So I've decided to get a lightweight vest to use for camp insulation during summer months and for on the move in temps below freezing. I'm torn between getting something similar to a 100 weight fleece vest (I found a killer deal on an R1 vest) or a DriClime vest.
To give everyone a frame of reference, I live in FL and 95% of my hiking is in the southeast. When there is no chance for low temps below 60 or so (very common here in FL), I could use the vest as camp insulation if needed.
When hiking in daytime temps below 40, I use an Ibex Hooded Indie, which is a lightweight hooded merino baselayer for those who don't know. The vest could be used to supplement this as needed when temps really dip and I'm on the move. Since the Indie is a longsleeve baselayer with a hood, I think an additional full pullover or hoody would be a little too much. A vest could add just enough insulation and be used with or without a windshirt (I have a Houdini) as needed.
I'm considering the DriClime vest because it might be a little more versatile in cold weather. Essentially, I could wear that with my baselayer and forego the windshirt in all but the coldest/windiest conditions. If I went with the 100 weight vest, I would need to add the windshirt whenever there is any kind of wind.
For those that have experience with DriClime, does it add any sort of insulation value? Or is it just windshirt material with a soft inside? Does it breathe as well as fleece?
I'm also having trouble finding cheap 100 weight fleece vests. I know of the Marmot Reactor, Northface TKA 100, and an Eddie Bauer version, but they're all at least $50 and just use Polartec 100 classic or an equivalent. At that price I can get the more expensive R1 or DriClime vests on sale. I don't mind going with classic fleece, but I feel like I should be able to find one in the $20-30 price range. I've found fleece vests in that price range, but they're all the equivalent of 200 or 300 weight, which is too warm for what I'm looking for.
Thanks for any help.
