MontBell Tempest Jacket

If you are looking for a hard core mountaineering jacket, look elsewhere. This jacket is over priced unless you get it on sale. I have seen them for $160, in which case it would be a good buy. Here are some of the down falls that the Tempest encountered in my opinion:

I have found that the Triaxial hood is one of the best on market, although I wish the bungee cords to tighten the hood had cinch drawcords. When in very cold whether, it becomes annoying to take off your mittens to make an adjustment.

The pit-zips are too short, as they only extend from your armpit to your elbow. I prefer longer pit-zips that extend from your elbow to your chest, measuring at about 16 inches. The Tempest comes in at about 10 inches.

The parka also seems to lack an extra internal and or external pocket. It only has two front pockets that double as ventilation vents, which work nicely, but become useless if used for that reason.

This is a great jacket. I bought it from Sierra Trading Post and unfortunately they no longer have any more for sale. I really love this jacket as it is constructed to last and it has all the features that I want. It is great for hiking and with a second polar fleece layer, it would make a great ski jacket combo. I got a catalog from Lands' End and they are now selling these jackets. The price is $295. I think that at this price, it is a much better value than TNF equivalent.

Solid Construction! - pit zips, triaxial hood, reinforced shoulders/elbows, souble front storm flap w/gutter 2 font pockets w/storm flaps, articulated elbows, velcro + elastic on cufffs, and a great hood that stores very nicely under a collar w/snaps, waist drawcord.

I love it, and through Sierra Trading Post I got it at a killer price (165$) It's got good looks, is very light (<20oz), and has all the advantages of a 3-ply garmet. The only drawback is that I'd prefer the pit zips to go down a little lower. I'd pick it over an over-rated, over-priced TNF garment any day.

Great jacket for backpacking! Picked it up at a great price of $150 from Sierra Trading Post.

Really nice because it stuffs down to a little 4" x 8" package. Lightweight and nice features. Wish the hood was detachable but I guess you can't get everything you want.

This jacket is extremely waterproof and good in all conditions. It is extremely light yet tough due to the three ply gore-tex and the reinforcements. The perfect jacket for backpacking and mountaineering. A highly technical jacket at a weight of only 20 ounces. Definitly worth it!