Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Down Jackets

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(Unfortunately, we are unable to ship MontBell products outside of the UK)

The Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka provides the ultimate warmth at an ultralight weight.

Montbell says

The Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka represents the lightest mid-weight insulated layer available today. Made with some of the world’s thinnest nylon, 1000 fill power goose down, and gram shaving construction techniques this garment challenges the limited definition of Ultra Light kit. Extremely compact, highly portable, and with more than 40% of the parka weight being high lofting goose down it may not be possible to find a warmer 8.4 ounces when planning your next backcountry adventure. Fully functional in 3 seasons we see the Plasma 1000 Alpine offering as the ultimate “warmth to weight ratio” performer for the ultra light backpacking crowd, but just as useful during done in a day winter treks, ski mountaineering missions, or the occasional group snowshoe outing.

Our Verdict

Montbell’s Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka is a top tier piece of kit. The jacket is aimed at the ultralight crowd in every aspect of its design.

The stitching pattern across the jacket, with its interconnected baffles, allows the 1000 fill power down to loft uninhibited providing the best warmth to weight ratio of any jacket I’ve ever tested. The fact that over 40% of the jackets weight is down is a testament to how well designed this jacket is.

Montbell have continued with their extra baffle along the back of the neck design which stops any cold draughts occurring down the back of the jacket like with many competitors. This combined with the adjustable hood and waist hem, really prevent any cold air getting inside this jacket.

The only downside to this jacket is that there are no inside pockets which are found on some of Montbell’s other jackets.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Sewn through construction
• Unique quilting pattern to minimize heat loss
• 2-way Adjustable Hood
• Draw cords for hem adjustment hidden in pockets
• Elastic cuffs
• 2 zippered hand pockets
• Stuff sack included

Specifications

• Small weighs: 234g
• Medium weighs: 246g
• Large weighs: 274g
• XLarge weighs: 292g
• Center back length: 71cm / 28in
• Compressed size: 14 x 19cm

Materials

• Fill weight: 96g
• Insulation: 1000 Fill Power EX Down
• Fabric 7-denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon
• DRW: Standard DWR treatment

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.

Help & advice:

• Choosing a Down Jacket
• Down Quality
• All About Down
• Montbell Warmth Guide 22/23