Recently I went on a Grand Canyon backpacking trip and was talking to a friend about what layers to bring due to the expected cold and wet weather. I mentioned bringing a lightweight fleece for active insulation, but we discussed how fleece is so heavy. I'd been seeing Outdoor Vitals on social media for a while, so checked out the Ventus Hoody as a possible active insulation piece. I was pretty impressed with the specs and I was pleasantly surprised to see the insulation used in the Ventus was one I'd had experience with from another brand and really liked how it performed. Needless to say, the Ventus was my favorite and most versatile layering piece that I brought. I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of temps and weather extremes that I was able to wear the Ventus in during my trip. Even in pre-hike testing of the piece I wore it on an early morning dog walk where I'd usually wear a fleece jacket and my back would be sweaty, the Ventus left me more comfortable (stayed plenty warm) with a non-sweaty back after the walk. Like most, I missed having pockets when wearing at camp, but completely understand the reasoning behind why there aren't any. Besides, when worn with a pack they'd be covered up by the hip belt anyway. I'm 5'8" with a 39" chest. I'm right on the upper end of a Medium measurement wise, so opted for a Large. While maybe fitting slightly more baggy than it should, it makes it a little easier to get on and there is no binding under my armpits like some of the mediums I've gotten in the past from other brands with athletic fit..
In regards to the pillow, it replaced my previous pillow on the GC trip and I liked it better. Was able to strap it to my pad, and the non-slip grip on the pillow kept it from sliding around like my previous pillow. It was also lighter than my older pillow. I'll definitely be ordering more Outdoor Vitals gear.