Down Sleeves

I daydreamed about something like these for years but never had the skills to make them. They were hard to find, so I was thrilled when I saw them.
I've had them about a year now. Being able to put them on/take them off with my pack on makes a lot of difference. I used to end up with cold arms and numb/fumbly fingers because I didn't want to risk getting my jacket wet with sweat. I also didn't want to crush the down fill in the back and shoulders of my jacket under the weight of my pack.
Now I use the down sleeves whenever I need them, and when the pack comes off, I put on a down vest (which has stayed dry and fluffy!), and it's just like wearing a jacket. I tied knots in the straps to customize the fit for myself; I got the large size in order to wear them on my legs at night, upping the insulative power in my sleeping bag considerably. Also, I use a small strip of "loop" velcro and fold it over the "hook" velcro on the straps to protect gear from snags.
These sleeves are the most versatile, useful and helpful piece of gear I've bought. They changed my comfort level, day and night, considerably.

Really useful gear. Hiking and traveling in cool/cold weather, I take a down vest, these sleeves, and the down hood, and then can use them in any combination as conditions require, and to add warmth while sleeping. They take up little space, are light weight, well made, and very versatile. Used them this year while traveling around Iceland, England, Wales, and Scotland in January and February, and on the AT in March and April. Stayed toasty warm!

Backpacking Light Spotlight Review of the JRB Down Sleeves