I’d never contemplate an extended winter trip without one. But I’ve never been a “heavy sweater”, and will only use the VBL with capilene-type synthetIcs on... I don’t find VBL’s obnoxious, but everyone’s experience is uniquely their own.
I agree. Unless wood heat is somehow part of the trip plan, I always bring my ID VBL on any trips longer than a couple nights. From Oct on up here.
