Which vest?

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:38 pm

Although Rab C Nesbitt has a cracking vest, I'm looking for something a bit more suitable for bivvying.

It will be used to boost my sleeping bag and for lounging around camp.

So far am torn between the Rab microlight and generator.

Thinking sub 300g and sub £100

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:38 am

I've had/have jacket versions of the Microlight and Generator. To be honest neither are actually that warm, I wouldn't want to rely on them in winter. If I had to pick between the 2 I'd pick a generator.

If I didn't have to pick then I'd look at:

AlpKit Filo
RAB Neutrino ... £75 at Cotswolds at present.

Both will be much warmer than a Generator or Microlight.

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:43 am

Thanks Stu.

I've already got a Filo jacket but was thinking more towards the Spring and possibly for something to put on in an evening on the WRT if it turns chilly whilst bivvying. What were temperatures like last year?
I liked the idea of the Rab vests because they pack into their own pockets.

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:36 am

What were temperatures like last year?

Last year was a bad year, wet, windy and actually pretty cold for the end of May.

These are sold out at the moment (last batch sold out in 2 days) but it'll give you chance to save up a bit

http://www.blackrockgear.com/vest.html

Another option might be something from phd, obviosly a little over budget but quality doesn't come cheap. The stuffing into it's own pocket thing with the Rabs isn't all you'd hope for either, it's amazing how many people can't manage it

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:53 am

If you can wait a few weeks, the PHD spring sale usually has their Minimus within budget.

I love mine. Very warm, loads of loft and will stuff into a coke-can size. I also find it quite versatile as it's styled for day to day wear too.

It's very similar to the OMM Finch for the lightweight but very warm catagory. As Stu mentions the Rab Microlight is anoher lightweight option, but no where near as warm.

Matt · Post by **Matt** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:02 pm

I have a Patagonia Down Sweater and it's ace.

If you don't mind sub standard colours then I think £100 is do-able. Mine was £100 and is bright red

So.

£126?
343 g
Has arms.

but... 800-fill-power premium European goose down :)

Not really what you asked for but I can't recommend it highly enough, packs a fair bit smaller than my Wifes Rab microlight down jacket thing. I had a down vest before this but for the tiny extra pack size and weight I find the jacket so much more useful.

http://www.snowandrock.com/pws/UniquePr ... =PAT0133RR.

Edit* In fact I can take a photo of both of them if you want

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:24 pm

If we're into jackets too that open up a whole new can of worms!

On a similar note, the PHD Minimus jacket in their sale is about £130 too, is the same weight but uses 800EU Fill (the Patagonia is misleading as it's European down, but measured on the US Scale) so will be slightly warmer. Not that the Patagonia is a bad jacket, far from it, but as I say when we are into jackets too there are loads more options :D

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:26 pm

Granted, the Patagonia has the distinct advantage in that it's in stock now and at a great price.

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:51 pm

Cheers guys. I like the look of the Patagonia Down Jacket but I was really after a vest as I already have a Filo Jacket which I would take if expecting bad weather and I would just forfeit the extra weight.

I do see that Patagonia do a vest so, given the choice, should I get:

Rab Microlight Vest
Rab Generator Vest
Patagonia Down Vest

Am I right in thinking the Patagonia has the best warmth to weight ratio?

I'm gonna order today if anyone can recommend a good deal (size M).

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:40 pm

If I were buying something on your list Dan then I'd go with the Generator. No worries about getting it wet and I find mine much warmer than my Microlight.

If you could live with arms, then a Montane Fireball smock would be a good bet ... I bet there's very little in it weight wise.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:42 pm

To throw another into the mix-

http://www.subzero.co.uk/down/sub-zero- ... dy-warmers

thomthumb · Post by **thomthumb** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:18 pm

i would recommend arms. they don't add that much bulk or weight and add a lot more warmth.

I have never worn my jacket and thought i wish it didn't have arms.

i want arms a lot when wearing my generator vest though, hence why i mostly wear it to the pub.

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:40 pm

Yeah I like arms too, my new Rab Infinity arrived today and it's so snuggly ... but I do look like some kind of walking hot water cylinder when wearing it

Matt · Post by **Matt** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:37 pm

Patagonia vs Rab by fantasticmrmatt, on Flickr

There you go, both will squish smaller.

My large Down sweater is a fair bit bigger that the Rab to wear, I obviously don't fit into my wife's coats :)

Grey = Patagonia
Pink = Rab

The tin of Pop makes it look bigger than they are somehow

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:14 pm

Thanks for all the input guys. I've spent a vast amount of the day looking at different garments and pack weights and in the end have practically ignored most of you and my original brief and have just ordered a Montane Fireball smock for £80 delivered. Went for large as it seems an athletic cut and i'm not an athletic medium!
I thought again about what i wanted it for i.e the wrt and as a spring pull-on top to warm me up. Chances are that it will get wet too. I've always got my filo as an alternative anyway for really cold weather.

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:36 pm

Yay ... do I get a prize?

Be very interested to hear how you get on Dan, I quite like the look of said garment.

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:43 pm

s8tannorm wrote:Yay ... do I get a prize?

Be very interested to hear how you get on Dan, I quite like the look of said garment.

Yes, my gift to you is envy when you see me in said garment.

Thanks to everyone else for suggesting arms

didnothingfatal · Post by **didnothingfatal** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:02 pm

These are warm

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:42 pm

My new smock turned up today. Initial thoughts are that it seems pretty light. Pack size is a bit bigger than I expected but it will compress more.
Feels very soft and comfortable. Glad I went for a large as it is an athletic fit. Not tight when on but is a bit of a struggle to get on because there's no give in the material. Field test to follow...

Montane Fireball Smock by DKNWHY, on Flickr

Dan_K · Post by **Dan_K** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 12:44 pm

Went for a walk on the weekend up to Higgar Tor whilst visiting the in-laws in the Peak District.
Montane Fireball Smock had it's first proper outing. Temperature was around 5 degrees but was very windy on the tops.
The smock kept the wind out perfectly. I had a t shirt and a thin fleece underneath and did not feel cold at all.
It is so light that you barely know you're wearing it.

Which vest?

Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?

Re: Which vest?