Mountain Hardwear jackets – Kelvinator vs. Phantom

I bought and returned a Phantom parka. I'm 5'10 and 175 lbs. The medium fit me well, except the sleeves were so tight around the forearms that the down was getting compressed. Zero room inside for layers in the arms. I mean, I climb a lot, but I'm not exactly Arnold Schwarzenegger… it seemed like a strange fit choice for a winter parka. Also it didn't have that much loft for having 5 oz of down. I ended up with a Montbell Mirage parka which is a much nicer & warmer jacket.

MH generally fits well for tall people with long arms.

I also tried and returned a MHW Phantom.

I am 6'1" and 195 with very long arms- the jacket fit well in the arms, but a bit loose in the torso.

The new Phantom is baffled, and not sewn through, and should be warmer.

PS- I have a few NEW Montbell Mirages in Large that I am selling on Gear Swap..

Golite Bitterroot. I am 2 hours south of you down in Champaign and if I had to buy another down jacket, that would be it right now. I am 6'5" and 235 and it seemed like their XXL would fit me in torso length and sleeves. And the price is right at $200. Might want to call them to make sure it is going to be long enough. New version also has Downtek for the shoulder seasons.

I had read some reports of fit issues with the Phantom, but also an equal amount saying there was no problem. I wish I could try one on because ultimately it will be up to that person's body type. Thanks for your input!

I like that the Phantom has reportedly a good adjustable hood, which some of these other jackets don't. The weight, 850fp, treated down, and supposed slimness are other factors that make me really want to like this one. But if it doesn't fit well, that's all out the window.

Babak – I'm PMing you with a few questions.

Brett – Thanks, I had totally forgotten about GoLite! Even their Roan Plateau might work. Last year I noticed a lot of complaints with the Biterroot with the boxy fit in the torso and the limp, messed up hood. I saw photos of people pulling the hood way over their face, down to their chin. Maybe the newest iteration worked on these issues.

Not on your list, but REI has a Brooks Range Mountain Anorak hoodie down jacket on sale on their outlet. 7.7 oz. of 800 down; great hood. I usually get a medium but the large fit me perfectly. A lot of jacket for the money, if it's still available. They also had the non hood version.

The Alpini? Yeah, I saw this. The Large might fit, I've tried on some of their synthetic jackets in Medium that were too small. But the sleeves especially were crazy short. I've read really good things about the Alpini, but I'll pass this once since I'd prefer a full zipper and hand pockets. Edit – noticed that it has a kanga pocket in front.

It really does come to down to individual fit. I have the newest version of the Hooded Phantom and I would describe myself just like Andrew above (5'10", 175 lbs). The medium fit is fine for me; the arms don't seem too tight but I can see where just a minute difference in arm circumference would make it tighter. Also, I once saw a thread here that listed it as having 6.3 oz of down, not 5 oz. I wish MHW's site would specify this.

Edit: there is a newer version of the Phantom that came out in the last 2 seasons. This is a different jacket than the old style of phantom. I think it is only available as the Hooded Phantom.

Another difference: the Phantom has a 20D fabric over the Rab's 10D and the Montbell 7D.

FInal Edit: I withdraw my arm-wrestling challenge to Andrew F. I thought we'd be evenly matched, but now . . .

Thanks for your response, Steven. I'm looking at the newest version which is on sale at Backcountry. A MHW rep confirmed that the jacket in size M has 6.3oz (180g) of down. I noted the fabric differences and would actually prefer the 20d for a bit more theoretical strength.

I find that it is just like a Patagonia Fitz Roy with less "creature comforts", and an ability to pack into itself. Somewhat slimmer fit.