How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

A versatile, insulating and incredibly breathable mid layer, the Black Diamond First Light Hybrid vest uses field-proven materials for essential core insulation on stop/start pursuits in cold weather.
Imported.
View all Black Diamond Men's Synthetic Insulation VestsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 93% nylon/7% elastane |
Lining Fabric | Merino wool |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Insulation | PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active |
Hood | No |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 11 ounces |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 34 - 35.5 | 36 - 38 | 38.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 45 - 48.5 | 49 - 52 | 52 -55 | ||||||
Sleeve Length | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | ||||||||
Waist | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 31 | 31.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 42 | 42.5 - 46 | 46 - 49 | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 30.5 | 31 - 32.5 | 33 - 34.5 | 35 - 36.5 | 37 - 38.5 |
Hip | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 40.5 | 41 - 44 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 51 | 51 - 54 | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37 | 37.5 - 39 | 39.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 43 | 43.5 - 45 |
Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 |
HOW TO MEASURE:
Neck: Around the fullest part of the neck, at the base.
Chest: Around the chest, just under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
Sleeve: From the center back of the neck, across the shoulder, and down the arm to the wrist.
Waist: Around the narrowest part of the waist.
Hip: Around the widest point of the hips.
Inseam: From the crotch to the anklebone on the inside of the leg.
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I’ve worn this for about 40 miles worth of Hudson Valley ridge-hopping in temps from low 20°s with gusts into the 40mph range down to about 10° F and calm. This is my top layer with 2 wool base layers underneath and a pack. Yes, I work hard and get cold quickly when stopped, but hiking partners are less comfortable in puffies. Front panel is not at all water repellent, but there is no sense of dampness even with a bladder system dripping on it (heavily). Breathability is superb; moisture wicks right off on the wind. Hands stay toasty in those pockets with glove liners or bare. Mine is the “slim” fit variant and is excellent for those who are slimmer at the waist than chest.
The First Light Hybrid vest is a great option for a little more warmth. It is very comfortable and has a perfect amount of give without being too bulky. The merino blend back panel provides good breathabillty and does not appear like it will pill with extended use. All of the seams are sewn well. I have worn it out hiking and also around town. I think it would also work as a good layer for biking. It works really well under an insulated shell. The pockets are big enough and have zippers allowing you to stash some snacks or your phone.
The First Light Hybrid Vest has become my go-to mid-layer for backcountry skiing. It would also work great for other high output winter activities like trail running, XC skiing, or fat biking. The front of the vest is made from a wind-proof material to protect you from chilly blasts. The back of the vest is made from a very stretchy and breathable material. This prevents you from overheating on the uphill, which tends to be my problem with other backcountry skiing mid layers. The stretchy back material also enables to vest to "move with you." It never feels like it is constricting your movement. The vest runs a large. I'm 5'8" and 160 lbs. Medium is usually my size, but I was swimming in the Medium of this vest. Returned for a Small and that was the perfect size for me.
First off, size: Depending on the product/brand, I wear small or medium. I got this in medium and it is quite a bit too large. It hangs down too low, even below rain jackets and other outer wear; thus, it's hard to use as a mid-layer item. A Small would be better for me. In terms of warmth, it is warm enough over a shirt or light fleece jacket in cool, but not cold, temperatures (say 45-60 F). The product breathes well and blocks the wind. I probably would not take it on a backpacking trip where weight is an important consideration; other things you HAVE to bring would cover for this vest. But for walks, jogging, and shorter day hikes, it is nice to have along. I look forward to using it more in Spring and even our Northwest Summer, but it's harder to find a place for it in Winter. I wear it around the house, too, as we keep the thermostat fairly low.
This vest is best used as an intermediate layer in cool windy weather or for casual/office wear. The fit is good and it is very comfortable. The material feels good against your skin. I wouldn’t take it backpacking. Better saved for local and urban adventures.
I got the BD First Light vest just in time for redbud winter in the southeast US - that's the cold snap in late March where we go back to morning temperatures around 28 F. I've worn it in a marathon race (road), trail runs, and just out and about. In summary, the construction is shockingly good at keeping warm while standing around and then not too hot while running. The first thing I noticed was just how nice this vest felt - the hand is smooth and soft, insulation perfectly even on the front, and the back/sides stretchy enough to be completely unrestrictive (like while stretching). The zippers are a tiny bit stiff out of the box, but move smoothly once they've been opened/closed several times. I'm 5'10" and 163 lbs and the medium fits very well with a baselayer or even two thin shirts underneath. My major concern was the choice of a stretchy back panel without the nylon shell like in the front. I thought this panel would be cold, especially in the wind; our morning race was 28 F and breezy on the river front, but it really wasn't any colder than a shell on the back. However, once we got moving, that back panel helped me stay comfortably cool, likely due to letting sweat out. I suspect this would be great while skiing/snowboarding, but I won't get to test that since snow is a memory here in March. Features-wise, the chest and slash pockets are nice and deep; zipper closure meant stuff stays in the pockets. The zippers needed two hands to open/close early on because they were a little sticky, but that has smoothed out. The collar is high enough to be a neck warmer before you get going. I have absolutely no complaint about this vest - it's weird to give five stars, but I really can find no faults.
I have been looking for a light weight, warm, versatile vest for all of my outdoor adventures, and I have found it!! This vest packs well and stays warm where I need it. I have taken it on long hikes, x-country ski adventures, skate skiing and biking... It continues to amaze me. I particularly like the warmth of the front panel, and the wool back panel which not only breathes but keeps me warm even in windy conditions - a real game changer. The collar zips up to just the right height and coverage while the pockets are well located for easy access and the perfect size for phone and gear I access often. An unexpected surprise - the back wool panel is long enough for full coverage during climbs and also for journeys on my bike! I appreciate the quality of construction as I have taken it through some heavy use and it continues to hold up and perform since the first day I used it. This is my "go to" vest and mid layer for almost any of my outdoor pursuits.
Excellent vest. Thin yet solid insulation. A bit form fitting but true to size. Well constructed. A premium price point but you will receive a premium product for it.
I absolutely love this vest. It is very soft and surprisingly warm. Now, I expected that this product would be of high quality, but the actual performance exceeded my expectations. I use it mostly for casual wear, but this is great for cycling, walking, and hiking. It's small and soft enough to be packable in luggage and laptop bag. Note: I received this product in exchange for an honest review
I began to wear this vest for early morning hikes. It is light weight and comfortable. Fits close to the body without being restrictive. It packs small and easily when it’s not needed. After I discovered I was a vest guy i began to wear it more and more for other things. It is nice for a quick run or sitting around the camp fire. It repelled some light rain. Over all good quality and looks good.