I have a Ventus and have found it to fit it’s intended niche perfectly. It was all I needed on my most recent trip where we got down to the mid 40’s overnight.
I just received my Vario yesterday. First impressions are in line with your review. It is notably warmer than my Ventus hoodie, the hand pockets are fantastic, the zipper is smooth and robust, and the matte material is stylish and minimalist. Looking forward to taking it out on an overnighter this weekend around Springer Mt. and I’ll post an update in the comments with my thoughts, but initial impressions are very good. Outdoor Vitals continues to knock it out of the park.
I don’t have one yet, but I do have the Ventus and love it. I can definitely see where the full zip and added insulation in this one will be an awesome piece.
I've owned the Ventus for over a year and just ordered the Vario. I can tell you from my experience with the Ventus that it does exactly what it's supposed to do as an Active mid-layer. I've worn it in Maine, Snowshoeing in temps of 10-20 degrees and have almost been too warm! I can't wait to try both pieces together in negative temps.
Great review, I purchased a few days ago and waiting for it’s arrival. One of my main reasons for this purchase was the having the Ventus and enjoying it as a active layer. I believe this will give my Patagonia Nano Air jacket it’s deserved competition for a camp jacket. Again great review of the Vario jacket, look forward to putting it to work. Have a great week…
I have both the Ventus and the Vario, and I much prefer the Vario. The Vario has an amazing temperature range, is very comfy and with the full zipper is now my go-to insulation layer for all but the coldest hikes.
Spot on review. I just got mine - Fit is very similar to the Atom LT - The Vario in large shows 10 oz and the Atom LT in large shows 14 oz. Been looking for a piece to combine with the Ventus and this looks perfect. I also wish it had a chest pocket but love the fit and the full zipper. Fit is athletic - I'm 5'10'' 165 lbs and large fits perfect.
I've had an Atom for about a year and absolutely love it, just got my Vario yesterday and looking forward to getting out to compare. So far very impressed.
Really solid review. I'll take down on a trip for night temps but I'm all in with synthetic insulated jackets when moving. Two quick questions if anyone has it. Estimate of standing around warmth with a midweight baselayer and its range when moving? And are there internal pockets? Doubt there are because it wasn't mentioned but they're handy in the cold. I've used a lot of brands but don't have anything from OV but their stuff looks solid and fairly priced. Really like the cut of this. Thanks for the deep dive on it.
I'm loving my Vario so far. It's working well with the temp swings in the Southeast. I haven't been on a hike yet. I'll probably layer it with the Dragon wool
Haven’t tried any of the OV gear yet. Only because I’m very happy with set up I already have, but their pillows and clothing line are exceptional in both quality and functionality!
Granted I have kind of a small head, but I can get my Ventus hood over my bike helmet even though it's well fitting for normal use. It just has the stretch.
Overpriced and not necessary for backpacking, at least here in the pacific northwest. For actual backpacking its never cold enough to hike in a warm mid layer, and when you camp a puffy is good for static stops, the trek 100 slays. For winter missions, it's still not cold enough (20-35F during the day) for more than a fleece, and when it is (10-15F a few time a winter tops) a proton type jacket is appropriate but even a good fleece and breathable windshirt is killer, UL, and saves pack space for a larger down/synthetic parka for camping. If it's snowing you are in a shell usually and working hard you can stay warm with a base or fleece under and again a belay style over layer is crutch for stops. 200 is a terrible valuable proposition when a R1 Air or alpha fleece are cheaper, and a Nano Air on sale (200 bucks) is availalbe.
Def impressed by this OV piece. Unfortunately it's still around double the price of a Decathlon Trek 100 jack however, it's easier to clean and will do better in damp conditions which is nice 🙌
I think the Trek 100 is in a slightly different use category. The Trek 100 for me is much more insulated than the Vario and more similar for me to the Torrid Apex from EE. The price of the Trek 100 is amazing though!
@@BackcountryExposure ah good to know! I thought the Vario was better insulated and a competitor to the Trek 100. Bummer it's not as warm. Thanks for the info Devin! Great video!
@@BackcountryExposure the trek 100 is an insulated down jacket. Very warm for the weight, but for static use. The Vario is an active mid layer, not that warm when static. Completely different use cases.
I've never personally worn/used the Nano pieces from Patagonia, so I can't speak to that from experience. Looking at the Nano Air on their website though, I'd say they are definitely in similar categories and it's likely that either one would be a great option. Spec wise, the Nano Air looks to have an increased amount of insulation compared to the Vario. 60g for the Nano and 40g for the Vario. Based on that info, if you need/want something slightly more insulated, then the Nano would be the consideration for that.
I have both and the fit seems very similar - My Atom LT weighs 14 oz in large and this Vario weighs 10 oz. I love both but the Vario is the one I would take backpacking. I will be comparing the warmth this week. I am betting the Vario will be better due to the newer insulation tech.
Nice! I love the Atom LT, I've had 3 of them over the past 8-10 years. It's an amazing jacket. However, I am very keen to the performance of the Vario over the Atom. The Atom is a bit more bulk and weight with the polartec side panels through the torso, and I've been really impressed with the wind performance of the Vario over the Atom. The Vario has less seams, so it cuts wind way better, imo.
@@BackcountryExposure Ok what is it? Looks to me a cheap Chinese item way overpriced to pay for the off the charts marketing hype! Plus, they want you to pay to be a member for a small discount on this crap. Nope, a few more bucks and you can have a brand name item of better quality and warranty.
This is because outdoor vitals has been wining and dining TH-camrs for the last couple years I like their stuff all though kind of funny all of a sudden getting TH-cam Love from all over@@BackcountryExposure
I have a Ventus and have found it to fit it’s intended niche perfectly. It was all I needed on my most recent trip where we got down to the mid 40’s overnight.
Yeah that's been my experience with the Ventus as well. Impressive!
Same here. It's a perfect active mid layer for me. Once I stop moving around I'll put on another layer if it's cold enough.
You answered all I wanted to know. Thank you for a great review. Love your other videos too!
I just received my Vario yesterday. First impressions are in line with your review. It is notably warmer than my Ventus hoodie, the hand pockets are fantastic, the zipper is smooth and robust, and the matte material is stylish and minimalist. Looking forward to taking it out on an overnighter this weekend around Springer Mt. and I’ll post an update in the comments with my thoughts, but initial impressions are very good. Outdoor Vitals continues to knock it out of the park.
I don’t have one yet, but I do have the Ventus and love it. I can definitely see where the full zip and added insulation in this one will be an awesome piece.
I've owned the Ventus for over a year and just ordered the Vario. I can tell you from my experience with the Ventus that it does exactly what it's supposed to do as an Active mid-layer. I've worn it in Maine, Snowshoeing in temps of 10-20 degrees and have almost been too warm! I can't wait to try both pieces together in negative temps.
Thank you for the in depth review and comparrison.
Great review, I purchased a few days ago and waiting for it’s arrival. One of my main reasons for this purchase was the having the Ventus and enjoying it as a active layer. I believe this will give my Patagonia Nano Air jacket it’s deserved competition for a camp jacket. Again great review of the Vario jacket, look forward to putting it to work. Have a great week…
Thank you!
I have both the Ventus and the Vario, and I much prefer the Vario. The Vario has an amazing temperature range, is very comfy and with the full zipper is now my go-to insulation layer for all but the coldest hikes.
6:24 I saw you trying to put those hands in your pockets 😂 all love ❤ - great review as always!
Ha ha ha! Yes, that 100% happened!
Spot on review. I just got mine - Fit is very similar to the Atom LT - The Vario in large shows 10 oz and the Atom LT in large shows 14 oz. Been looking for a piece to combine with the Ventus and this looks perfect. I also wish it had a chest pocket but love the fit and the full zipper. Fit is athletic - I'm 5'10'' 165 lbs and large fits perfect.
Which is your preferred jacket? The atom or the Vario?
@@cameronhindmarsh95 really like them both. Need more time with the Vario but that is the one I would probably take with me into the back country.
I've had an Atom for about a year and absolutely love it, just got my Vario yesterday and looking forward to getting out to compare. So far very impressed.
Really solid review. I'll take down on a trip for night temps but I'm all in with synthetic insulated jackets when moving. Two quick questions if anyone has it.
Estimate of standing around warmth with a midweight baselayer and its range when moving? And are there internal pockets? Doubt there are because it wasn't mentioned but they're handy in the cold.
I've used a lot of brands but don't have anything from OV but their stuff looks solid and fairly priced. Really like the cut of this. Thanks for the deep dive on it.
Ventus is awesome. Suspect the Vario will be as well. Thanks for the review
I will say that the Ventus has been warm for me around 35 degrees, and surprisingly good as a wind break as well
I'm loving my Vario so far. It's working well with the temp swings in the Southeast. I haven't been on a hike yet. I'll probably layer it with the Dragon wool
Right on! I bet with the dragon wool it does really well for lower temps.
@@BackcountryExposure that's my hope. I'm doing the Bartram Trail at the end of February 2023. The temperature can vary widely.
Very thorough review. If I hadn’t already bought one, this would have convinced me too haha.
ha ha! Thanks, Jim!
Haven’t tried any of the OV gear yet. Only because I’m very happy with set up I already have, but their pillows and clothing line are exceptional in both quality and functionality!
Does the YKK zipper have "Coils" or "Teeth"? YKK zippers with "Coils" aren't as likely to snag fabric as zippers with "Teeth".
Granted I have kind of a small head, but I can get my Ventus hood over my bike helmet even though it's well fitting for normal use. It just has the stretch.
Recently got mine! Love it
Overpriced and not necessary for backpacking, at least here in the pacific northwest. For actual backpacking its never cold enough to hike in a warm mid layer, and when you camp a puffy is good for static stops, the trek 100 slays. For winter missions, it's still not cold enough (20-35F during the day) for more than a fleece, and when it is (10-15F a few time a winter tops) a proton type jacket is appropriate but even a good fleece and breathable windshirt is killer, UL, and saves pack space for a larger down/synthetic parka for camping. If it's snowing you are in a shell usually and working hard you can stay warm with a base or fleece under and again a belay style over layer is crutch for stops. 200 is a terrible valuable proposition when a R1 Air or alpha fleece are cheaper, and a Nano Air on sale (200 bucks) is availalbe.
Def impressed by this OV piece. Unfortunately it's still around double the price of a Decathlon Trek 100 jack however, it's easier to clean and will do better in damp conditions which is nice 🙌
I think the Trek 100 is in a slightly different use category. The Trek 100 for me is much more insulated than the Vario and more similar for me to the Torrid Apex from EE. The price of the Trek 100 is amazing though!
@@BackcountryExposure ah good to know! I thought the Vario was better insulated and a competitor to the Trek 100. Bummer it's not as warm. Thanks for the info Devin! Great video!
You can pick up the synthetic version of the Trek 100 for even less money. Only a couple of ounces heavier than the down version.
@@BackcountryExposure the trek 100 is an insulated down jacket. Very warm for the weight, but for static use. The Vario is an active mid layer, not that warm when static. Completely different use cases.
how's it compare to the Nano Air and Nano Puff? And why wouldn;t someone just pay 10% more and get those jackets?
I've never personally worn/used the Nano pieces from Patagonia, so I can't speak to that from experience. Looking at the Nano Air on their website though, I'd say they are definitely in similar categories and it's likely that either one would be a great option. Spec wise, the Nano Air looks to have an increased amount of insulation compared to the Vario. 60g for the Nano and 40g for the Vario. Based on that info, if you need/want something slightly more insulated, then the Nano would be the consideration for that.
@@BackcountryExposure thanks for your response!
Hey, how would you say this compares to the Arcteryx atom lt hoody?
Smaller than the Atom because it doesn’t have the polartec side panels through the torso.
I have both and the fit seems very similar - My Atom LT weighs 14 oz in large and this Vario weighs 10 oz. I love both but the Vario is the one I would take backpacking. I will be comparing the warmth this week. I am betting the Vario will be better due to the newer insulation tech.
@@jamesh6411 what’s the verdict? Curious about the static warmth.
Great information. 👍👍👍😎🇺🇸
Ever laid hands on the Macpac Nitro Hoody?
I am not familiar with that. Will look it up though.
Layering system I have started is the appalachian gear alpaca hoodie and now trying to decide between atom lt or this new jacket are they comparable?
Nice! I love the Atom LT, I've had 3 of them over the past 8-10 years. It's an amazing jacket. However, I am very keen to the performance of the Vario over the Atom. The Atom is a bit more bulk and weight with the polartec side panels through the torso, and I've been really impressed with the wind performance of the Vario over the Atom. The Vario has less seams, so it cuts wind way better, imo.
@@BackcountryExposure which is warmer when static?
Way too expensive
Nah. Looks small.
To overpriced for a Chinese knockoff.
The thing is, is it’s not that at all.
@@BackcountryExposure Ok what is it? Looks to me a cheap Chinese item way overpriced to pay for the off the charts marketing hype! Plus, they want you to pay to be a member for a small discount on this crap. Nope, a few more bucks and you can have a brand name item of better quality and warranty.
This is because outdoor vitals has been wining and dining TH-camrs for the last couple years I like their stuff all though kind of funny all of a sudden getting TH-cam Love from all over@@BackcountryExposure