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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 908
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 908 |
I am looking for a warm vest to replace the military surplus vest I have used for years. I know this question has been asked previously but I am asking again as am looking for products currently available.
I enjoy the benefits of down but most of my camping and hunting seems to involve cold, wet weather so lean heavily toward favoring a synthetic insulation. I would consider one of the weatherproofed down products.
As an example, Iooked at the KUIU super down vest and thought it would be perfect EXCEPT there is about 3 tablespoons of down in the whole vest. I am sure it would pack into a shot glass and weighs nothing but it clearly does not have enough insulation for my needs, particularly when you factor in what it costs. I am sure that it works great as part of their "clothing system" to sell to guys who like to have their camo match.
Any recommendations are appreciated, I favor durability over ultra light weight and am happy to pay good money for good gear so it does not need to be military surplus but am happy to use inexpensive stuff if it works well.
Thank you.
If you can't be a good example, may you at least serve as a dreadful warning
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8,596
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8,596 |
Sitka Kelvin vest? Or Kelvin lite?
If I were you I would look to companies like arcteryx or similar that use primaloft gold insulation.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,404
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,404 |
I like Primaloft insulation for wet conditions where down is not a good idea. It is warm, lightweight, compresses into a small package and dries quickly.
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,221
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,221 |
I've been very happy with a Kryptek Dalabor vest the last two years. Softshell, warm, true to size and didn't cost a big chunk.
My heart's in the mountains, my heart is not here. My heart's in the mountains, chasing the deer.
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,445
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,445 |
Don't ask me about my military service or heroic acts...most of it is untrue.
Pronoun: Yes, SIR !
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,650
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,650 |
I'm a fan of the Patagonia Puffball vests. Been using a blue one for nearly 20yrs.
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,800
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,800 |
I have used Columbia fleece for years, recently switched to Woolrich woolen vest with sherpa fleece lining. I am very pleased with this choice.
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,654
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,654 |
I was going to steer you to Nunatak, but looks like Jan is getting out of Apex filled garments and strictly doing down now- he had options where you could fully customize your vest (or jacket) with what weight insulation, inner and out fabrics, length of garment, etc
Enlightened Equipment makes an Apex vest (with or without hood)
I'm also intrigued by Sitka's Active Hoody- not a jacket, not a vest- right in between
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,024
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,024 |
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,683
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,683 |
First Lite Uncompahgre puffy vest?
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,263
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,263 |
Patagonia Nano puff (I think they have both down and synthetic versions) and I just got a Columbia down sweater with 800 fill down and silver liner, the down is treated for water resistance. The DWR finish can stand a light misty rain but you would still need a rain layer.
One of my favorite fleece items are those made by Natural gear they are I think 400 weight and thick enough not to need a liner to stop wind. If treated with NikWax it can handle a light drizzle for a little while. The Nat gear fleece is a bargain and I don't worry too much about standing around a campfire with them.
"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,200
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,200 |
First Lite Uncompahgre puffy vest? +1
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 29,628
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 29,628 |
First Lite Uncompahgre puffy vest? This is the one I have and it is SUPER nice. Packs down to VERY small volume for its warming ability.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 573
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 573 |
This looks interesting
https://www.sierra.com/arborwear-campbell-hill-primaloft-puffy-vest-insulated-for-men~p~794aj/?filterString=s~mens-primaloft-vest%2F
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,285
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,285 |
Wiggy's sleeping bags have impressed me, and they make vests & liners with the same insulation. Half the price of Sitka, Kuiu, etc.
“You never need fear a man, no matter what his size. When danger threatens, call on me, and I will equalize.” Samuel Colt.
�Common sense is genius dressed up in work clothes.� - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 8,793
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 8,793 |
Not synthetic, but a Filson wool Makinaw vest can't be beat.
Last edited by High_Noon; 10/30/20.
l told my pap and mam I was going to be a mountain man; acted like they was gut-shot. Make your life go here. Here's where the peoples is. Mother Gue, I says, the Rocky Mountains is the marrow of the world, and by God, I was right. - Del Gue
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,138
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,138 |
First Lite Uncompahgre puffy vest? This is the one I have and it is SUPER nice. Packs down to VERY small volume for its warming ability. Like mine. wear every day in the fall and early winter.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,686
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,686 |
Not synthetic, but a Filson wool Makinaw vest can't be beat. My favorite.
____________________________________________________________ Dying gets closer every day
Lloyd McCarter and the Honky Tonk Revival
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,683
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,683 |
First Lite Uncompahgre puffy vest? This is the one I have and it is SUPER nice. Packs down to VERY small volume for its warming ability. BTW, I have an extra one of these in Fusion/Large I would sell. I'm an XL size guy and this large is hanging in the closet unused. Non smoker and Corona free home. $100 shipped USPS PRIORITY. Send me a pm if interested.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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