The Perfect Thru-Hiking Jacket! :: Long-Term Review of Montbell's Thermawrap Jackets

The U.L. Thermawrap is Montbell's lightweight, synthetic jacket. I've been using mine for a year now and have been blown away by the comfort, versatility, and durability. In this video I got the opinion of two other long-distance hikers who have also put hundreds of miles behind them while using this jacket.
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[@NeemorsWorld]

What do you guys think of this style review? Should I do more collaborative reviews in the future? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[@JogBird]

is this a sponsored video?? even if not, should say not sponsorerd

[@NeemorsWorld]

Nope. If there's any affiliation you will always find it disclosed in the video description.

[@rodtheer8141]

I liked it! 🙂

[@jeffschroeder886]

Oh ya, love the collab review format man - great stuff. I've been thinking of getting one of these and my one question is what the inside of the jacket feels like, and is it a dif. kind of material? How would it feel right against your skin as a sleep layer if you wanted to get out of your sweaty hiking shirt overnight? Many thanks Neemor.

[@KrizAkoni]

I really like the format - well edited, entertaining, and informative. Great scenery, product views, action views, and multiple perspectives. Nice job! ❤️❤️😎

[@ablueizzpulley]

Really good job on this style. Multiple opinions, one than one style and you covered all the bases. Great information that was honest. Should help any of us make a decision.

[@jonahcar812]

Thanks, great vid and review

[@NeemorsWorld]

Jonah Car thanks ✌🏼

[@SacWildlife]

I gotta say, this is one of the best product reviews I've seen on YT - period.

[@NeemorsWorld]

SacWildlife thank you ✌🏼 I’m glad you liked it!

[@WolfPacks]

Montbell needs to pay you guys! Without a doubt you just sold a crap ton of their gear. Very nice video. I have the thermowrap pants and love them.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Wolf Packs I’m glad you liked the video! Cool, I was considering picking up the pants last winter. It’s good to hear they’re working for you.

[@jeriatrix4526]

I wore out one of the original Thermawraps I bought five years ago. Every time I hiked or backpacked it was in my pack. The zipper finally gave out so I replaced it with the parka version. That material may look thin but trust me, it's really tough.

[@austindory7788]

How does the Thermawrap compare to the EE Torrid Apex? Seems like guys such as Darwin like the Apex, but is one jacket really better than the other in terms of warmth, breathability and ability to dry more quickly if doused etc? I tend to use a military waffletop, is one of these jackets better suited to that kind of base layer. Also I live in the west in a pretty dry environment (Utah) would that make a difference? I currently have an 12 ounce Montbell puffy and I'm just wondering if something like this might be worth the upgrade (to get lighter), since I probably have the cash to do so. Lastly thanks for posting such interesting and highly useful content your videos are extremely helpful.

[@Keefe_Outdoors]

id say no unless you do winter hiking in rain

[@OliverHikes]

Have you tried the enlightenment equipment torrid apex jacket? I’ve been considering it or the montbell

[@joeevans8435]

I love my EE Apex jacket, wore it with a fleece and a synthetic long sleeve in -9° F on a 10 mile hike and was comfortable, the only thing I don't like about EE Apex are the small pockets and no chest pocket

[@NeemorsWorld]

I have not! I took a look at Darwin’s EE jacket last winter. I’d love to see how they compare.

[@MarlowWhere]

another random Oliver I've been looking at it and was really considering it because for the same weight as the hoodless thermawrap the torrid jacket has a hood. But I think the build quality and customer service is likely going to be waaaaay better on the montbell. Not saying EE is garbage as I have no experience with them, but when comparing a cottage company to one of the most respected names in outdoor gear...I'm going montbell unless I can find a good condition used Patagonia nanopuff.

[@Ripcap]

Enjoyed this one, I think the different personalities are a great addition. You're killin it with the production.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@BlueBoyBackpacking]

Great video Neemor. Very classy and informative. I have a Blue UL Thermawrap Parka and I love wearing it. Blue Boy

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Great video, I like the review style, not something you see all the time, I am waiting for the new Versatile rain jacket for my hike in Sierra Nevada Spain, hope my sizing is right. 😊

[@JPerry-hv8os]

Great breakdown of this jacket! I am always torn between synthetic and down. Everyone talks about “downy goodness” but living in the South east, synthetic is all I go with.

[@NeemorsWorld]

I agree. I had a hard time choosing between this jacket and the anorak. In the end I think I chose the more versatile option.

[@adventure_hannah3841]

That was AWESOME! Great review! It covered pros, cons, and different opinions and perspectives. It also spoke to the durability- 1200 miles already and confidently taking it out for the PCT. TONS of videos of what all you guys have done with it. I'd love to see more colab reviews. :)

[@FreddyEnergizer]

super sharp video, love the review.... Downside iwas totally happy with my synt jacket and now i am not i want that one also. but loads of extra costs to get it to the Netherlands :)

[@RagtimeBillyPeaches]

Oh, I also have a pair of Thermawrap pants for cold conditions. Mont Bell rocks.

[@tictachikes6156]

Ok I’m convinced. When I have $180 I’ll go buy one ha ha

[@iam_whittle]

😲🤘hike on Wool works best for me(Appalachian's). Tried the puffy's, too wet out here. Thanks for vids

[@ldom9039]

Seems very similar to my Patagonia Nano Air, which I love and I have in both hoodie and non-hoodie versions.

[@BobKangol]

I liked this style review and I know you have had that jacket forever so its well tested. I personally use the Patagonia Nano Air and thats been really really great for winter hiking. It breaths super well but I wouldn't mind trying this one out. Its almost half the price of the Nano.

[@pgreenx]

I never bring down unless I expect below freezing temps.

[@aciavarella]

Great review - but unless you are into pumpkin orange, most of the sizes from the two other available colours are sold out. [Edit - for hooded jackets / mens]

[@NeemorsWorld]

The red hood-less version still has every size available.

[@MstrRo]

You noted: "It does a great job at stopping the wind." What velocity of wind are you talking about? I have a Patagonia Nano Air Hoodie which has a (40 cfm) air permiability rating. I would say it is good with a slight breeze but it needs a wind or rain shell over the top to keep the icy wind out. At 40 cfm, it does a great job at venting moisture from the body. The fact that it vents well is also the fact that it does not block the wind very well. Any clarification on the UL Thermawrap would be appreciated.

[@NeemorsWorld]

MRo it definitely doesn’t cut the wind like a dedicated wind jacket does, but when it’s cold and windy I found that wearing this jacket while still being active is just enough to be comfortable again.

[@NeemorsWorld]

If it’s below freezing and windy I would recommend bringing more insulation or a wind or rain jacket.

[@rrr_rozell7992]

$180 is not a big deal if it works.....are they made here in the U.S?

[@crswro1690]

made in japan.

[@debbiea6782]

You’re vids have come a long way since your AT hike. Montbells should pay you. Always enjoy your videos.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Thanks Debbie 😊 I really appreciate the continued support!

[@johneason6540]

Love the review. Looking for to Nemo and Darwin on the AZT trail.

[@Reese842]

Good review, not just you sitting in your living room which is great

[@richholtzman9754]

Thumbs up on the review style. Liked it!

[@ryanlister4577]

Stunning video. What were you shooting with?

[@NeemorsWorld]

Thank you! I was using a Panasonic g7.

[@brianwhidden]

Awesome video, great presentation. Im about to order my first Montbell jacket.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Thanks Brian! Enjoy your jacket!

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

This looks like a great jacket except for one major issue. If you wear a pack with hip belts (so most of them) the pockets become useless. If they relocated the pockets higher to be positioned above the hip belts (like most rain jackets) then it would be the perfect jacket.

[@NeemorsWorld]

That’s a good point! But I haven’t found that to be a problem. My granite gear virga has a hip belt and I did a few hikes with the two pieces of gear. I was still able to access and use the pockets without a problem.

[@crswro1690]

funny you posted this, as i just bought one of these fantastic jackets(western fit version) from the montbell japan site since i happen to live here. on the japanese site, its listed for Y12,800 + tax. comes out to about $130ish. i think the price increase may be due to import taxes. Great review BTW, and more people should know about this jacket. its absolutely brilliant and im still baffled as to how they kept it so light and compressible with it being synthetic. sent my patagonia nanopuff back because of how great this thing is. keep up the great videos.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Nice! $130 is a really good price! do import taxes fluctuate from year to year? that could explain the price change.

[@crswro1690]

with recent tariffs going into effect, its possible. here is a link to the japan site in english. they also offer some products that werent available outside of japan and do global shipping. i was recently at a montbell shop here and found a nemo front porch tent selling for over $600, so i know the tariffs were going up on this side. US import products here are insanely expensive here. en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=2301299

[@ninjatops99]

But I like the sticky trash bag feel 😭

[@NeemorsWorld]

😳

[@yogistrail9723]

I own this jacket and it is hardly a jacket to say the least. I live in Colorado and seriously if you took this thing as your main layer into the backcountry, even in summer, you would not be warm. It's literally paper think and I don't even see how the insulation would keep you warm when at rest, especially if its wet! C'mon Neemor, no jacket is going to work if its wet unless it's thick, heavy, and wool. Don't kid yourself and use this as your insulative layer if you live where the temps can dip low. It's good for an active layer but so is a cheapo mid weight top. I for one think this is an ok product and I love most of my Mont Bell gear. I will say that the sizing is off on this jacket too. I have a superior down jacket in large and it fits great. This large has been Americanized and I'm swimming in it. Do youself a favor, get a synthetic or wool baselayer and save yourself $80-100.

[@mgie22]

Nailed it, love the Thermawrap!

[@kookiemoose]

They fill their gear with helium, so they’re very light.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Ooh 😮

[@ChuckNoctis]

Your back will still be wet I assume.

[@NeemorsWorld]

If you're sweating and have a pack on? yeah.

[@jeremiahsage9986]

Did they pay you for his review?

[@NeemorsWorld]

Sponsored content on this channel will always be disclosed in the video descriptions.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Outstanding review. Thanks and take care, Al

[@NeemorsWorld]

Thanks for watching!

[@LMicheleS]

Just got to watch this - now the price is around $200. Ouch... The weight isn't that bad actually - if I didn't already have a puffy (down) for my PCT hike this year, I'd try to pick one up. Great review.

[@barondavis5692]

I think the style is GREAT. I don't know how difficult it is to produce, but I really dig it. I'm in the market for a fleece and it was recommended to get the thermawrap instead. What do you think? I've never used anything like it, but think it'd be too hot in 30 - 40 degree weather. Thoughts?

[@RagtimeBillyPeaches]

I have been wearing the Mont-Bell Thermawrap Jackets since before they were available in the US. I bought my first one, used, from a member on backpackinglight.com, who lived in Japan. This is the best, all around, synthetic jacket I've ever had. They're light enough, compress well, plenty breathable, good in humid conditions, extremely well made, and stylish enough for date night. I usually carry the UL for backpacking, but use the regular Thermawrap for my go-to-every-day jacket. I wear mine so often that I actually wear them out.

[@chazmanager]

It seems to be discontinued... even Montbell direct has only small :(

[@NeemorsWorld]

Charlie Smart it’s not discontinued that I know of. If the sizing isn’t selectable try changing the color choice and it should show up.

[@chazmanager]

Yes. Thanks. I didn't even try that. When I Googled it the aftermarket sites came up (Campsaver, etc) and they flat out indicate: "Product Discontinued by Manufacturer" www.campsaver.com/mont-bell-u-l-thermawrap-jacket-men-s.html That is pretty deceptive.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Interesting. That is the older model, but I don't know why they didn't link to the new version instead.

[@worldsoull]

I think any type of insulated jacket under $200 is pretty good right now. A lot that I've looked at, synthetic or down, seem to come in at much higher price! I am also looking at Canadian dollars though..

[@Arthur-Silva]

$180 ends up being a reasonable price, specially when you compare to some of the overpriced, overhyped Zpacks crap.

[@mars_hikes967]

Zpacks needs to work on their marketing. At the moment they have a kind of a Ferrari image: Their gear seems to attract older men, who for whatever reason need to compensate their limited abilities with fancy gear (good meals & certain beverages sometimes accumulate in body internal padding). Meanwhile Pa'lante is getting all the cool & fast kids, nobody wants a nero pack from Zpacks. There are dozens of individuals here who spent a fortune at Zpacks and announced an AT thru hike, but their joints in combination with the lack of basic fitness stopped them after a few hundred miles.

[@flashmanv3260]

@mars_hikes Not sure where you are getting your info from. Zpacks is very popular with the young crowd that wants to go very light. I think they make good gear, have a few friends that have some stuff and have looked it over and they are happy with it. I say this as a non zpacks owner, so this is not a fan boy response I just like ULA pack better and I'm a hammock guy.

[@stuminnis4050]

@mars-hikes I pretty much agree with you about Zpacks, but I also have some ideas about where you can store that ageism.

[@dominicnikon6276]

I still think zpacks gear is some of the best

[@wildandliving]

Wear a rainshell on top. Then lighter and water proof or a rain poncho

[@MrZimmaframe]

I hate it when companies crank the price way up

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

A good base layer is probable as good and cost a lot less.

[@flashmanv3260]

Great review. What is the weight compared to a popular down jacket and how does it compare in warmth? You mentioned good to 45 deg,. that does not seem that warm. Thanks

[@NeemorsWorld]

The weight varies with the model and size. I have a size small U.L. Thermawrap. (Without the hood) and it weighs in at 7.8 oz.

[@jeffschroeder886]

Hey Neemor, How have you guys found the sizing? Most reviewers have mentioned they run a bit small. In their sizing guide I’m sitting kinda in between a small and medium. I don’t like baggy stuff, but also don’t want it to be too restrictive. Leaning towards a medium. Any help would be great.

[@NeemorsWorld]

I didn't notice the sizing to be too different than other companies. some say Montbell runs larger and some people say too small. I found a small to be a little baggy on me but all small jackets are that way for me. sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[@jeffschroeder886]

Got it, ok thanks for the response regardless. Much appreciated.

[@winstonfletcher9733]

What's the torso length like? Does it stop at your waistline or over lap a bit

[@NeemorsWorld]

Mine overlaps a little bit, but I am small.

[@mars_hikes967]

Which kind of insulation would you take for a sobo pct starting later this month? I will just hike and sleep, another hiking guru (john z) ventured out just with a melanzana, citing same reasons as you do, namely that you can hike while wearing the insulation. I have done that with my down jacket here, but it was 17 f, no sun.

[@NeemorsWorld]

I would probably bring a thin cotton base layer. My cuddle duds fleece top then my Thermawrap and a rain jacket. That’s what I carried on the GDT and it worked really well.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Haha cotton is pretty good for a daytime/hiking layer as long as you have something to change into if temps start dropping.

[@ericgaffin5697]

great vid..

[@NeemorsWorld]

Thanks man.

[@hopalongjohnny9797]

Starting out in Early March at Springer mountain, I started with down jacket to sleep in when it gets down into the 20’s. I also walked in mine with a rain jacket to keep it from getting wet. My question is, will it keep you warm like a down 850 fill down coat in 20 degree weather at 4-5k feet elevation? I’ve got merino wool for underneath but really I don’t believe it will keep you warm like a down fill will.

[@tonysilverfox2828]

Hop Along Johnny Probably not, but hiking in a down jacket has its challenges too, as you sweat the down will slowly get damp and loose its warmth

[@NeemorsWorld]

You're right, by it's self you wouldn't stay warm at those conditions. if its paired with a warm base layer, a fleece, and a shell of some kind it will be nice n warm. a down jacket that is the same weight will be warmer. that is just the nature of down vs synthetic. but the benefits I mentioned in the video make the synthetics more versatile. The Thermawrap is not a stand alone winter hiking solution, but a perfect layer for sprint/summer/fall and can be a great layer to add to a winter set up.

[@iam_whittle]

I'm in the southern Appalachian's quite a bit, all the time. Puffy's are fine maybe at camp. It's wet in the Appalachian's pretty much 24/7. As long as you have good dry sleeping bag and do your best to stay dry you'll probably be fine. Good luck attempting the AT😲🤘 *wool doesn't hold the smell as bad*

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

...at 2:40, there is a black puma/cougar stalking in the background. Did you lose any of your friends to an attack?

[@trailkrum]

Interesting garment and great review. If you can afford it, though, the jacket that started this whole active insulation trend, the original Patagonia Nano Air, remains the best IMHO.

[@trailkrum]

How you feel about a particular brand ought to take a back seat to the performance of the garment or gear item you are choosing. That being said, in the secondary considerations department such as sustainability, Patagonia has earned my loyalty as have many cottage manufacturers. Happy trails!

[@deonfenbauercomments3990]

Patagonia is trash bro is only hype, I can assure you of that.

[@deonfenbauercomments3990]

@John R also you have to realize once a product gets hyped up in the hands of the college kids it becomes super main stream and everyone wants it, patagonia has been in a good run since about 2004 i predict patagonia is gonna crash and the hype will fade away right around 2020 . The North face started maybe running mainstream in late 90's and it died out right around 2010 , don't get me wrong it is still the choice of many people however you can find them at t j max.

[@rickdavis2235]

I'm curious what you're using as your main video camera.

[@NeemorsWorld]

Rick Davis Hey Rick! I use a Panasonic GH5 as my main camera, but all the road trip footage was shot on a Panasonic G7.

[@rickdavis2235]

Thanks... the video looks great. I'm a still photographer but have started dabbling in video. Even though I have a Canon 5D Mark IV, I've been shooting using my iPhone 7Plus and my iPad for video. I guess I just need to jump in with both feet and start using the Canon. What about stabilization? Are you on Instagram?

[@NeemorsWorld]

Cool! I've heard a lot of good things about the 5D for video, especially the auto-focus. For stabilization I am using a zhiyun crane v2. You can see all my camera gear here: kit.com/NeemorsWorld

[@rickdavis2235]

Have you done a review on the Zhiyun Crane? If not, what DON'T you like about it? I've got quite a bit of weight if I mount my 70-200 f/2.8L on my 5D.

[@NeemorsWorld]

I haven’t done a review of it yet. There isn’t a lot about it I don’t like. I wish it had internal charging so I didn’t have to carry another battery charger. And I wish the handle was a little shorter. But it has been really good so far. I don’t know if it would hold a 5d + 70-200, but if you google it someone will know. There are tons of great gimbals coming out now though! The Ronin-S looks neat.