Vest over shell?

J

JackNate

Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
137
So I'm usually a layered jacket guy. I wear a sweater, then a wind/water resistant shell overtop. I was thinking about picking up a down vest (which are a dime-a-dozen at thrift stores) to wear over my other gear. Probably only in extreme cold days, or kept in the car for emergency layer for myself or others. I don't think it's a common ensemble but it should add some warmth, and only cost me a few dollars for a used one.

My only knowledge of outwear follows a insulation inside, shell outside theme. I hope somebody will have an opinion. :)
 
My question is "why?" Insulation goes under shell. Why change that, unless your shell is tight fitting? But who uses tight fitting shells? I don't get it. Why? :confused:
 
i wear a fleece vest when it is moderately cold, but i want arm mobility. typcially over a long sleeved shirt or sweatshirt.

i agree with scott free, it would seem pointless over a wind/rain resistant shell.
 
Plus two. Shell goes on top. That's what it's for and why it is called a "shell".
 
I say go for it. Your thinking is along the same lines as some of the outdoor clothing manufacturers. I wear a lot of paramo gear, it's popular here because it rains so much :) they sell outer insulation pieces that you put on over the top of the main waterproof suit, the idea being that you don't lose heat that way, unlike when you strip outer layers off to add more base layers. They use synthetic insulation, but down is good as long as it isn't raining
 
Yeah, shells are made to go on the outside and most can accommodate insulation underneath them. Your idea is not a bad one, I just wouldn't do it because shells do not breathe well compared to the rest of your layers, and putting a vest on top of that will reduce the ability of your core to breathe even further. If you are not doing anything particularly active and just want it for around town use, then it probably does not matter.
 
Well after reading everyones replies maybe I'll just make sure to find one thats not too bulky so I can wear it inside the shell with my sweater. Style wise I'm not sure the vest over shell would be too great either.
 
When I was in second grade, and my brother was in first, we each got shiny yellow raincoats for school. When my mother picked us up at school the first day that it rained, my brother was wearing his sweater OVER his new raincoat so it wouldn't get wet. :)
 
I always wore a vest outside of my shell for Ski Patrol, but that was strictly based on my vest being a utility garment holding my kit. In terms of regulating heat, it was terrible. Insulation on the inside with shell on the outside is the way too go IMHO.
 
if shell breathable it wont be breathable any more i think. principle is based on warm inside and cold outside to breathe.
 
We keep funky looking 80's era insulated cloths in the car, too. It doesn't have to be pretty to get you through the night. Picking up a down vest or two from the thrift shop is a really good idea. Just pick up a simple shell or two at the same time. A fat woman's pink rain coat would work.

As for thrift shop finds-- I saw one of those heavy Filson plaid wool coats at a thrift shop last week for $29. It was red plaid and too big for me. If it had been in a solid color, I'd have gained weight to get a Filson coat for that much. :)
 
Well....Feathered Friends, who make the best down gear IMO, say you can wear it either way.
Our lightweight jackets are sized much like a fleece jacket or sweater. It should fit snug for proper insulation; if you need to wear a waterproof shell, it should be worn over the Helios jacket.

Our Volant jacket should be sized similar to your external layers. Your waterproof and windproof shells must be form fitting to allow the Volant to fit over it properly. We recommend wearing the Volant as the last layer in your layering system for proper insulation. When you are hiking or climbing, you simply pull it out and put it on. When you need to start moving again, you can remove it and pack it again.

Our Frontpoint jacket, Icefall parka and Rock & Ice parka are specifically designed to fit over all of your layers.
Click to expand...

http://www.featheredfriends.com/Picasso/Subhead/GarSizing.html
 
Scott Free said:
We keep funky looking 80's era insulated cloths in the car, too. It doesn't have to be pretty to get you through the night. Picking up a down vest or two from the thrift shop is a really good idea. Just pick up a simple shell or two at the same time. A fat woman's pink rain coat would work.

As for thrift shop finds-- I saw one of those heavy Filson plaid wool coats at a thrift shop last week for $29. It was red plaid and too big for me. If it had been in a solid color, I'd have gained weight to get a Filson coat for that much. :)
Click to expand...

Go back and buy that Filson! At minimum, you can give someone larger than you the kickin-est butt gift they'll ever get! I HAVE one of those big ol' wool red plaid Filsons... I can't wait until it gets cold enough to wear it! $29!!! What is wrong with it? Heck... it'd be a bargain at $100! Go out and buy it! NOW!
 
Mongo said:
Go back and buy that Filson!... it'd be a bargain at $100! Go out and buy it! NOW!
Click to expand...

I think you just talked me into it. I'll probably be back in the area later this week. There was nothing wrong with it except that it was old. (Although I didn't look too closely because I didn't plan on buying it. I did try it on, though.)

I have two Filson shirts for which I paid $5 and $7.
 
I tend to hit up "Salvation Army" thrift stores in well to do areas. Everything is a good deal, but north face or marmot vests for $5CDN are especially surprising. The brand name dress shirts for $3 don't hurt either.
 
Scott Free said:
I think you just talked me into it. I'll probably be back in the area later this week. There was nothing wrong with it except that it was old. (Although I didn't look too closely because I didn't plan on buying it. I did try it on, though.)

I have two Filson shirts for which I paid $5 and $7.
Click to expand...

JEEZ!!! Where do you live that you get such amazing bargains? Filson shirts for $5&7!!!!:eek::thumbup:
 
Actually, one of those shirts came from Mall of America! There was a big used (aka vintage) clothing store in the Mall. That one was $7.

Closer to home-- In SW PA and WV, we have Gabrial Brothers which sells irregulars, overstocks, and lots weird stuff that just doesn't sell. Last fall I bought a Marmot base layer shirts for $5 each. I just bought Carharts for $16. I stop in every couple of weeks. Usually I leave with nothing, but every once in a while you can get an incredible bargain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top