Vapor Barriers

Describe "very cold days". It would have to be in the teens or colder and in all probability, for most people, even colder for a VB shirt or jacket to work when doing a vigorous activity. I almost never use a down garment above the teens for anything other than an "at rest" activity—- wearing it during a break, at camp, or to supplement warmth as part of a sleeping system. Using a VB garment at higher temps. is a sure way to get uncomfortable real fast—-you'll feel you're swimming in a swamp. Best using wool or capilene layers w/ a windshirt or softshell (w/o the Skaha) for these conditions.

About the only way to get a sub 7 oz. VB shirt or jacket is to make it yourself out of sil-nylon. Truly waterproofing a windshirt is impractical.

p.s. Skaha Hoodie—-great garment!

I live in Northern Ontario and I do a lot of winter camping.. very cold days = -40F

I can ski in a VB shirt and microfleece shirt down to about 10. I use a DriDucks over the two if it is snowing. At breaks I wear a MontBell down sweater.

I do not go out when it is cold enough to wear down while active.

Oops posted too quick. -40 is way out of my experience range.

Yeah. Pause. -40 C or F works. I know they are relatively heavy but I really think you should check out the Stephenson and RBH VB shirts. They are easily the best on the market and the fuzzy interior of the material they are constructed of really feel better on the skin than a PU or Sil-nylon fabric. it also helps keep the skin feeling less clammy.

Chris, if your down is getting soaked from sweat while hiking it sounds like you are wearing too much. Have you tried other clothing combinations?

While moving vigorously at -30(f) I could wear a light longsleeved wicking shirt, a VB vest and a light fleece top, add a wind anorak if it's breezy. I put my down parka on over everything when I stop for more than 5 minutes.