Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Vest

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The Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Vest is a lightweight, warm, and packable mid-layer that is perfect for outdoor activities. It is made with 1000-fill power down, which provides excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

Montbell says: 

Delivers supreme warmth in an ultralightweight, highly compressible design, taking weight savings to an extreme level. Premium-quality 1000 fill power down provides an excellent weight to warmth ratio. A unique “skip-stitch” sewing pattern minimizes cold spots. Cut for a trim fit in order to work effectively with outer layers.

Our Verdict

Montbell’s Plasma 1000 Down Vest is the ultimate in gram-saving mid-layers. At a tiny 97 grams, it offers an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio with its 1000-fill power down. The Plasma’s super low weight means you can barely feel it, and it also compresses to a tiny size, so it will add nothing to the overall weight of your kit. With such a lightweight vest, you might expect it not to be very warm, but the 1000-fill power down 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 seven denier, so it will not put up with much rough treatment. However, it is designed to be combined with a heavier insulated layer or a shell. The fit of the Plasma is quite generous, and I was able to wear a microfleece underneath and not feel restricted in any way while in the mountains or even just low-level walks or hiking to and from the crag. It would also be ideal with a baselayer or t-shirt in warmer conditions.

In terms of features, as you would expect for a jacket of this weight, there are minimal to save weight. There are no pockets, which is annoying, but this is a small price for such a lightweight and warm vest. Overall, the Plasma is the mid-layer for you if you want to save every gram but still want a warm layer. In terms of warmth-to-weight ratio, this is one of the best available.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

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

Features

• Finest 1000 fill power down provides an extreme warmth-to-weight ratio
• Sewn-through construction keeps down insulation in place while lightening the weight
• Unique “skip-stitch” quilting pattern reduces cold spots and minimizes heat loss
• Zip end guard protects your chin and face
• 2 hand pockets
• Stuff sack included

Specifications

• Small weighs: 92g
• Medium weighs: 97g
• Large weighs: 116g
• XLarge weighs: 126g

Material & Construction

• Fill weight: 27g
• 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.

Help & advice:

• Choosing a Down Jacket
• Down Quality
• All About Down
• Montbell Warmth Guide 22/23
• Montbell Plasma 1000 Technologies