Product Ultra Down Vest: K Series has been added to the 
Ultra Down Vest: K Series
For Alpine and winter stuff we use PHD's Ultra Down Vests. These are the best lightweight kit on the market.
Phil Newby, registered BAIML International Mountain Leader.
Features
- A PHD 'K Series' Product: Ultimate warmth / weight performance
- PHD's Unique 1000 fillpower down
- Water-resistant Ultrashell outer fabric (our lightest-ever proofed fabric)
- Ultralight 10X inner fabric
- Full width front handwarmer pocket
- Stitch-through for lightness
- New! Now also available in Custom Sizes. Specify Body Width and Body Length independently*****
- Small zipped security pocket
- Short lightweight (No.3) front zip - pullover style
- Elasticated side hem
- Drop-tail back
- Stuff sac
- Pack size: 10 x 18cm*
- Options:
- Burnt Orange, Charcoal or Blue colours
- Stud on hood with Lycra edging: Adds 35grms
* Please note: we make our stuff sacs big enough to allow fairly easy stuffing rather than reducing the vest to the tightest minimum.
Description
This K Series product has been created for one single reason, to take warmth-for-weight performance to the limit of what's possible. Unique 1000 down, super-light materials, and specific design features mean that the word Ultralight now applies to this wide range of gear that will take you to the Poles as well as on a Sahara Marathon. More on the K Series...
Our lightest sub-zero down vest is a genuine piece of mountain gear whose warmth will surprise you. A water-resistant outer (Ultrashell fabric) sheds moisture, while 1000 down and 10X inner fabric reduce the weight to a minimal 150gm. Warmth to weight at the limit of possibilities for extra-keen lightweight backpackers and mountain racers.
Please note: If you order a custom-sized version of this down vest it will take longer (approximately 45 days) to be manufactured ready for dispatch. Custom-sized versions of this down vest are not returnable and customer loyalty discount cannot be applied.
Technical
Ultrashell (weight: 40gsm)
The lightest of PHD's coated materials. This ripstop nylon provides complete wind block and good water resistance at minimal weight. Ultrashell gives an excellent upgrade to performance with very little weight penalty.
Ultralight 10X fabric (weight: 26 gsm)
10X, PHD's First 10 Denier Fabric. 9,000 metres of the yarn used to weave 10X weighs just 10g, that's about the same as a £1 coin! For all its thinness 10X is amazingly downproof and with reasonable care will go on giving you good service for years.
1000 Fillpower Down
This rarest of all downs we reserve for the K Series. European goose down of unique quality. 1000 provides the highest warmth-for-weight performance possible from down. More on our down insulation.
Sizing
Standard Sizing
The PHD Sizing Chart below is based on measurements without clothing, exactly the way you would buy a shirt. A 42" (107cm) chest means that your bare chest uninflated measures 42".
| Size | Height | Chest | Waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 155-163cm (5'1"–5'4") |
86cm (34") |
71cm (28") |
| S | 164-170cm (5'5"–5'7") |
91cm (36") |
76cm (30") |
| M | 171-178cm (5'7"–5'10") |
99cm (39") |
84cm (33") |
| L | 179-186cm (5'10"–6'1") |
107cm (42") |
91cm (36") |
| XL | 187-193cm (6'2"–6'4") |
114cm (45") |
99cm (39") |
Custom Sizing
Once you've selected a Body Width you can choose Body Length up to two sizes bigger or smaller. For example, a vest with a medium (M) Body Width can be XS, S, M, L, or XL in Body Length. If you have any questions about your size, please contact us.
Body Width. Use the chart below to find your Body Width. Measure yourself without clothes, relaxed with an uninflated chest.
| Body Width | Chest circumference | Waist circumference |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 86cm (34") | 71cm (28") |
| S | 91cm (36") | 76cm (30") |
| M | 99cm (39") | 84cm (33") |
| L | 107cm (42") | 91cm (36") |
| XL | 114cm (45") | 99cm (39") |
Body Length -- can be two sizes up or down from Body Width. Use the chart below to find your Body Length size. Measure your height without shoes:
| Body Length Size |
Your height in cm | Your height in inches |
|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 139 - 144cm | 4'5" - 4'8" |
| XXS | 145 - 154cm | 4'9" - 5' |
| XS | 155 - 163cm | 5'1" - 5'4" |
| S | 164 - 170cm | 5'5" - 5'7" |
| M | 171 - 178cm | 5'7" - 5'10" |
| L | 179 - 186cm | 5'10" - 6'1" |
| XL | 187 - 193cm | 6'2" - 6'4" |
| XXL | 194 - 201cm | 6'4" - 6'7" |
| XXXL | 202 - 209cm | 6'8" - 6'10" |
N.B. PHD clothing is unisex.
Notes:
- Down and Primaloft insulated vests are sized to fit over thermal underwear & fleece.
Reviews
Comments are for previous version of this vest, which weighed the same, but didn't have a water-resistant outer fabric
"For Alpine and winter stuff we use PHD's Ultra Down Vests. These are the best lightweight kit on the market."
— Phil Newby, registered BAIML International Mountain Leader.
"I bought an ultra down vest from you a couple of months ago and used it at Easter when I was camping in the Cairngorm's. I was really impressed how light and yet
warm it was, despite the temperature dropping to -10 overnight and there being a couple of foot of snow!"
— John H.
"Just got my Ultra Vest. I wanted to say a big 'thank you' for designing such a fantastic piece
of kit. It just felt 'right' as soon as I took it out of the parcel. I
put it on (on this chilly July morning ...) and I felt immediately
warmer. It is the most astonishing piece of kit I've ever owned (and I
have an awful lot of stuff, let me tell ya). Beautifully designed,
perfectly executed (not a stitch out of place). It's just breathtaking."
— W.P.
"So small and light that you cannot possibly not have it with you at all times! It is comfy and, when, at first I put it on I could not believe that it would keep me warm. How wrong I was. It is unnoticeable as a physical layer but highly noticeable as a warm layer. Peter Hutchinson has become a god of light and warm clothing in my book."
— Jeremy Hastings, Islay Bushcraft.
"I've been meaning to write to say what a tremendous bit of kit this Ultra vest is. I have to say the warmth to weight ratio is sensational. Top quality bit of outdoor clothing and it's been a pleasure to deal with your company."
— Mark H.
"Thanks for the Ultra vest ... a really amazing piece
of kit. This must be pretty much the best warmth/weight ratio insulation
piece in the world. I was glad to see your quoted weight matched the
actual weights precisely. This garment is set to become an instant
classic."
— Alex Haxeltine.
"Just a quick note to say I have just completed the Marathon des Sables and
found your new ultravest to be the perfect wear for the colder mornings."
— John Moorhouse.
"I couldn't believe the warmth to weight performance of that little beauty [the Ultra Down Vest]. It fitted my requirements perfectly. Many thanks and congratulations on making such fantastic products."
— Edward Fowler.
"Stuffs tiny. I'm wearing it now as the heating is being weird, lovely and warm and silky."
— 'Kesh' on Live for the Outdoors forum.
"I am so pleased with it! Tested that very evening ... I was like toast, and again the vest came up trumps whilst out in the woods last weekend. Once again thank you very much for a superb bit of kit!"
— Andrew Jones.
"In a way it's a shame that the Ultra vest is as nice as it is! In the interim I'd ordered myself a Mountain Hardwear Below Zero jacket but I'm afraid that it
feels second rate compared to the PHD vest. I fear that I'm going to have to return the MH and get myself a Hispar!"
— Marcus.
"Ultra Vest arrived today. It is a sensational product. Thank you for it. It was worth waiting for. Please thank the artist who made it for me!"
— Adam from Hobart, Tasmania.
Features
- A PHD 'K Series' Product: Ultimate warmth / weight performance
- PHD's Unique 1000 fillpower down
- Water-resistant Ultrashell outer fabric (our lightest-ever proofed fabric)
- Ultralight 10X inner fabric
- Full width front handwarmer pocket
- Stitch-through for lightness
- New! Now also available in Custom Sizes. Specify Body Width and Body Length independently*****
- Small zipped security pocket
- Short lightweight (No.3) front zip - pullover style
- Elasticated side hem
- Drop-tail back
- Stuff sac
- Pack size: 10 x 18cm*
- Options:
- Burnt Orange, Charcoal or Blue colours
- Stud on hood with Lycra edging: Adds 35grms
* Please note: we make our stuff sacs big enough to allow fairly easy stuffing rather than reducing the vest to the tightest minimum.
Description
This K Series product has been created for one single reason, to take warmth-for-weight performance to the limit of what's possible. Unique 1000 down, super-light materials, and specific design features mean that the word Ultralight now applies to this wide range of gear that will take you to the Poles as well as on a Sahara Marathon. More on the K Series...
Our lightest sub-zero down vest is a genuine piece of mountain gear whose warmth will surprise you. A water-resistant outer (Ultrashell fabric) sheds moisture, while 1000 down and 10X inner fabric reduce the weight to a minimal 150gm. Warmth to weight at the limit of possibilities for extra-keen lightweight backpackers and mountain racers.
Please note: If you order a custom-sized version of this down vest it will take longer (approximately 45 days) to be manufactured ready for dispatch. Custom-sized versions of this down vest are not returnable and customer loyalty discount cannot be applied.
Technical
Ultrashell (weight: 40gsm)
The lightest of PHD's coated materials. This ripstop nylon provides complete wind block and good water resistance at minimal weight. Ultrashell gives an excellent upgrade to performance with very little weight penalty.
Ultralight 10X fabric (weight: 26 gsm)
10X, PHD's First 10 Denier Fabric. 9,000 metres of the yarn used to weave 10X weighs just 10g, that's about the same as a £1 coin! For all its thinness 10X is amazingly downproof and with reasonable care will go on giving you good service for years.
1000 Fillpower Down
This rarest of all downs we reserve for the K Series. European goose down of unique quality. 1000 provides the highest warmth-for-weight performance possible from down. More on our down insulation.
Sizing
Standard Sizing
The PHD Sizing Chart below is based on measurements without clothing, exactly the way you would buy a shirt. A 42" (107cm) chest means that your bare chest uninflated measures 42".
| Size | Height | Chest | Waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 155-163cm (5'1"–5'4") |
86cm (34") |
71cm (28") |
| S | 164-170cm (5'5"–5'7") |
91cm (36") |
76cm (30") |
| M | 171-178cm (5'7"–5'10") |
99cm (39") |
84cm (33") |
| L | 179-186cm (5'10"–6'1") |
107cm (42") |
91cm (36") |
| XL | 187-193cm (6'2"–6'4") |
114cm (45") |
99cm (39") |
Custom Sizing
Once you've selected a Body Width you can choose Body Length up to two sizes bigger or smaller. For example, a vest with a medium (M) Body Width can be XS, S, M, L, or XL in Body Length. If you have any questions about your size, please contact us.
Body Width. Use the chart below to find your Body Width. Measure yourself without clothes, relaxed with an uninflated chest.
| Body Width | Chest circumference | Waist circumference |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 86cm (34") | 71cm (28") |
| S | 91cm (36") | 76cm (30") |
| M | 99cm (39") | 84cm (33") |
| L | 107cm (42") | 91cm (36") |
| XL | 114cm (45") | 99cm (39") |
Body Length -- can be two sizes up or down from Body Width. Use the chart below to find your Body Length size. Measure your height without shoes:
| Body Length Size |
Your height in cm | Your height in inches |
|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 139 - 144cm | 4'5" - 4'8" |
| XXS | 145 - 154cm | 4'9" - 5' |
| XS | 155 - 163cm | 5'1" - 5'4" |
| S | 164 - 170cm | 5'5" - 5'7" |
| M | 171 - 178cm | 5'7" - 5'10" |
| L | 179 - 186cm | 5'10" - 6'1" |
| XL | 187 - 193cm | 6'2" - 6'4" |
| XXL | 194 - 201cm | 6'4" - 6'7" |
| XXXL | 202 - 209cm | 6'8" - 6'10" |
N.B. PHD clothing is unisex.
Notes:
- Down and Primaloft insulated vests are sized to fit over thermal underwear & fleece.
Reviews
Comments are for previous version of this vest, which weighed the same, but didn't have a water-resistant outer fabric
"For Alpine and winter stuff we use PHD's Ultra Down Vests. These are the best lightweight kit on the market."
— Phil Newby, registered BAIML International Mountain Leader.
"I bought an ultra down vest from you a couple of months ago and used it at Easter when I was camping in the Cairngorm's. I was really impressed how light and yet
warm it was, despite the temperature dropping to -10 overnight and there being a couple of foot of snow!"
— John H.
"Just got my Ultra Vest. I wanted to say a big 'thank you' for designing such a fantastic piece
of kit. It just felt 'right' as soon as I took it out of the parcel. I
put it on (on this chilly July morning ...) and I felt immediately
warmer. It is the most astonishing piece of kit I've ever owned (and I
have an awful lot of stuff, let me tell ya). Beautifully designed,
perfectly executed (not a stitch out of place). It's just breathtaking."
— W.P.
"So small and light that you cannot possibly not have it with you at all times! It is comfy and, when, at first I put it on I could not believe that it would keep me warm. How wrong I was. It is unnoticeable as a physical layer but highly noticeable as a warm layer. Peter Hutchinson has become a god of light and warm clothing in my book."
— Jeremy Hastings, Islay Bushcraft.
"I've been meaning to write to say what a tremendous bit of kit this Ultra vest is. I have to say the warmth to weight ratio is sensational. Top quality bit of outdoor clothing and it's been a pleasure to deal with your company."
— Mark H.
"Thanks for the Ultra vest ... a really amazing piece
of kit. This must be pretty much the best warmth/weight ratio insulation
piece in the world. I was glad to see your quoted weight matched the
actual weights precisely. This garment is set to become an instant
classic."
— Alex Haxeltine.
"Just a quick note to say I have just completed the Marathon des Sables and
found your new ultravest to be the perfect wear for the colder mornings."
— John Moorhouse.
"I couldn't believe the warmth to weight performance of that little beauty [the Ultra Down Vest]. It fitted my requirements perfectly. Many thanks and congratulations on making such fantastic products."
— Edward Fowler.
"Stuffs tiny. I'm wearing it now as the heating is being weird, lovely and warm and silky."
— 'Kesh' on Live for the Outdoors forum.
"I am so pleased with it! Tested that very evening ... I was like toast, and again the vest came up trumps whilst out in the woods last weekend. Once again thank you very much for a superb bit of kit!"
— Andrew Jones.
"In a way it's a shame that the Ultra vest is as nice as it is! In the interim I'd ordered myself a Mountain Hardwear Below Zero jacket but I'm afraid that it
feels second rate compared to the PHD vest. I fear that I'm going to have to return the MH and get myself a Hispar!"
— Marcus.
"Ultra Vest arrived today. It is a sensational product. Thank you for it. It was worth waiting for. Please thank the artist who made it for me!"
— Adam from Hobart, Tasmania.
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