MontBell U.L. Down Parka

Summary

Light, simple and most of all, warm...and so good I've reviewed it twice!)

The odd thing about the U.L., when I first got it, was the sensation that I wasn't wearing anything and yet, I was protected from the wind and warm—sort of disconcerting, like you feel as though you should put something else on, just to feel like you're wearing something. 

I bought my U.L. a size up and it fits like a good glove, but if I'd bought it, to size, it would have been more like getting into a pair of dish washing gloves. I also bought my girlfriend another Montbell jacket in her size and, yup, we sent it back for a size larger. 

There are no gizmos on Montbell jackets—at least not the U.L. —no cinches, or drawcords and I've never needed them. 

Being that the jacket is of a seemingly delicate nature and filled with down, it will lose efficiency to a degree when wet, but I have used it under a shell, in the middle of snow storms and been just fine. 

Breathability, moisture wicking . . . I've tried wearing the U.L. under a backpack and it just gets too warm when you're active. All to say, I usually have to peel it off before it turns my insides/layers into a sauna. 

The U.L. works best with layers. I've slept many a Sierra night, in a minimalist sleeping bag, up to my waist, while using the U.L. with one or two layers and no complaints. 

While I feel that the U.L. is well made I am also afraid to really thrash it, not that I've ever had the need, but a good bit of abrasion while climbing might be the end of it. Again, this is just a result of it being so light. 

Summary

Toasty warm and light weight.

My hiking partner first bought one and after a few outings I was convinced to ditch my heavier jacket and could not be happier. It is very durable, but as with any nylon and down I'm very careful around any fire and so far have no spark holes.