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Eddie Bauer Men's IgniteLite Hybrid Vest

photo: Eddie Bauer Men's IgniteLite Hybrid Vest synthetic insulated vest

Constructed for maximum movement. Primaloft insulation to keep you warm even when wet. Stretch back for a close fit and maximum breathability. Fleece lined collar for comfort.

Pros

  • Primaloft warmth in front
  • Breathablity in back
  • Fits well under a jacket
  • Lightweight
  • Built for activities

Cons

  • Not for below freezing weather

The Eddie Bauer Ignitelite Hybrid Vest is unique in that the front of the vest is fully insulated and the back is completely breathable. Constructed in this manner for activities such as running, hiking, and biking where you want to be warm without sweating.

The front of the vest features 110 grams of Primaloft Silver insulation wrapped in 100% nylon with Eddie Bauer's Stormrepel DRW finish. The back and vest hem fabric is a combination of polyester and spandex for stretch and breathability. The vest has two zippered hand warmer pockets to go along with a zippered breast pocket with headphone port. 

The entire garment features Polygiene odor control and is available in regular and tall lengths.
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For testing, I was sent a size medium vest in Eddie Bauer's Dark Storm color with yellow accents and it fit my 5'9", 165-pound frame really well. The vest fits snugly without being tight thanks to the spandex in the back material. The stretchy hem keeps the bottom from moving around and combined with elastic arm holes keeps cold air from moving into the vest.

The inside surface of the polyester spandex has been fleeced for a nice soft feel against my skin. The soft fleece lined collar zips up to right under my chin. I found that full range of movement was easy as the vest hugs my body so well.
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When I received the Ignitelite Hybrid I was intrigued by its unusual appearance having never used what appears to be a half insulated vest. Once the weather turned cold and I started to test the vest I began to understand the concept better.

When I wore the vest hiking or biking I found the sound reasoning that only the front of my body needed the insulation to keep me warm. Having the back totally breathable allowed me to keep moving without constantly having zip and unzip the vest to regulate my body temperature.

During crappy weather the Primaloft insulation has done a great job of keeping me warm in temperatures down to freezing even while mountain biking in light rain. So far the water resistant coating has kept me from finding out just how warm the vest would be when fully wet, as I normally put on a rain shell over the vest during hard rain. 

After four months of testing, while this might not be the vest to wear sitting around camp, I like it for a wide range of active outdoor activities. I also just like to wear it when I am out and about for a little more warmth that a shirt. 

Product facts:

  • Size: Small- XXLarge
  • Colors: Ascent Blue, Storm, Cherry, Dark Storm
  • Price: Regular: $99, Tall: $119

Source: tested or reviewed it for the manufacturer (I kept the product after testing.)

Disclosure: The author of this review received a sample of the product from the brand or its representative in exchange for a review.

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $58.99-$74.25
Product Details from Eddie Bauer »

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