View Full Version : Down vest
LLbean has a really nice down vest on sale did anyone take a down vest them to wear around camp to stay warm
THANK :eek:
terrapin_too
12-17-2006, 15:11
Do they say what it weighs? Some of these are 10, 12 oz. or so. For that weight, I'll carry a cheap polyester flannel shirt (a lot more versatile.) If I could get one of those nice Montbell down vests for cheap, I might go for it (they're more like 4-5 oz.) I bid on one on eBay and lost... the final bid was $61.
Johnny Swank
12-17-2006, 18:23
I really want to start using a vest, but haven't made the jump yet. For 10-12 oz, I'd go with a Marmot DriClime windshirt every time.
bigcranky
12-17-2006, 21:21
Do you have a link to the Bean vest? I suspect from reading their catalog that it's probably over-built and therefore heavier than necessary. But a down vest can be a great trail accessory. It provides a lot of core warmth in camp. I usually wear it over my base layer or a fleece zip-tee, and under my wind shirt. A vest also make a nice footwarmer in your sleeping bag -- just zip it closed, stick your feet inside, and slide them down inside your bag at night.
I have one of the Montbell vests that someone mentioned above -- it's a pullover with a snap collar and weighs maybe 5 oz in size XL. Under a windshirt it's surprisingly warm for something that feels like it will float away. You do give up little things like pockets -- so consider carefully how you would use the vest.
hopefulhiker
12-17-2006, 22:25
I would absolutely carry a down vest, or sweater on the trail......
mythicyeti
12-18-2006, 03:44
I am a huge fan of insulated vests. I have a down one and a primaloft one as well. Since I do most of my hiking out west now I find them to be my most valuable piece of equipment all year long. They are great for making those exposed beauty spots comfortable for an extended lunch and also for camp chores on cold mornings.
terrapin_too
12-18-2006, 08:57
I would absolutely carry a down vest, or sweater on the trail......
So do you know of a good, light, cheap one? Please let us know :).
bigcranky
12-18-2006, 17:09
Good, cheap, and light -- pick any two. <smile>
The Montbell USA site has some of their UL down vests on sale, but they aren't cheap:
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Fospg_itiran.asp?cat=2000
--Ken
Johnny Swank
12-18-2006, 18:15
With no more down than a vest contains, the weight gain is in the fabric and design, IMO. The old Patagonia puffball vest was a great design with minimal features, a 1/2 zipper, and a good weight/price/warmth ratio.
What does this all mean? I want that Montbell vest of course!:D