Patagonia Down Sweater is a great lightweight down piece. I'm going to assume you realize that it's hoodless and that it's a sweater, not a full-on jacket. I've found it works well down into the 30's for me, layered over midweight long underwear and under a windbreaker (Patagonia Houdini.)
Last year, they also made a hooded version for a while. I got one, and it's also very nice.
I also tried an older version of the Montbell Down Inner. I don't think it's quite as warm as the Patagonia piece - and I'm not sure it's meant to be. I think it's more of a Polartec 200, while the Down Sweater is more of a Polartec 300, if that makes any sense. I also didn't like the fact that the hood on the Montbell jacket didn't have any drawstrings or tightening system, so it didn't keep your head as warm as it could have. Finally, the Montbell jacket was cut a bit smaller than the same size Patagonia piece.
The Montbell was OK, sort of, but the Patagonia is great.
I own the Down Inner Parka and it keeps me warm down to around 30 degrees with a Capilene 1 baselayer and a Marmot Ion windshirt underneath. With a heavier baselayer (Cap 3, R1 etc) then I could probably be comfortable into the low 20's.
My wife owns the Downlight sweater and her experiences have been similar. I think the that the First Ascent piece is probably a little warmer than my Parka, but not by much.
All in all, both garments are fine bits gear and are excellent three-season items. You won't go wrong with either purchase and $85 sale price for the Downlight is a steal if you ask me.
If you are wanting a true winter piece, then you either need an additional layering piece to use in conjuction with your above purchase or something more substatial like the MB Alpine or Fugu Jacket.
FWIW, the UL Inner is a little warmer than a Polartec 300 fleece. Interesting study.
I read this thread & then decided I DO need a down jacket/sweater for summer in the western mountains (Rockies & Sierras) so I ordered teh Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight jacket since it was the best quality I could find for under $100. &84. + $11. 95 S&H through their catalog.
I plan to use it for morning & evening camp wear & in my WM Megalite down bag if mecessary on a mid to low 20s F. night.
I've experienced a 16 F. morning in AUGUST on the PCT south of Olancha Peak! All I had was a 200 wt. fleece vest to wear over a synthetic T shirt & long sleeved shirt. Thank God I had my GTX PacLite rain parka to wear over it. I was still cold while walking but it was bearable. Now I'll have some decent insulation!
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."
I read this thread & then decided I DO need a down jacket/sweater for summer in the western mountains (Rockies & Sierras) so I ordered teh Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight jacket since it was the best quality I could find for under $100. &84. + $11. 95 S&H through their catalog.
I already own the MB UL Down Inner, however my wife and I were in Cherry Creek Mall today and I just couldn't help myself-- we went in to find her a swimmsuit and we came out with the Downlight sweater for me! $84 for this down sweater is just too hard to pass up.
I just had to justify that it was mainly a summer piece-- for when the MB Parka was just too much and I didn't need a hood. However, I actually plan to use it in the winter also, layering it under my MB Alpine Parka.
MontBell UL Down inner jacket owner, I LOVE IT. So light and warm. Very comfortable and fits through the shoulders. I am very happy with my purchase and have no experience with the other jackets.
_________________________
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Helen Keller
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!