Montbell Thermawrap and options

I am not sure you are going to find something to match the design, quality, weight and reasonable cost of Montbell. But you could look at synthetic puffy sweaters from LLBean and Eddie Bauer. If you want low-cost down garmets, look at the Japanese brand Uniqlo. If you wait another 30 or 40 days, there will be end of winter 40% off sales.

I recently snagged a deeply-discounted Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (XL is 12.6 ounces on my scale). So far I like it. Considered the Enlightened Equipment Torrid, and a bunch of others from these reviews/comparisons/recommendations:

https://backpackinglight.com/synthetic-insulated-jacket-reviews-state-of-the-market-report/
https://backpackinglight.com/guides-gear-backpacking/
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-mens/best-insulated-jacket
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-mens/best-fleece-jacket

I focused on synthetics or fleece for wet conditions, too.

— Rex

I’m a big fan of Montbell and have owned quite a few of their down jackets, parkas and pants, as well as their Thermawrap synthetic jacket and pants…and some hiking pants that I wear to the office :)  I have loved everything I have bought from them and suspect you would have a similar experience.

I am also a big fan of Enlightened Equipment quilts.  I have never owned, or even seen in person, one of their synthetic pieces of clothing, but they seem to be highly regarded, and with the generous return policy, you may want to give them a look.

Lastly, I much prefer a fleece insulation layer (100 or 200 wt depending) when it is damp/rainy.  Much simpler, lighter, and dries more quickly than a multi-layer quilted garment.  Generally cheaper too.

I am curious which model of Montbell’s hiking pants do you like?

So I assume that folks above are recommending that the OP check out the EE Torrid Apex Jacket.
https://enlightenedequipment.com/mens-torrid-apex-jacket-stock/

The calendared fabric face of the thermawrap is very wind and mist resistant. It’s warmer than a 200 wt and weighs less than almost all 100 wt, plus it has a full zipper so if you’re engaged in strenuous activity it can be opened completely. I’ve had one @ 12+ years and it’s in great condition. No complaints except I envy the pocket on newer models.

“I am curious which model of Montbell’s hiking pants do you like?”

Sadly, a long since discontinued model…I believe they were called “Stretch South Rim Pant”. Got 2 pair in 2013 and they are still going strong.  That’s another thing I like about Montbell clothing…they seem to last forever.

I keep checking to see if they bring it back, or release something similar, but no luck so far.  The “Stretch Light” and “Cliff Light” are the current offerings that are similar in style and material, but the plethora of zippers and/or gaudy branding (IMO) make them unattractive for office wear.  My 2 pair still have good life left in them so hope springs eternal for a suitable replacement model to be released.

And I really liked my Thermawrap jacket.  Used it for a couple years then sold it on when I moved to one of the down models.  For my usage and conditions I prefer a fleece under a very light wind shirt when hiking and down when stationary.

The Thermawrap pants were also very nice and performed well, but they were the full featured model with side zippers and the down pair I have now are half the weight.

Enlightened Equipment, Timmermade, and Nunatak all make equivalent garments, as well as some mainstream brands like the Patagonia Micro Puff or Nano Puff. I don’t think any will be less expensive than the Mont-Bell unless you find a good sale.

I can’t say enough good things about the Montbell Thernawrap jacket and pants.  I have had both of mine for about 10 years and have been happy with performance, weight, and warmth.  I can’t count how many trips they have logged, especially the jacket.  Wore it yesterdday on a hike in 18 degree weather with my Scout Troop as a mid layer.  Great, proven product.

In 2016, Montbell made significant changes to the Thermawrap UL series parka and jacket, including less insulation (40 gram vs 50 gram) and an air-permeable fabric, chasing the “active insulation” trend.

You might find Bungzy’s YouTube review of the new version very helpful:

In brief: Great for hiking, not good for standing around and staying warm, unless you add a rain jacket or other wind blocker on top.

— Rex

Montbell now makes a 60g/m^2 jacket with the calendared nylon (instead of the “active” wind permeable fabric). Man, if they made that 60g/m^2 one with a hood that would be great!

https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=25011&p_id=2301354&gen_cd=1