Down vest vs. jacket

[lintond]

I'm trying to upgrade my clothing warmth while also decreasing weight You know the million dollar question. I'm going to be trading out my Core4 element vest and (maybe, might keep softshell) jacket out for down. My question is should I focus my attention on puffy vests or puffy jackets for September elk hunting at 7-9k feet?

My initial direction is to get the Kuiu super down jacket with hood. What say you??

 

[Justin Crossley]

Check out the Feathered Friends gear. I own a few pieces of their gear and it is top notch. They have it all in stock and a ton of options.

I was just down at their store on Friday and they offer great service.

I also talked to them about starting to make some quilts.


http://featheredfriends.com/

 

[drthornton]

I like vests, especially for Sept Elk. I've never needed anything more except for BSing at night in camp. I use a Sikta Kelvin and I wear it from Sept Elk thru Jan Whitetail.

 

[realunlucky]

I like jackets myself. wonder what the weight penalty for the arms vs vest is

 

[5MilesBack]

I like jackets myself. wonder what the weight penalty for the arms vs vest is

For the KUIU Super Down it's minimal at best. My hoodless jacket is 9.5oz, which is already super lightweight. For me, the only time I wear that kind of insulation layer is when I'm not moving. So if I'm sitting glassing, sitting around camp, or just waiting for first shooting light......I might as well be wearing a jacket instead of a vest. While mobile a vest is nice, but I don't need the insulation when mobile.

 

[Chuffness]

For me, the only time I wear that kind of insulation layer is when I'm not moving. So if I'm sitting glassing, sitting around camp, or just waiting for first shooting light......I might as well be wearing a jacket instead of a vest. While mobile a vest is nice, but I don't need the insulation when mobile.

I agree with this.. I packed a puffy vest one year on a elk hunt and never needed it cause i was always moving in the timber. There are some instances where I will sit a glass and when I do that I would much rather have the full jacket.

 

[luke moffat]

If only getting one get the jacket or coat for sure (preferably with an insulated hood as well). Though there are times when a coat and a puffy vest are nice as well. I really like the puffy Kryptek vest as a layering option.

 

[hunting1]

I like jackets with pit zips. They do add a bit of bulk and weight but gives better coverage IMHO.

 

[tttoadman]

A vest is the only thing left for me to add to my four layer package. I am going with a Primaloft instead of wool for its ability to take abuse and still do its job. I see a couple around for less than $100, but they don't seem really nice and most are offered only in solid colors. I have a hard time not grabbing the Sitka Fanatic with the nice pockets or the other Sitka with the primaloft. I don't want to go without camo because I will likely wear it as a top layer much of the time.

 

[Bughalli]

For the KUIU Super Down it's minimal at best. My hoodless jacket is 9.5oz, which is already super lightweight. For me, the only time I wear that kind of insulation layer is when I'm not moving. So if I'm sitting glassing, sitting around camp, or just waiting for first shooting light......I might as well be wearing a jacket instead of a vest. While mobile a vest is nice, but I don't need the insulation when mobile.

+1 on this. Jacket is only really useful glassing or around camp. Otherwise too noisy while hunting or possibly too warm while hiking. Prefer a wind proof fleece vest or soft fabric vest when hunting. I find I go back to the vest the most vs other garments.

 

[eleaf]

I found a vest as an insulating layer underneath my Stormkloth II Fleece jacket to be invaluable. It was the Under Armour Ayton vest, and it worked out great.

It was the 3rd of 4 layers (with jacket) or my outer layer (without jacket). It was by far the best change up I made this year. I ordered a First Lite Springer vest to go with the wool set of camo I'm currently putting together.

 

[Poser]

I'm with 5MileBack. When you its cold enough that you need down insulation, might as well go with the jacket. Unlikely that you'll be wearing it on the move. I have an old North Face one that I've had since the mid 90s and wear it whitetail hunting when temps drop below the 20s. -definitely comfortable for sitting still in cold temps. Of course, if you think that you'll only need it for sitting around camp, you can always just wrap up in your sleeping bag instead and save the weight altogether.

 

[lintond]

I think I've confirmed my original plan to get the down jacket. Just needed some reassurance here so I can justify to myself spending the $$

 

[mtswampfox]

like the kuiu down jacket sans hood. very light and super warm. as usual kuiu fit. made the mistake of stepping into the swamp in back of house and immediately got snagged in arm with cat claw sticker bush. using some rtv to fix.

 

[KMT]

If it's cold enough for me to wear a vest, it's cold enough to wear a jacket. And I'll take a jacket over a vest any day.