I'm wondering if anybody has used the Montbell U.L. Down Half Sleeve Jacket. I can't find reviews anywhere and I am interested in how the half sleeves retain heat.

I recently completed a MYOG jacket out of some left over quilt insulation (climashield) but the sleeves are too short and I'm considering shortening them even more to emulate the Montbell Half Sleeve, only in a synthetic version. If other people like the shorter sleeves I could save a bit more weight instead of trying to redo the current full sleaves.

Thanks, Travis

I sported the half sleeve jacket a couple of years ago. I used it with arm warmers and the system was effective but not warm enough to sleep in (with my Arc AT) so I sold it. If you search this site for my Arc AT posts, you should find a really funny picture of me in it.

I have been using one for about a year. I think of it and use it like a vest, not a jacket. Meaning mostly under a shell. I do sleep in it.
We have pretty big arteries running through the arm pit area; the half sleeve insulates that area and contributes significantly to warmth.
Tim

@steve - thanks for the info and the picture. I was planning on this jacket as an insulating layer for camp/very early morning hiking. I would wear it to bed in early summer, but my quilt is good to ~40F with just a T-shirt, so I won't need to wear it often.

@tim - thanks for the suggestion that the half sleeve is more like a vest. I currently carry an old patagonia powerpuff pullover, but it is wearing out, hence my reason for trying to make a new coat. I wear my windshirt all the time while hiking and around camp, so I am thinking that a vest with extra armpit warmth might work well for me.