Just found 20% off all Montbell at ProLiteGear

They look like they are close to what Campsaver pricing was even up to this morning. Sale looks like it is over at Campsaver. It is an attractive sales position from Prolitegear of "we will match anyone's pricing". An attention grabber.

Some items of the same name now have new style numbers. Make sure you are aware of the style number transition and that you get what you want from your vendor of choice. MB reflects the new style numbers with a "New" in the picture and generally place their old style numbers in their web special online store front(my observation).

Thanks, Just picked up a thremawrap parka.

interestingly the new Alpine Light Parka shows 0.1 oz more of fill, but weighs 1.5 oz more- same 30 denier material (this is size Men's medium)

mike ... i believe its the shock cord on the bottom

not needed IMO on that jacket ... same as the detachability of the hood on the frostline

montbell must have hired a yuppie to "improve" their designs

ahh- that would likely explain that :)

There is a reference to a center back length in the new styles for the parka/jacket/vest where there is no reference on the older styles. Maybe resolving some complaints that the Alpine Light was too short?

Mike,

Eric is spot on; I contacted Montbell yesterday over the phone and asked about the differences between the '09 and '10 models and the guy I spoke with told me it was only the bottom cinch cord that changed as well as the shell colors. The guy I spoke with also said that the '10 jackets seemed to fit a touch larger than the previous year but only slightly. Personally, I like having a cinch cord waist.

hmmm- looks like I'm getting an older one- no mention of drawstring hem, yet the one I ordered for my wife does

Eugene- I like a drawstring bottom as well, helps to seal any draft- wish I could sew :)

I'm with you, the cinch cord keeps drafts out and minimizes the bellows effect when moving around. I also called up Prolitegear to change a detail in my order over the phone yesterday and the BPL member who works there (I forget his name) said the Alpine Light parkas they were selling for 20% off were the '10 models. Tech specs on the Prolitegear deals should match the MB website specs. If you aren't satisfied with the color or size then Prolitegear can get in contact with MB directly and make changes to your order if you want; that is what I was told.

Eugene- I wonder if it isn't 2010 vs 2011 (instead of 2009 vs 2010)? good to know they are willing to make an exchange if need be

if you ordered a Alpine Light you can bring it w/ you when you come and visit Montana :)

Mike

Mike,

I did pry a little over the phone and the 2011 Alpine Light is going to be much the same as the '10 according to MB. I asked them if they were going to use 15-denier nylon shell in place of the 30-denier currently used and the answer was a resounding NO. Between the EX-Light (7 denier)< UL Inner (15 denier) < Alpine Light (30 denier) they seem to meet a wide range of insulation needs and shell durability/ abrasion resistance amounts.

Sure, I'll take up my Alpine Light under one condition... you take up the cost of airfare to MT. ;-)

I would love to someday hike in MT.

when I hit the lotto, you got it :)

just for a little update- my alpine light arrived, it does have the adj hem drawstring! :)

also I was a little nervous on sizing (was debating between L and XL and ended up ordering a L- my normal size) as I wanted this to be able to go over a base layer, mid layer (R1) and windshirt- it must be cut a little generous as it's perfect- a wee big w/ just a shirt on, but just right for sizing over layers

the alpine light is also cut a little longer in the torso, which is welcome for a coat for cold weather

my ex light is also a size large, but must be cut a little more "athletic"

I have the new Alpine Light Down Vest (large). I am 5'9" 157# ~40-41 chest. Notice that the drawcord fits into the pockets which are zippered now (were they not zippered on the old model?). I guess you have to have the cord go somewhere. One feature that I have had on down coats that were longer that I would like on this one is a second drawcord a little higher up so to pull it into the body below the chest but above the stomach. I will have alot of looseness in material if I am not layering over other down/synthetic layers.

I am satisfied.

Edited by crowculbertson on 12/15/2010 18:29:55 MST.

yeah I did :) I was adjusting the drawstring and the cord was hanging out w/o the coat on- thinking to myself that's not so good, put the coat and my hands in the pocket and there are the cords (out of the way)- this would be the way to adjust as well- just reach into the pocket

warren- how does the vest fit? I wonder if the vest is possibly cut a little trimmer? I'm 6'0 190 chest 43-44-ish and the large like I said, w/o layers was a little big

I have a large in both MB Ex Light and the MB Alpine Light Vest. The Ex Light would not be able to layer over much more than my baselayer (195g/m2 Ibex) and the Patagonia Nano Puff pullover. The vest is a perfect last layer with no arms plus the pockets the others do not have. I am glad for the drawcord in the Alpine Light for sure. I would not be one to just wear the vest over baselayer. It is a loose fit as a single insulation layer.

ahhh your wearing on top of everything- gotcha :)

I ordered an Exlite Jacket to replace my Nanopuff.