Mountain Hardwear Men's Sub Zero Vest

Anonymous - 2009-10-26

Good quality, good construction
Like the fit, seems true to size (purchased mens large), have not worn a sweater underneath it yet-looking forward to the colder weather for layering for size comparison. It's warm, comforable, like the elastic arm pits I believe that will assist in layering underneath. Also like the multiple pockets, the two hand pockets are warm and comfortable. Very satisfied with the purchase so far and the customer service-chat line was helpful in deceiding which vest to purchase.

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Anonymous - 2009-10-12

Best bang for the buck...
Looked at many brands and suppliers before purchasing and found this to be a great value when accessing cost, fill power, construction quality and design. Athletic cut for snugger fit; but a bit short-waisted in the torso. Elastic armholes prevent 'gapping' in the shoulder area. Layers well under a parka for additional insulation.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Anonymous - 2009-09-07

Affordable, quality design & construction.
Purchased this vest upon my first winter 'back' in MN, where the temps plunge below 0 degrees F; and stay there! Wore it everyday for 4-5 months; it quickly became my best friend. At 650 fill power with a mix of 80% down & 20% feathers, it insulates quite well. With that much fill it's a tad bit bulky, especially beneath a parka, but that aspect is somewhat offset by an athletic cut that fits snug & is more 'fitted' than other brands. I didn't like the elastic armholes at first, but later found these to be an asset in preventing loss of body heat by 'sealing' the armhole and securing in place the wider than normal shoulders, particularly under shoulder straps. A couple drawbacks are that the torso is shorter (but then I'm long in the torso) & the vest tends to 'ride up' a bit; possibly because of the bulk from all that fill. I'm also not fond of the very noticeable & oversized MH name/logo on the chest (& logo again on upper back) but was able to tone that down by coloring it in with a Sharpie, for a black-on-black effect. Newer 2009 models seem to address this issue, in some colors, by matching the MH name/logo color to that of the garment. This item was my introduction to the MH product line. I'm pleased with the affordable, quality design & construction; I will buy more. Altrec's price on the Sub Zero beat all other brands & suppliers I considered & their customer service was helpful, informative & timely; especially when I needed to exchange sizes. All in all, you can't beat this deal; even with a stick!

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (4 of 5 liked this review)

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> Read All 10 Reviews

Anonymous - 2009-10-26

Good quality, good construction
Like the fit, seems true to size (purchased mens large), have not worn a sweater underneath it yet-looking forward to the colder weather for layering for size comparison. It's warm, comforable, like the elastic arm pits I believe that will assist in layering underneath. Also like the multiple pockets, the two hand pockets are warm and comfortable. Very satisfied with the purchase so far and the customer service-chat line was helpful in deceiding which vest to purchase.

Was this Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Vest Review Helpful? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2009-10-12

Best bang for the buck...
Looked at many brands and suppliers before purchasing and found this to be a great value when accessing cost, fill power, construction quality and design. Athletic cut for snugger fit; but a bit short-waisted in the torso. Elastic armholes prevent 'gapping' in the shoulder area. Layers well under a parka for additional insulation.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Anonymous - 2009-09-07

Affordable, quality design & construction.
Purchased this vest upon my first winter 'back' in MN, where the temps plunge below 0 degrees F; and stay there! Wore it everyday for 4-5 months; it quickly became my best friend. At 650 fill power with a mix of 80% down & 20% feathers, it insulates quite well. With that much fill it's a tad bit bulky, especially beneath a parka, but that aspect is somewhat offset by an athletic cut that fits snug & is more 'fitted' than other brands. I didn't like the elastic armholes at first, but later found these to be an asset in preventing loss of body heat by 'sealing' the armhole and securing in place the wider than normal shoulders, particularly under shoulder straps. A couple drawbacks are that the torso is shorter (but then I'm long in the torso) & the vest tends to 'ride up' a bit; possibly because of the bulk from all that fill. I'm also not fond of the very noticeable & oversized MH name/logo on the chest (& logo again on upper back) but was able to tone that down by coloring it in with a Sharpie, for a black-on-black effect. Newer 2009 models seem to address this issue, in some colors, by matching the MH name/logo color to that of the garment. This item was my introduction to the MH product line. I'm pleased with the affordable, quality design & construction; I will buy more. Altrec's price on the Sub Zero beat all other brands & suppliers I considered & their customer service was helpful, informative & timely; especially when I needed to exchange sizes. All in all, you can't beat this deal; even with a stick!

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (4 of 5 liked this review)

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Elke Eugen - 2009-08-23

Toasty, quality construction, love it
This is a top vest. Build is tough, doesn't feel like it will fall apart like some down items do. Fit is great (I had a large, I am 6'3" and 175lbs)and with the 2 separate drawstrings around the back or around the whole bottom it snugs up good. 4 pockets in smart places work well, it all stuffs into the bag nice and handy. Shoulder protection works good if you want to hike with it. I just use it under waterproofs for snowboarding and it makes me feel warm and happy all day long ;)

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juan m santiago - 2009-06-25

Awesome Vest
Short and simple, great vest, looks great i love this jacket

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Anonymous - 2009-02-17

Great Vest
This vest is very warm and is definitely designed with serious outdoors people in mind. The shoulders are wider which provide better surface for pack straps. ie; they don't sit half on and half off the shoulder cuff. The shoulders are made of a durable nylon which should take the wear of backpacks better. It's also a great looking vest. Very happy with it and Altrec's service!

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (2 of 3 liked this review)

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Joe Swendsen - 2009-02-02

Addictive!
I bought this vest a couple years ago expecting to only wear it sparingly under a shell during very cold winter camping and skiing trips. I've subsequently found it to be my one of my favorites, and I've worn it during a variety of activities for which I never thought it would be applicable. I would highly recommend this product; it's good as an outer layer over a light fleece, under a hunting jacket, under a shell, or even over your dress shirt for commuting when you just can't stand looking like another robot in a felt coat! I'm not sure if any changes have been made, but mine has a hem drawstring as well as another one about 4 inches up from the hem across the lower back, so it can be cinched up to fit like a glove. The only other vest I have for comparison is a Patagonia micro-puff, and this one actually fits me much better. (I'm a Med in almost everything) The quality is outstanding as well; I would argue the construction is as good as or even better than my North Face Nuptse full-sleeved jacket, (circa 1998?)and I actually prefer the outside fabric on this vest to that of the Nuptse. Finally, a quick word on aesthetics; I know earth colors are all the thing now, but I got this vest in kind of a carbon color with black and it is sick! Also, the logos are a bit more subdued - just the MH nut embroidered on the front chest and again on the center back just below the collar. I hope they go back to that so you don't look like a sponsored athlete. In conclusion: buy this vest! If you're even remotely in a cold climate (MN here) you'll find an excuse to wear it 8 months out of the year!

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Alexander S. - 2008-12-31

Great Vest
I love this jacket. I typically buy The Northface products but I must say that Mountain Hardware has great quality, fit and did I mention that is also very warm.

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Alexander S. - 2008-12-28

Awesome vest!
I bought this vest with some hesitation because I usually buy The North Face jackets. I must say the quality of this jacket is at par or even better than my North Face Nuptsy jacket. Buy this jacket it's warm and tough!!

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Dave E. - 2008-09-30

Very nice vest
I have never been disappointed in the quality of a Mountain Hardwear garment. They aren't bashful about their prices though. This vest is very warm. The collar is fully filled with down, so it's good when worn alone, but bulky when under a jacket. I like the idea there are both inside and outside chest pockets. Some might not like the bold Mountain Hardwear logo on the front, but I think it's classy.

Was this Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Vest Review Helpful? - Yes - No (2 of 3 liked this review)

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