How essential is a vest in a layering system

[Mike7]

I have found a vest to be pretty inadequate if doing any significant sitting/glassing without a full puffy jacket, when in temps below freezing. It is a nice layer when on the move in mid to colder temps, but just seems to be extra weight usually, as I almost always have a full puffy jacket along. I can achieve the same properties as a vest with a midweight merino layer with or without my raincoat w/ pit zips.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I always pack my Kelvin. Vests are great.

 

[gobbler1662]

I love a vest but I just replaced my vest with a puffy jacket. Wasnt much weight difference and a lot more bang for the buck. Currently I do merino base layer, mid weight poly and kuiu puffy and rain gear.

 

[Maah Daah Hey]

I love my Kuiu guide vest for hikes in and out of areas. I wear my merino shirt and the vest and it helps regulate my body temp and limits some of my sweating. I tend to sweat easily and this seems to help. Plus when I am glassing for long periods it is another layer to help fight the bite of the wind. The wind seems to never stop where I hunt. I will pack the extra weight of the vest any day.