MontBell Thermawrap Insulated Guide Jacket - Men's

I bought this jacket as a replacement for the Mountain Hardwear hooded compressor jacket. I also really liked that jacket. As far as the fit goes. I'm about 6'2" and about 170 lbs and the large fits me really well. I initially tried the XL but the sleeves were too long ( I have pretty long arms even) and I just felt like I was swimming in the jacket.

This is a little thicker and warmer than the compressor. One feature that I love is the neck of the jacket zips up independently of the hood. That way you can keep your neck warm without being forced to wear the hood. Also has plenty of pockets for just about anything I could want.

If first impressions are the most important then this would have 5 stars. However, since I expect my gear to last, one outing doesn't get it there.

However, on a weekend Pig Hunting trip, me and a friend decided to hike in and stay the night somwhere around Coalinga, CA. I am new to backpaking and the layering I need to keep warm so my previous trips I have been miserable cold or misserable from carrying half the coat closet. I almost fell into this trap again, I was going to leave this and take about 4 other layers, but at the last minute I took all that out and decided I would make it or break it with this alone.

We were hiking all day in high temps and by the time we got back to camp I was soaked with sweat. Before getting too cold I immediately put on my LS Smartwool shirt and this jacket. It breathes nicely so I was not uncomfortable while it was still 60* but I started getting nervous as the temps were steadily falling and all I had was this jacket and hood (no beanie) and my smartwool base. As it cooled off I was slowly zipping up and then the hood went up then cinched the bottom. It wasn't until my legs started getting cold that I looked at our thermometer and it leveled off at about 25* and I was still comfortable. I was thoroughly impressed that I was still warm. This will be my go to for cold temps without doubt. Sorry I am getting long winded I am just stoked on this jacket.

A couple of quick points:
1. With a Smartwool Base I was warm @ 25* (quick add to note that this was sitting around)
2. The provided carry sack is nice but with the use of a quality stuff sack I got it down to about the size of a cantelope melon.
3. The material that lines the collar and hand warmer pockets is amazinly soft.
4. The mesh liner pockets are ampley sized to keep your mittens and beanie close to your body and warm when they are not needed.

CONS:
The only con that I can think of is that there isn't much of a season for me to need it in Southern California. Actually, I think the only real criticism is the wrist velcro seemed a little weak.

Compared to Patagonia Down Sweater, Montbell Alpine Light Down and Marmot Claudron jackets, this is the one I stuck with. It is highly wind resistant.

Shell: is more durable than all 3. The chest and back shell is same as Alpine Light (30D), but with added protection on the shoulders, back of arms down to wrists and hood (40D).

Warmth: slightly warmer than Down Sweater, Alpine Light and Claudron because of the wind resistance. Good for mid 30s-high 40s with just a long sleeve t shirt even in mildly high winds...20-30 mph. Also, the built in neck gaiter is amazingly warm with the fleece lining. Whether the hood is on/off, the neck gaiter keeps you warm.

Hood: 3 way adjustable helmet capacity without the annoying flapping when not in use.

Sizing: not typical montbell...order your regular size as this jacket fits normal, not small like most Montbell

Had this jacket for a few months now, and couldn't be happier. Light weight, functional two-way zipper, and a solid detachable hood that fully accommodates a helmet.. I'm big on Montbell and believe they make a durable solid product. The only difference between this jacket and other Montbell jackets is this particular model is sized a bit larger than the others. I learned this through originally ordering a medium only to find out that it was too big.. At any rate, this is a keeper. Warm , rugged , stylish, and perfect for cold days as a stand alone, or a layer when its dumping.. Never going back to down again.. Highly recommended product, and another great Montbell product..

I bought MontBell Thermawrap Insulated Guide Jacket because it has synthetic insulation and it's weight is comparatively light. I climb in the Northwest where the humidity tends to be high. I'm usually drenched in perspiration even when I'm wearing only the base layer after a couple of hours on the hill. I needed a belay jacket type with an insulation that doesn't collapse in high moisture environment like down and MontBell's Thermawrap Guide Jacket fit the bill perfectly. Like all the other MontBell's products, I love the no nonsense, well thought out design that work well in the real world. No gimmicky stuff here.