Anonymous
 |
Hi there, Looking for a down jacket for use in Canada around town and for ski touring down times. Not after much; just as light as possible, as compressible as possible and as cheap as possible. The Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero at $125 seems hard to beat but is a bit heavy and bulky. Montbell have a few interesting jackets but more money and I worry they may be too fragile. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks |
altmanator
 |
I think the perfect jacket for what you're looking for at the best price is
With the Mountain Hardwear jacket
you will be sacrificing compressibility tremendously with its 650 fill down versus the Montbell 800 fill. Despite saving some money with the Mountain Hardwear jacket, the lack of compressibility and extra weight will likely keep you from using it on your ski tours.
I have a Patagonia down sweater
which I absolutely LOVE. It's very similar to the Montbell in features and it's the perfect jacket to bunch up and stuff in a pack for when I reach the windy summit on a ski tour.
If you have any questions just write back. |
Anonymous
|
Not sure if the two suggested jackets would have the warmth factor. Does the Montbell have a drawcord hem? I know the Alpine Light version does not. Which is a shame because otherwise that jacket would be perfect.
What about the MH Phantom? Bit more weight but still light and compressible compared to the Sub Zero?
Thanks for all the help. |
Anonymous
|
Or even the Marmot Zeus? |
altmanator
| Posted: November 3rd, 2009 Edited: November 3rd, 2009 | Quote, Reply |
While the Montbell Ultralight Down Inner Jacket does not have an adjustable hem, if you can live with a hood the Mont Bell UL Inner Parka has an adjustable hem
I think either way you will have to make a sacrifice. These ultralight down jackets are plenty warm for any activity when you are generating heat such as a ski tour but they will not be as toasty as a bulky 650 fill down around town jacket. The 800 fill down in the ultralights is far more insulating per ounce than 650 fill so you're getting much more warmth than you might think based solely on the weight of the jacket. |
