Cabela's 550 Goose Down Vest
Posted By Mark on Jan 2 '08
Stats
| Waterproof: | Water resistant | Windproof: | Wind resistant |
| Hood: | No | Adjustable Hood: | None |
| Cinch Cords: | None | Insulation: | Down, 550 Fill Power |
| Cuffs: | None | Pit Zips: | No |
| Napoleon Pocket: | No | Handwarmer Pockets: | 2 |
| Sleeve Pockets: | None | Zipper Type: | None |
| Inner Pockets: | None | Seams: | None |
| Weight: | 10.9 oz. | Stowable: | No |
| Chin Abrasion Guard: | No | MSRP: | $30 |
Materials utilized: goose down, polyester shell and lining
Overview
A down vest can be an excellent addition to any wardrobe, for when the weather turns colder, but it doesn’t quite justify a full down jacket. Most down vests can be easily layered over a fleece or softshell, and layered under a hardshell. This is what I sought: a down vest that was warm enough to justify wearing over a fleece, but compressible enough to wear under a hardshell. I found it in Cabela’s 550 fill-power vest. It’s very simple; no frills, not even zippers. Just metal snaps on the front and slash handwarmer pockets. But it gets the job done.
Pockets
The vest is indeed a very simple design; it has just two slash handwarmer pockets. They are not zippered.
Zippers
There are no zippers, just five metal snaps up the front of the vest, to secure it.
Extras
There is no option for body adjustment, not even one cinchcord at the hem. The vest has a slightly elongated back. The collar is down-filled for extra warmth, and the fabric itself is wind-resistant, and has been treated with a DWR.
Qualms
I think a couple of improvements could be made to the down vest. I’d prefer a zippered front, rather than snaps, because a zipper is easier to undo; zippered handwarmer pockets would be nice, as well, in case you want to store some valuables there. I have noticed that there are quite a few small feathers that have leaked out; the stitching is probably less than ideal.
Warmth
On a scale of 1-10, where 1 is a long-sleeved T-shirt, and 10 an expedition-quality mountaineering suit, I’d rate the down vest a 7. It does a pretty good job of retaining, and adding to, core heat. The down-filled collar is a nice touch.
Waterproof?
No. The fabric itself has been treated with a DWR, but there are seams running along the top of the shoulders, and down is not fun when it gets wet; it tends to lose loft. Not recommended for rainstorms.
Conclusion
There are a couple of problems with the vest. The lack of zippers throughout, and leaking feathers are detrimental. But this is truly a case of you get what you pay for. It retails for $30! What do you expect? It fits well, the genuine goose down does a good job of keeping the warmth in, and it layers well, for the outdoorsman on an über-budget.
The Verdict: 7/10
Interested in this vest? You might also be interested in these down vests:
MontBell U.L. Down Inner Vest
http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/2202/MontBell-UL-Down-Inner-Vest-Mens.html
800-fill down, weighs 5 ounces, and stuffs into a sack the size of a Nalgene. Sweet. Retail: $110.
Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Vest
http://www.backcountry.com/store/MHW0138/Mountain-Hardwear-Sub-Zero-Down-Vest-Mens.html?avad=397_3676_df_4039_1255559
Like the Sub Zero jacket, it has a Napoleon pocket, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, and is 650-fill. Retail: $100.
