tradygirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Product name: Mont Bell UL Thermawrap Parka
Website: www.montbell.com
Description: Super lightweight synthetic insulated jacket
Uses: Anytime you need a very lightweight, but very warm outer jacket or mid-layer
Rating: Two thumbs WAAAAAY up! This jacket can do it all.
Ever since I started backcountry skiing I've been struggling to find the perfect layering system that wouldn't require me to pack a massive bag. I'm constantly taking layers on and off to regulate my warmth and sweat level, and I've struggled to find simple layers that do the trick.
I quickly discovered that most days, even if it's warm, a good insulating jacket is the key piece to have - on the ridgelines where the wind is always blowing, or when you stop to eat and your body temperature plummets. It's good to have something warm to throw on top of whatever you're wearing. For the past two years I've been using my North Face Nuptse down jacket and I've had two major complaints:
1) It's pretty bulky and takes up way too much room in my pack.
2) The goosedown cannot handle getting even remotely wet. I've had more than a couple snowy days that it just turned into a soggy rag.
So in comes the Mont Bell. Every issue I had with my previous jacket it took care of with flying colors! I've used it on three long tours now and here's a few of the highlights:
1) OMG this thing is light! It weighs 12 oz and it feels like wearing nothing more than a garbage sack. It packs down to about the size of a softball.
2) The warmth-to-weight ratio is outstanding! It's every bit as warm (or warmer) than my NF and it's so much thinner and lighter.
2) The built-in hood is very nice. While de-skinning on a ridge or eating lunch in the wind, pulling up the hood really helps cut down on the wind chill and keep me really comfortable.
3) The synthetic insulation and DWR coating on the outer shell has done a great job so far. We'll see how it does on the first day touring during a wet snow storm.
4) The hand-warming pockets really do work! I can put my bare hands in the pockets and get them warmed up in a matter of minutes.
Overall, I'm VERY happy with my purchase and I believe I've finally found the perfect piece for the application I was looking for.
Website: www.montbell.com
Description: Super lightweight synthetic insulated jacket
Uses: Anytime you need a very lightweight, but very warm outer jacket or mid-layer
Rating: Two thumbs WAAAAAY up! This jacket can do it all.
Ever since I started backcountry skiing I've been struggling to find the perfect layering system that wouldn't require me to pack a massive bag. I'm constantly taking layers on and off to regulate my warmth and sweat level, and I've struggled to find simple layers that do the trick.
I quickly discovered that most days, even if it's warm, a good insulating jacket is the key piece to have - on the ridgelines where the wind is always blowing, or when you stop to eat and your body temperature plummets. It's good to have something warm to throw on top of whatever you're wearing. For the past two years I've been using my North Face Nuptse down jacket and I've had two major complaints:
1) It's pretty bulky and takes up way too much room in my pack.
2) The goosedown cannot handle getting even remotely wet. I've had more than a couple snowy days that it just turned into a soggy rag.
So in comes the Mont Bell. Every issue I had with my previous jacket it took care of with flying colors! I've used it on three long tours now and here's a few of the highlights:
1) OMG this thing is light! It weighs 12 oz and it feels like wearing nothing more than a garbage sack. It packs down to about the size of a softball.
2) The warmth-to-weight ratio is outstanding! It's every bit as warm (or warmer) than my NF and it's so much thinner and lighter.
2) The built-in hood is very nice. While de-skinning on a ridge or eating lunch in the wind, pulling up the hood really helps cut down on the wind chill and keep me really comfortable.
3) The synthetic insulation and DWR coating on the outer shell has done a great job so far. We'll see how it does on the first day touring during a wet snow storm.
4) The hand-warming pockets really do work! I can put my bare hands in the pockets and get them warmed up in a matter of minutes.
Overall, I'm VERY happy with my purchase and I believe I've finally found the perfect piece for the application I was looking for.