200 weight fleex oz full#

Down Numbersĭown products are described with numbers relating to the quality and volume of down. If down gets wet, it doesn’t insulate as well, although most down products have a waterproof exterior to combat this. Down Insulationĭown is the best insulator available, with the highest warmth to weight ratio, breathability, and compression, able to pack down small and bounce back. Some synthetic fills are recycled or semi-recycled while others are designed to break down faster at the end of its lifecycle. Is there more environmentally friendly synthetic insulation? Yes. This type of insulation is also polyester, which is a plastic, which is an oil product. Most down jackets have horizontal baffles but synthetic insulation can have more creative baffle shapes, like squares, diamonds, and more. Synthetic insulation keeps getting better at mimicking down – lighter, loftier, and warmer but for the best quality look for the top brand, PrimaLoft, or the in-house versions of the big outdoor names.īaffles are the sections that holds insulation in place. Synthetic insulation is a cheaper alternative to down that is also more breathable and more water resistant.

The higher pile and wool-like sherpa fleeces that are trendy right now fall into the heavier fleece category and look great. The Polartec scale indicates the loft, weight, and warmth of fleece.ġ00-Weight Fleece Lightweight, highly breathable, and flexible to provide a wide range of movement.Ģ00-Weight Fleece The most common and popular weight because it can be worn on its worn or as a layer.ģ00-Weight Fleece A loftier and heavier outer layer, designed for cold conditions. Polyester and fleece are petroleum products but today many manufacturers use recycled plastic bottles instead. At the same time, Patagonia worked with Malden Mills to develop their own Synchilla fleece and the iconic Snap-T Pullover, still in production today. Malden Mills, the inventor of PolarTec, spun and brushed polyester yarn in an attempt to replicate the properties of wool. Invented in the late 1970s, the peak of polyester apparel, fleece is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Lighter weight fleece is breathable but heavier, more tightly woven fleece will not breathe. While fleece is hydrophobic and will shed some water, it is not waterproof, though it will dry quickly. Fleece Vestsįleece is a lightweight, warm, and windproof mid layer for outdoor activities in a range of weather conditions. As always, a vest can be worn as outerwear or a mid-layer. Merino wool jackets are also in this category as they provide a little bit of warmth. And since we strive to recommend functional and attractive pieces, can be worn whenever the weather calls for it. Beyond hiking, a lightweight vest works for running, cross country skiing, or even fishing. These are ideal for summer hiking on windy peaks or sudden storms. This can be a windbreaker-type gilet with an extra pocket or two. Sometimes a lightweight vest is all you need. Weight – Is the vest a mid layer or outer layer? It is for blocking wind, adding warmth, or replacing a jacket?ĭrawcord – A drawcord at the waist keeps cold, wet, and wind out Lightweight Hiking Vests That usually means a comfortable fit for hands and phone pocket but you may want more storage. Pockets – Make sure the vest fits what you want it to fit. Waterproof – As a mid-layer, almost all vests offer some water-resistance but are not waterproof.

The best vest for hiking matches the conditions but here are a few things to think about.įit – A slimmer cut will fit under a jacket over top while a looser fit will accommodate more layers below the vest. + Vests are stylish (especially over a plaid shirt)

+ Vests keep the core warm + prevent overheating

200 weight fleex oz full#

+ Vests maintain the full range of motion for arms That being said, vests work best for milder temperatures or activities in colder temperatures. And vests eliminate the need for pit zips. Why a vest and not a jacket? Hiking vests provide most of the warmth of a jacket with less weight and bulk. Vests keep you warm during spring, fall, and cool summer nights and can also provide an extra layer in winter. A hiking vest is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoors gear the whole year round.