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Post by downriver on Dec 18, 2021 15:42:54 GMT -8
I have two super lightweight down vests; but I’m looking for a warmer down vest when I’m doing wildlife viewing (stationary) and not moving. What are some of your favorite down vests for this type of activity? Thx.
Respectfully,
DR
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Post by bradmacmt on Dec 18, 2021 16:34:12 GMT -8
I have a number of down and synthetic vests, but if I were going out tomorrow to buy a down vest I’d get the Montbell Alpine Light. My opinion, if you need a warmer vest than that one, you really need something with sleeves. However, the Feathered Friends Helios is probably the warmest out there.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 18, 2021 17:06:34 GMT -8
I’ve the Helios and I like it. I like the flexibility of layering it with various fleece and Goretex parkas to get the match to the conditions. Keeps my core warm and my arms unencumbered a plus for wielding binoculars and long heavy lenses. . And it’s still almost ridiculously lightweight. i tared for the sack, size XL If you’re sitting I’d suggest a gardening foam knee pad. That sort of insulation is a good thing just as for a sleeping pad.
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Post by trinity on Dec 18, 2021 17:33:25 GMT -8
This is probably a dumb question, but when layering over a down vest, doesn't it to some degree compress the down, decreasing its insulating ability? I really like the looks of the Alpine Light and Helios vests, but it seems like you wouldn't want to layer anything over them besides a very light shell. I would love to be better educated on the usefulness of down vests as layering pieces.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 18, 2021 17:49:00 GMT -8
Well a suitably sized shell can go over down with no problem, and I choose my shells larger for that purpose as I intend to layer. Though I tend, in suitable weather, to wear mine outside of everything else so I can shed it more easily (I hate overheating). Though in theory it loses a bit of windproofness that way as the lightweight fabric isn’t windproof as Goretex etc. are.
I suppose the literal weight of the shell might matter at the suspension points of my shoulder tops, but that’s not a prime insulation zone anyway as I think if it. That’s the core (chest over the heart and back over the kidneys) which isn’t compressed if the shell is the right size.
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Post by downriver on Dec 18, 2021 18:05:00 GMT -8
I have a number of down and synthetic vests, but if I were going out tomorrow to buy a down vest I’d get the Montbell Alpine Light. My opinion, if you need a warmer vest than that one, you really need something with sleeves. However, the Feathered Friends Helios is probably the warmest out there. Brad, i like the Alpine Light, too. Unfortunately, they are sold out in my size. The same thing happened when I wanted to buy a shirt from them. Montbell seems to have a very limited supply compared to other outdoor gear companies. Yes, the Helios is great! Unfortunately, they don’t make it in my size. I have a very big chest and it’s hard to get a good fit with many companies. Montbell makes the size, but limited inventory. Feathered Friends use to make custom orders (sizing), but not anymore (unfortunately for me). If they did I definitely would snap up a Helios vest and an Eos down jacket. Regards, DR
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2021 18:11:44 GMT -8
I have a number of down and synthetic vests, but if I were going out tomorrow to buy a down vest I’d get the Montbell Alpine Light. My opinion, if you need a warmer vest than that one, you really need something with sleeves. However, the Feathered Friends Helios is probably the warmest out there. Brad, i like the Alpine Light, too. Unfortunately, they are sold out in my size. The same thing happened when I wanted to buy a shirt from them. Montbell seems to have a very limited supply compared to other outdoor gear companies. Yes, the Helios is great! Unfortunately, they don’t make it in my size. I have a very big chest and it’s hard to get a good fit with many companies. Montbell makes the size, but limited inventory. Feathered Friends use to make custom orders (sizing), but not anymore (unfortunately for me). If they did I definitely would snap up a Helios vest and an Eos down jacket. Regards, DR yes they do have a limited supply in the US for some reason. Two suggestions: Buy early in the season. and check their site frequently after they run out of an item. They do restock if it is available.
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Post by downriver on Dec 18, 2021 18:16:26 GMT -8
Va3pinner,
Yes, I do and have been checking their site for months now. Thx.
Regards,
DR
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BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,844
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Post by BigLoad on Dec 18, 2021 20:44:17 GMT -8
This is probably a dumb question, but when layering over a down vest, doesn't it to some degree compress the down, decreasing its insulating ability? In really cold weather, a down vest is one of my favorite layers for everyday life. I wear it under a shell, dress raincoat, Pendleton wool jacket, Schott pea coat. The last one is good to pretty cold by itself, so no down vest unless it's practically arctic. I don't have a valid current recommendation. Mine is from 1995, when Campmor still was selling down clothes under their own label. It's 600 fill down with 2.5-3" of loft. I wash it at least once every ten years.
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Post by tipiwalter on Dec 19, 2021 13:40:32 GMT -8
I have a vintage 1980s North Face down vest which I added 5 or 8 ozs of extra high quality down from a blown Exped Downmat and this baby is warm and part of my standard winter load.
I just cut slits in the fabric and sealed up with tape.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Dec 20, 2021 5:27:28 GMT -8
Goosefeet Gear will custom build a vest to your exact measurements and specs.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Dec 20, 2021 5:59:41 GMT -8
I'm not a huge fan of vests in general, unless its a windstopper layer, but I occasionally will wear one when I'm trail running in the winter, and need a good range of unrestricted motion with my arms, but also need to keep my core warm. I got the 650 fill REI vest. It has a good slender fit, which I find to be a must for aerobic activity.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2021 18:34:37 GMT -8
I have a RAB Microlight down vest. quite warm for its weight and thickness, but really glad I bought it when I did. price for this thing is now WAY beyond what I paid for it 5 years ago.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 5, 2022 21:24:33 GMT -8
I have an Eddie Bauer First Ascent down vest that I use for really cold tempts. Seems to do the job quite well. If it’s not quite so cold I use a lighter LL Bean 650 fill vest for layering. For layering around town I prefer my Patagonia fleece vest. I do find vests among the most versatile clothing items I own. I’ve taken to wearing an old no/name fleece vest around the house lately as we’re experiencing sub zero temps all day long.
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swiftdream
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the Great Southwest Unbound
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Post by swiftdream on Jan 8, 2022 10:36:25 GMT -8
The only one that rides in my pack is the Montbell ultralight. It puts a nice heat on my core when stopped. The Montbell ultralight down jacket and pants are in my pack for the winter season just in case.
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