L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Vest

I had been looking for a lightweight, but warm, vest to wear under my anorak shell, and it seems that recently the packaway style vests have become very popular. I was not convinced that this light, easily packable, vest would add much warmth, but I was wrong! It is very comfortable, and work great under a shell, or alone over a base layer, for winter hiking and snowshoeing. I expect this vest will serve nearly year-round duty.

This is a really nice vest, which has surpassed my expectations...from Bean, I knew I could return it at any time if not satisfied, but this one is staying with me! In fact, though it has been used only for winter activities until now, I know it will be great in the spring, and also to bring along on canoe camping trips this summer. It will aslo serve as an early spring extra layer, with my cycling jacket

It is very comfortable, light, and warmer than I thought it would be, as it is so light. It has 60-gram PrimaLoft One polyester insulation, and it packs down into the pocket, to a nice compact size...I have brought it along in my day pack, and it takes up little space.

It is warm, under a shell anorak, to temperatures below zero, with a midweight base layer beneath the vest. It was also comfortable on a 40 degree hike, over a lightweight base layer. It has nice loose arm holes, with a tiny bit of elastic trim. There is a adjustable drawcord hem at the bottom. It is comfortable on the face and neck, even when zipped fully to the top.

I have used the vest nearly daily, and it seems to be holding up well, even thought the nylon material seems very lightweight. It is reported to be wind and water resistant...I can say that it is a nice barrier against wind, but I have not actually exposed the vest to rain or wet snow (as an outer layer).  It goes right into the washing machine, and dryer on low heat.

It has a nice roomy chest pocket, which for me is an essential element to any jacket or vest.

This is a vest I have recommended to friends and family.