I've long become a huge fan of Primaloft for trail and mountain use here in Scotland. Warmth to weight ratio is impressive and it retains much of it's functionality when when wet giving it a distinct advantage over traditional down products.
So the vest then ...
Initial thoughts, it is lite, very lite indeed to the point of almost feeling too lite ! It folds into a small pouch which forms part of the zip closure up at the neck. Both these features mean it fits perfectly into the Inov8 bum bag I take on many training runs. The outer shell is soft and has a nice feel to it as well.
Fit is a bit strange at first. Pulling it over the head is tight to the point where I almost wished I had gone up a size from my normal medium to a large but once on, it fits perfectly. Clearly designed for the slimmer frame being aimed at runners. Doubt it would fit over much more than a baselayer / pertex top but that is what my normal running top half is anyway.
First field trial was up at Whitelee Windfarm late on a snowy afternoon. Plan was to take a short timelapse from the summit of Corse Hill and the vest was taken to wear during this. Immediately reaching the summit I stuck the vest on whilst I set up the GoPro - the benefit was immediate with the wind chill being cut out around the body core where it matters the most. I was able to stay pretty much stationary for around 25 minutes before the cold took over and I packed up before heading down. Shortly after starting running full body warmth was restored and the vest went back into the bum bag. A happy auld beard !
My second trip was an extended higher level run in the Campsies taking in Earls Seat with Katie. Temps were well below freezing and we had light snow to contend with underfoot and again a bit of a wind chill. Moving fairly strong on the way out, I was okay ...just but as soon as I stopped was on the wrong side of cold. Vest on and again, immediate difference. The backward route was directly into the wind and the vest stayed on. Being a slim fit, it was good to run in with little flapping. Again ...a happy auld beard !!
One area where I see the vest being excellent is for extending the warmth rating of a sleeping bag. Reckon wearing it overnight could add an extra few degrees of warmth - perfect for getting the summer sleeping bag to cover late spring and early autumn.
Value for money - at £80 maybe not the cheapest but still reasonable. The versatility has already made the vest a "must pack" for the hill !
Many thanks for the folks at Trailfest and Finding Your Adrenaline #brawtimes indeed !
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