Montbell VS FirstAscent Jackets?

checkout Golite Bitterroot for $149, it has 5.3oz of fill, if you can live with the ridiculous hood design, its the best value for the money out there. I myself have a FA downsweater which is nice but good till freezing temps only.

I would almost choose the FA jacket just because of the good customer service at EB. Montbell can be a little finicky. That being said, I always advocate looking at the difference in price in relation to the money you spend on leisure. If an extra $100 means a considerable increase in comfort and preparedness, it's small potatoes. Get the nicer jacket and don't look back.

Not to make your decision even harder, but there's a nice selection of down jackets on http://www.theclymb.com. I bought the C.A.M.P. Men's ED Slim, and after a few hours in the dryer with some tennis balls to break the feathers, it's been fantastic. Comes in at 237g.

http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/140152/show-product/213721?f=mi

Keep in mind, italian sizing means the large is a close-fitting medium.

@Max – agreed on the "value" aspect of gear. Seems Clymb doesn't offer international shipping at the moment, but I've signed up anyway just to see what offerings they have. I could always ship to UPS store just across the border and drive over to pick it up. Thanks.

I like the Clymb. Occasionally, I am disappointed because some of their items are obscure. I got a hat that was a poor fit/construction, but returns are a hassle so I ended up eating the $15.

More often than not, I end up with a great deal on a great item. I got a $200 BrooksRange Softshell for about $70, and it's one of my favorite items of clothing.

Not to entice you with something so unlikely, it may never happen, but this year they had an item for "99% off." It was a Size 11 pair of 450$ mountaineering boots… for $1.98

Greeting Mark,

I own both the FA EB and UL Montbell down jackets. The EB is a better fit for me with their tall sizes and although the montbell may have a slightly better weight/warmth advantage I prefer the price, return policy, and sizing of EB. Having said that you may want to consider buying a less expensive around town jacket with a 650 fill on sale. Sierra Designs and many other companies make really fine poly or 650 fill jackets for around town use that will be more durable, have better zippers, and be warmer than UL options. You should be able to find a great buy at 6pm, clymb, left lane or in an outlet sale at rei. Then you could buy a used or sale UL jacket and have the best of both worlds for about the same price. Not trying to complicate your choices but this is what works best for me. Also for summer use your vest and poly or wool base layer is not a bad way to go.

Safe and fulfilling trails,

Hoot

@ Yes – I considered the Bitterroot but discounted it after reading reviews here and elsewhere.

@Hoot – I think you summed up exactly what I was getting at near the end of my post. Thanks very much.

can't help much w/ the other brands, but have owned both the UL and Alpine Light, MB has good quality control- their fit/finish is always very good. they however very different jackets/parkas- the UL is the perfect choice for summer backpacking when a light insulating layer is called for, the Alpine Light is much more a shoulder season/winter jacket- the cut on the two is different as well, the UL is trimmer made to layer over a single base layer, the AL is cut a little fuller to layer over a base layer and mid layer (even a light down garment).

whatever choice you make, I'd recommend a hood, the slight weight penalty is easily justified regardless of season