Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka ~vs~ Golite Bitterroot

Check out this article by BPL.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/down_jacket_shootout_rab_golite.html

They're not comparing the Bitterroot to the Alpine Light, but it gives you a good idea as to the build quality of the Bitterroot. They found that it weights 0.8oz more than the listed weight (so 13.8oz total), but the end conclusion was, after GoLite started there always-50%-off thing, that the Bitterroot was a better deal and a great jacket.

I would just compare their features and decide which you like more. I personally don't think that small of a difference in weight and amount of down is worth the $150…although you could sell the Alpine Light if you like the Bitterroot more.

I would have to sell my Montbell Parka to fund this for sure, hah, so that is a non-issue to me. Lets just imagine that I don't have either one and I'm in the market to buy either. :)

I did read that article before I posted but I was hoping for something a bit more conclusive on how these two (MB & GL) performed side by side from experience. I appreciate the link though.

You're probably right though. I love everything about the MB so why would I go through the hassle of selling/buying/waiting and then determining if I love or hate the new one. I get high off buying new gear. It is like christmas every day at my house haha.

Richard has measured the clo for various garments…the iclo for the Alpine Light is 2.51 (the regular alpine jacket is 3.77, this is the 16 oz baffled version that's been discontinued for a while now) and for the bitterroot it is 3.44. So the bitterroot should be noticeably warmer warmer

lclo of the Montbell is 2.51 vs 3.44 for the Golite. Pretty big difference in warmth.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=18950&disable_pagination=1

edit: Dustin beat me to it. If you haven't read the above thread, it's a BPL classic.

Yes, read the thread for way more information than you'll ever want ;)

Also for comparison, the new MB Mirage is basically their knockoff of the Bitterroot (only more than twice as expensive and nearly the same price as their deep winter and revived permafrost jacket!).

For the fuss, I'd say stick with what you have. Then again if I was in your position I would probably still upgrade (I don't have a medium weight winter jacket so may snag this deal personally hehe).

hope the numbers help you out!

So does this mean I should have buyers remorse over the MB I bought for $167 just 2 days ago after doing a ton of research here? I could return it. Tags still on.

The MB had the most recommends by far from what I had read.

I still own on of those old Montbell Alpine Down jackets and the thing is warm! But if I had to buy a jacket now between the two I would go for the Golite Bitterroot. Much better customer service if issues do arise and a better warranty.

Thanks Brendan and Dustin. I hadn't read that article yet and it was very helpful. So the Bitterroot seems to have knocked out the Montbell for warmth vs weight. I read in the first posted article that the lack of adjustable hood was somewhat annoying on the Golite but I could rig something. The inside pockets on the Golite are more useful in my opinion as well. The Golite is going to be much more fragile with the Pertex Quantum GL. However, Golite has a great warranty. Decisions, decisions… Thanks everyone!

I'm in the same Dilemma as well. I have a down sweater from EB and want a jacket with hood and wondering if I should pull the trigger on this deal.

For those in the know…How would you compare the Bitterroot to the EB Downlight Hoody?

-Mark in St. Louis

I don't know about EB hoody, but EB sweater has 2.5oz of 800 fill down. Golite Bitterroot has double the down of EB sweater. I think this should be a good deal for $150 even if the Jacket turns out to be not so good, someone in the family can always use it for around the town purpose.

I assume you're referring to the EB Microtherm sweater and not a Downlight sweater..??

I wish EB published their fill weights…

-Mark

Downlight sweater.

I think EB has quit calling that a sweater; they're calling it the Downlight Jacket now, for whatever reason. But it would be nice if they published the fill weights. (I have one, BTW, and like it.)

Trying to decide on a "heavier" down jacket, preferably hooded. I have one of the cheapo Uniqlos, and it is similar to the Microtherm (not quite as nicely made of course)…but…I would like to find something more along the lines of the Downlight hoody, with lined pockets/etc.

The EB stuff is on sale right now but I'm holding out for the inevitable holidays sales/etc.

The Bitterroot looks interesting….although the fit is described as relaxed. The fit of the EB Downlight was quite nice (for me)…I'm 6'/180-185# and like an athletic fit. The EB M was perfect over light layers…i assume, from some of the reviews, that the Bitterroot would be a little looser and accommodate thicker layers…???

-Mark

All this talk of this and that option. You guys know how good you have it?! Over here in the orangutan exhibit I'm forced to go with the EB because they make a tall to fit my 36.5" long wings. So this Thanksgiving be sure all you 'Mericans, just before carving the turkey, thank the Baby Jesus for being able to fit a soft, deluxe, positively luxuriously quilted item like the Bitterroot! All you euros can do the same during Eurogiving while you carve up your traditional goat, or whatever it is you socialists eat.

Humbug!

;-D

P.S. Can't wait for my newly acquired EB down coat to get here! This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for the Gear Swap!

allow you to have more fun …
go harder and longer …
keep you from dying …

there will ALWAYS be something "better", lighter, fancier, etc … go out and use your gear … dont worry too much about constantly "optimizing" it if you barely use it … youll find out quickly if what you have is "inadequate" …

optimize your time out …

;)

del

I ordered one for myself, there may be some lax in the manufacturing quality (big hood, no weather proof zipper) but for $150 its a good deal in my opinion. The fabric and down is pretty much the same in Rab Infinity and Golite Bitterroot, at the end of the day at the camp, it will keep you warm for sure. I may be wrong here but still had to take the risk and buy it since I felt it should be worth for what it is priced for.

I remember paying $100 for my EB down jacket on sale and its already leaking down.

There is an article on BPL comparing down jackets and the reviewer got the down weight from EB and they said it had 2.4oz of 800 fill.

^^^Out of curiosity, did you (try to) return your EB sweater?

Someone earlier mentioned Golite's guarantee, which I have no direct experience utilizing…EB's guarantee has got to be a major selling point in this case.

???

Thanx for the fill weight as well.

-Mark

Last week sometime I bought an EB MicroTherm down shirt (the skinny down jacket) and decided to take it back yesterday. The return process was quite easy. I simply printed my email receipt and brought it, and the coat (minus the tags), to a local store and a few minutes later they refunded everything directly onto my original purchasing card. Totally painless, no questions asked.

I have been using it for around the town jacket and will return it if the leak gets worse. But the jacket itself is well made and a pleasure to wear.

you can walk in with a 20 year old EB coat without a receipt and theyll exchange it for you … if you have the receipt you get your moola back, no questions asked … they are as good as REI