Eddie Bauer First Ascent Microtherm Down Vest

[Gabe Gador]

Hey fellas - anyone have one of these (http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/pr...mPathInfo=null)

In the market for a vest and while I like the North Face ones, they're a little too "poofy" and this one seems quite a bit more form fitting/streamlined while supposedly still keeping you warm (800 Fill Premium Goose Down, whatever that means). There's only about a $20-30 diff between these (these are cheaper) than North Face, so price isn't a big issue.

[bennynojets]

I saw this in the store, and it definitely looks like it would be good for layering. The side panels are not down insulated, which helps keep the bulkiness in check. Unfortunately, I did not try it on so I cannot be helpful on the size or warmth questions.

[mdoherty519]

If you're looking for a vest for actual outdoor use, or for layering while doing outdoorsy things and not just one for fashion, then North Face or Eddie Bauer are not the way to go. They are probably just not a good bet anyway for the price. Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Mountain Hardwear all make a better product at a similar price. They will hold up better and perform better than the North Face or Eddie Bauer vests. It will also be difficult to find a vest from one of these companies that is slim fitting, because for some reason mountain people are generally boxy, but I have had good luck with patagonia, mountain hardwear, and backcountry.com's store brand; and great luck with arcteryx (though they are usually a bit pricier). If you have an REI close to where you live I would go in and try some on. Here's some ones I found at around your price point

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/...?p=84240-0-042

http://www.backcountry.com/patagonia-down-vest-mens

http://www.backcountry.com/mountain-...down-vest-mens

[jeff4]

I'll disagree with mdoherty519 just a bit to give a different viewpoint. I've been an outdoor enthusiast since I was young, and was a 'gear head' for years, always justifying the need for mountain hardwear and patagonia over other brands.

I've recently found that this First Ascent line through Eddie Bauer performs just as well as my brand name jackets. That 800 fill is going to provide some pretty good warmth, and I've found this line is much more form fitting than down coats from the past. If you're climbing 14's regularly, I can understand the purchase of more expensive brands, but for general use, I will keep coming back to Eddie Bauer and the First Ascent line.

[Gabe Gador]

Great replies, thanks gents!

[lmwilson]

I used to work at an Eddie Bauer, and I would agree with @Jeff4. The First Ascent line is much more geared towards "outdoorsy things" than the already rugged-ish standard line. Plus, if you ever do get a rip or anything you can replace it for free. Forever. No questions asked. I once replaced someone's entire down jacket (~200$) because there was one black feather mixed in with the white and you could sort of see it if you spread it out.

They do fit fairly slim and as long as you like the higher collar they look good.

If you drop by a local Eddie Bauer they might also have last year's version (almost the same) on clearance.