Patagonia Down Vest. Thoughts?

[flanagaj]

I have just purchased one of the above as it is a lighter alternative to a full jacket.  I have not used it in anger yet and wanted to gauge opinion from other members who may have or have tried one on a bikepacking trip.  I have tried the jacket on and it does seem quite spacious which worries me a little as I thought a tighter jacket would help keep the warmth in.

 

[Lentamentalisk]

I have a (different) down vest and love and hate it. I wear it all winter long on my ride to work because along with a light biking jacket, it keeps me warm enough in 20f weather at the beginning of my ride, and I can unzip it half way through and it effectively "dispersal" so I don't get hot and sweaty armpits.

While bike touring, I've been less happy with it. I wish it had sleeves and a hood, because the jacket is just so small, it would be far more effective for warmth than any of the other things I have had to bring to supplement. My girlfriend has the same jacket but with arms (no hood) and her arms were much more happy than mine.

But I'm not really concerned about the weight. Down weighs basically nothing when compared to a water bottle.

[Smithhammer]

Not sure which Patagonia down vest you actually purchased - I don't see an image in your post, and they make a few different ones. But you're correct that if the vest is too roomy, it won't be as efficient. Vests are great for moderate weather, or as a an additional layer in tandem with a jacket. I often carry a Patagonia Nano vest on trips - it's lightweight and easily packable, but it doesn't offer the warmth of a jacket.

I just picked up a Mtn. Hardwear 'Ghost Whisperer' down jacket and I'm really impressed. 800-fill hydrophobic down and it's insanely light and packable for the amount of warmth it offers. It will be my 'go-to' layer this fall/winter for lots of adventures.

[Lentamentalisk]

I should clarify, when I bring a vest, my layering is as such:

(if it is really old: thermal top)
long sleeve loose biking shirt
vest
rain jacket

A vest alone will not keep your arms warm in cold weather and you will regret it.

[Adam Alphabet]

I view insulation pieces like tire choice. There is no single 'best' option. Each trip, climate, temperature range, terrain is different and the insulation piece is critical in my comfort and safety.
Personally I have never bought an insulated layer that did not have a hood. Hoods (obviously) increase the temperature range of a piece tremendously. Problem is it's hard to find a UL vest with a hood. For this years CTR I made a full zip, synthetic hooded vest that came in at 4.5oz. Synthetic because I had planned to ride in it and if it was wet it would maintain it's thermal efficiency better (safer) than down. It was probably the best piece of kit I brought. Huge temperature range from open flapping to zipped tight to the chin, hood on under helmet. Fitted fit with arm holes just big enough to maintain thermal efficiency. I can't wait to test it further this fall winter. I may make a down version for summer use to get the weight/packability down even further.
Insulated pieces should fit well and not be too loose. Again each piece specified for a certain temp range that you'd research before you set off. Don't just get lured in by super small packability and low weight, it's easy to not carry enough insulation and at that efficiency you'd be surprised at how much more comfort a single ounce of fill or 1.5oz of hood or 2oz of sleeve can provide.

[pro_out]

If you're looking for ultralight down vests, jacket or pants give Borah Gear a look.  http://borahgear.com/index.html
John will do custom add on's such as full zips, pockets, additional down etc.

[vikb]

If you try on a down jacket that's a poor fit you need to try a different size and/or brand/model. I find I fit North Face jackets much better than Patagonia because of my build [broad shoulders, small torso and long arms].

I tour with a hooded puffy jacket. I'd have much less use for a vest.