MB AL Light Down Parka vs Patagonia Down Hoody

I love my Pata down hoody, but I wish it were a bit warmer. The MB will be warmer; if I remember Dr. Nisley's numbers correctly, the MB Alpine Light will keep an average male thermo-neutral to 17*F, while the Patagonia is effective to 29*F. If it's a piece that you have to wear at times while active, I really like the Patagonia; it has a fantastic hood (at least for my head), though the full-zip version eliminates my other favorite feature, the horizontal-zip belly-pocket on the pullover (great at belays or when seated). I would choose the Montbell; for most of my uses it's a better choice.

the Patagonia down sweater has ~ 3.0 oz of fill (probably a little more w/ the hood), the Alpine Light Parka has 4.3

I had a Pat down sweater (sans hood) and now a Alpine Light Parka- the MB piece is warmer, which w/ more fill, isn't unexpected

just a quick sizing reference- the Patagonia sizing is pretty spot on w/ the down sweater, the fit while not "athletic" is cut a little on the trim side, the MB in the Alpine Light is fairly generous. I was going to size up on the MB piece as this was going to be used as my last layer in the winter which could potentially be over a base layer, mid layer and windshirt- I'm glad I did not as the Large I ordered was just right, an XL would have been too big. Depending on where you are within in a size, use the Pat piece in this fashion you might want to size up.

both are good garments, I've been very happy w/ Patagonia's customer service, MB all my bits from them are too new and I haven't had to use them yet so can't say

Mike

Thanks for the info; with our single degree temperatures and wind chill in Boone right now, the Montbell will probably win out due to its warmth. Too bad though; I'll admit to liking how the Patagonia is styled.

Go with the MB Alpine Light Down parka, it's the better piece IMO. There's too many reasons why, you get a substantially warmer parka for only .5oz. increase in weight if both specs are correct, 1.3 oz. increased down fill amount, and a more durable 30D shell. Patagonia is always really expensive, I wouldn't let the bigger discount be the deciding factor.

everyone above nailed it IMO

the MB is the one to gp for bang for buck … BPL did a test on the jackets (not parkas) and found the MB alp light to be among the warmest of the group

the MB has more down … IMO MB jackets are prob some of the better values around, as you can find them on sale often … well unless EB bring back that obscene $50 downlight sale ;)

The Patagonia Down Hoody actually has 3.5oz of fill according to a live chat rep on patagonia.com.

That said, I own the Alpine Light Parka and it's fantastic. But, I would definitely consider the hoody if only for the subjectively better styling and with the caveat you wear a windshirt with both in camp to counteract Patagonia's additional quilting.

From personal experience and having owned both (now just the MB FWIW), I say hands down go w/the MB. Style should NOT trump function when we are talking about a piece that is going to be worn in the backcountry. And the MB is truly superior in terms of warmth and function. Unless you are just going to wear the piece around town, the MB takes the cake.

The Patagonia Down Hoody actually has 3.5oz of fill according to a live chat rep on patagonia.com.

Before I purchased my MB Alpine Light back in early Dec. I was trying to compare specs between these two jackets as well. I couldn't get a single person at Patagonia customer service to provide me with the 3.5oz. fill amount specs you were quoted Kyle, they kept telling me "Sorry I can't help you, but it's 800 fill if that helps you?". It was probably an off day over at their office. I called MB in Boulder the same afternoon and spoke to a customer service rep who immediately gave me feedback on the jacket (*he wore the Alpine Light for climbing in winter), sizing, fit, specs, and differences between the '09 and '10 models. I was sold already on the parka but the customer service spoke volumes as well.

Is it fair to compare the Light Down Parka to the Down Sweater Hoody? Wouldn't the Down Inner Hoody be a truer comparison? I have the down sweater, but looked at the MB down inner as well. The MB inner didn't fit as well for me – MB sizing is easily one less than Patagonia, that is MB XL ~= Paty LG. If I were of skinnier stock I might have gone with the MB piece, fwiw.

I think it's a fair comparo, both weigh ~ the same, fill weight is close

the UL Inner is significantly lighter than either of the above, but also less fill than both above

MB sizing is a little confusing, it varies by the garment- my ExLight is a Large and fits like almost any other large jackets I own (including Patagonia), the Alpine Light Parka is definitely cut roomier (which actually works as this is typically the last garment to go on)

i find the fit of my Med exl to be little different from most other mediums … in fact it is prob a tad roomier than a EB FA med

as said its a fair comparison … same weight …

Eddie Bauer also makes a warm down hoody. I have the E.B. down "sweater" and it's comfy.

the Patagonia seems better constructed, and is backed by a better warranty…

having had the Patagonia hooded down sweater for years, only to be disappointed to have it stolen, it was hard finding a replacement. I have sung many praises about that jacket, for it is worth every penny of its $250 tag, IMO.

It did, however, have some downsides which have me considering the Alpine Light as a proper replacement (I have a UL Down Hoody but it isn't as warm):

a) no fleece lined pockets
b) no fleece lined chin area (my beard would cause this part to fray over time)
c) warm to 30 with just a T shirt

the Montbell seems warmer, *has more down and loft) and has the fleece lined pockets and chin area. however, it doesn't have as good of a hood, IMO.