UL Down Jacket

You might try Montbell's own website (montbell.com), and then see whether it would be better to purchase from the US website or the Japanese website. Because you're in Oz, it might be relatively reasonable to ship from Japan…

You should check out the down jacket made by borah gear. Great products and he'll work with you if you need something custom.

I have the WM flight jacket and I like it a lot.
Well made. Good fit. very comfortable.

b

I really had my heart set on the Alpine Light. The WM Flight is much more expensive to save a few ounces.
I tried the USA an JP site but they don't ship anywhere else. .

Benen

del

Alpine Lights often turn up cheap on gear swap, might be worth putting a wanted advert up.

I had one for a while and upgraded to a Mirage which is far warmer for little weight gain.

Haha. I trust BPL more than anywhere else and the latest article I could find comparing warmth, weight, features was the 2010 state of the market and the Alpine Light seemed the best value for money and I can find it for $155 which is great value for money.

I'll have a look at the Mirage And EB Downlight.
I've also contacted a guy in NZ who custom makes down jackets to see if he can get something similar to what I'm after.

Also considering dropping the Hubba Bubba HP for a tarp as there are a lot of huts but that's another story haha.

Benen

The Mirage does look amazing but it's twice the price!
The EB looks like a nice alternative but still nearly $100 more.

I guess I'll just cop the shipping or see what the guy in NZ can make

I guess everything is subjective.

I have a long torso and I really like the Alpine Light. Not too short for me. Hmm.

del

He wants a jacket, not a parka. For sleeping & resting.

Thanks for the help guys.
Is it a shorter jacket than most? I've not read any complaints anywhere. I certainly don't want a jacket that is impractical just because its light!

hmmmmm- mine is 29" along the torso (Men's Large) never considered it short (I'm 5' 11")- it's also purposely cut slightly over sized so you can easily layer it over a thicker fleece or what I do when it's really cold- over a light down jacket (MH Ghost Whisperer)

ounce for ounce it's a pretty warm and fully featured jacket

Benen,

Having a longer than average torso, I find lots of garments shorter than I'd like, and like I said, I have no issues with the fit of the Alpine Light.

You guys have been awesome. Thanks!
Benen

I've heard back from the guy in NZ who does custom made jackets. I gave him some specifications and he suggested that Pertex Endurance is the lightest down proof fabric that he uses. I've never had any items made from this material. Anyone out there able to give me some feedback?
I'm more than happy to pay a premium to a cottage manufacturer as long as my purchased item is at least as good as the mainstream item that I would purchase instead.

Cheers

Benen