- Waterproof, highly breathable SUPER DRY-TEC enhances weather resistance
- Specialized "skip-stitch" quilting pattern reduces cold spots and minimizes heat loss
- Sewn Through Construction keeps down insulation in place while lightening the weight
- Downproofing helps keep down from escaping through the face fabric
- Weather resistant Aqua-Tect Zipper keeps out water in a lightweight form
- Zip End Guard protects your chin and face
- Alpine Cuff helps keep wind and snow out
- Inner drawcord adjuster allows for cinching the hem
- 4 pockets (2 zippered hand pockets, 2 internal drop-in pockets)
- Stuff sack included
- Not seam sealed for complete waterproof protection
Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
Reliable insulation with strong weather protection for cold, exposed conditions.
Montbell says:
Combining waterproof, highly breathable SUPER DRY-TEC with high-quality 800 fill power EX Down, this down jacket offers soft, lightweight comfort and weather resistance. Well-suited for pursuits in variable conditions.
Our Verdict
The Permafrost Light Down Jacket provides excellent warmth with 118 g of 800-fill-power EX down, encased in a durable two-layer Super Dry-Tec shell. At 365 g (Medium), it offers a well-balanced blend of insulation and weather resistance for winter use. The shell sheds light rain and snow effectively, though it is not seam-sealed for complete waterproofing.
Fit is as intended, but accommodating a base and mid-layer beneath. The internal fabric feels soft next to the skin, and the collar sits comfortably without the tightness often found in higher neck designs. Hem adjustments extend into the fleece-lined hand pockets, allowing them to be cinched while wearing the jacket. The cuffs adjust with hook-and-loop fastenings for a clean seal against wind.
Inside are two large dump pockets for gloves, maps, or other essentials. I always look for these in any winter insulation piece, and they make this jacket more practical for cold conditions. Warmth retention is impressive, breathability is reasonable, and the construction feels robust enough for sustained mountain use. For cold, dry days or variable alpine weather, it delivers dependable protection with refined technical detailing.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
(Unfortunately, we are unable to ship MontBell products outside of the UK)
Features
Specifications
- Small weighs: 342g
- Medium weighs: 365g
- Large weighs: 389g
- XLarge weighs: 419g
- Insulation: 800 Fill Power EX Down
- Packed Size: Φ15 x 20 cm / Φ5.9 x 7.9 in
Material & Construction
- 2-layer SUPER DRY-TEC
- 30-denier nylon ripstop (water repellent finish)
- Lining: 20-denier Ballistic nylon taffeta (anti-static finish)