Tell me about the Cocoon vest

Sorry if this is hijacking, but I, too want one and have a question.

I'm almost 6' 2", 175 lbs. Would I need a Lg or Med? I probably need a Large but am worried it will be too baggy.

Thoughts?

Todd,
If the vest fits the same as the Hoody, it fits as expected. The Cocoon Hoody I have is a size XXL. I'm 6'1" with a 47" chest. All my other shirts/jackets are XXL, and it fits well. I've used it a few times with a light t-shirt and a heavier merino long sleeve, without feeling cramped in it. I was happy with the hoody and am thinking the vest might be a good addition to put under it in colder temps. I just might be sporting one soon too.
Chris

Thank you, Christopher! That does help.

What about my questions? :-(

Andrew,

I ordered mine last night. Will get back to you upon arrival. Hope you don't miss the sale!

Todd

> How does it fit?

It fits nicely. The waist is elastic as in all the Cocoon products so it rides up sometimes but the fit is quality. The zipper is lengthy allowing for good ventilation.

> How warm is it?

I pair it with the UL 60 quilt in the summer as my sleep system. I wear the vest under my windshirt or rainjacket on these trips while in camp and with a beanie on my head am more than warm enough.

> Is it comparable to the thermawrap vest in quality?

I have a Thermawrap Jacket but not a vest. Thermawrap sews 'baffels' into their jacket, the BPL garments don't have this so they are different when you're stuffing them, but the vest is so small you may not notice this.

> Who's using one and how are you using it?

See above. I also bring this on winter trips to pair with my PRO 90 Parka and/or Thermawrap Jacket. I took the vest on WTIII with the PRO 90 Parka, UL 180 Quilt, UL 60 Quilt and was warm into the teens.

> How small does it pack?

It's small. But synthetic insulation is weak so don't crush it for too long.

> How durable is it?

The Pertex shell is durable enough for wear but you wouldn't want to go walking through the brush wearing only that material.

It appears from the sizing chart that the vest is cut a few inches smaller than the PRO parkas in the chest. Do you layer the vest under the a parka of the same size?

Tim

Thank you very much for your insight Sam. I appreciate it! It seems it like it may be a good partner for my soft shell….I still have to decide, but I'm starting to lean towards it.

What's the deal with synthetic not being crushed for long? I mean how long is long? I never keep anything stuffed more then a day, but how fast does synthetic fill degrade?

Tim, the Cocoon Vest is cut to be worn over a baselayer and underneath another insulating piece, rain jacket, windshirt, et al.

Andrew, "too long" is a very subjective term. Honestly, if we could avoid compressing synthetic insulation at all that would be best, but that's not practical. Modern technology just hasn't caught up with mother nature and her wonderful goose down so until it does pack you insulated gear last and pull it out of your pack first.