Finding a Down Vest Pattern

In "Lightweight Camping Equipment and How to Make It" by Gerry Cunningham (5th ed. 1976) he gives a table from Burton's "Man in a Cold Environment".

For sleeping at 30F a loft of 1.75 inches would be desired and for light work a loft of 0.9 inches would be desired. Heavy work would be just about 0.25 inches loft required.

So, the ballpark is :
Less than 1.75 inches.
More than 0.9 inches.

The thickness is measured skin to outer fabric layer, so you can deduct some for your base layer and any additional clothing.

My down vest measures a little over 1 inch in thickness (inside to outside) and it is probably good to 30F. Has sewn through construction.

I have another one, sewn through, but has a fabric lining so the effect of the sewn through seams is diminished. I haven't worn this one in several years, and don't recall how warm it was. Also a little over an inch in thickness.

It is new, and I haven't worn it yet, so I can't say.

Anyone trying to make their own down jacket from 800 fill down can go to http://www.thru-hiker.com They have a complete kit called the Whitney with a CD to help you out for just over $100. The jacket is supposed to have 3.5 inches loft (front and back), weighs in under 10 oz. and should be good into the 20s. My kit is coming in a couple days so we'll see how it goes.

Hello! I am also looking to make my own UL down vest and am still (3+ years after this original posting) having trouble finding a good pattern. Do you think I would be able to modify (easily, I'm no MYOG master…) the Whitney jacket from ThruHiker? Perhaps someone who has already purchased this jacket would be willing to sell me the pattern (I already have down and fabric…)?

Many thanks! Jay

Ask at http://www.thru-hiker.com/x/index.php/forums/
or email AYCE at thru-hiker.com

Jay,

I assume the Thru-hiker pattern is a single user license and sharing without written consent is a no-no.

If all you want is a simple sewn-through down vest (which I'd suggest), you can start with *any* vest pattern or jacket pattern and delete the sleeves. You could even trace your T-shirt. Make it a little long, because the horizontal quilts will subtract from the finished length.