light insulating jackets

Check out the Montbell Thermawrap jacket.

At 8.5 or so ounces, it is featherly light, has a full length zipper, pockets for your hands, packs down really small, and is since it has syntetic fill it will keep you warm in damp conditions.

Two years ago, I replaced my bulky fleece with the Thermawrap and could not be happier.

I have taken it snow shoeing and winter camping as part of a layering system and I even use it in my sleeping bag laid over me like a blanket to provide additional warmth.

The workmanship is great.

Hope that helps.

-Tony

How water resistant are you wanting it? I have a MontBell Thermawrap that I use all of the time, but you either may want something warmer (the thermawrap is about like a 200 wt fleece and 8.2oz) or more water resistant.

I was too late

I recommend going with the hooded version of the Thermawrap, the parka (see ava). The hood adds a large amount of warmth for a little weight trade-off. It blocks wind around around your head (except head-on) and the brim is excellent.

I have the thermawrap parka and it is amazingly warm for its weight. I would definitely recommend it.

If you are bigger than the average person you might want to check out the Patagonia Micro Puff as the Montbell stuff tends to run small.

You might look at the Spruce Run from REI. 15oz, wind and water resistant, and the sleeves zip off in you just want a vest. Good luck!

Could any owners please comment on the size of the parka hood? Is it over-helmet sized, or just over hat?

For me (Moderate-size head, I guess!), it would lose some loft over a helmet. Perfect though, w/just a cap.