mountain equipment lightline jacket review
Share. When compared to other popular and similarly intentioned models like the Rab Neutrino Pro and Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody, the Mountain Equipment Lightline offers a step up in durability. Whats perhaps most impressive, however, is that the Lightline is able to provide this level of warmth for just $300a significantly lower price than comparable winter down jackets. Specifically, you get excellent warmth from high-quality 850-fill down (although fairly little of it at 4.9 oz. by Outdoors Magic. Our iconic and continuing bestseller, this technical down duvet is ideal for freezing conditions. For a jacket intended for backcountry useeven a winter designthis is by no means lightweight. In terms of storage, the Lightline has two hand pockets that are nicely sized for small essentials like a headlamp or snacks. The main purpose of this fabric is not the water-resistance, but its ability to provide near perfect insulation for the down, ensuring that it remains lofty, and does not turn clumpy. Unfortunately, the Lightline does not have hydrophobic down, which is a reality given its low price point. Below we Winters are harsh in the U.K., and British alpinists are known for getting out in all types of conditions. Although not exactly compact, the jacket is relatively easy to fit into the included stuff sack and measures about 7 x 10 inches when packed (it fits nicely into the bottom of a medium-sized daypack). Or check out these reviews: Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure|Site Map. See the Men's ME Lightline See the Women's ME Lightline Please try again. Whenthe heart of the coldest winter months arrives, its time for a serious jacket. In the end, the Lightline works better for more serious excursions, but we love the versatility and value of the REI. With the Mountain Equipment, you get a tougher 40-denier face fabric, which is less likely to develop abrasions and stains over time (an issue we had with our past-generation Fitz Roy Parka). It is made from 100% nylon (polyamide), which accounts for the added weight in the jacket. That said, the Cerium is a major step down in durability with an ultra-thin, 7 x 10-denier shell, which limits its appeal to weight-conscious alpine missions where every ounce counts. It will not affect your price, but helps keep our site alive! On my scale, the mens Lightline in a size medium came in at 1 pound 9 ounces (the advertised weight is 1 lb. Combining premium 850-fill down (REI does not list the fill weight, but weve worn the Stormhenge on frigid days in Northern Wisconsin and stayed warm), a 2-layer waterproof breathable shell, and a DWR coating, its a great choice for cold and wet conditions. The Mountain Equipment Lightline does run a little small, however, no other problems have arisen as far as fit and comfort were concerned. For comparison, another popular model in the same category, the Rab Neutrino Pro, uses 8 ounces of down, although its higher-end 800-fill-power. It is a high-quality jacket, with notable features and a reasonable price-tag. Mountain Equipment Lightline Review Constructed with 700-fill power down, the Mountain Equipment Lightline has less down than other jackets on our list, and is heavier, at 26oz (70grams). of 700-fill downWhat we like:Fantastic value for an extremely warm, well-made, and cozy jacket.What we dont: Heavy due to the lower fill power;left-hand zipper takes some getting used to.See the Men's ME Lightline See the Women's ME Lightline. of 700-fill down What we like: Fantastic value for an extremely warm, well-made, and cozy jacket. While the drawcord adjustments and rear Velcro are easy to use with gloves on, we do find that the exposed nature of these cords looks busy and lacks the finish of similar jackets from Rab and Patagonia (who hide their adjustments for a streamlined look). Another aspect that sets this jacket apart, is the zip-off hood. The Lightline is suited for winter hiking and is durable enough for more hands-on activities as well. In addition, I really like the internal zip pocket on the chest, which is the ideal place to keep my phone warm. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. All things considered, we prefer the Rab for performance use when ounces matter, but the slightly trimmer-fitting and cheaper Lightline is the better value for less technical endeavors. See more gear reviews and our detailedoutdoor clothing gear guide. Women's Lightline Jacket. Designed to meet the needs of mountaineers who routinely spend time in harsh alpine environments, the Mountain Equipment Lightline Down Jacket is designed to shield you from the cold when staying warm isn't just preferable, but essential. Your request cannot be processed. The hood is adjustable to prevent coverage without visual impairment. In terms of features, Mountain Equipment kept it simple. International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. Or shop for the Mountain Equipment Vega, an offering with wider tubes, more fill, and more loft. The healthy amount of down fill combined with the thick 40-denier Drilite shell fabric do an admiral job of cutting wind, making the jacket feel nearly fortress-like in strong gusts (the stitched-through construction technically leaves vulnerabilities, but it'd take some serious wind to be noticeable). This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort Mountain Equipment Lightline Down Jacket Review, Mountain Equipment Lightline (Men's) Price Comparison, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FZJ6T64/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&ta. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. With slight differences in cut and baffle design that arc toward the top of the jacket (the baffles on the mens version are horizontal), the womens Lightline has a lower fill weight (8 oz. The hood on this jacket is perfect for windy conditions, sealing in the warm and preventing any drafts from entering. Beyond the down, a big difference between the two jackets is their shell fabrics: the 40-denier exterior on the Lightline is much more hardwearing than the Fitz Roys thin, 20-denier shell. If the jackets above are too specialized in nature, then the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 is worth a serious look. but overall, i am happy with my purchase as long as i don't find any other leakage of feather from other spots. Despite this, we chose the Lightline as our Best Value Jacket due to the excellent water-resistant Drillite Loft shell, and the fact that the jacket offers excellent value for money. vs. 10.4 oz. This beast of a down jacket is one of M.E.s iconic and continuous bestsellers. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. This differs from the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) commonly used in the U.S., but kudos to Mountain Equipment for prioritizing sustainability with this informative resource. To make things easier, check out our expert review on the five best down jackets for hiking here. 18th October 2017. Overkill for anything but sub-freezing temperatures. This winter-weight jacket is very warm with over 10 ounces of 700-fill-power down and has a tough 40-denier shellall for a reasonable $300. Mountain Equipment offers an interesting, lighter-weight alternative to the Lightline in their Senja. 10.1 oz.). If youre in the market for a warm winter jacket worthy of technical outings, the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody is worth a look. The brand has a long history that shows in their products today. (mens medium) Fill: 10.4 oz. You dont get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture, can breathe better, and are more Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. ), as well as strategically placed Coreloft synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas. Take a step back and think about what you specifically want out of your purchase. If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. For a similarly warm jacket with a slightly more technical slant, the Rab Neutrino Pro is another great option. Our iconic and continuing bestseller, this technical duvet is ideal for freezing conditions anywhere in the world.Built to meet the demands of modern mountaineers, the Lightline Jacket continues to set the benchmark for lightweight, technical duvets. This hoody is one of the best value for money down jackets. Mountain Equipment Skyline Jacket | Review Lightweight, warm, weather resistant and made with ethically sourced materials, the Skyline from Mountain Equipment has the makings of a future classic. and Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody (1 lb. Review: Mountain Equipment Skyline Hooded down jacket (Recommended) 4 out of 5. Finally, the hood (described in more detail below) deftly keeps wind at bay. Mountain Equipment Lightline Down Jacket Review I've had the Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket for a few months, it's been well used so I thought I'd note my view of the piece of kit. (mens medium)Fill: 10.4 oz. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mountain Equipment Women's Lightline Jacket, Navy, S at Amazon.com. Mountain Equipment is dedicated to making high quality outdoor and trekking gear made to fit your life. These features also have the added benefit of sealing in warmth and preventing drafts from entering up the sleeves or at the waist. In addition to the shell fabric and coating described above, its worth mentioning that the competing Rab Neutrino Pro uses hydrophobic down, which allows it to resist moisture even further and retain some loft even when exposed to the elements. Men's Moreno Fleece Jacket Mountain Equipment. The biggest enemy of down is moisture. While it doesn't have the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, it is a solid choice for non-technical cold weather use. if the price were the same, i would have gotten the Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket. ProLite Gear reviews the Mountain Equipment Lightline Pants. As an Amazon Associate, Mountain IQ earns from qualifying purchases. You could just zip it off and put in your backpack or leave it behind. If you are on the fence between sizes or plan on layering heavily underneath, you may want to consider sizing up, but we love the fit of the Lightline overall. Women's Terra Glove. The adjustable, zip-off hoody is perfect for those windy days. The drawcord hem also has the benefit of allowing you to adjust the hem to your body if the fit is a little loose. After multiple winters with the jacket, we have found it to be most comfortable when temperatures dip well below freezing. And for those days when the hood isnt needed? The Drilite Loft shell is water-resistant, windproof and very durable, which all adds up to a great, high quality product. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket Men's Tricot Jacket at Amazon.com. This article contains affiliate links. Thanks and we appreciate your support! What makes it so warm? Competitors like the Rab Neutrino Pro (1 lb. When wet, it loses its loft and ability to insulate. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This jacket would work as a stand-alone in almost all cold dry conditions, or under a shell in wet conditions, due to the impressive warmth it provides. The Lightline Down Jacket from Mountain Equipment is designed to meet the demands of modern mountaineers and all outdoor enthusiasts who require a reliable, warm and durable insulated jacket. A staple in the Mountain Equipment lineup for over 40 years, the Lightline packs a serious punch. One downside for climbers and skiers: the hood does makes for a tight fit around a helmet, although it technically works. With just a t-shirt on underneathour preferred use given the super-soft interiorthe jacket easily kept me warm during light activity in temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. BUY Mountain Equipment Lightline Insulated Jacket - Men's. BUY Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket - Women's. At the end of the day, the Senja is warmer than popular lightweight down jackets like Arcteryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 and attractively priced at $275cheaper than either of those models. But at 1 pound 11 ounces, the Stormhenge is even heavier than the Lightline and more suited for casual use and light winter adventuring than the backcountry. And although it has quite a bit of loft, I was easily able to slip my ski shell on overtop, which is not always the case in this category. 4.6 out of 5 stars 50. The ME Senja, on the other hand, still is quite cozy with 7.8 ounces of 700-fill down (versus 10.4 oz. easily undercut the Lightline, but they do so at the expense of durability and cost. Originally launched in 2012, their Down Codex project brings transparency to every element of the feathers journey. However, this hoody has been constructed to remain warm and insulated in freezing conditions. Below we break down the Mountain Equipment Lightlines performance. The Mountain Equipment Rupal is a straightforward jacket suitable for year-round use. Second, the Lightline has a burly 40-denier shell that does a great job of keeping warmth in and snow out. Further, a polyurethane coating helps moisture bead up and roll off the surface rather than penetrating the shell. Mountain Equipment's iconic down jacket, ideal for freezing conditions anywhere in the world. Womens Clothing Size: Medium, Apparel Fit: Regular, Gender: Female, Age Group: Adults, Color: Blackberry, Insulation: 700 Those two jackets both weigh less and pack down smaller, but they also use a thinner 20-denier face fabric, which feels noticeably less robust than the Lightlines shell. And despite a number of backcountry outings and being stuffed away into packs and duffels, the jacket doesnt look overly dirty or grimy. Mountain Equipment uses this material for most of their products and it has shown no chance of failing to provide excellent quality shells. Finally, the wire brim adds protection and visibility, and is even removable should that be your preference. Chris Townsend reviews a warm and water-resistant jacket great for very cold weather. Thats seriously high-lofting stuff and means you get more warmth per gramme of down helping to keep weight to a minimum. The Lightline has been through numerous winters of testing here at Switchback Travel, and it still looks and functions like new. You successfully submitted your question! Mountain Equipment Vega Jacket The Fill. The Vega packs a load of 800 fill power goose down sourced ethically from eastern Russia. If you look on their website they have been involved in loads of British first ascents and countless Everest summits. We will get back to you soon. The Fitz Roy is considerably lighter at 1 pound 1.1 ounces and uses a more weather-ready Pertex Quantum shell, but were not sure its worth it for the drop in durability and increase in price. The hood has three panels that allow it to be adjusted to the head and face, to provide protection, without hampering field of vision. The mens and womens Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket was a close runner-up simply for the fact that it wasnt quite as warm as the Rab Positron Pro. 40-denier face fabric is much more durable than most of the competition. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. However, putting on the more hardwearing Lightline was a nice reminder that durable gear definitely has its merits. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. The Mountain Equipment Lightline has less down than most other down jackets, at 700-fill power. Compared to the Lightline, the Neutrino Pro uses higher-quality 800-fill hydrophobic down and is constructed with a thinner 20-denier Pertex Quantum Pro face fabric, both of which make it more packable. The hood has three panels, that can be adjusted and moulded to your head, providing excellent protection against the wind and light rain. Last but not least, wed be remiss not to include Arcteryxs premium Cerium SV Hoody here. While the added weight of theDrilite Loft fabricmay be a problem with climbing, it shouldnt hamper experienced hikers in any way, and is great for those cold, wet climates. The Lightline is equipped with adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem that allows you to adjust the hoody to your likely. Taken together, you wont find a better value, and its one of our favorite down jackets for frigid days. In fact, the Lightline has been constructed with freezing conditions in mind. Below are the As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. If you buy something through the links on this page we might get a small commission. Its true that the Senja might not get you down to the depths of winter, but its great for shoulder seasons and many winter days. http://www.prolitegear.com/Mountain%20Equipment.htm As my own adventures have grown in distance and vertical feet, Ive turned to ultralight gear and apparel to ease the burden. The hood is excellent Mountain Equipment Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket Mountain Equipment are a british based company, that have been making quality outdoor clothing and equipment since 1961. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. For comparison, the performance-oriented Neutrino Pro includes a stuff sack of the same size, but the 800-fill down and thinner fabric compact slightly smaller than the Lightline. 5.3 oz.) 1.1 oz.) The zippers are usually a weak point in winter jackets, however, the Lightline is also equipped with a rear baffle for added insulation and draft prevention. And when the mercury reaches single digits or lower, pairing it with a long sleeve baselayer and light midlayer is a nice combination. These handwarmer pockets have insulation on the outside of the jacket and offer a safe haven for the cold. What we dont: Heavy due to the lower fill power; left-hand zipper takes some getting used to. If the down hoody is constricting, movement will be hampered, which is not only uncomfortable, but could lead to injury on a more challenging hike. Total weight 621 grams. Constructed with 700-fill power down, the Mountain Equipment Lightline has less down than other jackets on our list, and is heavier, at 26oz (70grams).Despite this, we chose the Lightline as our Best Value Jacket due to the excellent water-resistant Drillite Loft shell, and the fact that the jacket offers excellent value for money. And the hood is the icing on the cake: it contours nicely around my head and offers plenty of adjustments for battening down the hatches. Mountain Equipment Lightline. Price: $300Weight:1 lb. In the end, your decision likely will come down to priorities: climbers and skiers might opt for the lighter options, but the Lightline is a great workhorse for everyday and even technical use. The Drilite Loft shell is what ensures that the down stays warm, well insulated and dry. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket - Men's Flame Medium at Amazon.com. Read more about us. It weighs the same (26 oz) and has approximately the same fill weight at 10.4 oz. The lack of dump pocketsa great place to store skins orwinter glovesis one notable omission for technical use, but Ive gotten along just fine without them for now. Additionally, the Neutrino Pro is a significant 5 ounces lighter despite being filled with a healthy 8 ounces of down (for more, see our in-depth review here). This was my first foray with U.K.-based Mountain Equipment, and Im happy to report that the fit of my standard mens medium was spot on (for reference, Im about 59 and 160 pounds). This is closer to our ideal puff jacket, but Id prefer it in the same super-lightweight Helium fabric used for the Dewline and Skyline. Supported by . Billed as a full function extreme belay jacket, the Mountain Equipment Citadel Jacket is that and much more. This fabric is water-resistant and provides great insulation for the down. If youre looking for a relatively inexpensive dead-of-winter jacket that should last through multiple seasons, youd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Lightline. An interesting fact about Mountain Equipment is that theyve been pursuing the use of responsibly sourced down for years. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Initially, I thought that my down jacket would be sufficient but realized later on that it was probably a smart choice to purchase my new Mountain Equipment Fitzroy Jacket. on the Lightline), weighs a more reasonable 1 pound 4.5 ounces, and has a similarly durable 40-denier shell that offers great durability. Similar to the Rab above, the Patagonia uses more premium 800-fill-power down, although you get less of it at only 5.6 ounces. I previously had a duvet top by means of a buffalo but if did occasionally cause me a touch of hot and sweaty claustrophobic frustration when it came to getting it on and off. As with any clothing item, fit is extremely important when it comes to choosing the right winter jacket. for the mens), but both use the same 700-fill-power down, 40-denier Drilite Loft shell fabric, and are priced at $300. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. It offers a superb warmth to weight ratio and uses some of the best natural down in a stitch-through, mid-baffle construction. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the marketthey are packed with As the weather cools down each year the insulation debate heats up. The Drilite Loft shell and lining is what makes this such a great winter jacket. But its functionality is great: the hood cinches down to hug my face and feels well-protected from heavy winds. 9 oz. For just $249, you get a warm and waterproof winter jacket that can be worn in a variety of inclement weather. At a steep $575, it blows the jackets mentioned above out of the water in terms of price (the Lightline included) but offers some notable upgrades in performance. On our trip to Scotland, I took my light Montbell Down UL Down Jacket with me. i believe the lightline would even be warmer than the vega, and the lightline also have a thick shell at 40D. When it comes down to searching for a warm, durable down jacket, there are so many options on the market these days. Its made from a robust-feeling 3-layer Gore-Tex that isnt quite as soft as some of the other fabrics reviewed but still feels comfortable. The Mountain Equipment Lightline is a serious down jacket built for sub-freezing temperatures and deep winter conditions. However, it is also coated in durable water repellent (DWR), to ensure that you stay dry in wet conditions. The Mountain Equipment Lightline offers excellent protection in cold, snowy, and windy conditions. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our articles on the best down jackets and best winter jackets. Brand : Mountain Equipment Code : ME-000148BLK- Made to meet the demands of modern mountaineers, the Lightline Jacket continues to set the benchmark for lightweight, technical duvets. The Mountain Equipment Lightline is a great value in adown jacket that works well for both casual and backcountry use. While the weight of down jackets usually comes mainly from the filling, in this case, it is the outer shell that is the cause of the excess weight. The Lightline on the heavy end for a down winter jacket and not our first choice for fast-and-light outings. Finding the correct down jacket for hiking and adventures at altitude for your needs and budget can be a tricky task and sifting through the troves of reviews can be time consuming and confusing. Instead, with the proper gear, you can get outside and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes. As with all down jackets, the Lightline provides warmth, insulation, water-resistance and durability. Check great and honest reviews! Each jacket comes with a tag and a 12-digit code sewn on the insideenter the code on MEs Down Codex website, and you can find the complete history of the down, an audit and risk assessment, and even the exact content and fill. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, Constructed to withstand freezing conditions, Drillite Loft shell, water-resistant and coated in durable water repellent (DWR).