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UOG TOP PICK - Plasma 1000 Down Jacket The Montbell Plasma is the lightest down jacket on the market, that boasts a surprisingly good warmth level given its weight due the high quality 1000 fill power, and is an excellent choice for those looking to save every gram. A piece that pushes the limits of the ultralight ethos, everything UOG stands for, one of our top picks
Montbell says:
Light & Fast® in every detail to deliver essential sweater weight warmth in an ultralight, highly packable form. Utilizes the finest 1000 fill power goose down and a gossamer 7-denier nylon face fabric to achieve a miniscule weight, while the "skip-stitch" quilting pattern promotes thermal efficiency. Cut for a trim fit to work effectively with outer layers.
Our Verdict
The Montbell Plasma 1000 is the lightest Down jacket availible that with a 1000 fill power is truly a marvel of weight to warmth ratio.
Montbell in the Plasma have created a down jacket that is literally like wearing nothing at all, it also compresses to a tiny size so will add nothing to the overall weight of your kit. With such a lightweight jacket you would expect not a great level of warmth, the 1000 fill power produces a surprisingly good level of warmth that makes it an excellent choice as a mid-layer.
The Lightweight outer fabric is not the strongest at a low 7 denier so it is not going to put up with much rough treatment, but it is designed to be used in combination with a shell or a heavier insulated layer. However, it could also make a very nice jacket for cooler conditions in urban environments.
The fit of the Plasma is quite generous and I was able to wear a micro fleece underneath and not feel restricted in anyway while in the mountains or even just low level walks or hiking to and from the crag.
in terms of features as you would expect for a jacket of this weight there are minimal in order to save weight, so the two front pockets are elasticated, as well as the sleeves, and there is no form of adjustment on the bottom.
Overall, the Plasma is definitely the jacket for you if you are wanting to save every gram but still want a warm layer, and in terms of warm to weight ratio this is one of the best availible.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
(Unfortunately, we are unable to ship MontBell products outside of the UK)
Features
- Finest 1000 Fill Power EX Down provides an extreme warmth-to-weight ratio
- Unique "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
- Zip End Guard protects your chin and face
- Elastic cuffs prevent cold air from entering
- 2 hand pockets
- Stuff sack included
Specifications
- Small (UK 10) weighs: 121g
- Medium (UK 12) weighs: 132g
- Large (UK 14) weighs: 152g
- Compressed size: 10 X 13 cm (3.9 x 5.1 in)
Material & Construction
- Fill weight: 36g
- Insulation: 1000 Fill Power EX Down
- Material: 7-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstop (water repellent finish)
At Montbell, we source down from both the European and Asian markets to satisfy a variety of characteristics (supply/availability, low cost, consistent quality, humane practices, etc.) and maintain our lofty standards. Every season we seek to balance the superior quality for which we are known and the lowest possible raw materials cost. We change down sourcing companies frequently to insure that our customers have access to superior products at the lowest price possible. In the course of these efforts, Montbell never purchases down from operations that practice “live-plucking” methods. We only utilize down plumes and feathers collected as a by-product of water fowl raised to meet the demands of the food industry.
We will continue to look for sources of down that maximize value to our customers and allow Montbell products to perform at the highest level.
