Thanks a ton! That’s super helpful, and appreciate you taking the time to reply (and with a photo nonetheless!)

No worries at all! I have to update that article, but I still use the Alpine Down (Frostline when I bought it) Great piece!

I’m too lazy to get my climbing helmet in the shed, but I do have my larger and bulkier bike helmet as a prop and it seems to fit. Sure it would work for a climbing helmet even better.

Hi, apologies for a comment on an old post, but hoping to get some info about the Montbell Alpine Down Parka (not light) – specifically if you can wear the hood over a climbing helmet. I often use one while ski mountaineering, and would like to get a jacket that fits over for stops on those cold days. Thanks!

My pleasure. Enjoy the Whites!

Yes definitely, thanks for the reply. I don’t really hike with the puffy’s either. I carry them more for camp or if I stop for a break like above tree line. The only one I use in shoulder season cold is the Thermawrap or Micropuff. The regular ( new) Montbell Alpine down parka is my winter puffy, it’s their second warmest second only to the Permafrost down parka which I think replaced the Frostline..Anyways, I think I will go with the Alpine Light like you suggested, thank you very much. I appreciate the input..

Thanks! I love the Alpine Light as an all-purpose jacket and what I call three-season+ conditions and some winter backpacking. Honestly, one of my favorite pieces of clothing. It is what I use for day use ski tours in Colorado and the mountains of Utah. I think for winter DAY hiking in the Whites would work well. (For overnights in the Whites, you might want to look at the Montbell Frostline with its 7oz fill)

For three-season backpacking, I like my Superior Down in the intermountain west. Though, I planned a 500+ hike in New England this past fall (canceled due to COVID) and probably would have to take my Thermawrap as I expected colder and wetter conditions vs. the fall in the Intermountain West. Finally, I never hike in puffy layers personally as my sweat eventually compromises the insulation nor does the nylon breathe as well once it gets dirty. I like a simple 100WT fleece instead.

It is why I have a quiver of gear. 🙂
Hope that helps!

This is what I currently own:

Montbell Alpine Down Parka-Winter day hikes summit puffy
Montbell Thermawrap- Active synthetic insulation jacket
Patagonia Micropuff- Cold Weather mid layer insulation and camp puffy for three season backpacking
Patagonia DAS Jacket- Synthetic Version of my Montbell Alpine Down, cold weather summit puffy

I’m contemplating a the Superior Down Parka or the Alpine Light Down Parka? Any recommendations is appreciated..

Thanks Paul! I’m familiar with Buffalo and pile but I don’t think it actually breathes/keeps warm compared to modern synthetics. I’m inclined to give something like an arcteryx atom AR or Proton LT (or Nano Air) a chance but concerned about the longevity of the synthetic insulation… Sigh, back to the drawing board!

I am not sure about biking unfortunately as, I think, the needs are similar but ultimately different.

I *think* fleece (perhaps a 200 wt?) with a windshell might be your best bet. I personally do not wear any puffy insulation for any activewear. Another option that many people on your side of the pond often advocate:
http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/products/

Supposed to breathe well in cold and wet conditions vs other ideas.

Hope this helps! And thx for the kind words.

The rab alpha is too cold for this (too breathable/wind cuts through) and a trim fit where I can’t wear much more than one sweater underneath. Do you think an Atom AR would be good..? or maybe a very lightweight puffy like a montbell plasma 1000? I could layer another midweight insulator OVER the alpha direct, but I’d prefer to minimize the amount of “jacket” and have one kill-it-all.

Cheers and thanks for the excellent site!