Alternative to PhD Minimus vest

[roadpacker]

Hey all, I'm trying to go on the Pacific Coast in winter, but I understand it's going to be really wet, so I don't want to choose down. Does anyone know of a lightweight vest that is similarly insulative that's synthetic?

[cccniuk]

Fit is as important as anything.i use a columbia shimmer me jacket.excellent in the Scottish wet winters.light and warm. And cheap!

[Adam Alphabet]

How far north are you going/riding?
What month?
Is the vest your only insulation?

If I were starting from home, Vancouver and riding south through Washington, Oregon and into Cali in say November I'd be taking more than a synthetic vest at least for the northern states as it can get really wet for a real long time and you'll be freezing ass at the end of the day, especially with the wind near the water. But that's a different thread...

After many years of faithful use I just recently replaced my Montbell thermawrap parka. They make a vest version too, although it uses a lighter weight fill (50g/m2 vs 80g/m2).
Use this if it helps:  http://www.convertunits.com/from/ounces+per+(square+yard)/to/grams+per+(square+meter)

I highly doubt the thermawrap vest anywhere near as warm as the phD. I think it'll be hard to find a 'thick' enough synthetic vest that'll match similar warmth of a down vest from any commercially available options.

Your best bet may be one of these kits using primaloft sport 3.0 (100g/m2)
http://thru-hiker.com/kits/minima_kit.php
If you really wanted to jack the warmth build one with Apex 5.0 or primaloft 6.0. That would be a toaster!