Recommend Down Jacket/ Pack

Thank you all for your wonderful insight.

James, Thank you for the photographic progression. It really helped put things in perspective because I see myself slowly considering lighter alternatives and it's nice to live vicarious through someone else… like looking into a magic mirror.

This "journey" as many of your alluded to, is indeed just that. If I start shooting for a 5 lb base tomorrow, I may have compromised on some of my initial perceived needs and perhaps may not have more fun in the long run. The journey and slow discovery and evolution may be exactly what I need and enjoy.

Being relatively young and fit affords me the opportunity to pay a bit of a weight penalty to find a pack that will fit my slender body type (Atmos 50).

However, as many of your wisely suggested, perhaps I should start accumulating some of my other gear before buying the pack – just to make sure it can carry it adequately and comfortably. However, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get that Atmos 50. (Found a place that carries them for $130 no tax, free shipping)

As for the gear I'll be getting in the meantime:

Can anyone comment on how the Mont-Bell sizing compares to other brands? (such as WM Flight series, or North Face Down jackets)

I'm probably getting the Montbell UL Down Inner and have never tried on any of their products.

($204 WM Flight Jacket or $120 UL Down Inner Jacket???)

Nick, The Mont-Bell stuff is a bit on the small side, but I risked it and went with a medium jacket instead of large. It fits me like a glove. I am 5'9.5" and weigh 155 lbs. My waist is around 32 to 33 inches. I don't have many pics really showing the fit but you can kinda see it here.

Jamie

Very interesting thread. I too am trying to replace my gear piece by piece. But the big question (I have to answer to my wife) is this: What happens to all the old gear? Closet? E-bay? Back to REI? I'm just curious how you guys are handling your upgrades.

I'm 5'8", 170 lbs, 34 inch waist, so slightly bigger than Jamie, 39-40 inch chest. I would agree that the UL Down jacket runs slightly small. I ordered a medium, which typically is a good fit for most gear for me, but found that Mont Bell's medium was a bit too constricting, especially if i would take a big breath, the jacket would be pulling against me, so I retruned it for a large. More relaxed fit, but not overly so to impede it as a mid-layer.

"But the big question (I have to answer to my wife) is this: What happens to all the old gear? Closet? E-bay? Back to REI?"

Closet – No, unless you have need for it — realistically. Rather than letting things sit for years, you may as well cash them in — or donate — so others can get the use.

EBay — Yes! Usually, for cottage brands that few have heard of except for diehards, I would sell on the forums. Known brands, I put on EBay.

Back to REI – No. If you are dissatisfied with your gear, then sure, back to REI. But if it's because your preference or priority has changed, that's not REI's fault. See EBay above.

I usually sell my old stuff on the BPL forums and if there are no takers, ebay. You'll definitely *not* break even, but that's the cost of going light.

Also, another useful way to analyze gear is to look at gear lists. There are a descent amount in the Community Gear Lists section.

Good question! I keep it around for friends who might want to join me for an overnighter. All that heavy stuff makes for plush camping.