Montbell Women's U.L. Down Parka

My review is a half review. Its now summer in Seattle and I dont need a down jacket that much, but I bought this jacket for a ski touring. (when im up at the top and im not moving anymore...) This jacket is SOOOOO light, it seems impossible something can be this light. I am so excited to wear it this winter. Im 5ft4, 122 lbs, narrow build. The Small is perfect. Not too bulky, fitted shape and room for layers. Im not sure if an XS would be a little more snug, I prefer a more snug fitted fit, but am happy with my small.
The hood is perfect for wearing helmets and also cinches so wind wont blow in. All around, LOVE this jacket so far.
**update. 10/26/12 HOLY COW. this jacket is amazing. to be honest when i first got it i was wondering how on earth something so light can be so warm. i was walking to work at 6am in seattle on a very oddly cold morning. i was boiling hot after about 10 mins. even walking my dogs around the yard on cold mornings this coat is so dang warm and so comfy. im the envy of my pals that dont have this jacket....yet.

Just received my Montbell UL Down Parka, size small. I usually wear a size small or 4. I am barely 5'5", 34B, 133lbs, with a fairly athletic build. The jacket fits well around, but the arms and torso are both too short. By "too short" I mean I can't pull my hands inside the sleeves, the sleeves hit above my wrist bones when I hold arms straight out in front of me, and when I raise my arms over my head the sleeves hit below my wrists and the jacket pulls up to reveal my belly button.
Otherwise, the jacket is super light and seems super warm (Too soon to tell though, as I only wore it around the house for a few minutes.). I ordered the charcoal black and the inside color is a ruddy, rusty red (sort of an orange/brown red - the photo is accurate). I'm returning the small and have already ordered a medium. Can't wait!

This thing is pretty damn sweet. I like to layer this baby up when it starts to dip down in the 20's - and it takes it like a rock star. I work outside alot, and this jacket makes for a non-sweaty work day; warm enough to keep the chill at bay, but breathable too. If your just sitting around, i would recommend a light fleece underneath - but for more active adventures - this baby's got you covered. And if it's snowin' outside, this does have some water shedding abilities, however, a light shell would do you just fine. And i seems to resist tearing on sharp pieces of metal, screws, sticks, fences --- so that's a plus.
Oh, and did i mention that this is a very flattering jacket with feminine cut, so i don't look like the Michelin man.

Sometimes I feel like I should be a Mont Bell rep because I talk about this coat so much. I LOVE this coat. I wear it on all occasions: to work, under my hard ski shell, to evening events, as a light jacket in the summer. My favorite things about this coat are that it is fitted well and you'll look great in it, AND it keeps you warm outside but is just fine wearing it inside. I think I wear this coat 350 days out of the year, no exaggeration. It will be the best money you spend - just get it! OH, and don't let me forget that it weighs practically nothing, and because I have back problems it's awesome. Sometimes I forget I'm wearing it. Seriously, just buy the damn coat!

My boyfriend bought me this coat for Christmas. It's great. I've never had an ultralight down parka before but I love this one. First, I love the rust/sunset orange color, the deep interior pockets, and the exterior pockets. Even though it's an outdoor type coat, I wore it to work today. It's so comfortable, I don't want to take it off. It almost feels like it is part of me, weighs nothing. It's one of the most comfortable parkas I've ever owned. It's a little pricey (but I didn't buy it) and I am not sure I would have spent the money for such a coat but I think I will be wearing this thing for a long long time.

This is my second Mont Bell I also have the UL down without the hood. Ordered it from another company before I discovered backcountry's wonderful customer service. I was wearing it so much that I needed another. The hood is a great addition. I hate winter mostly because of the bulky outer wear. It feels like you are wearing a sweater but it is so warm. I've only needed a very light cardigan under on the coldest New York city days, wind doesn't penetrate. Love the look & have gotten many compliments. My boyfriend has the men 's version & it is the only jacket he wants to wear

I was worried about the length of the jacket as I have a longer torso. The Patagonia jackets are too short for me and I wasn't sure if Montbell would be the same. But length was perfect and it's so stylish. I don't look like the Michelin tire man and it keeps me so warm. I even bought my boyfriend the guy version because he was so jealous of how warm I stay with something so light.

This is hands down the best jacket I've ever owned. I have had it for a year and wear in all the time in the Winter. It is so warm and super light weight. I love to travel with it because it packs up so small. I got the rusty color, it is more copper than red, but I love it.

So since I'm a man I didn't by this for me but I did get this for my wife for Christmas. I hope she doesn't read this, or there goes the surprise! She was impressed with it when she tried it on by how light it was and how warm. She did size up from a M to a L.

I actually weighted mine: 7.5 oz for a small one. Keeps me well insulated and it is super light. I really like the inner pockets/compartments, they come in handy :) The hood comes in very handy too. Highly recommend it! I love how comfortable it is and how warm it keeps me. You should get it. Really!