View Full Version : light weight vest
Who makes the lightest but also toasty warm down vest? Mainly I will be using it in camp layered under a precip jacket probably. Temps in the upper 20's expected. I would expext to use it early in the morning hiking until I warm up. Down jackets are just to hot for that.
I can get it as a Christmas gift. Nice.
Elger
take-a-knee
12-14-2008, 23:39
This is likely as light (and good) as it gets:
http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/garments/skaha_vest.htm
There are a number of companies that make warm by light vests. The NunatakUSA vest is nice but pricy. Similar but cheaper on the WM Flight Vest and the Feathered Friends Helios Vest. You can also find lighter weight vests from WM and Montbell.
I love my Western Flight vest. Very warm and pretty light at 7 oz. I am hearing from my friend that manages a local outfitter that down products are going up in price in the spring.
bigcranky
12-15-2008, 11:49
The Montbell is nice, too. I have the pullover vest with snaps and no collar, so it layers well under a fleece or another jacket. Weighs less than 5 ounces. Adds a surprising amount of warmth -- I'm comfy down to freezing with this vest over a 100-wt zip tee and under a wind shirt.
billslade
12-15-2008, 14:40
I have the WM Flash Vest and it is very nice and light (3 1/2 oz).
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/db_images/2007/FLASH_2007.jpg
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Jackets%20%26%20Vests&viewpost=2&ContentId=61
It might not be warm enough for 20 Deg but under a jacket you would probably be ok in the mid 30's.
Thank you. Those were the ones I had been looking at. Trying to decide if I want the real light Flash or one of the others with with a traditional collar for a bit more warmth. Problem is I want it to do two things, i.e. keep me warm in camp but also not roast me alive while moving in the morning. That makes it tougher.
Nunatak does seem like the ultimate, and I am usually willing to pay extra for good quality, but wow, thatsa spicy meatball at $249. Don't know if I was a good enough boy this year for Santa to bring that one. Food for thought. Anyway,
Merry Christmas y'all. May Santa get stuck upside down in your chimneys and all the presents tumble into your house.
I do not understand how you can hike in a down vest. I'd soak mine on the 1st climb. IMO, you need a fleece vest or an extra midweight wool layer
I agree. I might start in a vest until I warm up in the morning. I might get 15 minutes down the train and then it comes off. I can't hike in a down vest either for longer then that.
bigcranky
12-16-2008, 09:04
It's hard to take off that nice warm layer before you start hiking, but I find it easier than stopping after 15 minutes to strip layers. Just me, though.