who makes a great insulated vest?

[54ny77]

Lookin' for a vest to carry me in the 40's/50's or so temps, early SoCal mornings. Would appreciate any tips.

Thanks.

[FlashUNC]

This is going to sound insane, but Q36.5. Their vest is the best piece of kit I own these days. Super flexible across a range of temps, surprisingly insulative and wind proof without feeling like a garbage bag in terms of breathability.

Yes, its pricey but man, it works really well.

http://www.abovecategorycycling.com/shop/mens/jackets/q36-5-vest-l1-essential-black.html

[gdw]

I use a regular lightweight nylon vest paired with a long sleeve wool jersey for those temperatures but if you need something heavier go full custom. Give Lou at Foxwear a call and explain what you need. http://foxwear.net/store/vests/cycling-vest/
They have access to the best fabrics in a variety of colors and can make you a lightweight vest for a quarter of the cost of what some of the cycling specific companies charge for a stock item.

[rwsaunders]

It's a discontinued model but they pop up from time to time for $50-75...Assos Element Zero. I wouldn't call it packable though.

[93legendti]

I use a regular lightweight nylon vest paired with a long sleeve wool jersey for those temperatures but if you need something heavier go full custom. Give Lou at Foxwear a call and explain what you need. http://foxwear.net/store/vests/cycling-vest/
They have access to the best fabrics in a variety of colors and can make you a lightweight vest for a quarter of the cost of what some of the cycling specific companies charge for a stock item.

I have 2 pairs of his heavy weight (incredibly light though!) power stretch tights and they are the BEST tights. Period.

Lou is the guy to talk to. Tell him what you want and it will be custom and as reasonable priced as can be.

[weisan]

If you layered up correctly and got a nice Cedar Cycling long sleeve going, then all you need is a simple no-frills economical vest from PI or Sugoi.

[54ny77]

thanks for the link. :beer:

I use a regular lightweight nylon vest paired with a long sleeve wool jersey for those temperatures but if you need something heavier go full custom. Give Lou at Foxwear a call and explain what you need. http://foxwear.net/store/vests/cycling-vest/
They have access to the best fabrics in a variety of colors and can make you a lightweight vest for a quarter of the cost of what some of the cycling specific companies charge for a stock item.

[eddief]

I have the jacket in this model. I love it. Think the vest could work well for cycling...except no on-purpose drop in the back. Did I say I love it?

http://www.arcteryx.com/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=Mens&category=Insulated_Jackets&model=Atom-LT-Vest

[gdw]

"thanks for the link. :beer:"

You're welcome.:beer: Lou produces top quality custom gear and typically has a fast turnaround time. You won't be disappointed.

[slup]

Isadore softshell vest. A lovely piece.
www.isadoreapparel.com

[kitsnob]

+1 For the Q36.5
BUMP

The R&D guy from Assos who was there for 20+ years went out on his own and developed Q36.5
I have a lot of their stuff and each piece is fantastic .... If you like Assos and RaPHA ... YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY love the Q36.5
I cant say enough good things about it! :hello:

[krhea]

Take a look at the Garneau "Alpha" vest. It's one of maybe 3 clothing items that I consider the best items I own. It includes 60grams of Polartech Alpha insulation in front and Polartech Drytex 6000 on the back. Garneau nailed this item as it keeps my torso toasty which keeps the rest of me pretty warm even on long rides with drizzle or light rain.
I've had mine for 2 or 3yrs and often times think about buying another for the "just in case" they stop making it.

http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/0/1028097/_/ALPHA_CYCLING_VEST

I've found it on sale at couple places in the past week or so.

KRhea

[Mikej]

+1 For the Q36.5
BUMP

The R&D guy from Assos who was there for 20+ years went out on his own and developed Q36.5
I have a lot of their stuff and each piece is fantastic .... If you like Assos and RaPHA ... YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY love the Q36.5
I cant say enough good things about it! :hello:

And if you love spending money, 36.5 is even better- ha ha joking I was over on AC website fantasy dressing myself in Q threads like a princess- $3000 later I realized I am more of a mismatch guy...great looking kit, just wish they had more visibility.

[bicycletricycle]

I have find myself in a medium weight down vest about 7 months a year here in new england and i really like it for temps between 25 and 55.

i mostly use a down patagonia one-
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-down-sweater-vest?p=84622-0

I also have a synthetic patagonia one that I dont like as much for some reason, I really dont know why, i think the fit is a little bit different.
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-nano-puff-vest?p=84241-0

I just spent a little time trying to find a thin cycling specfic insulated vest, mostly looking forit to be longer in the back to keep my crack warmer, the rapha transfer vest was an option but it turns out it is not really that much longer in the back because it is made for off the bike or city usage or something.

I would really like a thin down in the front with an uninsulated or maybe even mesh back. Not sure if anybody makes such a beast.

[ptourkin]

+1 For the Q36.5
BUMP

The R&D guy from Assos who was there for 20+ years went out on his own and developed Q36.5
I have a lot of their stuff and each piece is fantastic .... If you like Assos and RaPHA ... YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY love the Q36.5
I cant say enough good things about it! :hello:

I visited this stuff at AC last week. Not as lustworthy as the Belgie painted Baum that will be popping up soon, but very very nice. I walked out with only the knee warmers so far.

Keep your eyes out for the Baum, it's made one appearance on Instagram so far.

[guido]

I wonder about vest (and jacket for that matter) designs that are a nice high visibility color on the front and a dark color on the back. Cars are not approaching from the front... My normal faves Bouré do this on their vests/jackets and I just find it silly and dangerous...

[djg21]

I like the softshell vest made by Endura.

http://www.endurasport.com/products/?ProductID=29&initcode=E9064R

[Bob Ross]

I have an insulated vest from Primal that is astonishingly warm, yet reasonably packable. Been able to ride in the low 30s F with just that, a long-sleeve jersey, and a modest baselayer.

[Kirk007]

Assos falkenSahn, Q36.5, Exte Ondo Frisch - very high quality thermals, good for that temp range, not great on packability for jersey pocket. The Exte Ondo fabric is a bit more water restistant/windproof on the front but has mesh on the back - a bit more breathable than the Assos.

I have the Assos and Exte Ondo and like both and if water resistance isn't a consideration I'd consider these good bets.

They aren't cheap but I'm done buying less expensive but less durable goods. These are really nice if you think you'll ride them the whole ride, maybe with arm warmers or with a long sleeve jersey or even good baselayer underneath.

[bcroslin]

I visited this stuff at AC last week. Not as lustworthy as the Belgie painted Baum that will be popping up soon, but very very nice. I walked out with only the knee warmers so far.

Keep your eyes out for the Baum, it's made one appearance on Instagram so far.

not to hijack the thread but Above Category looks ridiculous

[Kirk007]

not to hijack the thread but Above Category looks ridiculous

as in ridiculous "nice" or as in I hate Rapha etc., etc, and Performance is more my style? I for one would be quite happy to have Above Category in my neighborhood.

[FlashUNC]

not to hijack the thread but Above Category looks ridiculous

I will say Chad and the crew there are great whether you're walking in to buy a water bottle or drop $10k on a frame.

[pdmtong]

I will say Chad and the crew there are great whether you're walking in to buy a water bottle or drop $10k on a frame.

^ this

there are enough folks giving them gobs of money. they do not and are not jerks to everyone else.

you wanna see chad get excited? ask him about bringing his first race bike back to life. or the campy tool set in the box. that's the same passion we all have

[joosttx]

Assos falkenSahn, Q36.5, Exte Ondo Frisch - very high quality thermals, good for that temp range, not great on packability for jersey pocket. The Exte Ondo fabric is a bit more water restistant/windproof on the front but has mesh on the back - a bit more breathable than the Assos.

I have the Assos and Exte Ondo and like both and if water resistance isn't a consideration I'd consider these good bets.

They aren't cheap but I'm done buying less expensive but less durable goods. These are really nice if you think you'll ride them the whole ride, maybe with arm warmers or with a long sleeve jersey or even good baselayer underneath.

The q365 vest is very packable. In fact it's the most packable vest I used.

[pdmtong]

Keep your eyes out for the Baum, it's made one appearance on Instagram so far.
I really like unpainted rear triangles on ti or stainless frames!
http://www.abovecategorycycling.com/introducing-the-twelve-days-of-breathtaking-builds/?utm_source=Master+List&utm_campaign=4e9a7a8f89-12_days_112_14_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65e1011364-4e9a7a8f89-121361257&ct=t%2812_days_112_14_2015%29
http://abovecategory.exitrowstudio.com/2015/december/3/images/header.jpg

[Kirk007]

The q365 vest is very packable. In fact it's the most packable vest I used.

I'd like to try the q365 vest as well as their other products. Heard nothing but raves. Does their vest fit well in a regular jersey back pocket? My exte ondo is doable but the Assos not so much.

[joosttx]

I'd like to try the q365 vest as well as their other products. Heard nothing but raves. Does their vest fit well in a regular jersey back pocket? My exte ondo is doable but the Assos not so much.

Yes, it fits well into a jersey pocket. You cannot put anything else into the pocket with the vest. It balls up to a size of a single wool hiking sock maybe a little larger. In the summer and spring I'll wear it in the mornings and then take it off and put it in my jersey pocket. I never thought I was over packing.

I am not sure how it compares to the other vests you mention but it's much more collapsible than the Rapha gillet.

[livingminimal]

Back to the vest...

My team's kits are done by Verge (now owned by Sommerville, I think? Or is it vice versa...)
I live in SoCal as well, a pretty windy part in Orange County. The Verge thermal vest is amazing. If you can find one, you'd do yourself right. It was damn worth it.

[jtakeda]

This is gonna sound crazy...

I've never used it for riding (I usually just wear shorts and a wool short sleeve jersey)
but for hiking I've used this. Works very well and light and super packable.

Big bonus for them being $9.90 on sale not too long ago

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/men-ultra-light-down-vest-156563.html#69

http://uniqlo.scene7.com/is/image/UNIQLO/goods_09_156563?$pdp-medium$

[oldpotatoe]

Lookin' for a vest to carry me in the 40's/50's or so temps, early SoCal mornings. Would appreciate any tips.

Thanks.

Rapha

[ptourkin]

Rapha

Agreed. This is what I use in SoCal. The pockets are nice and its packable.

Here's a preview of the Belgian Baum

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/12341070_932691550099313_2891394485841444449_n.jpg

[joosttx]

The q365 vest is very packable. In fact it's the most packable vest I used.

Here is a picture of the Q36.5 vest in a jersey pocket....

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/781/23503223430_84fbd697e9_z.jpg

[FlashUNC]

Here is a picture of the Q36.5 vest in a jersey pocket....

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/781/23503223430_84fbd697e9_z.jpg

I don't know how to describe this vest other than to say its witchcraft. Its indispensable for chillier rides out here.

[velofinds]

This is gonna sound crazy...

I've never used it for riding (I usually just wear shorts and a wool short sleeve jersey)
but for hiking I've used this. Works very well and light and super packable.

Big bonus for them being $9.90 on sale not too long ago

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/men-ultra-light-down-vest-156563.html#69

http://uniqlo.scene7.com/is/image/UNIQLO/goods_09_156563?$pdp-medium$

If you sweat easily or wear a backpack, the back gets drenched (somewhat to be expected). Nice item and value proposition, but better suited for off the bike (or on super casual rides) than for spirited rides.

[93legendti]

http://www.zappos.com/patagonia-nano-puff-vest-black~1

[ltwtsculler91]

http://www.zappos.com/patagonia-nano-puff-vest-black~1

If you want a standard insulated vest you can pack and ride in the Nano Air crushes the nano puff. The "no swamp" thing is more than hype it actually breathes like crazy and is just as warm as my nano puff. (I have both the jacket and vest, and they quickly became my go to for active winter pursuits last year)

http://www.patagonia.com/us/nano-air

[93legendti]

If you want a standard insulated vest you can pack and ride in the Nano Air crushes the nano puff. The "no swamp" thing is more than hype it actually breathes like crazy and is just as warm as my nano puff. (I have both the jacket and vest, and they quickly became my go to for active winter pursuits last year)

http://www.patagonia.com/us/nano-air

No doubt, it's twice the price of the discounted vest. Depends how much the OP wants to spend. I have a nano puff jacket, great stuff. The Air looks to be even better.

[ltwtsculler91]

No doubt, it's twice the price of the discounted vest. Depends how much the OP wants to spend. I have a nano puff jacket, great stuff. The Air looks to be even better.


True, the link you posted was showing $149 for me not a discount.

With a discount it definitely becomes a bigger cost/benefit equation. The Air tends to be around $50 more than the puff, and having both, I personally think its worth it. For everyone else, that's up to them.

[weisan]

Check out your local Goodwill store. I kid you not.

[93legendti]

True, the link you posted was showing $149 for me not a discount.

With a discount it definitely becomes a bigger cost/benefit equation. The Air tends to be around $50 more than the puff, and having both, I personally think its worth it. For everyone else, that's up to them.

That's odd, when I posted it was $99-the only reason I posted. For $50 extra, I would also get the Air. Just checked and the linked vest is $149. Looks like the Air is the one to buy.

[ltwtsculler91]

That's odd, when I posted it was $99-the only reason I posted. For $50 extra, I would also get the Air. Just checked and the linked vest is $149. Looks like the Air is the one to buy.

Being in web marketing, it's likely due to timing of a sale ending or your point of entry to the site. If you went into it through a google search or advertisement from Zappos they may load a lower price to entice you to buy from them ASAP as opposed to the standard price when you come into the page "clean" by typing in or linking through their URL..


You can usually find both in last season's colors discounted through Google Shopping searches at various outdoor retailers. Only downside is you end up with bright green or orange much of the time and all sizes aren't always on sale (usually medium and small can be hard to find)

[Kirk007]

I don't know how to describe this vest other than to say its witchcraft. Its indispensable for chillier rides out here.

Picture is worth a thousand words !

[joosttx]

Picture is worth a thousand words !

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/439/19416647536_9e65f4de9c_c.jpg

[FlashUNC]

Here is a picture of the Q36.5 vest in a jersey pocket....

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/781/23503223430_84fbd697e9_z.jpg

If this whole tromping around farms thing doesn't pan out for you, you can always model cycling clothing.

[joosttx]

If this whole tromping around farms thing doesn't pan out for you, you can always model cycling clothing.

who said I am not already doing it...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7593/16596292404_8f97043702_c.jpg

[Charles M]

An outside temp in the mid 60's here in AZ in Jan Feb makes pretty much every vest well insulated...