Reviewed in August, 2022

The Montbell Superior Down Parka is a seriously competitive player in the hypothetical competition of backpacking puffy rankings. With features like 800 fill power, a hood, pocketed hem adjuster, and a total weight of 7.7 ounces (women’s), this is a versatile three-season puffy that’s well suited for many outdoor adventures.

This puffy is a great midlayer for backpackers who are seeking to cut weight and bulkiness without sacrificing warmth during high altitude and shoulder season (or summer) outings. It’s a great addition to the kit for anyone who likes to be cozy around the dinner circle after a long day frolicking in the forest or slogging through a sufferfest.

from THE TREK

December 28, 2020

Runner-Up Best Lightweight: Montbell Superior Down Parka — Men’s & Women’s

For a little less sticker shock than the Ghost Whisperer, you can have a (near) equally high-performance puffy. Plenty of warmth without the bulk, the Montbell Superior Down Parka works almost as well stuffed in a pack as it does when you wear it.

Unlike the Ghost Whisperer, however, the Superior Down Parka adds a fully adjustable hood and some interior stash pockets. Its 10-denier ripstop shell won’t stand up to gnarly snags, but it will repel some light abrasion. Overall, it’s a very capable down layer that’s great for reliable warmth and easy to stuff in your pack just in case. Plus, with an MSRP of just over $200, it’s a coat most folks can afford to stuff in their pack.

from GearJunkie

Reviewed in February, 2020

The MontBell Superior Down Parka is one of the best values for a down jacket—$200 for an 800 fill-power down jacket with hood and pockets that weighs 7.7 oz. Basically, it’s the Ghost Whisperer, but more than $100 cheaper. The square baffles keep the down in place, and the high collar protects from drafts. I’ve also have the MontBell Plasma Jacket, which is lighter and more expensive, but the Superior Down Parka is more versatile. –Megan McGowan

from THE TREK