MontBell EX Light Down Anorak

Just curious, how do you know that it has 2.8 oz of down fill? On the Mountain Hardwear website, it doesn't state an amount for the down fill for either the jacket, or the parka. Saying that though, it does seem like I remember reading a thread here that discussed this… I am too lazy to go looking for it at the moment though… if it does in fact exist…

Also, what I find interesting is that some places list the Ghost Whisperer as having 800 down fill, whereas others state 850. In fact, on the product page on the MH website, in the description it states 800 down fill, and in the specs a little farther down the page, it states 850 down fill… So, what is it, really?

Anyway, assuming there is 2.8 oz of 850 down fill in the hooded version, then there would be 2,380 cu in (?) total volume.

Assuming 2.8 oz of 800 down fill, there would be 2,240 cu in (?) total volume.

In the MB piece, 1.9 oz of 900 down fill would total 1, 719 cu in (?).

So, obviously, the MH has more fill than the MB piece.

But, something else to think about is sizing. I wonder how the sizings match up between the 2. As well, which size are the specs quoted from?

Yes, there is a draw string in the MB piece.

Also, while I have never looked, I assume that the MH piece can sometimes be found on sale… otherwise, while it is only 1.5 oz heavier than the MB piece, it is also $130 more expensive. (Not that $$ matters to any of us hard core gram counters!)

Anyway, I think both pieces are great, and would love to have either… or both! :)

… big difference being the Ghost Whisperer doesn't have a hood.

As others have noted, MB mid layers have a trim fit. I have 3 MB medium-sized mid layers and they will definitely let you know when you've been eating too many cheeseburgers.

The MB anorak would require a larger waist than their other mid layer pieces because it has to be pulled over the head, meaning it has to clear the chest/shoulders as it does so. There is no way a trim-fitting, full-zip MB jacket is going to do this unless it is substantially oversized for the wearer.

So the drawstring would be necessary to prevent drafts in milder conditions when the anorak is used as the outermost garment.

So I have some pics of the FF hooded daybreak. The jacket appears to have much more loft compared to my ex-light. The material seems slightly more tough with a less slick finish (although I have found the durability of MB ex light to be very good. I’ve had my dogs jump up with nails on the jacket without a tear so far).

FF claims 3.1oz of 900+ in size medium which beats out both the new ex-light anorak and the MH ghost whisperer.

The fit is not quite as slim as Mont-bell and the hefty loft helps fill in the extra created space. The hood fits snug but not very tight and it also includes an elasticized rim (just like the wrist cuffs). Drawcord for the waistband.

The daybreak has two pockets that are unlined. Anyone know if the MH or ex-light anorak have fleece lined or any lining in pockets? Packs down to the size of nalgene in its included bright yellow stuff sack.

Bob, the Ghost Whisperer does have a hood. It is called the "Hooded Jacket."

MH Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket

Also, I have the Ex Light and the UL Down Inner Parka (and had the UL Down Inner Jacket), and I would not describe these pieces as trim fit. They are more relaxed on me… then again, maybe I just bought the wrong size… I will say that after losing 45 lbs, my XL jackets are a bit roomy now, but I don't think I would still want to go smaller than a large. (Currently 5'10" and 175 lbs)

Eric, that FF piece does look nice, however, it would probably be a bit overkill for me in the SE.

OK, I googled quickly and just got the jacket…

I'm 5-9/165 and the medium is, for me, a trim fit. Fit is highly subjective!

I got one & its perfect for what I'll mainly use it for: mountain runs where I want a little extra insurance (or to take leisurely breaks at lakes and summits etc), SUL style backpacking, and for colder weather layering with other pieces. The hood fits great without adjustments and the kangaroo pocket is brilliant. You can pretty much cross your arms through it. The piece basically feels like a space-aged version of the cozy hooded sweatshirts I wore all the time as a kid.

I think this would appeal to the same folks who are interested in something like an ex light, but for me the hood, drawcord and pocket make it way more desirable than the ex light jacket for only a half oz more. I do think that the added warmth of a ghost whisperer, wm flash, day break etc make them better all around 3-season jackets, but for obsessively light backpackers or trail runners carrying small vest packs, this is ideal. Mine is 6.2 oz in its stuff sack. For the impressive design and novelty weight, it'll make a great value when it goes on sale.

Edit: and I disagree about not needing a hood for temps where this is good. Just from my trip to the San Juan's this weekend, the hood significantly ups the cozy factor

Serge, what size is yours?

And wow am I tempted… the wife has given me the thumbs up… so long as I sell my basically new Ex Light, and UL Down Inner Parka…

Better than all of the above:

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/product_info.php?cat=110&products_id=240

8oz
3.7oz fill

"Serge, what size is yours?

And wow am I tempted… the wife has given me the thumbs up… so long as I sell my basically new Ex Light, and UL Down Inner Parka…"

@Chad
Thats what I'd do, you basically will get the best of both worlds and probably come out on top $ wise, esp with a sale. Unfortunately, Chad, I'm the right person to come to justify buying outdoor gear.

Mine is an M and I'm 6'2" 170ish. Its a close fit, but its got good arm length and articulation. Hem is short, but at least you can close it.

And, agreed, it looks like those phd jackets are about the warmest/oz around. I'd actually love a 9 oz jacket just like the ex anorak, but with about 5 oz of down, and a helmet hood. I've only owned two puffies for the last few years until this february, and now it appears I have puffyitis.

Thanks for the info Serge. And yeah… I gave in… after posting that yesterday I placed an order for a large from ProLite Gear. At 5'10" and 175 lbs, I think I could have gotten away with a medium, but it would have been a bit tighter fitting than I would want. The large should be a bit snugger on me now than my XL's are, but still allow me to layer my Cap 4 hoody or R1 under it with no problems.

However, I am curious to see how it compares to my Ex Light & UL Down Inner Parka in terms of puffiness. The parka is actually cut a hair shorter in the back than the EL Anorak, but also has 2.5 oz of 800 down fill, which is a bit more total volume than the 1.9 oz of 900 fill in the EL Anorak…

Anyway, I am excited to check it out, but I am going to wait to see what I am going to do. If I keep it, I will likely put my other pieces up for sale. However, I may also send the Anorak back…

I am still waiting on my Ex Light Anorak to show up from ProLite Gear… hopefully by Wednesday!

Anyway, in anticipation, I was browsing the Montbell site (again) today, and clicked back on the Anorak… And then I noticed their specs have changed. Now, they list 2.2 oz of 900 down fill as opposed to 1.9 oz previously listed, and a total weight of 6.4 oz instead of 6.2 oz.

So, does this mean they just posted the specs wrong to begin with? Or have they already decided to add in a little extra down?

Personally, I hope they just listed the specs wrong because I think 2.2 oz of down is a better option than 1.9 oz of down being that this is slightly longer than the Ex Light, and includes a hood, so more overall volume. (The Ex Light has 1.8 oz of 900 down fill.)

So, for those of you that already have one, do they list the actual amount of fill on the tags on the jacket?

Mine does not have any fill weight info on the tags.

I got an email today from Montbell stating that the current specs are correct. The initial specs were based on a pre-production model. But, they assured me that all that have been shipping out are with the updated specs.

So, total fill weight is 2.2 oz of 900 down fill and the average total weight (I assume a size M) is 6.4 oz.

Personally, I am glad to see the fill weight at 2.2 oz as opposed to 1.9 oz.

Now, if mine will just make it here… :)

FYI – Link Below they state a MB Plasma Anorak is coming soon and will double the down of the normal plasma. The photo looks like an ExLite anorak but maybe photo just used for the article.

The fill weight on the Plasma is 1.6 oz so the Plasma Anorak should have 3.2 oz of fill and if so I will be in line to buy one if not too expensive.

That should put an XL size at around 8.2 oz.

http://gossamergear.com/wp/buzz-blog/outdoor-retailer-delivers-again-loads-of-new-updated-lighter-better-and-outrageous-gear-and-some-items-you-didnt-know-you-needed-or-not

"Better than all of the above:"

Yep, that's why you make you're own.

8.5 ounce in large size
Hooded and baffled
Full zip
5 ounces of fill

Nothing like taking 4 ounces out of a Mirage!

1

del

No idea on the breakdown.
It was made completely from scratch.

Stephen –

No pockets.
I move all day and this is made for a warm item to go with my 17 ounce quilt to get it down to 32*.
The hood and entire body is fitted so no need for anything extra.
I will never wear this with a pack on.
I have a Golite Roan Plateau and this jacket is right on par with it's warmth and length.
The one advantage is the baffles give a much nicer warmth to them with with no cold spots.
The only disadvantage is I can barely fit my layers under my sleeves. They're a little tight.

I dig the MontBell EX Light Down Anorak.
I think for the warmth, I would pick a Goose Feet.
His jackets are amazing.

I think a jacket that has 3 more ounces of fill with not much more weight penalty is much better than having the lightest "coldest" jacket.

Although if you only hike where a 6 ounce jacket can keep you warm hanging around before you go to sleep, you have something pretty sweet for the weight of a T-Shirt.

Hi Aaron,

Nice parka, does it have pockets and a hood drawcord?

I had a Gooses Feet which Parka had a 55% down ratio, but the lack of zipped pockets, drawcord and main zip which were hard to use with gloves turned me off it. I changed it for a Mirage much suits me better even though its not as warm.

So, my Anorak showed up today! And it is all that I hoped it would be. The fit was great, the sleeves are long enough, and the loft is what I would expect. Weight on my size large is 6.6 oz sans stuff sack, 6.8 oz with it. Here is an unboxing I did when it came in today:

Montbell Ex Light Anorak

Hi Chad,

Do you think its true to size?

I take a Large in my Mirage but an XL in a Permafrost.

I like my down items to be loose to allow layering.

I will butt in.

My XL feels pretty true to size – Barely.

same time I also had a Plasma XL which was more like a large.

I just assume its a more full cut due to being a pull over.

Cheers Troy,

Sounds like the XL would be a better option for me.

I will speak to Montbell first if I do decide to go ahead.

Assuming Chads and my weights are accurate you are talking a difference of 0.6 oz between a large and XL.

I cannot decide to get it or not, I won't be on any trips for 3 weeks and it will be time to be packing my Mirage them.

Damn you Montbell :-;

My only complaint is that there is no way to cinch the hood which I am thinking about adding.

It has elastic on the sides but the fit is not tight enough. I guess you could sew in a couple of darts to close it down more or rework the elastic etc.