Montbell Mirage Parka or Alpine down parka

“Is the 2.5 oz weight savings but $100 increase in price for the Mirage worth it”

Well…that is a very personal evaluation. You say you are “not overly concerned” with weight, but are interested in warmth.  That might lead you to the Alpine as it is slightly warmer than the Mirage.  Regardless of your choice I doubt you will be unhappy with either parka.

Thank you for the link, I was looking for it as I had seen it earlier. I know the Alpine is a bit warmer but Would either be up to the task warmth wise for it’s intended use for belay/rest periods, and summits during winter day hikes or a short overnight or is the Mirage more for three season use ?

I know the Alpine is a bit warmer

It isn’t. The Mirage is going to be slightly warmer. Montbell’s garment chart above is in error regarding the Mirage.

The reason the Mirage costs more is it’s fully box baffled, and has 0.8 oz’s more down that is 900 ci fill vs. the Alpine’s 800 ci fill which is held in sewn-through baffles. The Mirage is also 1.5″ longer, which I’d prefer.

I’ve got the Alpine, and while a good parka, I’d go with the Mirage. The Alpine is really not a sub zero garment given its sewn-through baffles.

“…. not a sub zero garment given its sewn-through baffles.”  That’s funny because I can feel the box baffles on my Alpine Down Parka….I guess the Montbell description is also wrong?

Yea the Alpine has box construction, it’s a tad heavier because it used 800 fil vrs 900 but total fill weight is more on Alpine hence why the chart shows it being a touch warmer weight aside. It having a bit more length is good though and honestly because I may also wear double duty around town the dark navy color is nice. I guess all things considered I’m just looking for opinions if they are both a solid option as my heaviest insulating weather for cold weather day hikes and possibly an overnight. I appreciate all the input…

My apologies! I was thinking Alpine Light!

Indeed, the Alpine would be my choice in that case!

@bradmcmt – is it possible you are confusing the Alpine and the Alpine Light parkas?  The former is box baffled (and a new(er?) product) while the latter is sewn-through (and a product that has been around awhile).  I doubt that both the product description and the 2020-2021 Lineup graphic are in error.

I have owned several Montbell down garments and found the graphic to be very accurate. Latest example: I currently own both the Plasma 1000 Alpine and the Alpine Light parkas and find them to be identical is warmth, with the former significantly lighter…exactly as the graphic shows.

Edit – looks like @bradmcmt and my replies crossed each other in transit :)

@Kevin G – I actually prefer the feel of the Alpine Light to the wispy UL-ness of the Plasma 1000.  Were I looking for something in this warmth class, I’m pretty sure I would opt for the Alpine over the Mirage.  Just my opinion, but when it’s cold enough for those garments, 3 oz is nothing compared the the extra clothes, insulation and sleep gear needed.

Alpine parka: 7.1oz of 800 fill = 5680 cubic inches

Mirage parka: 5.6oz of 900 fill = 5040 cubic inches

So, maybe the alpine parka has a very slight edge in warmth, and it’s more durable due to 20 D fabric vs 7D fabric.

Just roughly, comparatively speaking (https://lipidity.com/clo/clothes/)……

Thank you everyone, I’m leaning towards the Alpine Parka. I already have the Alpine light , that’s my three season puffy and I’m happy with that, the Mirage looks great but I thinking saving 3 oz for an extra $100 isn’t worth it…

Can anyone knowledgable comment on the (default) clo/oz/yd^2 numbers used for 800 and 900 fill down on the lipidity.com website?

Based on my experience with parkas and quilts with 700, 800, 900 and 1000 fill power down, the 50% increase for 900 over 800 just doesn’t seem accurate. Additionally, those numbers directly contradict Montbell’s advice.

JCH,

I wondered about that comment too. My understanding of down insulation is that warmth equates to the total volume of dead air space. So, for example, if you have two identical sleeping bags, with the same inches of loft, same size, same construction, then, it does not matter whether it’s 650 fill, 800 fill, 900 file (etc.), all that matters is how many inches of loft there is. And the same should apply for jackets/parkas. So it’s all about the total volume of fill. Folks, if I am wrong, please tell me why. :-) Thanks!

Exactly!  Paul S’s calculations make much more since to me, and correlate with my personal observations and experiences.