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MontBell U.L. Down Inner Jacket

rated 5 of 5 stars

The U.L. Down Inner Jacket has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best down insulated jackets for 2024.

photo: MontBell U.L. Down Inner Jacket down insulated jacket

I needed something light, warm and very compact for spring thru fall backpacking and light mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest and this item fits the bill. At only 6oz and stuffing down to almost nothing it is the go anywhere ultra light down sweater, if you think this a parka think again.

But for what it is designed to be and do it fills that slot perfectly. Toasty and very light but don't try to travel in this. Ultra light fabric is designed for just hanging out or to use safely under a shell, for protection from ripping.

Glad to have this jacket in my gear cabinet!

Fabric: very light nylon
Fill: 800 fill down
Price Paid: $118

Great jacket that has lasted me 3 years of hard use, and should have around 3 more years of use in it. I go pretty hard on my jackets, and I wear this thing A LOT. Warm with a t-shirt down to 45 or so, and I've skied with it at 10 below before (baselayer, tshirt, medium fleece, shell on top). Really sucks when it gets wet, so be careful.

Cons

  • Longevity (moderate feather loss)

Fit is very typical...I am 6' 180 and large is perfect. I also have long arms, still fits well.

Fairly adjustable, I've never worn the hood up over a helmet, but I have easily under a bike helmet with no restriction.

I got hit by a car while on a bike commuting at 25 mph, landed on shoulder, and had a .5" rip. Stitched it back easily. 

Outdoor Research's down is the only comparable jacket that I've found, although it is heavier I believe, and a bit warmer (naturally). Arc'teryx Atom felt nice as well, but I haven't owned it. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: Too long ago.

I love this jacket. It did not fail me on a 10-day backpacking trip to Yosemite in May. I used it during freezing temperatures (probably around 20 degrees Fahrenheit), and it worked well. I also had a fleece sweater, a Marmot Precip Jacket, and some Under Armor. However, if you feel chilly, this beat everything I had to give some warmth.

It's probably not as warm as a jacket twice its size and 800 fill, but it is very light and warm. It's hard to believe that something so warm could fit into such a small and light package. I usually used it under my Precip Jacket, so I don't have many pics of it, but I did wear it to a restaurant. :-)

Fill: 800 fill down
Price Paid: $80

This U.L. Down Inner Jacket from MontBell is everything the other reviewers said.

The down really springs back to full loft, more than anything except my U.L Super Stretch Down Hugger #7 sleeping bag and Alpine Down Jacket from MontBell. I think their down is superior to anything I have owned.

This jacket is 7.4 oz. overall and feels like it is not even in the packsack. I have to look, yes, it's in there !

This inner jacket length has the length for the coverage I look for in warm wear.

The fabric is silky soft, and also wind resistant.

Their description says this fabric has high tear strength and good abrasion resistence.

I will add, the durability is ample if you take care of your stuff. I will not be crawling through any barbwire fences.

Fabric: 15 denier Ballistic Airlight nylon
Fill: 725 down
Price Paid: $129

Great jacket. Perfect for 3 season use. Light weight, compresses down to nothing, and wind proof. Pull it out at night or use it when not moving. I have used it with a light base layer down in the 30's. Also great for adding warmth to your sleeping system if you do not want to pull out the winter sleeping bag yet...

If you are out in wet weather, you may want to consider the fiber fill instead. Typical for down, get it wet and it loses loft.

There are lighter models out there, but not for this price.

Price Paid: $150 +/-

This jacket is awesome. At less than 8 ounces, it stuffs down to miniscule proportions for easy packing, then puffs back up like it has springs inside. Worn alone it is great for chilly nights in camp, and under a shell it makes the colder nights seem a bit toasty. The elastic at the wrists helps to keep drafts down and the front snaps save weight over a zipper. There are no pockets, but this seemed a small price to pay for such lightweight warmth.

Fabric: Ballistic Ripstor Nylon
Fill: 725 power fill down
Price Paid: $129

This jacket is amazing!!! I really don't leave home without it. I use it as my everyday jacket as well as an inner shell skiing. I have a big down jacket but this is far more superior. I just got back from Moab and it was the perfect piece for those cool spring nights. The jacket can be compacted very very small. Great for camping, skiing or just going out on the town. I would recommend this product to anyone without a doubt.

Fabric: Airlight rip stop nylon
Fill: 725 Fill Power down
Price Paid: Gift

This jacket rocks. It is warm yet it will fit in to you back pocket. This is a no frills jacket, no pockets, snaps up the front. Best suited for around town or the in mountains. In the mountains just slide it under your shell and you will be toasty. They also have pants to match the jacket if you like. Call MontBell to order or check the dealer list under stores on their web site.

Fabric: 15 denier ripstop nylon
Fill: 725 down
Price Paid: $129

I found the jacket is fine at low altitudes in the summertime but not very good for colder temps even with a shell. The key word is Ultralight - this jacket liner works in conditions that favor an ultralight hiking kit. In more serious conditions, the insulation falls short. Also had a problem with feather leakage.

I now use a Feathered Friends Helios for more serious trips.

Fabric: ballistic nylon from Montbell
Fill: down
Price Paid: $169

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $70.00-$164.95
Reviewers Paid: $118.00-$169.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $82.48-$168.95
Reviewers Paid: $80.00-$129.00

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