Montbell UL Thermawrap Jacket

The 2005 version has a "concealed" front zipper — rumor has it that the zipper snags easily. MB changed to "exposed" zipper in 2006. Liner and insulation material are the same for 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Thanks for the quick response. The only difference I found was the new zipper. So, do you know if MB changed anything with the insulation weight? Is it pretty much the same jacket. I wonder if the 2007 is worth the extra $40.

One thing to add: Thermawraps up to the first half of 2005 did not have hand-warmer pockets! The insulation was 60g/m2 in the body and 40g/m2 in the sleeves.

Second half of 2005, the Thermawrap sported 2 hand-warmer pockets, concealed zipper, and 50g/m2 in both body and sleeves.

I would avoid the 2005 jacket with concealed zipper. I remember reading a few complaints about them. I don't think there is any difference between 2006 and 2007 at all. If I remember correctly, the red-lettered "NEW" coil zipper on MB's website has been there since 2006 – to distinguish it from the 2005 concealed zipper which people seem to dislike.

Yea, I'm thinking the same thing. I'll probably go for the 2007 version. Originally, I was torn between the Patagonia MicroPuff and the MB. I live the Arizona low desert area and I wanted an insulation layer for the cold evenings after a day of backpacking.

Thanks for your comments. You've been very helpful.

Michael:

You are welcome. I just edited my response above, but it shouldn't change your decision.

For me, the MB Thermawrap is good to 40F. YMMV.

Michael,
Good choice with the Thermawrap. Many of us have one. I initially bought the Large, which is too big for me; I finally decided to buy the Medium. Too late for me to return the L, so I will offer it to you (or anyone else) for $80 plus shipping.(retail is about $129) It is like new, blue, 2006 model, concealed zipper.

I have no problems with that type of zipper. Evidenced by the fact that I just bought the 2007 Japanese version which all still have that type. The zipper is smooth and wind-proof.

I wore it up Fujisan, and a few other times. I'm 5'9" and you can see the arms are too long for me, neck is a little too loose, and the torso is also too long.
PM or post here; Ill be posting it on GearSwap soon if you dont want it..
Ben also bought an item from me and can vouch that I'll deliver.

Hi Brett,

I'm about the same height as you are, so I think I may have to go with the medium as well. I didn't realize they ran that big. I do appreciate the offer, though.

Michael, OK, Ill post it on gearswap. Some people like to size up to wear over multiple layers; I wear mine over a wool base and maybe a fleece 100 at most.

As shown, Im wearing it over a short arm poly tshirt. That combo kept me warm down to about 35'F. It is amazingly warm considering its thiness.

I've got the '05. IMO, the concealed zipper does snag on occasion, but i wouldn't exactly call it snag prone – certainly no more than with a couple of GoLite and Montane windshirts i have (esp. the GoLite Wisp which is snag "city", IME). In fact, IME, it snags less than the zipper on my Wisp.

However, it is, again IMHO, a REAL PAIN to get started. I still need to devote my full attention to getting the male part properly inserted into the female part, while maintaining downward tension on the female part to make sure that it is properly positioned at its full bottom position before commencing the zipping operation (either walking or chewing gum AND zipping at the same time is definitely a challenge!). Please note that the tedium ad nauseum in my prev. description of the zipping process was intentional in an attempt to convey the attention to detail required in order to properly perform the concealed zipping operation.

I just plain DISLIKE the concealed zips on those MB jackets which have them.

I also wish that the jacket had pockets, but it IS an INNER jacket. As such, it's delicate fabric is meant to be protected by a separate outer shell. Getting to the pockets of an INNER jacket has its attendant problems when a shell is over it. Hopefully the outer shell jacket/anorak (my pref. is for pull-over anoraks) has pockets. Still, i wish the jacket had pockets as i sometimes wear it to work and i need someplace to put PD gloves & beanie when not wearing them.

For me, with base & mid layer AND no activity other than standing around or walking w/o a pack on level ground – upper 20's F. I've done this more than once. Oh, no winds at those times.

I'll echo others' suggestion – get the '07 version.

..with your discussion of "male part properly inserted into the female part, while maintaining downward tension on the female part..etc.." we are trying to run a clean website here darn it!

My 2006 version has 2 handwarmer pockets, and does require a one hour lecture on zipper operation before you are qualified to 'solo' with this advanced piece of UL gear. ; )

I feared as much that such would be the reaction of some. I just don't know the correct zipper terminology to use. Being an engineer we often label things male and female. I do know that the younger Dilberts i work with sure wish that there were more that could be labelled female – i.e., more Dilbert-ettes.

I have the older version without the concealed zipper. It also has no hand warmer pockets, but it weighs less than the current jacket (8.2oz). I have been very happy with it and would agree with Ben's comfort rating of 40 degrees. I think you can push it a bit lower with a windproof shell.

Brett,
If it's still for sale I'm interested in the jacket. How do we proceed?

Just FYI on the large, I'm 5'6, 195 lb (stocky, broad chested, 17.5" neck and with a slight paunch) and the large is OK for me except for the long sleeves which I just roll under a bit on the ends. They have elastic, so they don't fall down over my hands. There's no way I could get the zipper started on a medium, I think.

I like the pockets in what seems to be an 07.
it is warm when zipped, but VERY thin, and with short sleeves, it's chilly in sub freezing temps. once you add a midweight fleece, it's fine though. Just don't expect this to feel like a winter coat.

Denis, at my profile page you can PM me and I'll get the resulting email. Im hiking today, look for your response tonight. Thanks!

Thanks for all of the input on the MB. I'm placing the order this weekend and hopefully it will arrive before Friday. I'll be backpacking to the Reavis Ranch area in the Superstition Wilderness this weekend. The nights will be cold.

Brett,

Did you get my PM? I'm still interested in the jacket. email or PM me.