Vest or Mid Layer Fleece

[Squirrels]

Anyone prefer a vest like a Sitka Mountain Vest or First Lite Sawtooth instead of a mid layer fleece 1/4 zip??

 

[mcseal2]

I use the Sitka Mountain Vest over a lighter fleece hooded layer a lot, sometimes in colder temps even over a Sawtooth jacket. I like the wind protection for my core while leaving my arms and armpits open to cool faster. Hiking in sometimes the Mountain Vest over my Aerowool base layer is just right. The Mountain Vest is a pretty versatile layering option and light. I haven't tried the Sawtooth vest, just the jacket. The jacket is warmer than the Mountain Vest but less windproof, sometimes a shell is needed over it.

 

[Squirrels]

I use the Sitka Mountain Vest over a lighter fleece hooded layer a lot, sometimes in colder temps even over a Sawtooth jacket. I like the wind protection for my core while leaving my arms and armpits open to cool faster. Hiking in sometimes the Mountain Vest over my Aerowool base layer is just right. The Mountain Vest is a pretty versatile layering option and light. I haven't tried the Sawtooth vest, just the jacket. The jacket is warmer than the Mountain Vest but less windproof, sometimes a shell is needed over it.

Thanks for the reply. I wear an Aerowool base layer top 24/7 on a hunt. I usually ditch any other layer by noon or way before from getting to hot. I have a down puffy for non active times. I guess I'm thinking a fleece is a bit warm for me when hiking. My thought was maybe one of the two vest I mentioned would be a better option than a fleece "mid layer". I might be able to keep it on longer while moving before over heating since the pits and arms won't have a second layer. I guess I'm looking to see if anybody has hunted in mid September with a merino base layer, a vest, a puffy, and rain shell as there top layer options, leaving a fleece mid-layer out of the mix completely, what has been the experience with that?

 

[Desk Jockey]

Vest have their place but I don’t think they replace a fleece. I have a jet stream vest I am liking. I tend to wear it over a mid layer. It is more breathable than a soft shell but cuts some wind on my core. I also like insulated vests. I have a Patagonia puffy vest and a north face down vest. Both are great warmth for the weight and they don’t add too much bull to your arms if you layer them under a jacket.

 

[Squirrels]

I scored a brand new Sitka Mountain Vest today for half price, at 8.5oz I will just take it along with my Eddie Bauer fleece and just test wearing the base layer and vest. i will at least have the fleect if it doesn't work out for me. If it does work I will leave the fleece at the house from now on.

 

[FlyGuy]

I am the same as desk jockey. My "go to" is the jetstream vest over a Core HW ( or Treaverse HW or Fanatic Hoody) over a LW merino or core shirt. When it warms up I'll drop the fleece layer and just run the vest over that base layer top. Any of those Sitka fleece tops are great active mid-layers, but they don't have wind protection - which is where the vest comes in. It's probably the piece I wear more than anything else, but it just compliments the fleece, it doesn't replace it.

Also keep a Kelvin vest or jacket in the pack on cooler days. If I expect a really windy day with more sits, then I'll trade out the jetstream vest for the mountain jacket. The two seem to be about the same weight of wind/warmth, just with sleeves.

Sent from my SM-G610F using Tapatalk

 

[Squirrels]

I am the same as desk jockey. My "go to" is the jetstream vest over a Core HW ( or Treaverse HW or Fanatic Hoody) over a LW merino or core shirt. When it warms up I'll drop the fleece layer and just run the vest over that base layer top. Any of those Sitka fleece tops are great active mid-layers, but they don't have wind protection - which is where the vest comes in. It's probably the piece I wear more than anything else, but it just compliments the fleece, it doesn't replace it.

Also keep a Kelvin vest or jacket in the pack on cooler days. If I expect a really windy day with more sits, then I'll trade out the jetstream vest for the mountain jacket. The two seem to be about the same weight of wind/warmth, just with sleeves.

Sent from my SM-G610F using Tapatalk

Thanks for the input. I will give your method a try. I've had a couple of the Sitka fleece in the past. For me personally the value wasn't there, pricey for the durability and offer nothing over a fleece I can pick up for $40 or less just about anywhere. I'd like to try a first lite or kuiu fleece but afraid I will have the same experiences. I'm not anti fleece, just been my experience that a $100 plus fleece doesn't offer anything over a much less priced fleece.

 

[5MilesBack]

I guess I'm thinking a fleece is a bit warm for me when hiking.

Try a microfleece. I have several full-on fleece jackets of different weights, but rarely use those during September except for "cold" mornings, usually closer to the end of September. 90% of the time I'll be using a microfleece mock-T over my lightweight merino base top. Even in the 60's and 70's it's very comfortable unless I'm on speed mode.

 

[fngTony]

Thanks for the input. I will give your method a try. I've had a couple of the Sitka fleece in the past. For me personally the value wasn't there, pricey for the durability and offer nothing over a fleece I can pick up for $40 or less just about anywhere. I'd like to try a first lite or kuiu fleece but afraid I will have the same experiences. I'm not anti fleece, just been my experience that a $100 plus fleece doesn't offer anything over a much less priced fleece.

I agree that the cost doesn’t justify the performance of the material. I do like the fit and features though like a useable chest pocket, a deep zipper, form fitting hood, thumb loops and the cut usually is better for shooting my bow and ease of layering. All that is where the value is for me. I would love a good fleece from sitka, Kuiu, FL etc if I could find one in my size, on sale, in a nice solid color. Until then it’s my eb fleece.

To your original question I’m trying out the vest from skre. My goal was to use the pockets for all the crap that was in my bino harness, some core warmth yet still breathes enough for the early season, keep it on at least 90% of the day.

 

[wytx]

Try a wool vest over your shirt. Carry the mid layer fleece in then put it on after the hike in when you're a little sweaty and will get chilled.
I wear a 25 year old KOM vest most days and have it on the pack if not wearing it.

 

[5MilesBack]

For me personally the value wasn't there, pricey for the durability and offer nothing over a fleece I can pick up for $40 or less just about anywhere.

IMO $40 is even an expensive fleece.

 

[Squirrels]

IMO $40 is even an expensive fleece.

I don't disagree with you at all on that. It's a cheap synthetic material for goodness sakes. Thanks for suggestion on the microfleece, may give that a whirl.

 

[HeadnWest]

I used to be a vest guy until I tried the Halstead fleece last year. BTW, I got it for $50 on ebay.

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

I guess I'm looking to see if anybody has hunted in mid September with a merino base layer, a vest, a puffy, and rain shell as there top layer options, leaving a fleece mid-layer out of the mix completely

Yes, I did it for two years with no problems. Just make sure your puffy is warm enough as the mountain vest blocks the wind well, but doesn't necessarily keep you warm. I think it is a great set up for someone constantly on the move.

 

[Trial153]

Wasnt a fan of the mountain vest at all. Thin, little noisy..pretty useless for me.
I do love the jetstream vest. Bewteen it, a base layer and a heavy weight core its amazing the range temps i can be comfortable in

 

[camping1601]

Merino base
Merino t
Cheap 200 weight fleece vest
Kuiu Kenai jacket
Rain gear.

Covers me for everything and I put the vest over my inflatable pillow at night for some extra comfort.