Stacked up against the aforementioned Coldfront, The North Face Nuptse is heavier by about 6 ounces, pricier by around $70, lacks synthetic insulation for added weather resistance, and has a noticeably bulkier look and feel. Like the Cerium LT above, the Falketind is primarily insulated with down but substitutes synthetic at the neck, sides, shoulders, and lower back for better wet-weather assurance.

Weight matters most to those who are heading out into the backcountry and carrying their belongings in a pack (backpacking and backcountry skiing are two prime examples). Bauer, an avid outdoorsman, was looking for a coat that would deliver maximum warmth without weighing him down. Weve found that the pockets on the vests weve tested are perfect for comfortably carrying the basics: small objects like keys, a wallet, and a phone. From our experience, weve noticed that most jackets and vests are rather impressive at resisting moisture, and we tend not to fret too much unless we are out in the rain for extended periods or it really starts to pour. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. But along with the Patagonia Better Sweater above and Classic Retro-X and Filson Down Cruiser vests below, its one of our favorite casual options of 2022. The result is the, 1. Norway-based Norrna isnt a household name in the U.S. like Arcteryx or Patagonia, but they offer a quality lineup of outerwear thats purpose-built for demanding backcountry pursuits. Its puffer style is attractive and pairs well with a variety of long-sleeve and button-down shirts. Well start by pointing out that the majority of vests are worn casually as everyday pieces. But if you run cold, live somewhere frigid, or spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter, the Helios is an expertly built and high-performance option from a well-loved down specialist.See the Feathered Friends Helios Vest. Fill weight, which is the actual amount of down inside the jacket and very helpful in determining warmth, unfortunately isnt provided for most vests.Synthetic Theres no shortage of down vests in 2022, but the Cotopaxi Fuego stands out to us for a few reasons. But dont knock Filson until you try it: This Seattle-based outdoor brand makes ultra-premium products that are extremely well-built, functional, and look the part. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. A lot of major clothesmakers are too. Down soaks up moisture and loses the ability to insulate, whereas synthetics are much better in this regard. Along with user reviews from Amazon. In terms of warmth, the vest is filled with 2.4 ounces of premium 800-fill down that will keep your core nice and cozy (it also meets Patagonias Traceable Down standards). When evaluating the quality of down inside a particular vest, fill power is the most commonly provided specification. Taking the synthetic insulation into account, it isnt nearly as warm as a down vest like the Down Sweater above. We looked at the top 14 Men's Down Vests and dug through the reviews from 8 of the most popular review sites including and more. Built with a heavy canvas exterior and lined with quilted polyester, this vest delivers warmth and durability in an affordable package. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. What We Liked: Ultimate warmth is what youll get from this mens down vest. For a step up in warmth, Smartwool also offers their Smartloft 60 Insulated Vest for $160, although its not a UL standout at 10.6 ounces.See the Men's Smartwool Merino SportSee the Women's Smartwool Merino Sport. The recycled polyester shell fabric looks and feels great, repels light moisture, and comes in a wide variety of colorways from muted to bright. Added up, its a highly versatile and affordable design that looks great around town but can easily pull double duty for light outdoor pursuits. DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Pulling them tight in cold weather can do plenty to keep body heat from escaping. That can range from the 500s on the economy side to 900 or more for premium vests. The 650 Down Vest 2.0 is no exception, offering a legitimately warm layering piece for $80less than half the cost of the Patagonia Down Sweater above. Remember that its best to leave your vest unpacked while at home, which helps preserve the down or synthetic insulation. This fleece vest will add only a fraction of the warmth compared to a down or even a synthetic model. This Nano Puff Vest is sleek and versatile: Its decently warm, light, packs down small, and looks the part for both casual and active use. For down, fill power is readily available (850-fill, 800-fill, etc. Luckily, he still looks good in black. The vests on this list peak at a whopping 900-fill power for the Feathered Friends Helios Down, while most high-end down layering pieces use 850- or 800-fill down. Fleece is fairly tough but is prone to pilling after multiple washings or extended use. For a complete breakdown of the topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation. If youre spending up for a vest like the Ghost Whisperer, youd better have a pretty good reason for needing such a lightweight design. Just know that no matter how cool you look, this is one piece of outerwear you can count on to keep you warm. In addition, it has square-shaped baffles and a boxier, roomier fit than the Patagonia, which results in a slightly less polished look. And a final knock is that fleece tends to pill and will require regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. The RDS-certified sourcing on the down is a nice bonus for the environmentally conscious. Cotopaxi is also worth calling out directly as one of just a few outdoor brands thats climate neutral-certified (along with REI), which means they continuously monitor their footprint and work to reduce emissions. The vest also looks great when layered over a t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt or a thermal underwear top. For those who plan on carrying their vest along in a backpack, a number of our picks come with a stuff sack or pack down into one of their own pockets (this involves finding the correct two-sided zipper). Columbia Men's MoKay Lake Lightweight Down Vest, Black , Medium (Apparel), Alpine Swiss Clark Mens Lightweight Down Alternative Vest Jacket Black XL (Apparel), Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest, Black, Medium (Apparel), Eddie Bauer Men's CirrusLite Down Vest, Atlantic, Medium (Apparel), ZSHOW Men's Winter Removable Hooded Cotton-Padded Vests with Pockets(Blue,Medium) (Apparel), DWYM simplifies the research process by aggregating the reviews of the top product review sites. . Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Theyre super cozy, terrific for casual use, and less bulky and expensive than a full jacket.

And although our Columbia products have lasted longer than anticipated, its good to have reasonable expectations with gear available at this price point. And like many other vests here, Fjallraven is making efforts toward sustainability, using recycled polyester, organic cotton, a PFC-free water-resistant finish, and ethically sourced down. It uses lower quality 650-fill-power down compared to the Down Sweaters 800-fill-power, which means less warmth for the weight, but this isnt hugely important unless youre counting ounces or heading into the backcountry. But its hard to knock the versatility, protection, and premium look and feel that Arcteryx offers, which are big selling points of this vest.See the Men's Arc'teryx Atom LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Atom LT. Category: CasualInsulation type: FleeceWeight: 13.9 oz.What we like: Very cozy, classy looks, and versatile performance.What we dont: Not built for serious outdoor use. What We Liked: The hoodie on this mens down vest provides an added flourish and extra protection. Its also removable, which makes this a great outerwear item, no matter what the weather. For the price, youd be hard pressed to find a better vest.See the Men's REI 650 Down Vest 2.0See the Women's REI 650 Down Vest 2.0. and a worthy choice for hikers, skiers, and climbers alike. Geese are bigger and so are their down feathers, which are able to trap more heat. Russian soldiers had been stuffing their coats with feathers since the turn of the 20th century, but Eddie Bauer took credit for developing the first actual down jackets in 1936. In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. For a more buttoned-down look with a little less warmth, try the Patagonia Better Sweater Vest above.See the Men's Patagonia Classic Retro-XSee the Women's Patagonia Classic Retro-X. Columbia Mens Steens Mountain Full Zip Fleece Vest, 4. In testing the jacket version of the Better Sweater, we found that drafts were easily able to seep through the fairly porous outer knit fabricwe needed to add a shell overtop on gusty days, even in otherwise mild conditions. Below we break down the best vests of the 2022 season, with our favorite down, synthetic, merino wool, and fleece models.

Regular vests are mostly a fashion accessory. With a hefty 13.4-ounce weight and limited breathability, the Greenland is not our first choice (or anything close to it) for active pursuits. But its hard to beat the build quality and versatility, which is why we have it at the top of our list. For a step up in performance, Arcteryxs Covert Vest is a little lighter at 12.3 ounces and has a slightly softer feel and better wind-blocking ability with an additional liner at the front but costs $40 more.See the Men's Better Sweater Vest See the Women's Better Sweater Vest. This simple polyester fabric is soft, decently warm depending on the thickness, and offers great next-to-skin comfort. You dont get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture, can breathe better, and are more Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonias Down Sweater for years. This means that the Nano-Air Vest is an ideal midlayer for high-output activities like backcountry skiing or as an outer layer for running in cold weather. Category:PerformanceInsulation type: Synthetic (Coreloft)Weight:8.5oz.What we like: Wind-resistant, durable, and highly mobile.What we dont: Not a ton of insulation and doesnt breathe as well as the Nano-Air. The Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody has long been one of our favorite ultralight down jackets, and you can go even lighter (while still keeping your core warm) with the vest here.

Both functional and stylish.What we dont: Expensive and heavy. Because most vests are casual in nature and worn for everyday use, weight isnt a huge factor in most peoples buying decisions. Synthetic pieces often use grams (80g, 60g, etc.) The result is a ranking of the best Men's Down Vests. If youre looking for concrete numbers to evaluate the warmth of a particular vest, there are a few helpful clues. REI Co-ops in-house brand of outdoor clothing consistently churns out performance pieces at prices that are substantially lower than most big brands. to measure warmth, and merino and fleece use grams or other designations like heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight. Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. For high-output activities, synthetic insulation is more breathable than down and wont soak up moisture as readily. For these types of uses, youll often see synthetic vests from performance brands like Patagonia and Arcteryx, many of which breathe well, resist moisture, and continue insulating when wet. As we touched on above, down wins out in warmth and loft, but synthetic insulation breathes better, dries quicker, and is cheaper. If the temperatures get frigid or you are standing still for an extended period of time, you will want to consider layering up or wearing a full down or synthetic jacket instead. This vest is high-end in just about every way: You get 850-fill goose down for warmth (the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest above has slightly lower 800-fill), a super-soft face fabric and lining, and Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas prone to getting wet like the shoulders and collar. Of all of the synthetic vests weve tested, Patagonias Nano-Air vest (packed with FullRange insulation) is the most impressive at breathing and keeping you cool on the go, which makes it an exceptional midlayer for high-output activities like backcountry skiing or as an outer layer for cool-weather hiking, biking, or climbing. Another is the GTDS, which stands for Global Traceable Down Standard. Arcteryx does a nice job balancing weight, warmth, breathability, and packed size with their in-house Coreloft insulation, Patagonias Nano-Air vest uses an impressively breathable FullRange synthetic, and The North Face has spent a lot of energy on its proprietary ThermoBall (made in conjunction with PrimaLoft). But if you love the Arcteryx fit or plan on packing the Cerium LT along for active use, this vest will not disappoint.See the Men's Arc'teryx Cerium LTSee the Women's Arc'teryx Cerium LT. Category: CasualInsulation type: Down (600-fill)Weight: 13.4 oz.What we like: Great looking, well made, and warm.What we dont: Not versatile for performance use. In addition to casual use, some people wear vests for aerobic activities like hiking, biking, and climbing, or as a midlayer for skiing (both resort and backcountry). But the vest market is varied, ranging from casual to performance and including a number of possible insulation types. Norrna also added a hoodnot common among vest designs which adds a good dose of warmth and a nice, cozy look.

In terms of competitors, the Duck Vest cant hold a candle to the Filson above in terms of warmth, and its polyester lining will pack out over time, but for a whopping $225 less, its a really nice value. DWYM Fashion & Apparel Experts plus In short, the Coldfront is one of the warmest and most substantial vests on the list and built to withstand cold temperatures, but its overkill for mild conditions and not as around-town friendly as picks like Patagonias Down Sweater or Better Sweater above. If they dont (and its on the cheaper side), chances are the filling is duck down. Enter the Helios from down specialist Feathered Friends, which is extremely warm with 4.8 ounces of premium 900-fill down (and a total weight of only 10 ounces). Most often worn next-to-skin (its our favorite baselayer material), merino offers impressive temperature regulation, naturally resists odors, and has a very soft and comfortable feel. Since it's lightweight, it won't weigh you down or interfere with your outdoor activities. But for outdoor work and everyday use, the Carhartt Duck Vest is a capable layer at a price thats hard to beat.See the Men's Carhartt Duck Vest See the Women's Carhartt Duck Vest. Columbia MoKay Lake Lightweight Mens Down Vest, 2. Youll see this vest (and the full fleece jacket version) everywhere from your local trailhead to the watering hole later that evening, and nobody seems to be complaining., As is the case with many Patagonia products, the Retro-X isnt cheap at $149. SCRIPPS CO., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Many jackets wont specify whether their down comes from a goose or duck. In addition, you can get more warmth for less weight with options like Patagonias own Down Sweater or the Atom LT above. In general, we've found the ThermoBall line to be best suited for casual uses such as day hiking, resort skiing, and running errands around town. First is value: For $165 ($14 less than our top-ranked Down Sweater Vest), you get a really nice piece with premium 800-fill down and a water-resistant 20-denier shell. The vest includes two zipper pockets for storing your keys, cash and identification. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, packable, less bulky, and cheaper than a full jacket. Its the tightly woven filaments of these feathers that keep aquatic birds warm even on chilly swims. Well start by pointing out that the Down Cruiser is the most expensive vest on this list by a decent margin. In the end, we think the Coldfront is the more well-rounded cold-weather pick, but the Nuptse is a viable and more everyday-friendly alternative for those who dont mind the weight and cost penalties. Like Outdoor Researchs Coldfront above, The North Faces Nuptse Vest is a substantially built design with a cold-weather pedigree to back it up. Fleece doesnt block wind very well in most cases, weighs quite a bit for the warmth it provides, doesnt compress very small, and tends to pill up over time. What we like: Supreme comfort and breathability.What we dont: Pricey and not very warm. For a very reasonable $99, the Better Sweater combines plush, moisture-wicking fleece insulation that provides solid warmth for most mild and spring days with a classy, knitted exterior that wears incredibly well around town. Category:CasualInsulation type: Down (650-fill)Weight:1 lb. And when stuffed into its own pocket, the vest is surprisingly compact and easy to throw in your pack. But for casual use around town, Fjallraven consistently catches our eye with outerwear that merges performance and fashion.

Arcteryxs Coreloft is good too, although not quite up to the standards of FullRange in terms of breathability. Category:Performance/casualInsulation type: Down (850-fill)Weight: 6.5 oz.What we like: Premium build quality and design.What we dont: Pricey and built with active use in mind. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more. XPOSURZONE Mens Lightweight Down Puffer Vest, 12. Review Meta. . Breathability can vary significantly from vest to vest, and synthetic insulation is superior to down in this regard. Combining hydrophobic 800-fill down and a 10x10-denier nylon shell, this piece is purpose-built for minimalism, but you still get two zippered handwarmer pockets, a drawcord hem adjustment, and a stowable design (including a carabiner loop inside the stuff pocket). The Nuptse is bulky for a vest, although its quality down compresses pretty well. This is why most vests are casual first and performance second. Second, it toes the line between our casual and performance categories better than most, balancing Cotopaxis trademark retro styling with a functional feature set that includes great storage (two handwarmer pockets and two interior pockets) and a drawcord at the hem. Its no doubt a great piece, but there are enough downsides to drop the Retro-X in our rankings. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. But for a performance vest or baselayer for aerobic activities, merino is a very viable option.Fleece Our experts reviewed the top 14 Men's Down Vests and also dug through the reviews from 8 of the most popular review sites including and more. COPYRIGHT THE E.W. But different vests and brands do fit differently in the torso, and this is worth taking into account. The result is just about all you can ask for in a vest, from weight and warmth to functionality and looks.

in. Its currently available in black, silver gray and olive green. Playing off these strengths, Smartwools Merino Sport Ultra Light Vest pairs a water-resistant nylon shell with panels of thin merino mesh (blended with polyester for added durability), resulting in a trim-fitting design that offers a small dose of protection and just enough warmth for high-output activities like running and cross-country skiing. Its a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, as any new down sweater is compared to this legendary From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, youll want to have the right gear for the occasion. Realistically, the Helios has limited appeal. DWYM Fashion & Apparel Experts plus The sleeveless design of vests means weather resistance isnt a top consideration, but there are notable differences between models. Deep pockets will be a lifesaver for chilly digits, and its that much better when they have zippers. The Coreloft synthetic insulation and stretchy side fleece panels are warm yet breathable, the DWR finish sheds a light rain or snow, and the vests athletic cut means it will stay close to your body whether youre hiking, climbing, skiing, or snowshoeing., In terms of downsides, the Atom LT is relatively thin and light on insulation at only 8.5ounces total. Fleece is pretty much synonymous with coziness and has been for years. Down is known for its superior loft and warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic insulation is the best choice for breathability and weather resistance. Fortunately, the majority of the vests on this list are the trimmed-down siblings of the full jacket versions.

Along with user reviews from Amazon. Nothing is quite like premium duck or goose plumage, including ThermoBall, but it sure does a nice job of keeping you cozy while feeling light and packing down small (a 2021 update made the ThermoBall Eco Vest even more durable and compressible). Merino Wool As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions.Is it bristling cold and dry Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review, Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest ($99), Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Vest ($149), See the Women's Coldfront Hooded Down Vest, Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest ($180), See the Women's Fjallraven Greenland Down, Black Diamonds First Light Hybrid Vest, See the Women's Norrna Falketind Down750, The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest ($149), See the Women's Patagonia Classic Retro-X, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Vest ($225), See the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Vest, Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light Vest ($100), Feathered Friends Helios Down Vest ($289). Its simply unmatched in terms of warmth, weight, and compressibilitythe plumage and feathers are extremely fluffy and do a great job at trapping heat close to your body and packing down small. Combined with the very steep price tag, these downsides are enough to push the Falketind to a mid-pack finish. DWYM simplifies the research process by aggregating the reviews of the top product review sites. When it comes to vest insulation, you have two main choices: down or synthetic. Category:Casual/performanceInsulation type: Synthetic (PrimaLoft Gold Eco)Weight: 8 oz.What we like: Sleek design, low-profile, and cheaper than down.What we dont: Not as warm as down. What We Liked: This mens down vest uses a down alternative fill to keep you warm on those chilly fall and winter days. Of all the factors we consider in ranking vests, the Patagonia Nano-Air wins outright in two of them: comfort and breathability. And all of the small features are there: The zipper is solid brass, the pockets and neck have a soft brushed fleece finish, and the branding is much less prominent than on other vests on this list (only on the inside tag). Patagonia, for example, tends to have a medium to boxy fit that allows for a wide range of body types to wear their gear.

Further, theres an argument that folks hitting the backcountry in a serious way may want a full jacket instead of a vest. For a little background, merino sheep are a specific breed highly prized for soft and finely crimped wool. Water Resistant Outer ShellThis men's down vest has a host of attractive features including secure hand pockets and the ability to resist rain and snow. The down and synthetic vests above are quality insulators, but fleece wins out in coziness and everyday appeal. We were pleasantly surprised at just how nice our first Filson products were, and combined with the lifetime warranty the company offers on all of its gear, this could be your go-to vest for years to come. Category: Casual/performanceInsulation type: Synthetic (PrimaLoft ThermoBall)Weight: 13.3 oz.What we like: Comfortable, lightweight, and easily compressible.What we dont: Heavier but not warmer than the Nano Puff above. Amazon Essentials Mens Lightweight Down Vest, Kick-Start Every Morning With Coffee Maker. Some high-end and mid-range vests like the Arc'teryx Atom LT and Patagonia Nano-Air add a DWR (durable water repellant) treatment, which helps water bead up and roll off your vest instead of soaking in. On the other hand, Arcteryx's Cerium LT and Atom LT are designed with performance in mind and therefore have snug, athletic fits. Category:Performance/casualInsulation type: Synthetic (FullRange)Weight:7.4 oz. The Greenland Down Liner Vest screams quality, pairing well-selected colorways with classic horizontal baffles and a stylish chest pocket with flap and button closure. Down refers to a specific inner layer of feathers on ducks or geese. Finally, its worth considering Mountain Hardwears synthetic Ghost Shadow: At 7.3 ounces, it features a more performance-oriented design (internal dump pockets and stitch-free panels for comfort under a backpack or harness), slightly less boxy shape (a primary complaint about the Ghost Whisperer here), and cheaper price tag at $150.See the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Vest. This wont be a selling point for everyone, but its become an increasingly important consideration for many consumers in recent years. Economical Price TagIf you're searching for a budget-friendly men's down vest, this model is an excellent buy. Category:CasualInsulation type: FleeceWeight: 8.8 oz.What we like: Bargain-basement price.What we dont: Not very warm. Note: The Coldfront does run on the bigger side to allow room for layering underneath, so be sure to take that into account when deciding on size.See the Men's OR Coldfront Down Vest See the Women's Coldfront Hooded Down Vest. One of our favorite synthetic-insulated vests on the market is the Nano Puff from Patagonia, which also comes in a very popular full jacket version (as do most other vests on this list). (A 650-fill vest like the Eddie Bauer CirrusLite, for example, is filled with down that takes up 650 cu. Merino wool also is a good breather for aerobic activities like running and cross-country skiing, although its utility is somewhat limited as these vests tend to be thinner and less warm than synthetics. As we covered above, down is the warmest type of insulation for the weight. All have their upsides, but at the end of the day none are quite as warm and packable as premium down (Patagonias PlumaFill is the closest weve tested). Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category. The fleece eventually will show wear, especially after a number of washings.See the Men's Columbia Steens Mountain See the Women's Columbia Benton Springs. It turns out it can do the same for humans when stuffed inside a jacket, though it can still get water-logged without the right insulation in the outer material. And when you need to do that, theres nothing quite like a good down vest. Our top pick, the Patagonia Down Sweater, is 20x30-denier, and the Arcteryx Atom LT is 20-denier. That way, your phone, wallet or other personal items can benefit from any waterproofing the vest may have. Want space for both your hands and gear? From wearing around the city to hiking and use as a midlayer for skiing, this vest pretty much does it all. But for an active vest with tons of everyday appeal, you cant beat the Nano Puff.See the Men's Patagonia Nano Puff See the Women's Patagonia Nano Puff.

All that said, fleece isnt the best option for serious performance use. That said, the combination of wool insulation and weather-resistant nylon certainly is intriguing for performance use, and weve been pleasantly surprised by how much difference just a little extra protection around the core can make. The shell, including its material, thickness, and coating, largely determines the degree of weather protection. And like the OR, the Nuptse has a relaxed fit for layering underneath, so you may want to size down depending on your intended use.See the Men's TNF Retro Nuptse See the Women's TNF Retro Nuptse. If youre looking to shave ounces from your kit, Mountain Hardwears Ghost Whisperer collection is a great place to start. It turned out that other hunters and fisherman were looking for the same thing.

Sitemap 15