Sizing of Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka

I have found their sizing of the US size items (as oppossed to Japanese) run a little on the small side.

I wear a Patagonia Micropuff in small with room for an r.5 underneath, I could not even move my arms in the small montbell ul therma. I am stocky and have a 40″ chest at 5’8″ 155lbs.

Mountain Walker,

You might be falling into that trap of trying to get too much out of one garment. I would say your best bet is to go bigger…seeing as that gives you more options than tight. A large will fit you snug, especially if any more than 5 to 8% of your 180 lbs. is fat, because us guys tend to carry that right in the middle. I am a lean 170 and the large is fairly roomy, so if you are lean, then the large just might be perfect. I cannot speak for the ladies sizing.

Hi Scott,
How tall are you and what size chest are you? Will give me a better idea of sizing.
I’m on the lean side, but not skinny.

Hi Jhaura,

I called Montbell and they said the Thermawraps run on the small side. From what I’ve heard, and the type of use I’d like (esp using over shells at rest stops), I think I’ll be better off with an XL. I’m just not sure about my wife’s sizing – not sure if a Small or a Medium would work best for her (true size 8, normally a medium in most women’s outerwear pieces). Can any BPL ladies out there shed some light on Montbell Thermawrap Parka sizing?

Mountain walker, I am 5`9.5″ and I own the UL thermawrap(L) and the light alpine down jacket(L). My girlfriend 5`3″ uses the UL down jacket(S). These are GREAT pieces of gear at reasonable prices, but I agonized over the sizing too, because M to L is not a big difference. I use these items similar to how you do, as a middle or outer layer. My advice is choose ONE parameter of the sizing chart which is most important to you, and always use it. For me, I use Height.. the L is for people 170-180cm, so even though I could wear M based on chest and waist size, the hem and sleeves would be noticeably short and that would bug me. I dont know what parameter is most important to you, but the sizing chart in inches is right on. There is some variability in construction so you can fine tune by trying on a few in the same size.

Remember that MontBell is a Japanese company; they size their garments for the most part for Japanese physiques, which tend to run quite a lot smaller than American. Shoulders for men are about the same as American men, but then the arm are shorter. Pants legs are shorter too for corresponding American waist sizes. Waist sizes for women are smaller than American waist sizes, with narrower hips, but longer crotches, and correspondingly shorter legs. Japanese women’s bust sizes are also quite a bit smaller usually, so when getting jackets for women and such this must be taken into account. My Japanese wife uses a Thermawrap parka and the women’s version that we looked at originally was a bit tight at the waist, so we got her an x-small men’s version instead, to allow for layering. It is also a bit longer than the men’s version.

When I buy MontBell stuff I nearly always have to get at least one size larger. I am usually a torso large medium (large in Japan), but my Thermawrap is too small at that size so I got an American size large (x-large in Japan) that fits just right.

Hope that helps a bit.

Mountain Walker,

I am 6′ even. I tried the Medium but found that I felt and looked like Hans and Franz from Sat. Night Live. Too tight! You are probably OK to get the Large. Xtra Large may in fact leave too much open space inside when you are not layered.

I’m tall – 6’4″.

I sometimes have to go to Extra Large to get the longer length. I have MB Thermawrap and it’s huge in an XL. Larger than most other manufacturers in the same size.

So I just received the Thermawrap Parka. I have it in L and XL. I still have to try on over my typical layers, but from a quick try-on, it seems that a Large would only work for me under a shell, and I would need the XL to use as a belay type jacket (as a warmup over shell and all at rest stops). The large would be tight enough over a light shell (Patagonia Ready Mix) + midlayer (Old thick Patagonia R2 with no chest pocket that has lots of loft but weights under 12 ounces) + baselayer (Ibex woolies top) to leave me with little mobility. To help anyone else who is sizing these, I'm 6 ft tall, 185 lbs, 42 inch chest, 34 in sleeve and would definitely be considered on the slim fit side.

I'm thinking – the extra room I get from the XL makes it possible to use as a warmup/belay jacket, but doesn't stop me from using to extend the warmth of my sleeping bag or for around town/travel (though it is a little bigger than I'd normally wear for casual use). Large would work a bit better for casual use, and under a shell, but wouldn't allow me enough room over my typical layers.

I'll have 2 brand new jackets I'll be offering at a great price, likely a Small and a Large.

I simply cannot believe how much warmth this jacket offers. It's not just the amount of loft and the hood – I can tell the material is less wind permeable (and a little less breathable) than the material used on my heavy insulation jacket (a DAS parka). It's incredibly warm for the weight.

EJ, when you post a comment like that my ears stand up.

I might be really interested in your Large, if you're looking to off load it. I'm looking to use it for almost the same as you – an under/over insulating layer.

Would this hood fit over a climbing helmet, do you think? I'm looking for something a bit more versatile than my MEC Northern light pullover for summer mountaineering.

I looked at the DAS and the MEC Magna, but they look like overkill to me. The other option would be the MEC midweight layer.

Anyone got any preferences?

I thought I would throw in my experience with my new Thermawrap Parka…. I’m 5’9” and about 180lbs this time of year. I got a size medium and it is perfect as an insulation layer. It is a little too snug to use as a belay jacket, but that’s not what I bought it for. I usually wear a mid-weight wool layer under it, or for a little extra, a light fleece. When conditions call for it, I’ll throw on a hardshell (Patagonoia Grade VI). I agree with EJ about how much warmth this jacket provides for its weight. I have been thrilled with its versatility and comfort range.

Hi Rod,

I don't think you could get a climbing helmet under the hood unless it was a close fitting one and it would be a tight fit. I think you would definitely wear the helmet over the hood. Or just use a balaclava. Has anyone worn a helmet under the hood? Still, nothing beats the warmth of this jacket for the weight.

I may be posting the Large and Small tomorrow or Saturday at a great price (these are the bright blue color with the updated regular zip which doesn't snag like the old concealed zip Ryan Jordan complained about). Just waiting for a buddy who was going to get back to me.

We finally got a few minutes to try on with layers. I'm about as close to a true size Large as can be with a 42 inch chest and 34" in sleeve and I would definitely say – order your true size if you want to wear under a shell – order one size up for use as a belay/over shell warm up for rest stops. Even my wife who is a true size 8 and almost always takes a Small in men's sizes needs a medium for use as a belay jacket. In addition, while the belay size is a little bit bigger when you are not wearing over your layers, it's not ridiculous looking and it's still very warm (both the XL for me and the Medium for my wife still work well when not used as a belay jacket, they are just a little bit bigger).

Rod, just wanted to let you know – I just posted the Large Montbell Thermawrap for $139 on the Gear Swap Forum and a Small for the same price. PM me if you are interested, I can ship out today or tomorrow. Have well over 130 sales on eBay with excellent feedback.

Ezra, I'd agree on sizing – the safe bet seems to be – order true to size for a snug under shell fit; order one size up for over shell warmup/belay. I'm on the slim side, and the large fits like a glove, especially around the waist (you don't have much extra room at all). And the XL without layers underneath isn't huge, it's just a bit longer, a little more generous in the waist and sleeves and leaves a little extra room in the body (for me around the middle and small of my back). Point is, unless you are on the small side of your true size range, you won't look ridiculous walking around with the belay size when you are just wearing it as a jacket. And I'd argue this is one of the smartest thing to bring with you for casual travel – it will let you handle a big temperature swing without carrying a heavy, bulky jacket.

The sizing of the hood on the Thermwrap Parka is more suited for just warming the head and will only fit a small helmet underneath. A large helmet could be worn over the hood.

We have a few of the smaller sizes left at the smokin’ price of $115 in our gear shop.

Thermawrap Parka.

But I'll pass EJ. I'm really looking for something I can throw on over my hardshell, and flick the hood up over my helmet. If it had been the orange I probably would have taken the chance, but without being able to try it out, I'll let someone else get the deal.

Thanks, Rod

Hi Rod,

No sweat. I always get some pleasure from finding the right gear/tool for my use – you shouldn't compromise if there's a solution out there which works better. I've never tried it on, but have you checked out the Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket (which was on sale), a bit heavier at around 20 ounces and warmer but it's possible the hood works over a helmet. I've also seen a similar jacket from Mammut (which has a strong climbing focus) and Moonstone. Wild Things also has a light epic shelled belay jacket at around 16 ounces and they also have a strong climbing focus. You might also custom modify the hood of a jacket that otherwise works – either yourself or you could pay a reputable gear repair shop and I'm sure it wouldn't be very expensive.