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. . that will keep you cozy on cold-weather adventures like snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and winter hiking. DWYM Fashion & Apparel Experts plus Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Atlantic Regular, 8. The shell, including its material, thickness, and coating, largely determines the degree of weather protection. Fleece is fairly tough but is prone to pilling after multiple washings or extended use. The result is a ranking of the best Men's Down Vests. 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. We do have a few issues with the Nano-Air Vest. Tod Caviness has been a features journalist and writer in Central Florida for the past 20 years. Merino wool is the least durable vest type of the bunch, as it doesnt have a shell protecting the material and is typically rather thin. Not all vests in that signature baffled down jacket style are filled with actual down, and while synthetic fillings will be fine for light weather, theres no substitute for the real stuff. Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Down Puffer Vest, 10. Along with user reviews from Amazon. For these reasons, its very popular in performance layering, and particularly for baselayers. Well start by pointing out that the Down Cruiser is the most expensive vest on this list by a decent margin. Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this men's down vest is available in 27 different colors, including black cherry, azul, surplus green and ancient fossil. Without a doubt, down is the warmest insulation type. Read more about us., For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, its hard to beat a vest. Our top pick, the Patagonia Down Sweater, is 20x30-denier, and the Arcteryx Atom LT is 20-denier. Synthetic Insulation). At the ultralight end of the spectrum, a vest like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (10x10D) is built for true ounce counters. DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. 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. However, there are notable differences in weight between our picks above, starting with the Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light at an incredible 4 ounces total. Alpine Swiss Clark Mens Down Alternative Vest, 3. The thickness of a down or synthetic vests shell fabric is measured in denier (D), and the higher the number the thicker the shell. Its puffer style is attractive and pairs well with a variety of long-sleeve and button-down shirts. For a little background, merino sheep are a specific breed highly prized for soft and finely crimped wool. For an even more purpose-built option for high-exertion activities, check out Black Diamonds First Light Hybrid Vest, which utilizes PrimaLoft Silver Active insulation with strategically placed nylon/merino wool panels for added breathability.See the Men's Patagonia Nano-Air See the Women's Patagonia Nano-Air.

In addition, you can get more warmth for less weight with options like Patagonias own Down Sweater or the Atom LT above. 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. In the end, how a vest is made may not be the deciding factor for some consumers, but we certainly appreciate when brands are transparent about their practices and go the extra mile in creating more sustainably built products. Patagonias Down Sweater above is a great option for shoulder-season use, but those headed out in true winter temperatures will likely want a bump in warmth. Deep pockets will be a lifesaver for chilly digits, and its that much better when they have zippers. 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. Lightweight fleeces also can be decent ventilators, but most fleece vests are casual in nature and do not excel at regulating temperature. Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Remember that its best to leave your vest unpacked while at home, which helps preserve the down or synthetic insulation. 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. But its hard to beat the build quality and versatility, which is why we have it at the top of our list. Whether youre working outside or looking for a casual piece to keep you cozy, the Carhartt is an excellent example of why we love vestsyou can get a bombproof and cozy covering for your core while still maintaining excellent mobility and breathability (Carhartt also makes a Duck jacket, which we find heavier and more restrictive). Added up, its a highly versatile and affordable design that looks great around town but can easily pull double duty for light outdoor pursuits. But the moment you zip up against a chill wind, itll be well worth it. Next up is the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 at 5.6 ounces, with the bulk of the vest pack sitting in the 6-to-11-ounce range. Its also cheaper yet still does a pretty good job of keeping you cozy. And no design puts it all together better than Patagonias iconic Better Sweater Fleece Vest. This vest isnt teched-out and doesnt have the high-end look and feel of the premium alternatives on this list, but its a fantastic value overall. The recycled polyester shell fabric looks and feels great, repels light moisture, and comes in a wide variety of colorways from muted to bright. When warmth-to-weight ratios matter, well stick to names like Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research. What are the downsides of the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest? 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. What We Liked: The hoodie on this mens down vest provides an added flourish and extra protection. Because most vests are casual in nature and worn for everyday use, weight isnt a huge factor in most peoples buying decisions.

The 10-denier shell fabric will require much more babying than a vest like the Down Sweater above (20x30D), and with such a streamlined focus you also get a bit less warmth. This leads up to our next point: The 60-gram FullRange insulation does a decent job if youre moving but wont keep you cozy when standing still or in cold weather. When evaluating the quality of down inside a particular vest, fill power is the most commonly provided specification. Keep in mind that vests are layering pieces and therefore it matters what you intend to wear underneath. As we covered above, down is the warmest type of insulation for the weight. Below we break down the best rain Patagonias Nano-Air took the active insulation market by storm, designed to be a synthetic jacket that truly can be worn all day through a variety of conditions and activities. One thing we like in particular is the fit compared to other casual Patagonia productsthe Down Sweater Jacket is boxy in the arms, but the vest doesnt have that excess bulk and should work for a wide variety of people and uses.

The majority of vests here use down or synthetic fill for warmth, but merino wool is another excellent insulator. We rank the Down Sweater higher for its more subdued and streamlined stylingthe Cotopaxis vibrant stripes can be a bit polarizingbut this is largely a matter of personal preference. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. Merino Wool Second, Arcteryxs athletic fit isnt for everyone, not to mention a vest often is layered over a shirt or light jacket and therefore is best with a slightly looser cut. A heavy-duty vest like The North Face Nuptse is even thicker at 40-denier, and Filsons Down Cruiser fabric doesnt have a denier measurement but is extremely thick and durable. Popular for both casual and active use, Patagonia brings it all together with the Down Sweater Vest. Its worth noting that Cotopaxi is one of just a few outdoor brands (including Stio, REI, and Ibex) that is climate neutral-certified, meaning that they continuously measure their footprint and work to offset (and then reduce) those emissions. 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: Down (900-fill)Weight: 10 oz.What we like: Super warm and well-built.What we dont: Overkill for most uses. If youve worn Arcteryx products before, you know what the Cerium LT is all about. DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Not all synthetic insulation is created equal, however, and industry leader PrimaLoft is dependable and has been innovative of late. There are a couple features that will make a big difference for heavy outdoor use, and pockets will be one of them. This fleece vest will add only a fraction of the warmth compared to a down or even a synthetic model. But we do love the look and feel of this Norrna vest, and its thoughtful design touches make it versatile for both performance and casual use (which could help justify the cost).See the Men's Norrna Falketind Down750See the Women's Norrna Falketind Down750. And we appreciate that TNF also uses 100-percent-recycled materials, from the shell fabric down to the insulation. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? For added weather protection, OR also included a highly water-resistant Pertex Quantum shell and synthetic VerticalX ECO insulation at the shoulders for extra assurance in light rain or snow. And when stuffed into its own pocket, the vest is surprisingly compact and easy to throw in your pack. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Men's Down Vests. We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review. The good news is that the REI holds its own in terms of sustainability, with RDS-certified down (for humane treatment of birds) and recycled, bluesign (read: ethically sourced) materials. And a final knock is that fleece tends to pill and will require regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. As a result of the added features, the Falketind isnt particularly light for a down vest, clocking in more than 3 ounces heavier than the Cerium LT. Further, while 750-fill down is fairly high-quality, you can get more premium varieties that are warmer for the weight (and therefore less bulky) within Arcteryx or Patagonias lineups. All told, the Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest vests here and still offers a nice dose of insulation where you need it the most.

Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. We havent seen many collections as hyped up as The North Faces ThermoBall was at its release, but there was good reason for the fanfare. Second, Patagonias FullRange insulation is highly breathable and beats out Arcteryxs Coreloft and others in terms of regulating temperature on the go. 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. Some vests have a chest pocket on the upper left, and some have an interior pocket that may double as a stuff sack for storage. 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. We have the Cerium LT Vest ranked below the Down Sweater for a couple of reasons.

The vest also looks great when layered over a t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt or a thermal underwear top. Enter Outdoor Researchs aptly named Coldfront Down Vest, which packs in a whopping 5.3 ounces of 700-fill-power down (for reference, the Down Sweater boasts 2.4 oz.) Category: CasualInsulation type: FleeceWeight: 1 lb. The first is cost$250 is a lot to spend on a layering piece. 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. Most casual or all-around synthetic and down vests on this list are 20-denier and up, which allows you to think about your vest a lot less than with an ultralight piece. to measure warmth, and merino and fleece use grams or other designations like heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight. But for excellent comfort and everyday appeal at a low price point, the Better Sweater Vest is hard to beat. To reap the full benefits, we recommend pairing the vest with a merino baselayer (like Smartwools own Merino 150 Crew). 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. For ultralighters, down is the clear favoriteit provides the most warmth for the weight and packs down the smallest. Of all the factors we consider in ranking vests, the Patagonia Nano-Air wins outright in two of them: comfort and breathability. Amazon Essentials Mens Lightweight Down Vest, Kick-Start Every Morning With Coffee Maker. But it is comfortable and inexpensive, which are two of the reasons its so popular for everyday wear. Key measures include the use of recycled fabrics, down insulation thats traceable and certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and materials that are bluesign-approved (safe for the environment, workers, and consumers) and Fair Trade Certified (produced in a factory where workers conditions and compensation are priorities). For the most part, the price tag will reflect the filling. . and a worthy choice for hikers, skiers, and climbers alike. Down refers to a specific inner layer of feathers on ducks or geese. 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). 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. What We Liked: This mens down vest augments its premium down filling with a water-resistant finish. 3.2 oz.What we like: One of the warmest vests on this list.What we dont: On the heavy side and rather puffy. 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. 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 Nuptse is bulky for a vest, although its quality down compresses pretty well. Its the tightly woven filaments of these feathers that keep aquatic birds warm even on chilly swims. Nobody does fleeces better than Patagonia, and their Classic Retro-X harkens back to some of the brands original designs. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust. Like Outdoor Researchs Coldfront above, The North Faces Nuptse Vest is a substantially built design with a cold-weather pedigree to back it up. 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. Alternatively, ORs own Helium Down Vest weighs less at just 8.4 ounces, offers similar weather resistance, and has a much more streamlined and lower-profile (read: less bulky) look and feel. Fleece is most commonly found on casual pieces like the ubiquitous Patagonia Better SweaterandClassic Retro-X Vest. 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). Along with user reviews from Amazon. 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. 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). 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. What do you compromise by going with the REI Co-op 650 2.0 Down Vest? And when you need to do that, theres nothing quite like a good down vest. Arcteryxs Coreloft is good too, although not quite up to the standards of FullRange in terms of breathability. Patagonia also makes their All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest, which splits the difference at $129. Category: PerformanceInsulation type: Down (800-fill)Weight: 5.6 oz.What we like: Great warmth for the weight, down doesnt pack out like synthetic fill.What we dont: Thin shell fabric, best in dry conditions. In other words, you dont really feel the soft lining when wearing the vest over other layers, and the aforementioned odor-fighting and moisture-wicking abilities wont shine through either. For the Men's Down Vest category, we analyzed 8 of the most popular reviews including reviews from and more. Columbia MoKay Lake Lightweight Mens Down Vest, 2. First, the Nano-Air has a super-soft lining and shell that are literally pillowy in nature.

However, while we love merino wool as a baselayer material, it loses some of its appeal when used in a midlayer. 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. Want space for both your hands and gear? Further, theres an argument that folks hitting the backcountry in a serious way may want a full jacket instead of a vest. Theyre great for layering over a flannel or light jacket to add warmth during the fall and spring, and a vest can make you much more comfortable without the need for a full-on jacket. 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. Merino wool gear is known for its next-to-skin comfort, warmth, temperature regulation, and ability to wick moisture and stay dry. Theres a lot more to consider as far as the exterior is concerned, but you can probably sort out the more subjective fashion side of the equation. This can make a vest a cinch to carry and it ends up taking very little space. Down soaks up moisture and loses the ability to insulate, whereas synthetics are much better in this regard. Its not an active piece like the Arcteryx Atom LT above, but breathability is surprisingly good for lower-output uses like hiking and downhill skiing. True to its intentions, the vest gets high marks for durability and is fairly streamlined compared to down, making the ThermoBall a nice layering option under a rain jacket or ski shell. For this reason, we generally favor down vests like thePatagonia Down Sweater over synthetics (more on why down is the warmest option below). 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. 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).

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category. 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).

REI Co-ops in-house brand of outdoor clothing consistently churns out performance pieces at prices that are substantially lower than most big brands. Economical Price TagIf you're searching for a budget-friendly men's down vest, this model is an excellent buy. What We Liked: Ultimate warmth is what youll get from this mens down vest. Fleece is pretty much synonymous with coziness and has been for years. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, packable, less bulky, and cheaper than a full jacket. But Columbia is a respected company in the outdoor gear world, and the Steens Mountain Vest should help add some warmth to your core. Category: Casual/performanceInsulation type: Down (800-fill)Weight: 8 oz.What we like: Premium materials and a little cheaper than the Down Sweater above.What we dont: Not everyone will love the colorful striped design. 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. 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. Look for drawcords on the hem at the waist, or even around the neckline. What We Liked: This mens down vest uses a down alternative fill to keep you warm on those chilly fall and winter days. Since its lightweight, it wont weigh you down or interfere with your outdoor activities. 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. If you have a down vest in particular, youll want to add layers when rain or snow really starts to fall. Its also becoming increasingly common to see PFC-free DWR coatings, which are free of perfluorocarbons that have been found to be harmful to the environment. Pulling them tight in cold weather can do plenty to keep body heat from escaping.

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. We identified the majority of the men's down vests available to purchase. This is why most vests are casual first and performance second. Dont overlook the durability of the vest youre consideringit can lead to an all-too-short lifespan for a rather pricey purchase. This vest is nearly synonymous with the term puffy with thick, oversized baffles and heaps of lofty, 700-fill goose down (The North Face doesnt provide a fill weight, but it feels like a lot). There are now certifications that buyers can look for to make sure the down in their jackets comes from ducks or geese that are treated as humanely as possible. 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. If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. An added bonus: The company manufactures their gear in the U.S. and is reasonably priced for the quality. 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). Category:CasualInsulation type: Down (650-fill)Weight:1 lb. Learn more. Down 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. Synthetic filling like polyester wont retain as much water, but might not be as warm in general. And the current model is slimmer than past versions, so you may want to consider sizing up if youre on the border or plan on wearing the vest over bulky layers.

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