Like the general sentiment, you can't replace a jacket with a vest. But that's not what a vest is intended to do, and I'd assume the OP knows that. A vest is an option, an alternative, and a layer. I've used vests in conjunction with a hardshell or softshell in lightweight backpacking situations (where ounces DO count). Particularly on the AT in the summer months where temps don't get too cold (~45F) but it's nice to have an extra base layer at night. I would replace a fleece with the vest to save some weight. If you're talking about using a vest in a hunting application, I'd say the weight you will save is negligible.
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 andrewt |
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Posts: 40 01/20/12 14:51:10
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Kevin_Underwood |
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Posts: 435 01/21/12 15:48:38
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weight in a hunting situation is just as much as important as it is in your backpacking situations. I am out for 10+ days at a time where I am a minimum of 10 miles from the truck and carrying every ounce of gear every step of the way. Many days chasing elk involves changing 2000-3000 feet of elevation in both directions daily as you chase them both to a from bedding and feeding areas. My question is how much less core insulation does a vest provide over a jacket? If i give up 5 ounces to carry a jacket over a vest, and the total weight of the jacket is 15 ounces and the vest is 10, then I want the jacket to perform just as well as the vest, meaning 150% of the insulating power the vest does. When backpacking from a minimalist perspective it is all about performance, and numbers. I won't carry food unless it meets a certain goal of calories per ounce, and clothing should be no different. If its performance doesn't stack up to its weight and packability, I won't put in my pack.
Cheers, Kevin Underwood
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andrewt |
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Posts: 40 01/29/12 13:14:10
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Sounds like you're really getting after it out there Kevin! Nice work man. I'm sure ounces count just as much for you too! My "ounces DO count" comment was directed more at ehoward92 and ktplowman who seemed to dismiss the weight savings. I'm all about saving weight and as you know, those ounces add up! So lets check it out...
The North Face, Redpoint Vest. 13.05 oz using PrimaLoft eco synthetic insulation. The North Face, Redpoint Jacket. 20.46 oz using PrimaLoft eco synthetic insulation. As far as I can tell, all zippers are the same length and gauge so we're talking about just sleeve weight here. Difference of 7.41 oz. I don't know if you're set on synthetic insulation (out of necessity for climate?) but here's the vest I have. GoLite, Beartooth Vest. 13 oz using 650 fill down. GoLite, Beartooth Jacket. 17 oz using 650 fill down. Difference of 4 oz. This GoLite will keep you so much warmer than the TNF but that's on account of the fill. So, depending on brand and fill we're probably looking at an average of 5-6 oz saved by going with the vest. For me, that's worth it. And, although we haven't mentioned this yet, a vest will pack down smaller too (reducing pack size -> down-size pack -> more weight savings...). If you go with a vest, I'd suggest looking for features like tight arm holes (see the elastic on the GoLite) and a drawstring around the waist. These features will help lock in air, which is a great insulator in itself. For me, wearing the GoLite (eliminating most of the air flow around the arms, waist, neck) I'd say my core is 95% as warm as it would be with a jacket. |
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John_R |
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Posts: 474 01/29/12 19:53:53
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Most of us carry at least a few extra pounds of fat on our body. If I wanted to lose overall weight, I would probably go on a diet. I don't mind carrying a little extra weight in my gear and on my body to have just a little extra help when things go south.
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Replies
| Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 12/24/11 01:33:20 | Kevin_Underwood |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 12/24/11 02:21:01 | hrothgarbike |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 12/27/11 23:28:56 | ehoward92 |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 01/01/12 13:06:48 | ktplowman |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 05/16/47 16:25:47 | John_R |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 01/03/12 15:55:37 | jimminyjay |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 01/20/12 14:51:10 | andrewt |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 01/21/12 15:48:38 | Kevin_Underwood |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 01/29/12 13:14:10 | andrewt |
| Re: Primaloft Vest vs Primaloft Jacket | 01/29/12 19:53:53 | John_R |
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