elk clothing -- down vest vs. wool vest

[smartweed]

Which one should I take in my day pack? The down is light and warm but the wool is a bit heavier, though it works when wet, obviously. Torn on this decision. Any input? And. And can you tell I am excited for this fall?

 

[CrossCreeks]

A lot depends on the where and when of your hunt. I like the down for the day pack but not knowing the specifics of your hunt it hard to say.

 

[25contender]

I really like the Sitka Kelvin lite vest I wear. It is a synthetic Primaloft but very warm and very light. I also put it in a stuff sack for a pillow.

 

[480/277]

I really like the Sitka Kelvin lite vest I wear. It is a synthetic Primaloft but very warm and very light. I also put it in a stuff sack for a pillow.

Yep!!!! +1

 

[RICMIC]

I love my wool vest when it's an easy hunt, but for a backpacking trip take the down vest. I keep it in a compressable dry sack, so it always stays dry and weighs next to nothing. Ensure you always have good rain gear, and that insulating layer can save your life. I just loosen the dry sack, and have a pillow for the night.

 

[smartweed]

I will be backpacking it pretty high up in September, thinking that the down may be the way to go from what you guys are saying, didn't think about the pillow opt option.

 

[Cjmunday]

I'd pick the down as well for s backpack hunt. Weight reduction and warmth. The pillow idea is great to.

 

[tttoadman]

I really like the Sitka Kelvin lite vest I wear. It is a synthetic Primaloft but very warm and very light. I also put it in a stuff sack for a pillow.

++2 on the Kelvin light vest.

 

[25contender]

Vest in the stuff sack.

 

[Elkfitness]

Down is my choice. Light, no bulk, and warm.

 

[sneakypete]

I don't have a down vest yet, but my KUIU super down jacket is my pack. It stuffs into one of its pockets!

 

[2rocky]

I won't be getting rid of my Filson vest anytime soon. Not the lightest but it sure layers well under a jacket.

I'm not a fan of the Puffy feeling I get from multiple down layers.

 

[coatimundi01]

I have a Russell APX primaloft vest that gets the nod when it gets chilly. Super lightweight.

 

[missjordan]

When I first started hunting I used wool everything and have slowly started converting my clothing system to down. I like it better because it's light and not as itchy

 

[7shot]

I have the Sitka light kelvin jacket. I will not leave camp without it. I usually wear my Merino wool long sleeve when hiking in the am and working hard. Then when I hit the ridge or need to slow down and hunt the bulls, I pull out my fleece Sitka top and I'm good to go most of the day. On occasion when the wind picks up or while glassing, I'll get chilled and the Kelvin Light comes out and I'm super good. If weather looks to be an issue, I have a super lightweight rain gear that will layer over the top and I can handle snow or rain. All these pieces weigh less than my binoculars, but are super important to have and they give me confidence to hunt hard and far from camp.

 

[WY ME]

I've got a few down things but they all get heavy and smell like sheep sh t when they're wet.

 

[RICMIC]

DON'T get them wet! You'll never get them dry in the field. After a very miserable experience years ago, I have ensured that never happens. If I am not wearing my down or sleeping in it it is always in a compressable dry bag. I dumped our canoe on the Bloodvein River in Manitoba (class III rapids), in early June last year. Nothing got wet that mattered, or couldn't be dried quickly. I am intrigued by the new Kuiu down products, an might just pop for one of their vests.

 

[MWScott72]

Never really thought about putting my down vest or jack in dry bags...i'Ve always used ziplocks, but I like the idea. ALOT more sturdy than plastic bags too.

One thing is for certain - down is wonderful until it' s wet, so you have to keep it dry!!