Montbell Thermawrap jacket

[Lizzy]

Hi,
I've heard the thermawrap suggested or mentioned a few times but would like to know how owners rate their performance... warm enough for most Tassie conditions? would you recommend it over down? any other comments? I was thinking of getting one and thought I could use it as part of my sleep system to boost it up a bit when weather turns a bit chilly- reg neoair, montbell spiral downhugger #3 (-1or degrees C I think), silk liner.... just a gear freak really
Thanks
Lizzy

[alliecat]

Hi Lizzy,

I have one of the thermawrap jackets and I love it. Whether or not it is warm enough for Tassie I think depends greatly on your personal comfort levels and what you are wearing underneath it. I'm toasty warm in it with a midweight merino top standing out in the falling snow with a moderate breeze. But I don't feel the cold very much so I'm probably not the most useful comparison.

I have a down puffy jacket that is much warmer (and thicker and heavier) - in fact it is too warm for me in anything but blizzard conditions. So the thermawrap definitely isn't as warm as my down puffy.

However, I like it because it is light, comfy, and synthetic. I don't worry if it gets a bit damp, and I don't have to worry about down leaking from it. I do use it for extra warmth when sleeping if needed, just draped lightly over me under my (down) quilt.

Personally, I think it's good to have some synthetic warm clothing just in case any down you carry gets wet, but that's just my approach.

So, I'd say if you need a really, really warm jacket, the thermawrap might not be enough, but as part of a system, it's a really nice piece of kit.

Cheers,
Alliecat

[Lizzy]

Thanks Alliecat- thats exactly what I wanted to hear! It sounds like a down jacket would be a bit of overkill for most of my trips.... so really just wanted an alternative to boost the sleep system and keep me cosy probably 3 season Tassie/ 4 NSW. I also like the idea of a synthetic such as the thermawrap in wetter situations and as a bit of a backup should castastrophe strike and the down bag gets wet I really just wanted to hear from someone who actually has one and likes them for use in Tassie type conditions. Now I just have to convince the other half that I really NEED one (for my safety of course- along with a Spot 2!!)
Cheers, Lizzy