Bottom line: Buy the MB UL Down Inner or not? It will save me ~8oz in my pack, but will I be warm enough in camp? I DON'T want to be cold! I think I run avg. to slightly cold. (I estimate using to about 30*F)

I'm hoping those with experience with this jacket can help with the decision.

I've looked at Richard Nisley's graph but still don't know. For example, I have the MB Alpine Light jacket and know how warm it is. A straight calculation says the down inner theoretically is 71% as warm as the alpine light (1.78/2.51).

But, is that a legitimate calculation to do, and if so, is 71% enough to keep me warm?

In camp I will be wearing a thin merino long sleeve shirt, probably a RailRiders Adventure shirt, the Down Inner, topped with Dri-Ducks jacket. When needed, I'll add a fleece balaclava.

I understand there are numerous variables involved, but still, what is your anecdotal experience - is the MB UL Down Inner warm to about 30*F (if not, what temp have you experienced comfort)?

Thanks so much for reading and helping,

Kent

id keep the light alpine down ... the weight difference isnt great ... and you already have it anyways

Nothing replaces experimenting on some quick overnight hikes (or the backyard).

I have the MB inner down parka. I plan to use it just like you are asking with similiar clothing. I think the hood will keep me warmer than using a balaclava which I use when walking.

Kent,

My anecdotal experience is that you should find those layers to be warm as an entire system down to 30F. I wear a layering system that is similar and it goes as follows:

Pata Capilene 1 sleeveless T
BPL Beartooth Merino Hoody
Montbell UL Down Inner Parka
Montbell Tachyon Anorak or Marmot Mica

I can sit around a campfire, cook, and chat into the evening for a few hours comfortably with those layers. The down hood worn tight around the head goes far in the warmth dept. for me. But like we all know, comfort and warmth is all subjective.

I say pick up the UL Down Inner because it will serve as an excellent layering piece and like you said, will save 8oz. in the pack and that's considerable IMO. Is the MB UL Down Inner warm alone down to 30F? Probably not much. Is it warm when used in a clothing system? Absolutely.

Eugene, did you size your tachyon anorak to fit over your insulation or under it?

I use a similar system that I've tested to 32F for a few hours around camp.

My base layer is similar to yours but I wear a 100 wt fleece instead of the merino layer, a MB Down Inner and a rain jacket. I also wear a fleece cap, gloves and rain pants. I think the rain pants, hat and gloves make it work.

I'm comfortable enough in this system down to 32 F for a few hours but if I had to spend longer hours at this temp I would be cool unless I was a bit active.

Mike, I wear the Down Inner Parka over a BPL Beartooth hoody and under a rain shell, with a wool watch cap (and occasionally rain pants) and like you am reasonably comfortable at freezing if I'm moving around. If I just sit I start to shiver. I'm quite cold prone, and I think this is about my limit for the Down Inner, a great midlayer but not an all-purpose down jacket.

Richard

I also find similar layers at the edge of comfortable around freezing.

Cap 3 Zip Neck
Long Sleeve REI Sahara Shirt
UL Down Inner
Marmot Ion Windshirt

Marmot Thermal Bottoms
TNF Nylon Pants (pretty thin material)

Slocking Cap

I actually just used the MB Down Inner Parka in a recent trip with the first night going low down to 27*F

Used smartwool medium weight top and I was totally fine. Could have gone down to the teens if not lower with just the base layer.

Thank you to all for taking a couple minutes to help me out.

It sounds like the jacket will be just enough to meet my needs. If I do get cold, I'll just have to hit the sack a bit earlier.

Anyone have an accurate weight on jacket in Men's XL? (All I can find on the 'net is for Medium)

Thanks again,

Kent

My XL Down Inner Jacket is 7.7 oz.

@ John,

Eugene, did you size your tachyon anorak to fit over your insulation or under it?

Over. But barely. Both jackets are size medium so I can just fit the Tachyon over my MB UL Inner Parka without compressing the down. I should have grabbed a large for backpacking use to have extra wiggle room, but I bring the Tachyon on trail runs and prefer the closer fit of a medium.

My XL down inner parka (with hood) weighs in at 9.2 oz.

Edited by richardglyon on 12/01/2010 07:40:48 MST.

I took the plunge and bought the Down Inner (under the rationalization that it's my Christmas present!) Already itching for it to arrive so I can play with it!

This is a good community of which to be a member. To all who shared their experiences and weights; Thanks!

I just used mine in NE Pennsylvania this weekend. In camp it got down to the low 20s-high teens over night. My system-

Pat Cap 3
Lightweight Terremar Pullover
MB Down Inner Parka
MB ThermaWrap Vest
Fleece Balacalva

I was warm and cozy while many others were complaining the entire time. It is worth every ounce.

Great Purchase. Hope you enjoy it.

PS- If you don't have them yet, pick up a pair of down booties. Best Piece of Gear for the Trip Winner. Amazing.

Have fun

"In camp I will be wearing a thin merino long sleeve shirt, probably a RailRiders Adventure shirt, the Down Inner, topped with Dri-Ducks jacket. When needed, I'll add a fleece balaclava."

If you want to increase your insulation with no weight penalty, consider substituting a Montbell Extremely Light Jacket for the Railriders shirt or the merino LS shirt, depending on what you are using for a day time hiking baselayer. It has a CLO of ~1.62, and I can tell you from experience that it adds a lot of warmth as a second layer, over a Cap 1 LS crew in my case, far more than a merino LS crew. Add a Montbell UL Down Parka and either a windshirt or a Dri Ducks, and you should be good down into the mid 20's at the very least. I know I am, and I'm skinny enough and old enough that I am tending to get cold easier these days.

Edited by ouzel on 12/07/2010 17:53:32 MST.