Also worth considering is the version without the hood which drops the weight from 14 to 11 oz, which is what I did since you can always bring a hood separately for sleeping or whatever for more modularity. I second the motion on the MH Ghostwhisperer. That thing just didn't keep me warm enough. And since down quickly starts losing it's thermal effectiveness as it gets a little damp, I'd rather have a few extra ounces of down, than just barely enough when the jacket is completely dry. Yeah, of course the hoodless version is a little cheaper as well.
My issue with sewn through construction, even in some of the warmest/best reviewed jackets, is that cold air reaches my arm on the inside of my elbow bend where they usually stitch; there is just always a lack of insulation in that location. Have you noticed that happening with this jacket? I feel like the only way to avoid that is to get a baffle construction.
I haven't noticed that with this jacket, but I agree that sewn through always carries the chance for heat loss and wind going through the seams. I've found this jacket to be fine for the temps I'm normally in (typically don't hike colder than the 20s F), but if you need the warmest possible jacket then box construction is the way to go, although it'll certainly be heavier in most cases.
@@DanGoesHiking Thanks! I've been in the market and doing WAY too much research so I get super bummed when I get a jacket that's supposed to be for alpine environments and my arms are chilly just walking to the mailbox!
Hey Dan, I am moving to a colder countryy and just recently I was in about 40-48F temps and I felt my TNF Thermoball alogn with a fleece and shell wasnt quite warm enough, I was thinking of replacing the THermoball with something like this, how cold could you go with this jacket and maybe a shell?
Hi Dan great review - I am in the market for winter hiking jacket that is really warm, now I have a synthetic Arcteryex jacket that weighs 500 g. Montbell also have this Frost Line Parka did you consider that jacket it weighs 586 g
You need to stretch and rub the down to get it back to full loft, but even then it will never be like when it was brand new. Washing down jackets is always at your own risk
I actually have a review of the Torrid! Check it out! But to answer your question, the Alpine Light is definitely warmer, but it's also heavier because of the extra insulation.
Great review! This gave me some assurance after ordering one. There is always a little post buying remorse after ordering online. The fit is the wildcard, I ordered medium, I'm 6' 170...in the kind of skinny category I suppose, I'm hoping this is a win, otherwise, I'm spending more for Arcteryx
How tall are u and what size do u have I'm bout the same build lol and been wanting to get that jacket for my thru hike next year but can't figure out which size I should get and yours fits u perfect
Nice - love the Montbell jackets! Just to clarify that the Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka is both lighter (almost half the Alpine Light's weight) and is just as warm...but, for sure it is more expensive! (Although you might be able to get a "US fit" version via their Japanese site at a considerable discount!)
Sorry but I have to seriously doubt that the Plasma 1000 is "just as warm" as the Alpine Light. Just look at the specs on the Montbell website and do the math. 1000 FP x 1.6oz = 1,600 cubic inches of loft. Compare that to 800 FP x 4.2 Oz = 3,360 cubic inches of loft for the Alpine Light. Explain to me how a jacket with half of the loft of another jacket is going to be just as warm? Or just look on Montbell's warmth/weight chart. Out of 13 down pieces, the Plasma 1000 jacket is rated the 12th warmest jacket, and the Alpine Light is the 5th warmest.
@@mattsev9134 I think you are looking at the Plasma Down Jacket and not the Plasma Down Parka I referenced in my comment above which has 3.4oz of 1000FP
@@dcaudwell You're absolutely right, I was comparing jacket to jacket. My apologies! So it's 3,400 cubic inches of loft vs 3,840 parka to parka. That is much more in the ballpark of each other. That is a very nice piece of equipment!
@@mattsev9134 I think the video title is confusing because, although it states "Alpine Light Down Jacket" the review is actually about the "Alpine Light Down Parka" In any case, you are still right - the Alpine Light Parka does indeed have more loft as well as a burlier shell material , so it's probably warmer than even the loft math (which I miscalculated a year ago - my bad) would imply!
Also worth considering is the version without the hood which drops the weight from 14 to 11 oz, which is what I did since you can always bring a hood separately for sleeping or whatever for more modularity. I second the motion on the MH Ghostwhisperer. That thing just didn't keep me warm enough. And since down quickly starts losing it's thermal effectiveness as it gets a little damp, I'd rather have a few extra ounces of down, than just barely enough when the jacket is completely dry. Yeah, of course the hoodless version is a little cheaper as well.
All good points! Thanks for commenting!
My issue with sewn through construction, even in some of the warmest/best reviewed jackets, is that cold air reaches my arm on the inside of my elbow bend where they usually stitch; there is just always a lack of insulation in that location. Have you noticed that happening with this jacket? I feel like the only way to avoid that is to get a baffle construction.
I haven't noticed that with this jacket, but I agree that sewn through always carries the chance for heat loss and wind going through the seams. I've found this jacket to be fine for the temps I'm normally in (typically don't hike colder than the 20s F), but if you need the warmest possible jacket then box construction is the way to go, although it'll certainly be heavier in most cases.
@@DanGoesHiking Thanks! I've been in the market and doing WAY too much research so I get super bummed when I get a jacket that's supposed to be for alpine environments and my arms are chilly just walking to the mailbox!
What size are you wearing? Im looking at size Medium i am 5’8 pretty skinny aswell, thank you
I ordered a small. I'm 5'7" and also skinny, and the small fits me great.
Awesome review! My girl loves her Montbell!
Thanks! BTW, awesome channel! Your videos are hilarious
Really nice jacket! I’m liking that a lot.
Hey Dan, I am moving to a colder countryy and just recently I was in about 40-48F temps and I felt my TNF Thermoball alogn with a fleece and shell wasnt quite warm enough, I was thinking of replacing the THermoball with something like this, how cold could you go with this jacket and maybe a shell?
I'm personally comfortable down to the low 20s or high teens (if I'm inactive at camp), so this should be plenty warm for the temps you mentioned.
Hi Dan great review - I am in the market for winter hiking jacket that is really warm, now I have a synthetic Arcteryex jacket that weighs 500 g. Montbell also have this Frost Line Parka did you consider that jacket it weighs 586 g
Thanks, Hans! I considered the Frost Line, but ultimately it seemed warmer (and heavier) than what I needed.
Thanks Dan
Washed on cold wash 15 mins, all the puff has gone. Have i been sold a fake?
You need to stretch and rub the down to get it back to full loft, but even then it will never be like when it was brand new. Washing down jackets is always at your own risk
Hi! How would you compare this to the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket? Which is warmer? Thanks!
I actually have a review of the Torrid! Check it out! But to answer your question, the Alpine Light is definitely warmer, but it's also heavier because of the extra insulation.
Hey dude can you tell me what size this is please? Thanks!
Want to know also!
@ he got back to me earlier, its a size small :)
Great review! This gave me some assurance after ordering one. There is always a little post buying remorse after ordering online. The fit is the wildcard, I ordered medium, I'm 6' 170...in the kind of skinny category I suppose, I'm hoping this is a win, otherwise, I'm spending more for Arcteryx
Hope you like it!
@@DanGoesHiking so far not liking Mont Bell customer service
I haven't had to interact with their customer service. What issues are you having?
@@DanGoesHiking Hey dude can you tell me what size is this jacket is please?
I'm a size small.
How tall are u and what size do u have I'm bout the same build lol and been wanting to get that jacket for my thru hike next year but can't figure out which size I should get and yours fits u perfect
I'm 5'7" and a size small. Fits me great!
@@DanGoesHiking ok I'm 5 10 so probably a medium would work for me
Can i ski in this??
Most likely its made for this purpose 🤷🏾♂️
Brempah regenah jaketna cak
Nice - love the Montbell jackets!
Just to clarify that the Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka is both lighter (almost half the Alpine Light's weight) and is just as warm...but, for sure it is more expensive! (Although you might be able to get a "US fit" version via their Japanese site at a considerable discount!)
Oh man, that Plasma 1000 is one awesome piece of gear. But alas, a tad bit out of my price range. Good suggestion about the Japanese site though!
Sorry but I have to seriously doubt that the Plasma 1000 is "just as warm" as the Alpine Light. Just look at the specs on the Montbell website and do the math. 1000 FP x 1.6oz = 1,600 cubic inches of loft. Compare that to 800 FP x 4.2 Oz = 3,360 cubic inches of loft for the Alpine Light. Explain to me how a jacket with half of the loft of another jacket is going to be just as warm? Or just look on Montbell's warmth/weight chart. Out of 13 down pieces, the Plasma 1000 jacket is rated the 12th warmest jacket, and the Alpine Light is the 5th warmest.
@@mattsev9134 I think you are looking at the Plasma Down Jacket and not the Plasma Down Parka I referenced in my comment above which has 3.4oz of 1000FP
@@dcaudwell You're absolutely right, I was comparing jacket to jacket. My apologies! So it's 3,400 cubic inches of loft vs 3,840 parka to parka. That is much more in the ballpark of each other. That is a very nice piece of equipment!
@@mattsev9134 I think the video title is confusing because, although it states "Alpine Light Down Jacket" the review is actually about the "Alpine Light Down Parka"
In any case, you are still right - the Alpine Light Parka does indeed have more loft as well as a burlier shell material , so it's probably warmer than even the loft math (which I miscalculated a year ago - my bad) would imply!
Providing information about fit is useless without knowing what size you purchased and what your dimensions are is a waste of time.
He's 5,7 bro