User Review: MontBell Men's 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.