New Down Jacket Released Today

[Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals]

Hey folks, our new Zulu Jacket is now available. Link to our website listing is here. Outdoor Vitals Zulu Down Jacket

For folks that maybe didn't need the warmth level of the Vantage jacket, this is much more of a 2-3 season jacket, without going so light on down that it's not warm enough to justify packing as a static insulation piece. Another good way to think of it's application is a spring bear, summer scouting, and early season August - September jacket.

The easiest way to describe this jacket is that it's a lighter weight, less warm version of the Vantage Alpine Jacket - that we released last year. The overall platform, feature set, and fit is very similar. It uses a similar 15D matte nylon Zero Stitch fabric, but the down chamber spacing is smaller to accommodate less down than the Vantage. We carried over the Chimera color from the Vantage for the Zulu, which is a pretty obvious choice for hunting, versus the other 2 colors - blue and curry.

Quick rundown:

900 Fill Power Muscovy Down - 3.9 oz. in a size Large
Weight - size large - 11.5 oz.
15D Zero Stitch matte fabric
Adjustable cord lock hem
Full Zip
2 zippered hand pockets & corresponding internal drop pockets
Stretch hood opening
$240

As always, if anyone has questions, let me know here on this thread. Or feel free to PM me, email me, or call me on my mobile.
[email protected]
435.757.8686

 

[cuerro viejo]

Really competitive pricing compared to say MH ghost whisper. Well done

 

[Elkangle]

What is the total weight/down weight of the vantage in size large ?

Both look like great jackets

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Way cheaper than a Grumman.

 

[K_pem]

Way cheaper than a Grumman.

I’ve seen Grummans for less.

Im more concerned with how well it holds its weight against the Grumman considering it has about 20% less down fill but very similar in weight.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Not new
Maybe the old model,they had some great prices a few months back.

 

[Ajsomp]

I was just listening to the podcast about the jacket. The vantage is a staple daily right now and for the last two months. I need something for the seasons that aren’t below freezing and give better warmth than the light down jacket I have. Gives me a chance to get one in the chimera color way

 

[K_pem]

What is the total weight/down weight of the vantage in size large ?

Both look like great jackets

I think the Vantage is 16oz and 7.25oz of fill in a large?

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Hey folks, our new Zulu Jacket is now available. Link to our website listing is here. Outdoor Vitals Zulu Down Jacket

For folks that maybe didn't need the warmth level of the Vantage jacket, this is much more of a 2-3 season jacket, without going so light on down that it's not warm enough to justify packing as a static insulation piece. Another good way to think of it's application is a spring bear, summer scouting, and early season August - September jacket.

The easiest way to describe this jacket is that it's a lighter weight, less warm version of the Vantage Alpine Jacket - that we released last year. The overall platform, feature set, and fit is very similar. It uses a similar 15D matte nylon Zero Stitch fabric, but the down chamber spacing is smaller to accommodate less down than the Vantage. We carried over the Chimera color from the Vantage for the Zulu, which is a pretty obvious choice for hunting, versus the other 2 colors - blue and curry.

Quick rundown:

900 Fill Power Muscovy Down - 3.9 oz. in a size Large
Weight - size large - 11.5 oz.
15D Zero Stitch matte fabric
Adjustable cord lock hem
Full Zip
2 zippered hand pockets & corresponding internal drop pockets
Stretch hood opening
$240

As always, if anyone has questions, let me know here on this thread. Or feel free to PM me, email me, or call me on my mobile.
[email protected]
435.757.8686

View attachment 1015039

Have this piece in hand - it's nice, excellent build quality, and you really nailed the fit on length, etc. The hood is killing me though, it is gigantic and the eleastic trim really does not suck it down much. Your CS folks are telling me this is a non-adjustable helmet compatible hood......can you talk us through the reasoning there? That alone makes is a lot less of a crossover piece for hunting (to me); seems like sticking to the Vantage likely makes sense. I was hoping this would work well for archery season.

 

[Further]

@ MT_Wyatt,
I do not have the Zulu but do have an older Arc'teryx Atom synthetic that has a helmet compatible non-adjustable hood that looks similar to the Zulu. I had similar reservations when I first received mine, but have found it to work very well, creating a breathable,yet, warm and very comfortable micro-climate in the hood area. Not sure how appropriate it would be for archery but does allow me pull the hood up or down without using jacket zippers.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

@ MT_Wyatt,
I do not have the Zulu but do have an older Arc'teryx Atom synthetic that has a helmet compatible non-adjustable hood that looks similar to the Zulu. I had similar reservations when I first received mine, but have found it to work very well, creating a breathable,yet, warm and very comfortable micro-climate in the hood area. Not sure how appropriate it would be for archery but does allow me pull the hood up or down without using jacket zippers.

My Atom has a single rear adjustment on hood. Fully open can go over helmet, closed down for non-helmet use.

Zulu hood is about what an atom hood is fully open? Very “airy.”

I guess I’m still confused WHY it would be helmet compatible. Isn’t advertised that way. Sitka microlight down has similar design but the stretch trim actually will fit it around your head to get a seal.

 

[Further]

My Atom does not have the single rear adjustment on the hood.

 

[Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals]

Have this piece in hand - it's nice, excellent build quality, and you really nailed the fit on length, etc. The hood is killing me though, it is gigantic and the eleastic trim really does not suck it down much. Your CS folks are telling me this is a non-adjustable helmet compatible hood......can you talk us through the reasoning there? That alone makes is a lot less of a crossover piece for hunting (to me); seems like sticking to the Vantage likely makes sense. I was hoping this would work well for archery season.

Thanks for the constructive feedback and questions. It's noted and appreciated.

Regarding the hood being "helmet compatible", that's not accurate and I'm sorry for the miscommunication. The hood is not designed or intended to be helmet compatible. And I doubt it would work well with any helmet if someone were to try it. I'll talk to CS and clarify that point to avoid any future confusion.

Every product decision includes compromises. As to why the hood is designed the way it is - it is mostly based on the intended & anticipated seasons or conditions it is used in. The Zulu is intended for milder conditions compared to those that the Vantage is intended for. In such conditions, we've found that a tight face seal isn't a high priority, and in those conditions we rarely feel the need to cinch or seal the face opening. Through testing many variations of jackets in varying conditions, we find ourselves cinching hood openings only a small percentage of the time. We chose to prioritize a little more room and a looser face opening to make it easier to pull on or take off the hood while the jacket is zipped up. So the compromise there is a little more ease of use and convenience at the cost of maximum heat retention around the head.

 

[benconfused]

Hey folks, our new Zulu Jacket is now available. Link to our website listing is here. Outdoor Vitals Zulu Down Jacket

For folks that maybe didn't need the warmth level of the Vantage jacket, this is much more of a 2-3 season jacket, without going so light on down that it's not warm enough to justify packing as a static insulation piece. Another good way to think of it's application is a spring bear, summer scouting, and early season August - September jacket.

The easiest way to describe this jacket is that it's a lighter weight, less warm version of the Vantage Alpine Jacket - that we released last year. The overall platform, feature set, and fit is very similar. It uses a similar 15D matte nylon Zero Stitch fabric, but the down chamber spacing is smaller to accommodate less down than the Vantage. We carried over the Chimera color from the Vantage for the Zulu, which is a pretty obvious choice for hunting, versus the other 2 colors - blue and curry.

Quick rundown:

900 Fill Power Muscovy Down - 3.9 oz. in a size Large
Weight - size large - 11.5 oz.
15D Zero Stitch matte fabric
Adjustable cord lock hem
Full Zip
2 zippered hand pockets & corresponding internal drop pockets
Stretch hood opening
$240

As always, if anyone has questions, let me know here on this thread. Or feel free to PM me, email me, or call me on my mobile.
[email protected]
435.757.8686

View attachment 1015039

@Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals - when will the Vantage jacket be available to purchase in the two other colors besides black?

Money sitting waiting to buy for the last 2 months or so.

 

[rickyw]

@Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals - when will the Vantage jacket be available to purchase in the two other colors besides black?

Money sitting waiting to buy for the last 2 months or so.

I’m in the same boat

 

[Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals]

I’m in the same boat

Appreciate you guys asking, and I wish I had a better answer. As of now it's looking like August.

We're doing everything we can to anticipate demand and order the right quantities of everything without tying up all of our cash. The response on these was bigger than expected. Always learning and adapting!

 

[benconfused]

Appreciate you guys asking, and I wish I had a better answer. As of now it's looking like August.

We're doing everything we can to anticipate demand and order the right quantities of everything without tying up all of our cash. The response on these was bigger than expected. Always learning and adapting!

Man that is tight right up against hunting season. I would even prepay but 1 fully funded order probably won't help you.

 

[Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals]

Man that is tight right up against hunting season. I would even prepay but 1 fully funded order probably won't help you.

Yeah I hear you. The production lead times are just long.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Thanks for the constructive feedback and questions. It's noted and appreciated.

Regarding the hood being "helmet compatible", that's not accurate and I'm sorry for the miscommunication. The hood is not designed or intended to be helmet compatible. And I doubt it would work well with any helmet if someone were to try it. I'll talk to CS and clarify that point to avoid any future confusion.

Every product decision includes compromises. As to why the hood is designed the way it is - it is mostly based on the intended & anticipated seasons or conditions it is used in. The Zulu is intended for milder conditions compared to those that the Vantage is intended for. In such conditions, we've found that a tight face seal isn't a high priority, and in those conditions we rarely feel the need to cinch or seal the face opening. Through testing many variations of jackets in varying conditions, we find ourselves cinching hood openings only a small percentage of the time. We chose to prioritize a little more room and a looser face opening to make it easier to pull on or take off the hood while the jacket is zipped up. So the compromise there is a little more ease of use and convenience at the cost of maximum heat retention around the head.

Hey Brigham - really appreciate the engagement and you explaining the design intent. Goes a LONG ways for someone like me. Reasoning makes total sense to me - helmet thing felt off, so glad you confirmed I'm not crazy. Cheers.