AV Vesper Vests

[Starless_River]

️Product Highlight️

We believe these vests may be being somewhat overlooked! They are made from Polartec Powerstretch (the same material as the illamina undersuits), and are a very useful additional layer for both cold caves, and general surface work, especially on expeditions. They are very fast-wicking and quick draining, allowing a caver to increase comfort on slow moving trips (a useful layer for rescues, when a fast journey in may become rather slower once the ‘customer’ is reached).

Particularly effective worn next to the skin, but can also be layered over an undersuit for a quick heat gain.

A very versatile and useful bit of kit if you ask us!

If anyone has any experience with these we’d love to hear what you think

AV Vesper Powerstretch Top - Starless River

Aventure Verticale make a sleeveless top out of Polartec Powerstretch, a which has gained a significant following for being very flexible and warm. This is the same material which is used by the A V Illamina undersuit. The Vesper is versatile and useful piece of clothing for both cold caves, and...

starlessriver.com

 

[andrewmcleod]

Ah yes, the sexy black dress for caving

These are some of the best bits of kit I own - I basically never cave in the UK without my Powerstretch undersuit and my Powerstretch vest (except on wetsuit trips). Admittedly I do get very warm running around OFD 2, but personally I'd rather be a bit warm than cold For your average somewhat damp UK caving trip, they are fantastic.

I'm sure many people know how amazing Powerstretch undersuits are. They aren't actually super warm, but this is their strength - they are warm enough and drain quickly so they don't get heavy and cold when wet. So they aren't too warm when you are dry, and are still almost as warm after you've been for a quick dip (and don't hold too much water for the rest of the trip unlike some fleeces...). It's a really nice stretchy wicking fleece as well. Powerstretch is a wonderful fabric.

So how can you improve on perfection? Add an extra layer of Powerstretch over the core areas, of course hence the vest. Much cheaper than a full undersuit but probably most of the warmth.

I had basically the same sort of Powerstretch vest for years from Meander (I think?) and wore it for many, many years because they stopped making them. I was very excited when AV started making Powerstretch vests and got one immediately I think they are great bits of kit and I'd be sad if they didn't sell well enough and I couldn't get any new ones, hence me selling their (entirely justified) praises to one and all

While I use them as an extra layer over a Powerstretch undersuit, I suspect you could effectively wear one over thinner layers if you are (unlike me) one of those cavers more likely to overheat than get cold. As a fairly lightweight breathable fancy fleece, it shouldn't get too soaked with sweat and so cold when activity levels change.

 

[topcat]

I have one of these vests and don't often cave without it. However the very long body was a pain because it would ride up when getting into the matching under suit, causing a ridge. Whilst it was possible to fix this by some serious contortions [or a caving partner happy to delve into your furry!] it was irritating. I had it professionally shortened [at a cost]. Although I do sew and have a couple of sewing machines the material is very stretchy which gives technical challenges to simple hemming....

 

[seddon]

You maybe have one of the old Meander vests which Andrew is talking about? This riding-up problem is why, when we worked with AV to design the Vesper top, we shortened the back length compared to the Meander vest.

 

[seddon]

Ah yes, the sexy black dress for caving

These are some of the best bits of kit I own - I basically never cave in the UK without my Powerstretch undersuit and my Powerstretch vest (except on wetsuit trips). Admittedly I do get very warm running around OFD 2, but personally I'd rather be a bit warm than cold For your average somewhat damp UK caving trip, they are fantastic.

I'm sure many people know how amazing Powerstretch undersuits are. They aren't actually super warm, but this is their strength - they are warm enough and drain quickly so they don't get heavy and cold when wet. So they aren't too warm when you are dry, and are still almost as warm after you've been for a quick dip (and don't hold too much water for the rest of the trip unlike some fleeces...). It's a really nice stretchy wicking fleece as well. Powerstretch is a wonderful fabric.

So how can you improve on perfection? Add an extra layer of Powerstretch over the core areas, of course hence the vest. Much cheaper than a full undersuit but probably most of the warmth.

I had basically the same sort of Powerstretch vest for years from Meander (I think?) and wore it for many, many years because they stopped making them. I was very excited when AV started making Powerstretch vests and got one immediately I think they are great bits of kit and I'd be sad if they didn't sell well enough and I couldn't get any new ones, hence me selling their (entirely justified) praises to one and all

While I use them as an extra layer over a Powerstretch undersuit, I suspect you could effectively wear one over thinner layers if you are (unlike me) one of those cavers more likely to overheat than get cold. As a fairly lightweight breathable fancy fleece, it shouldn't get too soaked with sweat and so cold when activity levels change.

Thank you Andrew!

 

[undergroundHP]

I have one and find it very useful at keeping me extra warm but without limiting movement in the arms.
It is a bit odd being so long but with tactical tucking in it's fine.
I have worn it caving and on icy days above ground.

 

[paul]

Is there a size guide? What size would be suitable for a 42" in chest measurement?

 

[Starless_River]

Is there a size guide? What size would be suitable for a 42" in chest measurement?

An excellent question! Because it's a new product we don't have a size guide yet, but we'd probably suggest an XL for a 42" chest! Let us know if you'd like to try some on and we can arrange to get some to the Peak for you

 

[Ali M]

Tony - I would like to try one on please, but guess probably the S or XS.

 

[paul]

An excellent question! Because it's a new product we don't have a size guide yet, but we'd probably suggest an XL for a 42" chest! Let us know if you'd like to try some on and we can arrange to get some to the Peak for you

I ordered one a day or so ago in size XL for my 42" chest and as it arrived the next day I can confirm if fits perfectly.

 

[seddon]

I have one and find it very useful at keeping me extra warm but without limiting movement in the arms.
It is a bit odd being so long but with tactical tucking in it's fine.
I have worn it caving and on icy days above ground.

Possibly the new ones are going to be slightly less long, not that this helps you with your existing one!

 

[seddon]

Tony - I would like to try one on please, but guess probably the S or XS.

Hi Ali, these are unisex sizes so our guess is you will want the XS at least. We are going to order in some XXS with our next AV order, which might suit you better. I'll ask Tony to put a couple of the small sizes on the van for you next weekend.

 

[Ali M]

Thank you and you may well be correct that I need an XXS.

 

[Ian P]

Wore mine again today in a damp Swinsto, made the middle of Split Pitch a bit more tolerable