33,000ft Mens Softshell Gilet Activewear Vests Windproof

Would have just bought this if it had a hood
Light grey is my preference but bought the black colour with hood first as no other colour has hood option.

Best point first; this is one of the few garments among all the sleveless softshells and fleece I have been hunting on UK web sites in the last few years which bothers with a 2-way front zip. This is rare. 2 Way zip is essential since most manufacturers have done away with button flap or pop-stud flap to save costs. If you don’t know how vital a 2 way zip is just wear this and compare with the company’s other sleeveless garments. Garments with only one way front zip makes it uncomfortable or awkward to sit down. Previously I noticed all one way zipped garments always had busted zips. You will find that too if you job involves getting in and out of vehicles or lots of movement such as bending and sqarting.

If this was a jacket I would never buy it because it would make me sweat too much. Of the less established brands I have not ever found a windproof softshell jacket which claims to be windproof (or worse, rain proof) to be breathable. The only windproof softshells I have any good experience are from established manufacturers using expensive materials such as Goretex Windstopper or Goretex Ignium; e.g. Berghaus Sanyia (ceased production) and Mountain Equipment Vulcan (still in production); but these really breathable farments are listed between 200 and 300 each. Both these have under-arm_ventilation zips.

As for price I found this to be slightly expensive. I bought Regatta Hewitts III (2 way zip and underarm ventilation zips) on Amazon for way less than 30 and Hewitts VII (one-way zip, under arm ventilation zips) but large “Napoleon” pocket for 26.77 (also Amazon).

Why did I buy this ? What are the unique points when You could get Regatta and Craghoppers, both established brands for less (jacket or waist coat styles) ? Well, it is the only sleeveless soft shell with 5 pockets and a hood (which could be zipped off) and the 2-way zip. (The material used would cause me to sweat if it was a busy & active day but minimised by the arm holes for ventilation.) Pity this model is only available in black rather than in light grey which was what drew my attention in the first place. In conclusion 5 stars for features but 4 stars due to uncompetitive pricing.

Update. At the end winter of 22/23 I still hadn’t worn this body warmer. The 4 favourite windproof jackets mentioned above did not have enough room to accomodate this waist coat on the inside for colder mornings and the garment itself (although correct size Large) did not have room to go on top of the windproof jackets to give extra warmth. Also arm holes are too small if I wanted this to be on top of a hoodie or fleece. But I still like the waist coat thus returning the Large to get the XL. Sizing is fine compared to many made-in-Asia garment sizes but if like me you want do carpentry outdoors and wear on top of other clothes you may consider a size up. Still recommended as it has good features.

Hurray, XL arrived and fits over another fleece nicely; just the right combination to wear on a cold morning. Worn it for the first time in action and no problems bending, squating, getting in and out of trucks. Going to keep a lookout for other colours if and when they too have hoods. Notwithstanding the mid layer laminate not being breathable according to my experience with garments (for work and leisure pursuits) , there are enough features on this waistcoat to edge it to 5 stars.