering to ?? ...the UL Down Liner ??

The UL Liner looks a lot like the MEC PrimaLoft garment I carried on my thru in 2003. Very seriously considering grabbing one of those from MontBell at about $130.

'Slogger

[Baum Trigger]

My brother and I both used the Montbell down inner jacket the past two weeks for a long trek thru the Grand canyon and I can say both of us were very impressed. The weather was even 10-15 degrees cooler than we had expected because of a nasty cold front that came through. We were expecting temps in the 25-35 range and received temps in the 5-15 range almost every night. It was between 0-5 on the rim most of those nights! :eek:

Anyway, great jackets, great company. I love 'em!

[quasarr]

Hey guys, I found a down vest for sale locally for $50 and I'm wondering if I should go for it. The seller describes it as " Womens Mountain Hardware down vest size M." However I can't find a vest on Mountain Hardwear's website that matches. The men's vest weighs 17oz :eek:

Any idea what this vest might be and if it's a good thing to bring along for a SOBO thru hike? I don't want a 1 lb vest!

here is a link to the ad, with an image of the vest. thanks!!!

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/clo/530638181.html

[Appalachian Tater]

I dont' think a down vest is enough for a SOBO thru.

MH down is usually good but not the highest fill. You should be able to pick up a nice women's down jacket in your size cheap on sale between now and the time to start your thru. Start looking online now.

[quasarr]

I just realized the seller also has a Marmot down jacket for $100. I think I can talk her down some on that amount. Does that sound good? know anything about Marmot down jackets? I can't find any weights on their website.

Also I have a homemade synthetic insultation balaclava that I am bringing for warmth.

[Appalachian Tater]

Marmot lists the weight of all their gear on the "details" tab at each item's page. You might want to check with them by telephone on the weight of a particular size. Then add a couple of ounces.

[FanaticFringer]

Spend a few more bucks and get this great jacket.
www.prolitegear.com/montbell_womens_alpine_light_down_jacket.html

[quasarr]

dohhhhhh... ha ha thanks I see the weights now. Tomorrow I'll get in touch with the seller and see when I can come over and check out the clothes. Maybe I'll bring a scale .... how nutty will that make me look?

[quasarr]

Thank you Fanatic Fringer, you replied as I was typing. Montbell seems to get great reviews in this thread as well. But it's a bit out of my price range. I'll keep checking for a better sale as Appalachain Tater suggested, and maybe I can find a Montbell on ebay.

[Footslogger]

My brother and I both used the Montbell down inner jacket the past two weeks for a long trek thru the Grand canyon and I can say both of us were very impressed. The weather was even 10-15 degrees cooler than we had expected because of a nasty cold front that came through. We were expecting temps in the 25-35 range and received temps in the 5-15 range almost every night. It was between 0-5 on the rim most of those nights! :eek:

Anyway, great jackets, great company. I love 'em!

=========================================

Was just about to pull the trigger and really appreciated this post. MontBell Down Inner Jacket ordered and on its way ...

'Slogger

[Critterman]

=========================================

Was just about to pull the trigger and really appreciated this post. MontBell Down Inner Jacket ordered and on its way ...

'Slogger

Let us know what you think when it arrives please. I am looking at that jacket and the Thermawrap.

[Footslogger]

Let us know what you think when it arrives please. I am looking at that jacket and the Thermawrap.

=================================

Will do ...

'Slogger

[FanaticFringer]

Got my Montbell Alpine Light jacket today. This is one sweet jacket.
Fits like I thought it would. I'm 5' 7" 160lbs. and got the medium. Sleeves are just right. Chest is a little tight but will still allow multiple layers. 39" chest. The large would have fit bettter in the chest, but the sleeves would have been long.
Just a point of reference for those who are considering one.

[Baum Trigger]

=========================================

Was just about to pull the trigger and really appreciated this post. MontBell Down Inner Jacket ordered and on its way ...

'Slogger

I hope you enjoy the jacket as much as I do 'slogger! BTW, I love the SMD W'Oasis! Thanks for all the info you provided me several months ago. This tarp tent is exactly for what I was searching. It's so easy to set up and, of course, the fact that it weighs 11 ounces is phenomenal! Thanks again Footslogger!

[Footslogger]

I hope you enjoy the jacket as much as I do 'slogger! BTW, I love the SMD W'Oasis! Thanks for all the info you provided me several months ago. This tarp tent is exactly for what I was searching. It's so easy to set up and, of course, the fact that it weighs 11 ounces is phenomenal! Thanks again Footslogger!

==============================

Glad to have been of assistance. I know I sure like my Wild "O"

'Slogger

[Footslogger]

Well ...my MontBell Down Inner Jacket was sitting on the porch when I got home tonight. When I opened the box and pulled it out I thought there must have been some mistake. This thing is SO light it's hard to believe it could keep you warm. Speaking of which ...I tried it on and within a few minutes I was feeling very toasty.

Now, I haven't field tested it yet but if this little garment keeps me nearly as warm as the MEC Primaloft Pullover I carried on my thru I'll be VERY pleased.

Another amazing thing is how SMALL this sucker packs.

'Slogger

[Critterman]

Thanks for the update.

[River Runner]

I've been testing a Montbell Down Inner Parka, and must say I am very impressed with it. Incredibly warm for the weight. It keeps me warm down about freezing with only a mid-weight base layer. Great in the 20's with a mid-layer.

One thing I really like is that the pockets are very deep & I haven't had anything fall out of them.

[Wise Old Owl]

Spending that much for a down jacket that going to get torn up in one thru hike? Here is my 1 pound reply They don't mention it, I tested it in the store the water beads doesn't say DWR but it works as if it was.



$49


http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=56108&sc1=Search&feat=sr

[FanaticFringer]

Torn up?:rolleyes:


Spending that much for a down jacket that going to get torn up in one thru hike? Here is my 1 pound reply They don't mention it, I tested it in the store the water beads doesn't say DWR but it works as if it was.



$49


http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=56108&sc1=Search&feat=sr

[Mrs Baggins]

I just bought the Patagonia down sweater (I really don't know why they call it a "sweater" as it's constructed like a jacket - nothing "knit" about it like a sweater. Paid $199 and wouldn't part with it for the world. I am one of those people than can never be warm enough and this jacket keeps me warm enough! :D Comes in Men's of course!

[Egads]

I think the new Montbell UL Inner Down Parka is a sweet down jacket. I hope it is as warm and light as you guys say it is.

Egads

[Appalachian Tater]

I just bought the Patagonia down sweater (I really don't know why they call it a "sweater" as it's constructed like a jacket - nothing "knit" about it like a sweater. Paid $199 and wouldn't part with it for the world. I am one of those people than can never be warm enough and this jacket keeps me warm enough! :D Comes in Men's of course!

It is nice! I got one in October because it was on sale at Backcountry.com, to replace my fleece while hiking. But being warm-natured, I have worn it as my primary winter jacket. It is amazing how warm it is for the light weight and thinness. It's hard to force myself to wear a heavy shearling or leather coat now. My guess is they call it a sweater because it is not as thick, heavy, and warm as a jacket. But it should be plenty with a rain shell.

You do have to be careful starting the front zipper to keep it on track. The pocket zippers were a little sticky at first but loosen up quickly. I keep my Ipod in the inside pocket but access it through the left-hand outside pocket.

[Footslogger]

Spending that much for a down jacket that going to get torn up in one thru hike? Here is my 1 pound reply They don't mention it, I tested it in the store the water beads doesn't say DWR but it works as if it was.



$49


http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=56108&sc1=Search&feat=sr
=================================

That looks like a decent jacket ...but what does it weigh. To some, the weight of a garment is less important than to others but if you value yor legs and back you will (over time) go for the lighter weight alternatives ...and YES, they will be more expensive and require more carefull handling. But in the end you'll be ahead of the game.

'Slogger

[Footslogger]

I think the new Montbell UL Inner Down Parka is a sweet down jacket. I hope it is as warm and light as you guys say it is.

Egads

===============================

Well ...I've had mine now for about a month and we haven't been above freezing here in Laramie since December. I bought it for hiking so I don't wear it every day. But I do wear it a couple days a week over a synthetic turtle neck and I can honestly say that I am totally comfortable with the temps in the teens.

'Slogger

[Wise Old Owl]

=================================

That looks like a decent jacket ...but what does it weigh. To some, the weight of a garment is less important than to others but if you value yor legs and back you will (over time) go for the lighter weight alternatives ...and YES, they will be more expensive and require more carefull handling. But in the end you'll be ahead of the game.

'Slogger


Sorry 16 oz

Someone questioned "torn up" Many of these lightweight fabrics will not hold up to off trail use. A good example would be to hike the Pine barrens of NJ or parts of Canada, the scrub will tear up your light weight clothes as you move though the brush.

[Footslogger]

Sorry 16 oz

================================

My Montbell UL Down Liner weighs 6 ounces (size large)

'Slogger

[Egads]

Footslogger,

Are you hiking in it?

Egads

[View]

Where did you order it from?




================================

My Montbell UL Down Liner weighs 6 ounces (size large)

'Slogger

[Footslogger]

Footslogger,

Are you hiking in it?

Egads

=========================

Haven't yet but plan on carrying it on my PCT thru ...

'Slogger

[Footslogger]

Where did you order it from?

=================================

Wife bought it for me as a gift ...think she got it on-line from ProLite Gear. It was available for about $10 less a few place but they didn't have a black in size large.

'Slogger

[Almost There]

Montbell's are made for Japanese sized people. There is nothing that they make that will fit my chest or shoulders. I have a 50 inch chest with broad shoulders. So if you're a big guy, muscle or fat, forget Montbell for anything other than sleeping bags. Patagonia XXL works as do other American companies XXL. I can wear some Marmot XLs.

[saimyoji]

Sorry 16 oz

Someone questioned "torn up" Many of these lightweight fabrics will not hold up to off trail use. A good example would be to hike the Pine barrens of NJ or parts of Canada, the scrub will tear up your light weight clothes as you move though the brush.


Footslogger,

Are you hiking in it?

Egads


=========================

Haven't yet but plan on carrying it on my PCT thru ...

'Slogger


I think there is miscommunication here. Smart people don't hike while wearing their warm down jackets. They are for "between hiking" times, like staying warm in camp, or during a lunch break. Certainly the "extra care" 'Slogger mentioned includes not wearing it through brush that is certain to rip it. :)

[River Runner]

Agree with saimyoji. You don't want to be hiking actively in any down jacket. I do use my Montbell U.L. Down Inner Parka for light walking (walking the dog, short day hikes that don't involve serious elevation gain), and it is awesome for that. Serious hiking it is in the pack waiting for rest stops.

[Footslogger]

Certainly the "extra care" 'Slogger mentioned includes not wearing it through brush that is certain to rip it. :)

========================================

Absolutely correct. In fact, a down jacket is MUCH too warm for ME to wear while hiking.

'Slogger

[Wise Old Owl]

I am going to caffine this old thread. What would you do, 16 oz at $49 to $69 dollars or 8 oz of Montbel for some $300 for the same cut of jacket?


Come on weigh in....

[Skidsteer]

I am going to caffine this old thread. What would you do, 16 oz at $49 to $69 dollars or 8 oz of Montbel for some $300 for the same cut of jacket?


Come on weigh in....

'Pends how much money I have.

Currently I use a Patagonia synthetic for Winter that weighs just over a pound. I got it at Goodwill for $7.00. Very warm.

[JAK]

Make yourself a Kennebeck pullover from www.thru-hiker .com and get it tailor made to you.I googled Kennebeck pullover and found your Trail Journal Gear Gallery. Very informative.

http://www.trailjournals.com/gear.cfm?trailname=6399

Still wonder if a 10oz wool sweater might be better than a 10oz down pullover by the time you include all the other layers you already have, but I would have to get more experience above the tree line as you have to say one way or the other. Love the Ghost Anorak. Mine is 5oz. Good to know there is something even lighter and more packable out there. Lots of other wicked choices I have to think about.

I'm loving these wool pants though. I be stylin'. :banana
Haven't tested them in freezing rain yet. :-?

[FanaticFringer]

$300??? What Montbell jacket are you talking about?


I am going to caffine this old thread. What would you do, 16 oz at $49 to $69 dollars or 8 oz of Montbel for some $300 for the same cut of jacket?


Come on weigh in....

[Footslogger]

I am going to caffine this old thread. What would you do, 16 oz at $49 to $69 dollars or 8 oz of Montbel for some $300 for the same cut of jacket?


Come on weigh in....
==================================

Can only tell you that I have the Montbell UL Liner and at 7 - 8 oz ...it rocks.

'Slogger

[quasarr]

I am going to caffine this old thread. What would you do, 16 oz at $49 to $69 dollars or 8 oz of Montbel for some $300 for the same cut of jacket?


Come on weigh in....

I agree with Fanatic Fringer - what $300 jacket?? Montbell's down jackets are in the $150 range! In fact I got the Alpine Light on sale for $89 at backcountry.com :banana

[FanaticFringer]

I agree with Fanatic Fringer - what $300 jacket?? Montbell's down jackets are in the $150 range! In fact I got the Alpine Light on sale for $89 at backcountry.com :banana

Wow....that's a helluva deal for sure......I'd be dancing too.:D
I sure love mine.:cool:

[Jail Break]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a down jacket as an emergency layer for winter dayhikes in the New England mountains. Am looking for the best and warmest down jacket weighing approximately one pound or less for size large. Right now there are three contenders: GoLite Inferno, Montbell Alpine Down Jacket and Mountain Hardwear Phantom.

Being that I am 6 foot 1 and 175 pounds, I have some concerns about the the fit in a size large, which typically fits me well. The Montbell states its chest size for size large is 41 to 43 inches. I fear that might not fit a thick mid layer underneath, such as a warm fleece jacket. I do not have much experience with GoLite and could not find any online reviews. For the Mountain Hardwear, I worry about length, which I read was 27 inches. That length would barely touch my waist, with my long torso.

I would greatly appreciate your recommendations regarding these three jackets or any others in the 1 lb. weight range.

Many thanks,
Mooselook Marty



I have a concern with the Montbell

EMS Glacier Down. On clearance now for $25. As I'm sure most others do, it stuffs into its own pocket as a pillow.

[Wise Old Owl]

http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?cat_id=70

It appears Montbell adjusted pricing after the Christmas season, I looked this Montbell Advertisement in Backpacker in October for Pertex Quantum 6 oz with 800 Goose down jacket up in October and they were out of my price range. Hense the $300.

[Grinder]

re. EMS Glacier Down Jacket:

Down and the figure $25 in the same line was too good to be true. The site says "sorry sold out"

That was a stellar find . keep them coming.

Miles of Smiles
Tom

[Jail Break]

Sorry.... I tried.

[bigcranky]

I picked up a Patagonia down pullover with a hood for 50% off at Footsloggers in Boone last month. They may still be on the Patagonia web site. It's a pretty nice warm layer for spring and fall hiking -- just under a pound, with a fully insulated hood, and a big pass-through insulated handwarmer pocket. Looks like a big hooded sweatshirt, only made of 800-fill down and microfiber. Now I have to decide if I want to keep my Micropuff pullover. Hmmmm.

[Tipi Walter]

I picked up a Patagonia down pullover with a hood for 50% off at Footsloggers in Boone last month. They may still be on the Patagonia web site. It's a pretty nice warm layer for spring and fall hiking -- just under a pound, with a fully insulated hood, and a big pass-through insulated handwarmer pocket. Looks like a big hooded sweatshirt, only made of 800-fill down and microfiber. Now I have to decide if I want to keep my Micropuff pullover. Hmmmm.

This is off point, but I bought an old North Face Bigfoot sleeping bag from Footsloggers in Boone in 1977. The store is still running after all these years! Those boys really supported my habit and my hiking addiction. Hanes has been around since the beginning and still does counter work at the new store on Depot street.

[take-a-knee]

'Pends how much money I have.

Currently I use a Patagonia synthetic for Winter that weighs just over a pound. I got it at Goodwill for $7.00. Very warm.

Next one of those you find in size medium that doesn't have cat piss smell on it buy it for me and I'll gladly double your money.

[Skidsteer]

Next one of those you find in size medium that doesn't have cat piss smell on it buy it for me and I'll gladly double your money.

You got it. :)

That's sorta what I did anyway at Soruck this year. I threw all my thrift store finds from the past year that don't fit me into a box and sold them at the used gear sale for a small mark-up. Paid for my weekend and gave some folks some decent gear.