I’ll be sincere with you, I’ve by no means actually been a vest man. The entire idea has all the time appeared a little bit off to me. If it’s chilly sufficient for a vest, why wouldn’t I simply put on a jacket? That mentioned, 5.11 was very form to ship over their Chimera Reversible Vest, I figured now was nearly as good a time as any to see if this class had one thing to supply. Two sides, twelve pockets, and PrimaLoft insulation? Alright, I’ll chew.
Extra 5.11 on AO:
Specs: 5.11 Chimera Reversible Vest
- Insulation: 100g PrimaLoft Gold
- Design: Reversible full-zip
- Foremost Facet Pockets: Two chest pockets with snap flaps, two zippered doc pockets, two zippered hand pockets, pass-through opening
- Reverse Facet Pockets: 4 invisible zipper openings with elastic utility loops, two hand pockets
- Whole Pockets: 12
- Extra Options: Locker loop on neck seam, 5.11 woven label and warmth switch logos
- Sizes: Small by way of 2XLarge
- Colours: Duck Brown (mine), Black, Ranger Inexperienced, Tank Inexperienced/Climate Orange, Darkish Earth/Coyote
- MSRP: $130.00
“The Chimera Reversible Vest flips the script on on a regular basis put on with full-time operate and all-condition heat. One facet’s all-business utility. The opposite’s slick, low-profile grit. Zip it up, flip it over, and get after it. The Chimera doubles down by way of the nippiness.”
First Impressions: 5.11 Chimera Reversible Vest
I grabbed the Massive in Duck Brown, which I feel is the best-looking “do all” kind of colorway for this piece. Out of the packaging, the very first thing I seen was how genuinely reversible this factor is. Some “reversible” clothes really feel like an afterthought on one facet, not the Chimera.
Either side really feel intentional and full. One facet has that conventional puffy vest look you’d anticipate from an insulated layer, clear strains, and understated. Flip it over, and also you get one thing that reads extra like a fishing vest or a tactical piece with seen pocket flaps and extra utility-forward styling.
The match ran true to measurement on me, although I’ll say it sits a little bit larger and poofier than I usually desire, so I’d be tempted to attempt the scale beneath. It wasn’t uncomfortable by any means and didn’t require any changes. It sat on my shoulders naturally and moved nicely. Simply remember that when you’re between sizes or like a extra fitted look, you may need to measurement down.
Area Testing: 5.11 Chimera Reversible Vest
That is the place my skepticism of vests usually type of held true, however not by way of any fault of the Chimera itself. I wore this vest on a number of events together with at some point the place temps dipped into the only digits… I stay in MN, it’s a blast. Right here’s the factor: it’s not tremendous heat. I do know that sounds counterintuitive for an insulated vest with PrimaLoft Gold, however I discovered myself carrying it over a sweatshirt or heavier base layer anyway. The insulation takes the sting off and retains your core snug, however this isn’t the piece you’re grabbing when you want critical heat.
That mentioned, layered appropriately, it dealt with the chilly simply nice. The only-digit day was completely manageable with the best underlayers. I feel the place this vest shines is in these transitional temps the place a full jacket is overkill however a hoodie alone leaves you a little bit chilly.
I did really flip and use each side all through my testing, which stunned me. The utility facet, with its extra seen pockets, was nice for days after I wanted fast entry to gadgets and didn’t care about wanting a little bit extra “tactical.” The puffy facet cleaned up properly for operating errands or grabbing lunch. I might see, with prolonged use, one facet turning into the “by no means contact” possibility for some folks relying on their life-style, however I genuinely acquired use out of each.
Talking of pockets, there are twelve of them, they usually’re all legitimately helpful. The hidden pockets on each side are deep sufficient to really maintain gadgets securely (like a carry gun), and the zippered doc pockets on the primary facet are good for a cellphone or pockets. I didn’t carry hid on this vest, however I can completely see how the hidden utility pockets would work nicely for that function. The pass-through opening on the primary facet would provide you with fast entry to an IWB holster beneath with out a lot fuss.
No quirks to report. Zippers ran easily and by no means caught on the material. Nothing felt low-cost or poorly assembled. The PrimaLoft insulation doesn’t bunch or migrate after carrying, and the entire thing holds its form nicely.
Remaining Ideas: 5.11 Chimera Reversible Vest
Did the Chimera convert me right into a vest man? Not completely. I nonetheless suppose I’d attain for a jacket 9 occasions out of ten in chilly climate. However this vest makes a strong case for itself in these particular situations the place full sleeves are an excessive amount of and layering is sensible. The truth that it genuinely works as two totally different vests relying on which facet you’re rocking provides actual worth right here. You’re primarily getting two seems and two pocket configurations in a single buy.
If you happen to’re already a vest individual otherwise you work in an setting the place layering is vital, the Chimera is value a critical look. It’s nicely made, snug, and extra versatile than most vests I’ve come throughout.
In closing, I need to say thanks to 5.11 Tactical for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their Chimera Reversible Vest. That’s drastically appreciated. Additionally, we wish to know what all of you guys and gals suppose? Do you imagine that the Chimera is value spending your cash on? Would you rock each side or simply stick to at least one? Tell us your whole ideas within the Feedback beneath! We all the time admire your suggestions.
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