Layering. Warmth. Vest- not so sure??

[KSdan]

Thanks for the input, though it got off a little about wool, vests, windbloc, etc.  (Probably my fault for post title.)  Not really the question as I wear vests, wool, windblocker, and fleece-and as stated I stay warm.

I was more curious of any experience with a nylon vest like down or prima loft.  I was particularly curious after I saw the backcountry vid posted here on the Gang.  Again, my personal experience (and VERY limited) this fall using my vest as an under-layer makes me wonder if the nylon kept my body from breathing well.  I sure got cold and clammy that particular day.  

Also for what it is worth- not ALL windblock and design is the same.  I have looked at many of the Cabelas items and I too think they are far too noisy.  HOWEVER- I am VERY impressed with my Predator Jacket (which the designers claim they have a different approach to it).  It is DEAD quiet and works.  I am also VERY impressed with my DayOne insulated fleece vest with windblock of some type.
 
Thanks for all the responses

Dan

[Roger Norris]

I never wear cotton or nylon in the cold for exactly the reason you observed.

[2treks]

Originally posted by Roger Norris:
I never wear cotton or nylon in the cold for exactly the reason you observed.

X2

Down is very warm and works well, but when coupled with nylon it can make you sweat with little effort. Then its time to get cold.
It may have a place in the field and many have had great comfort because of it. I have been in many different parts of the country and for what I do, I choose wool. Started adding wool to my gear more than 20 years ago and I guess everybody knows where I stand with wool today.
CTT

[uglyjake]

Wool, wool, wool.  Wool or silk underwear, wool sweater, Asbell hooded pullover and Two Tracks vest.  

I am very happy with my Two Tracks vest and their wool shoe liners.

[NoCams]

Same here KSdan..... love my Predator Fall Gray fleece coat with wind blocking layer in it. VERY QUIET and worn as a outer layer with wool underneath I am toasty on windy days. Blessed to have good warm clothes now. I sure remember back in my younger years and how cold I got some days not having the proper clothes. Depending on temps,winds,rain, etc, I choose my gear accordingly.

[Tall Paul]

KSdan,

My experience with Nylon is similar to wearing a plastic bag or heavy rubber rain gear.  It just doesn't breath.

I remember in the 1970s when down vest with nylon shell was all the rage. You're warm at first, but with any activity, you're soaked.

A good way to die from hypothermia when it is very cold is, to wear cotton thermo longjohns, under a cotton flannel shirt, under a down nylon lined coat; then hike a mile or more and try to sit for a few hours. Even if you leave the coat open when walking, your back will get wet. Nothing but wool is the only way I do it anymore.

[KSdan]

So I see some of you observed the same result I had.  While the packable nylon vest with down or prima-loft seems like the holy grail for easy/ltwt. warmth- fact is, it causes problems with moisture.  I think a guy would be far better off with a wool or fleece vest.  

Thanks for all the input.

Dan in KS

[beaunaro]

I like most kinds of wool. Merino base layers, Asbell mid layers, Good Will or equal Cashmeres...all good.

Wooltimate...I'm a fan...It's warm! Wears like iron!
It's been noted several times, and worth repeating. Before you badmouth the windshear in your Wooltimate, wash it a few times.

Also...when new it may seem a bit noisy to you, but do you really think the animals can hear it?

I maintain that if you move slow enough to avoid visible detection, there is not apt to be much noise.

Too good a product to worry about it's noise...esp after a few washings.

[cloudbaseracer]

Originally posted by KSdan:


2 other notes:
1) I have found that just a small wool sweater or blanket tied around my waist (like a kilt) and laying over my lap and knees can make a BIG difference.  I have used this instead of the extra fleece pants.
2) Though walking in is not too bad (within 1/2 mile or so), and there is no bulk hindering my shooting-  I am still SERIOUSLY thinking of making my own Heater Body suit style gear for this next year.  This solves the many layer need AND the need for ultra big bulky boots.  I have read Ryan's past posts on his Manitoba custom suit and I am convinced it could be the ticket- even below zero.  Now to find ASAT or Predator Brown fleece.    

Dan,

Can you tell me about this Manitoba custom suit or provide a link where I could find the instructions?

Thanks,
James

[Steve O]

Dan, was the cell phone in the pocket on the outside or inside  if it was on the outside, everything was breathing quite well.

Most insulations, especially down and primaloft work by trapping air between the "fibers". The more "fluff", the warmer they are. When you compress them under a heavy or tight layer(s) they won't work as well.

If you like the Primaloft on the outside, Sitka Gear has the Fanatic Vest and also has the same in a jacket. They are silent and WARM. They have bibs as well. I've sat till noon in -4 in the jacket/bibs and gone right back out till dark after a quick lunch break and been cozy as can be.

[KSdan]

Hey Steve-  The phone was in a pocket inside my predator fleece which is UNDER an outer Dayone fleece vest. My merino base layer (under the primaloft vest) seemed to be damp too.  I am impressed with the Primaloft vest for an outer layer (used it in in AK on your recommend!). But I tried it under my fleece here this fall (experimenting with a lt wt. sleeveless  insulation layer for extreme cold) and it made things complicated I believe.  Also- prompting of my post had to do with the Backcountry vid on staying warm.  In light of my experience I am not so sure of putting a nylon type vest UNDER your outer layer.  

Thanks
Dan

[KSdan]

James- Ryan (Manitoba Stickflinger) made his own Heater Body suit.  He wanted a specific camo though I am not sure what else he modified.  He did send me some pics of the finished suit.  I will have to develop my own pattern. The Heater Body suit is over $300 I believe (and not my choice of camo either).  I think I can make one for 1/3-1/2 of that and either in ASAT or Predator.  

The concept is really not new as we used old ltwt. sleeping bags years ago in northern MI for stand hunting.  I am revisiting old knowledge here- but I like the idea of not needing to bundle up with numerous layers.  Go in ltwt, sweat free and put on the suit while on stand.

Dan

[Steve O]

Roger that Dan. You might use that cell phone (or some much LESS expensive object) and experiment to see exactly which layer is not breathing as well as it should.  Outer layer outer pocket, then outer layer inner pocket, then the next layer in and so on. Primaloft in my experience works almost as good wet as it does dry.

Good luck on those late season deer.