Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting warm (synthetic) vest

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.

Sitka Kelvin vest? Or Kelvin lite?

If I were you I would look to companies like arcteryx or similar that use primaloft gold insulation.

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.

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.

Heavier weight fleece.

I'm a fan of the Patagonia Puffball vests. Been using a blue one for nearly 20yrs.

I have used Columbia fleece for years, recently switched to Woolrich woolen vest with sherpa fleece lining. I am very pleased with this choice.

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

I like mine.

First Lite Uncompahgre puffy vest?

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.

+1

This is the one I have and it is SUPER nice. Packs down to VERY small volume for its warming ability.

This looks interesting

https://www.sierra.com/arborwear-campbell-hill-primaloft-puffy-vest-insulated-for-men~p~794aj/?filterString=s~mens-primaloft-vest%2F

Wiggy's sleeping bags have impressed me, and they make vests & liners with the same insulation. Half the price of Sitka, Kuiu, etc.

Not synthetic, but a Filson wool Makinaw vest can't be beat.

Like mine. wear every day in the fall and early winter.

My favorite.

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.