Vests

I’m looking for a vest to add to my layering system, specifically for Multipitch climbing in the 40s and running in the 30s. I’m probably looking for synthetic down and a little bit of stretch. Any recommendations? The Eddie Bauer astrolite is on sale for $100 right now but I’m not stuck on that. Anybody have a vest that they love?

Patagonia nano air vest light could be a good option

I have the Arcteryx Atom LT vest. It is probably my most worn piece of outdoor gear, especially on climbing multipitches. I put my phone on the inside pocket sometimes, and it has a stretchy fleece on the side. It’s light, warm, and has held up to being absolutely trashed. I’ve taken this thing on every rock type, hundreds of pitches, in all conditions, and it has only a small hole on the side.

I like having my arms free and my core warm and I’m literally wearing right now as I type this.

that guy named seb wrote:

Patagonia nano air vest light could be a good option

Seriously the ultimate vest. 

I have a PearlIzumi wind blocker vest that I really like.  Very rugged and warm. 

Mammut makes one that I have been interested in upgrading to. It's quantum pertex over alpha direct, fleece panels under the arm for stretch. 

https://www.mammut.com/us/en/products/1013-01730/eigerjoch-in-hybrid-vest-men

+1 for the nano air vest. Best solution I've found for adding warm without tipping the scales toward overheating (I run obnoxiously warm when moving even slightly). The stretchiness and lack of sleeves makes it great for unencumbered mobility. Pair it with a houdini and it is a comfy system where the sum is greater than its parts. Also tried an atom lt and liked the fit a lot

The nano air fit on me was ridiculous, went with montbell thermawrap in a medium. Im 6’3” 175 and the nano air billowed out around the waist in a medium like it was for someone at least 50 lbs heavier than me. The montbell vest has a chest pocket that fits a hydrapak stow 500 ml which is nice when its super super cold out. The fit is snug and perfect over a base layer, its a bit tight and odd looking to wear over normal clothes but i dont wear it “out” anyways.

John Sigmon wrote:

The nano air fit on me was ridiculous, went with montbell thermawrap in a medium. Im 6’3” 175 and the nano air billowed out around the waist in a medium like it was for someone at least 50 lbs heavier than me. The montbell vest has a chest pocket that fits a hydrapak stow 500 ml which is nice when its super super cold out. The fit is snug and perfect over a base layer, its a bit tight and odd looking to wear over normal clothes but i dont wear it “out” anyways.

I went down a size (solidly M usually, wear a S nano air vest), and it works pretty well. Would prefer it to be slightly longer, but don't actually notice any draftiness. 

Patrick - wrote:

I went down a size (solidly M usually, wear a S nano air vest), and it works pretty well. Would prefer it to be slightly longer, but don't actually notice any draftiness. 

Makes sense! I’ve never fit into a small clothing item ever so I didnt bother trying haha. I think they’re pretty similar pieces, atom included (although the montbell is cheaper and lighter :) )

I would recommend you stick with "active insulation" and avoid fleece panels if possible, face fabrics like quantum pro and that found on the atom lt are quite suffocating for anything particularly aerobic. 

Another vote for Arcteryx Atom LT vest.

thrift store

Nano air light is amazing. Warm,light, packable and breathes amazingly.

They do run big though (caveat mine is 5 or 6 years old so not sure if this is still the case), I’m a medium and went down to a small for a perfect snug fit. 

I would say most patagonia runs large, but would double down on the patagonia vests.  I find them to be very good because I can climb hard and belay perfectly without any impediments.  It also folds up into a pouch that can be clipped onto the harness.  I will say they aren't god's warmest item as the nature of being a vest.