View Full Version : Lightweight Down Jackets/Sweaters
sbennett
12-08-2009, 11:49
Does anyone have any experience with the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket?
http://us.rab.uk.com/clothing/down_insulation/microlight_alpine_jacket---13/
It appears that it has a lot more down (165 grams) than a Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (90 grams--I asked someone at Patagonia yesterday) for about the same overall weight.
I also checked Montbell and it seems like their Alpine Light Down Parka is somewhat comparable at 120 grams of down, but still has a little less down than the Rab. Anyone have experience with this too?
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301315
I'm also looking for any other suggestions in the less than one pound, hooded, 800+ down category so any insight would be great.
bigcranky
12-08-2009, 12:21
I like every piece of Montbell clothing and gear that we own. I have been lusting after the Alpine Light Down Parka -- but for my lovely wife, to keep her warm on cold weather hikes. The price is good, too. Check Prolitegear.com, they often have Montbell on sale.
Backpacking light did a review of the Rab jacket (not the hooded one) recently and they liked it overall and gave it good marks. They did complain that the Pertex Microlight shell and 1.5" seam spacing allowed lots of down to escape.
If you don't mind spending a bit more money check out the Nunatak Skaha Plus. Unlike all of the other options in the weight category it is fully baffled and is absolutely the best, warmest, lightweight down jacket you can buy. I was able to find one used (w/ 2oz overfill) and it is the most amazing down garment I have ever seen for the weight.
http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/garments/skaha_plus.htm
I also own the Mont-Bell UL Down Inner Jacket and used to own the Mont-Bell Alpine Jacket (replaced with the Nunatak) and think Mont-Bell makes good down garments for the money.
sbennett
12-08-2009, 12:32
Backpacking light did a review of the Rab jacket (not the hooded one) recently and they liked it overall and gave it good marks. They did complain that the Pertex Microlight shell and 1.5" seam spacing allowed lots of down to escape.
If you don't mind spending a bit more money check out the Nunatak Skaha Plus. Unlike all of the other options in the weight category it is fully baffled and is absolutely the best, warmest, lightweight down jacket you can buy. I was able to find one used (w/ 2oz overfill) and it is the most amazing down garment I have ever seen for the weight.
http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/garments/skaha_plus.htm
I also own the Mont-Bell UL Down Inner Jacket and used to own the Mont-Bell Alpine Jacket (replaced with the Nunatak) and think Mont-Bell makes good down garments for the money.
The Nunatak looks pretty neat (and light!) but $347 seems like a pretty ambitious price.:-? Not to imply that it isn't worth it but I don't want to invest that kind of $$ into a new jacket.
I think I'm just looking for something warmer than my Patagonia Down Sweater (non-hooded) that I can get through winter with without having to use a 2lb beast down jacket (like an MHW Subzero, etc.).
I have the RAB Microlight vest in lg at just under 9 oz on PO scales. Think it's a piece of quality gear! Like that it has an athletic, but comfortable fit, for my long thin body, elasticized waist hem and arm pit openings(helps to really avoid drafts), two handwarmer pockets if I choose to use it as an outer layer, a Napolean pocket, sheds LIGHT moisture, and has a soft comfortable hand. I have not experienced ANY down loss. I've been told by RAB reps that the down used in RAB gear has a higher rating(850 not 800) than is listed because they use a slightly different down rating system in Europe. I paid around $120 American.
I ditto Big Cranky's assessment, I love all my Mont bell jackets/vests(UL down inner jacket(recently purchased at ProLite for around $115) and thermawrap vest and jacket)
Rocketman
12-08-2009, 17:42
I just got a Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka last week. It has been hanging and fluffing up nice, but almost all of the fluffing happened within a few minutes of opening the box and plastic bag and putting the parka on a hanger. Thursday is expected to be down below 20F, and I will give the new toy a field trial then - bicycling, not hiking. It feels great, but somehow feels a little short - not as much like a full parka as I had imagined.
Kerosene
12-08-2009, 19:12
I am also a big fan of my Montbell UL Down Inner Jacket, but I'll be checking out the Nunatak just for kicks!
a light vest to layer over your patagonia may be the ticket if you're looking for value. i picked up an eddie bauer 700 fill vest for $30 a few weeks ago.
I just got a Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka last week. It has been hanging and fluffing up nice, but almost all of the fluffing happened within a few minutes of opening the box and plastic bag and putting the parka on a hanger. Thursday is expected to be down below 20F, and I will give the new toy a field trial then - bicycling, not hiking. It feels great, but somehow feels a little short - not as much like a full parka as I had imagined.
Well Rocket man, what did you think. I am thinking about making the leap into a montbell alpine light parka or jacket and am looking for opinions on this. Thanks :D
SurferNerd
12-28-2009, 15:29
What about the Marmot Zeus? It's my cold weather 800fill down jacket. Weighs 14ou, and is less than $100 at REI. I've taken it cold weather backpacking and it's been great thusfar. It doesn't rub too bad with the backpack on, a major issue with down and backpacking.
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11-18-2011, 02:37
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Montbell ex light down jacket, 5.6oz in the stuffsac. Very nice fitting, efficient piece of gear.
Raul Perez
11-18-2011, 10:03
I've had the Montbell UL Down Inner Parka and paired with a fleece jacket I went down to around 3*F. I was fairly comfortable. Actually I was surprising comfortable. The coldest things on me at that time were my hands and feet.
I have the EX Light Down Jacket and it's great down to 20*F with a mid weight wool base layer. This jacket is perfect for 3 season.
Those are just my observations and experiences with these items. YMMV.
I ended up selling my UL Down Inner Parka and I recently got the Feathered Friends Volant Jacket for my winter hiking (camp use). It's much heavier but I dont need a fleece jacket to supplement it and this thing is like wearing a sleeping bag. Basically a beast. BUT I dont stay out more than 3 days while winter hiking so my total pack weight doesn't exceed 27lbs so the weight (to me) isn't that much of an issue for that time of the year I'm hiking. I'd rather be warm at camp. Of all my testing during the cold seasons I've found (for me) that I require more insulation to be comfortable when temps hit and stay consistantly below 25*F
Raul Perez
11-18-2011, 10:04
Oh to be noted the Montbell gear has an "athletic cut" to it. So if you have a bit of a mid section get the next size up.
Rab Microlight - non hooded. I've had it about two years and have been very happy. It's holding up well. I'd agree with the backpacking light comments of the somewhat loose neck but I'd be nitpicking.
Are you looking for anything specific on the Rab?
The Ama Dablam is probably a little over a lb. but nice.
skinewmexico
11-18-2011, 12:51
Proving once again that Patagonia is overrated. But I'm happy with the First Ascent down sweater I got on an online closeout before last Christmas for $41.
The less down used in a garment, the more it needs to be stabilized, hence the small spaces between the horizontal stitch lines. The down also tends to get more compressed in these smaller spaces, making it less effective as an insulator. For a lightweight insulated garment it might be better off to get something with synthetic insulation, especially since you'll be tempted to wear it underneath your waterproof/breathable (I know, it's a myth) shell, getting it damp and further reducing its insulative properties. Get down for big, bulky, extreme cold outerwear and for sleeping bags. The ultralight stuff will work, but the question is, "Is the extra cost worth saving a few grams and having to worry about keeping it dry?"
Just a thought :)
Oh, - drop a few extra $$ for a hooded garment - you'll appreciate the hood a lot more than you'll appreciate the 2 oz. weight savings (just think bare neck drafty thoughts) ;).
The best (in a nutshell)
Montbell and Western Mountaineering for your down
Icebreaker for your wool
Patagonia for your fleece and long johns
Smartwool for your feet
Arcteryx for your rain gear\
LaSportiva for your footwear (my opinion)
anything by MSR for anything else
TRAUMAhead
11-21-2011, 05:15
The best (in a nutshell)
Montbell and Western Mountaineering for your down
Icebreaker for your wool
Patagonia for your fleece and long johns
Smartwool for your feet
Arcteryx for your rain gear\
LaSportiva for your footwear (my opinion)
anything by MSR for anything elseNot enough cottage.
I also like how a spam bot bumped the post, lol. Just picked up a used Rab Microlight Down Hoody (12.5oz) to replace my Montbell Down Inner Jacket (6.8oz) and Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover (9.5oz). I'm a very hot hiker/cold sleeper, and the MB and Patagucci was just never enough warmth for camp only (summer Sierras and Death Valley winters). My friend has the same jacket, and he's completely fine in the same temperatures. Gonna pair the jacket with a pair of MB UL Down Pants and hopefully I'll be warm instead of turning into bed earlier for warmth.
Just received a Cordillera Aiguille 800 Down Sweater from REI-Outlet. It was $200 and I got it for $100 after two discounts. Probably not the caliber of some of the above mentioned but I'm very happy with the price and to retire my fleece sweater(s) to save weight.