Down Vests - Grumman - Love/hate?

[180ls1]

I am trying to fit a light weight pack-able insulation layer in my day trip 1800ci bag and the Grumman Vest seems to check the box nicely.

Whats the reason vests are not more popular? Lose fit = heat loss? Most have like 1oz of down where the Grumman has 3oz?

I would love some input from those who have had success or failure. I love my hooded Super Down Pro but its overkill many times and takes a lot of space.

 

[kevingm1987]

Vests don't have a hoods which is a deal breaker for me. I have a kuiu down vest, wore it once maybe, just not a fan. Can't think of a hunting situation I have been in where I would prefer a vest over a jacket/sweater. The super down Pro would be overkill but there are other options.

As for SG down products, nothing bad to same about them from this guy. Own the Grumman jacket and Chilkoot 15

 

[dirtytough]

I used a WM down vest in the past. It didn’t seem to add much extra warmth and it has great loft.

I’m going to try it again this year.

 

[jd1006]

I think it comes down to the application of the puffy - if it’s going under a shell, a vest can work fine. If it’s the outer layer, a vest doesn’t cover enough to stop wind.

Early season, if you are just bringing a lightweight shell, a vest could make sense. But after that, you start needing an insulating layer to be the outer layer when stationary and I just don’t see a puffy vest to be worth it. I’m usually alternating an active insulation layer or the Mountain EVO jacket as the 2nd layer, and find a very weather resistant puffy is what I want packed with my rain pants. If serious rain is possible, then a rain jacket comes along and the Mountain EVO jacket stays home.