Active vest

Mike, that CoEfficient vest is very similar to Cap4, I think. PowerDry HE…
Assuming it fits, that's probably what I'll end up with after all the talk, and bouncing ideas around. Unlike the mods and some of the alternatives, it's something I should be able to try in person first, too.

Dave U – I definitely resemble your remark, but more commonly explain it as having 'rugby player legs'. I suppose we could keep those sleeves to keep other appendages warm.

No kidding. One of the things that kills me is this new definition of "athletic". At least in a suit coat, it used to mean tapered at the waist, meaning the corresponding neck and chest measurements were proportionately larger. Now it apparently refers to people built like crackheads…"not fat", in other words.

Well, I got tempted by free overnight shipping for $99+ apparel on Campsaver while ordering some Tenacious Tape and other small stuff yesterday, and bit on the Black Diamond CoEfficient.

I think it's very close to everything I was hoping for.
The "athletic fit" means it is very close fitting. Like a tight, full-zip, sleeveless baselayer.
I'm going to have to have the neck seams restitched after stretching it out so that it would fit, as the threads popped out along them(stretchy garment with no give?).
BD lists the same 16" neck size for a L as for a M, so no big surprise there, I suppose.
Regardless, the vest is comfortable afterwards, instead of choking me. I could not have worn it with the neck zipped, otherwise.
More than enough length for me, since it's obviously made for taller, skinnier people.

Here are some pics for any who might be interested in the vest. In the pics my other hand is at the waistband of my pants, and my torso length is 19.5". The vest is ~27 3/4" from the seam at the base of the neck to the hem.

Material from the outside:

Inside:

Held up to the light:

#1 on Cabela's vest selection.

My own 3 vests:
1. 200 weight fleece
2. 300 weight pile
3. Down Tek treated down vest

These are listed by increasing warmth. They are usually worn under a shell.