Vests that are insulated or down are a type of apparel that I find confusing. When would they be better than jackets for a hiking excursion, and under what circumstances would you bring one?
3 Likes
During shoulder season, vests come in handy when the temperature isn’t low enough to warrant wearing a fully insulated jacket but still too cold to be running around in just a shirt—especially if it’s a little breezy. Before you try them, don’t judge them.
2 Likes
This. I adore my down vest in fall and spring so much.
2 Likes
And I am not joking on this 
2 Likes
The good thing is free range of motion of your arms if you’re working or doing something where you move your arms. If your base layer, mid layer, puffy jacket and outer shell all have arms then you end up looking like the kid from A Christmas Story
1 Like
They pack smaller than jackets and work well as an additional layer of insulation for the core of your body, keeping the rest of you warmer.
It resembles a body cap. In order to maintain brain function, your body will prioritize blood flow to your head. Afterward, it will prioritize blood flow to your body’s core in order to maintain organ function. Since you can exist without your extremities, they are the first to reduce blood flow in an attempt to conserve heat.
The rest of you will feel better if you keep your core and head warm.