Hello...I am looking for ideas for a good warm hunting vest that won't break the bank. Also should I order it a size bigger to allow for layers underneath? Thanks.
Not sure what your price range is, but I use Sitka's Kelvin Lite as a layering system with my other clothes. They run $169.
You can't go wrong with a Filson wool vest. Indestructible and warm. A must have for bowhunting. Under a coat during cold weather and over a shirt in cool weather.
G. Fred Asbell has them at a great price. All wool.
I use down vests from camo clothing company or North Face. Lightweight and very warm
I have a number of vests, and I think you can do just as well at the mall as you can with most of the specialty brands. I have down, wool,polyster, and whatnot. They all layer up just fine.
I agree with Gordon. You can't do better than Filson.
Thanks for the suggestions....
I have both a fleece and a down vest. Don't remember the brands but I know that they are nothing fancy. They work really well though. The down is just a tad bulkier but still allows me to shoot a bow with it and 3 other layers on.
Grey Wolf woolens a very warm and comfortable vest . Asbell woolens might be good. Wool vest under a jacket just seems so warm to me yet it breaths .
I just picked up a pretty nice one from Midway for $35 bucks if you are really wanting a cheap one.
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Just got a Badlands vest at reduced price of $89 and it is very warm and stops wind exceptionally well, very slim and good for under layer. :archer: :coffee: :archer2:
I don't like a vest with a collar that is designed to ride up your neck. Actually I don't like any collar. I have missed getting a shot opportunity a couple of times when the whiskers rub the collar during the draw. Most shirt and jacket collars will lay flat unlike the newer vests.. Filson has vests with no collar, not sure about the rest.
Sizing ? I have worn vests for years and prefer a vest if i can get by with it for extra warmth when i am Moving. I wear them X-country skiing, hiking, Choring (cutting wood, feeding animals, ect), Framing, and I love my Wooltimate vest for cruising through Elk country during the archery season. I wear an XL top comfortably, if it has sleeves. My vests are L, and I had to downsize to M for my Wooltimate hunting vest. I usually have an undershirt / baselayer and sweatshirt or something similar under my vest. I think you want a little tighter fit with a vest to trap more of the body heat, and you don't have to worry about the sleeves and shoulders binding. You can always put a shell or layer over. My experience with vests for what it is worth.
check the classifieds
Filson is good, picked mine up used in new condition on line. Problem is wife doesn't want me wearing it hunting. It's my church and dress vest. It's thick, warm and well made.
Filson vests are great, I have a black and gray one that is 30 years old, been on my back from early fall to late spring and the only thing it needed was a couple buttons put back on. I am a retired lineman, so that old vest has been to hell and back, works good in the deer woods to. Take care, Brad
Fleece lined Carhartt for me. With a good (not necessarily expensive) wool sweater, and a heavyweight base layer, i'm good to 0F or even below. Plenty of pockets, and the canvas outer offers some weather resistance, and is quiet without the sleeves. I have an Austrian army surplus sweater that would be warm enough itself, the vest is a bonus and offers storage.
Try it on with the layers you'll be wearing if at all possible to be sure, or call the company you choose for sizing advice.
Grey Wolf Woolen Wolfskin with wind block and liteloft insulation would make a great vest with a boatload of warmth. Wool version would be even better, but pricey. Check there close outs and return merchandise for deals, especially if you are smaller size. Asbell wool is good if you don't need wind block.
I own and have tried a lot of vests over the years and the best one for hunting-- warm, windproof, roomy cut for layering underneath, universal camo pattern and downright (CHEAP) --is from Natural Gear. Can't beat it for 3 times the price or more.
Thanks Susan and everyone else..I did look at the NAT gear vest..its prolly how I'll go....
I love my Wooltimate vest from Cabelas!!! It only gets used when it's real cold.
I use my first light vests a LOT though!!!!
Bisch
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My daughter got me one from cabelas for Christmas its their outfitter camo with wind shear and it came in tall what a warm comfortable and quiet vest! Best one ive ever had.
I too have the black and grey checked Filson vest that is on everyday from Oct to April, except when I hunt, I like a high zip collar and wear a Kryptec softshell/fleece lined for most hunting, wooltimate vest when it's very cold. I'm seriously looking at an electric vest by Pnuma
I own a few , Stormy Kromer is my favorite.
I have a vest from two tracks , Chuck. He makes them on occasion and they are not cheap but his vest and coups caps are my favorite two piece of hunting clothing. It's pretty much wind proof, virgin wool, big pockets, no collar, nice heavy 2 way zipper. I love it, and I like the fact it's handmade by people I like.
You have to look at the Day One vest with the beaver collar. Mine is ASAT wool with windproof liner and insulation and I never go out in the winter without it...except if I am in a blind and have to use dark clothing.
I love the versatility of my Asbell wool vest. I actually own several in different colors and weights. Coupled with the Asbell zippered windblocker vest you are good for most cold weather conditions. The zippered windblocker vest just might be the most underrated item in the Asbell clothing arsenal. My opinion obviously but it works for me. :campfire:
Check out the Woolrich website. They have a bunch of stuff on sale right now. The Asbell vests are great too, but as Bill stated the windblocker would be a great feature to have. That's my only issue with my Asbell gear - they don't block the wind very well.
I also agree with the Filson recommendations. It's warm and it's bombproof. It's not cheap, but it will last many decades if cared for properly. I've had the one in profile pic for many years.
Thanks guys and gals...I ordered one from Nat gear on sale.....I and gonna look into a Filson or Woolrich also.