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 sort 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
- Primary Aspect Pockets: Two chest pockets with snap flaps, two zippered doc pockets, two zippered hand pockets, pass-through opening
- Reverse Aspect Pockets: 4 invisible zipper openings with elastic utility loops, two hand pockets
- Complete Pockets: 12
- Further Options: Locker loop on neck seam, 5.11 woven label and warmth switch logos
- Sizes: Small via 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 perform 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 via the chilliness.”
First Impressions: 5.11 Chimera Reversible Vest
I grabbed the Massive in Duck Brown, which I believe is the best-looking “do all” form 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 dimension on me, although I’ll say it sits a little bit larger and poofier than I usually favor, 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 for those who’re between sizes or like a extra fitted look, you may need to dimension down.
Subject Testing: 5.11 Chimera Reversible Vest
That is the place my skepticism of vests basically sort of held true, however not via any fault of the Chimera itself. I wore this vest on a number of events together with someday 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 sporting it over a sweatshirt or heavier base layer anyway. The insulation takes the sting off and retains your core comfy, however this isn’t the piece you’re grabbing for those who want critical heat.
That mentioned, layered appropriately, it dealt with the chilly simply tremendous. The only-digit day was completely manageable with the suitable underlayers. I believe 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 either side all through my testing, which shocked me. The utility facet, with its extra seen pockets, was nice for days once I wanted fast entry to objects and didn’t care about wanting a little bit extra “tactical.” The puffy facet cleaned up properly for operating errands or grabbing lunch. I may see, with prolonged use, one facet turning into the “by no means contact” possibility for some folks relying on their way of life, however I genuinely bought use out of each.
Talking of pockets, there are twelve of them, they usually’re all legitimately helpful. The hidden pockets on either side are deep sufficient to truly maintain objects securely (like a carry gun), and the zippered doc pockets on the primary facet are excellent 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 goal. 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 sporting, 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 fully. I nonetheless suppose I’d attain for a jacket 9 occasions out of ten in chilly climate. However this vest makes a stable 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 appears and two pocket configurations in a single buy.
In case you’re already a vest particular person otherwise you work in an surroundings the place layering is essential, the Chimera is value a critical look. It’s nicely made, comfy, 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 tremendously appreciated. Additionally, we want 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 either side or simply stick to at least one? Tell us your whole ideas within the Feedback beneath! We all the time admire your suggestions.
