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Jacket vs. Vest


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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • #1231745
    Matthew Adams
    Member

    @mja75

    Locale: Midwest....unfortunately

    I am trying to decide between using an insulated jacket or an insulated vest during my cold weather backpacking trips (assuming both are the same make/model/manufacturer) and was wondering about the pros/cons of each. The lowest non-sleeping temps will likely be in the low 30's. I am looking for something I can hike in and wear around camp. Thanks for any info!

    Matt

    #1456274
    Bob Bankhead
    BPL Member

    @wandering_bob

    Locale: Oregon, USA
    #1456277
    Michael Davis
    Member

    @mad777

    Locale: South Florida

    Matt,

    How about a combination? I am pretty happy with my combination of a Patagonia Micropuff hooded jacket with Polarguard insulation and a loft of 0.6" This piece is sized with plenty of room to layer a puffy underneath. Then I add a down vest, Montbell Alpine vest, underneath. This is a 1.5-2" loft with baffles (not the very thin Alpine light).

    I like this combination because it puts the synthetic jacket on the outside which can be a little wet while protecting the down vest. I'm not willing to wear just a thick, down jacket because I'm afraid of getting it wet but, for very little weight and volume, the down vest adds a whole lot to the combination.

    With good gloves and a beanie/balaclava, this should take you well below freezing in camp. YMMV

    #1456297
    Matthew Adams
    Member

    @mja75

    Locale: Midwest....unfortunately

    Thanks for the info guys! I am looking at layering, but not sure exactly how I want to do it. Since my OP, I purchased the MontBell Thermawrap Jacket (c'mon, it was ON SALE!) so I am excited to see how it performs this winter with some thermal base layers. I figured that I would be comfortable hiking in a vest, but it would be too cold in camp, but I could probably layer to be comfortable while hiking in the jacket. Oh, and sorry about the thread location. I didn't realize I was putting it in the MYOG forum. Thanks again!

    Matt

    #1456783
    Brett Peugh
    BPL Member

    @bpeugh

    Locale: Midwest

    You can always buy the jacket, buy two zippers over at thru-hiker.com for $10 and have a local alteration place put them in for about $20. That way you have zip of arms and you are ready to go.

    #1456952
    Matthew Adams
    Member

    @mja75

    Locale: Midwest....unfortunately

    Brett,
    I actually considered doing something like that, but would hate to butcher nice new gear! :D ….still considering it though….

    Matt

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