Fill weight (the amount of down) isnt listed as frequently for vests as it is for full down jackets, but weve mentioned it as often as possible in the product write-ups above. XPOSURZONE Mens Lightweight Down Puffer Vest, 12. 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. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Men's Down Vests. In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including. The first is price: $200 is a lot to spend for a synthetic vest that isnt all that warm. DWYM simplifies the research process by aggregating the reviews of the top product review sites. 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 means that the overall weight of the vest is surprisingly low, but its also quite easy to rip while brushing up against a branch or rock. 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. Along with user reviews from Amazon. Want space for both your hands and gear? 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. For the Men's Down Vest category, we analyzed 8 of the most popular reviews including reviews from and more. The recycled polyester shell fabric looks and feels great, repels light moisture, and comes in a wide variety of colorways from muted to bright. For serious forays into the backcountry, however, a jacket provides maximum coverage and warmth and therefore often makes the most sense. Category: PerformanceInsulation type: Down (750-fill)Weight: 9.8 oz.What we like: A great-looking down vest with synthetic fill in moisture-prone areas.What we dont: Expensive and much heavier than the Cerium LT above. and a worthy choice for hikers, skiers, and climbers alike. 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. Concerned about animal welfare? Regular vests are mostly a fashion accessory. In addition, it has square-shaped baffles and a boxier, roomier fit than the Patagonia, which results in a slightly less polished look. We have the Cerium LT Vest ranked below the Down Sweater for a couple of reasons. 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. 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. And although our Columbia products have lasted longer than anticipated, its good to have reasonable expectations with gear available at this price point. Its puffer style is attractive and pairs well with a variety of long-sleeve and button-down shirts. Its also cheaper yet still does a pretty good job of keeping you cozy. A handful of vests on this list are not packable (we list this in our comparison table), although many of those still will stuff down into the corner of a backpack reasonably small. 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. 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. If youre spending up for a vest like the Ghost Whisperer, youd better have a pretty good reason for needing such a lightweight design. 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. 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. 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). 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. On the other hand, Arcteryx's Cerium LT and Atom LT are designed with performance in mind and therefore have snug, athletic fits. The result is a ranking of the best Men's Down Vests. ThermoBall has its fair share of competition (including Patagonias PlumaFill used in their popular Micro Puff line), but for a respectable impression of down at a reasonable price point, the TNF is worth a look.See the Men's TNF ThermoBall Eco Vest See the Women's TNF ThermoBall Eco Vest. Patagonia also makes their All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest, which splits the difference at $129. The outdoor apparel market has seen a sizable push in sustainability practices of late, and vests are no exception. 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. . Vests dont have a ton of variation in terms of pockets, but most designs boast at least two handwarmer pockets (even the basic fleece Columbia Steens Mountain has two hand pockets). 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. Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. If youre looking to shave ounces from your kit, Mountain Hardwears Ghost Whisperer collection is a great place to start. Inner pouches and zippered outer pockets allow for plenty of storage. 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. 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. Its the tightly woven filaments of these feathers that keep aquatic birds warm even on chilly swims. Below we break down the best vests of the 2022 season, with our favorite down, synthetic, merino wool, and fleece models. 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). Category:PerformanceInsulation type: Down (900-fill)Weight: 10 oz.What we like: Super warm and well-built.What we dont: Overkill for most uses. 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. Theres no shortage of down vests in 2022, but the Cotopaxi Fuego stands out to us for a few reasons. The vest includes two zipper pockets for storing your keys, cash and identification. Combined with the very steep price tag, these downsides are enough to push the Falketind to a mid-pack finish. In terms of the ultralight competition, the Arcteryx Cerium LT above is the better option when precip is in the forecast thanks to the addition of synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, although its heavier by around an ounce and costs around $25 more. Category:CasualInsulation type: FleeceWeight: 8.8 oz.What we like: Bargain-basement price.What we dont: Not very warm. 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. Most people dont need the finest down in their vest or this much of it, and the relatively thin 20-denier Pertex shell cuts weight but is more fragile than alternatives like The North Faces Nuptse (40D) or ORs Coldfront (30D) above. Keep in mind that these vests are designed for work and casual environments and dont offer the low weight or weather protection that youll want for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. 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. For down, fill power is readily available (850-fill, 800-fill, etc. But for serious warmth at a reasonable price and weight, the Coldfront is an undeniably well-built and capable piece. . For those on a tight budget, the Steens Mountain from Columbia is just about the cheapest vest youll find. The down and synthetic vests above are quality insulators, but fleece wins out in coziness and everyday appeal. Burly vests like The North Face Retro Nuptse weigh around 1 pound, and thick shells like the Filson Down Cruiser are even heavier. Pulling them tight in cold weather can do plenty to keep body heat from escaping. Its also less expensive than a comparable down vest and noticeably lower-profile. Its no doubt a great piece, but there are enough downsides to drop the Retro-X in our rankings. . For daily outings, cold-weather hiking, or use as a midlayer on frigid days, the Nuptse is a nice option., Why do we have it ranked here? Further, theres an argument that folks hitting the backcountry in a serious way may want a full jacket instead of a vest. 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. This means that warmth is a top priorityits the main purpose of a vest aside from looking good in the process. 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. Category: CasualInsulation type: FleeceWeight: 1 lb. 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.) But the vest market is varied, ranging from casual to performance and including a number of possible insulation types. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. You are getting nice extras like a windproof membrane sandwiched in between the sherpa fleece exterior and mesh lining, but the price puts it up against cozier and warmer down alternatives. We identified the majority of the men's down vests available to purchase. The vest also looks great when layered over a t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt or a thermal underwear top. 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. What are the downsides of the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest? 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. For these reasons, its very popular in performance layering, and particularly for baselayers. Wantdo Mens Light Weight Insulated Down Puffer Vest, 11. Arcteryxs Coreloft is good too, although not quite up to the standards of FullRange in terms of breathability. 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. And many love the retro-inspired design, which looks the part in the city or on the trail. Both ensure that the down in their jackets was harvested with no live-plucking or force-feeding of the animals concerned. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. 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. Just know that no matter how cool you look, this is one piece of outerwear you can count on to keep you warm. In the end, Cotopaxi has a ways to go in matching Patagonias longstanding reputation for quality and fit, but their Fuego is a well-priced Down Sweater alternative.See the Men's Cotopaxi Fuego VestSee the Women's Cotopaxi Fuego Vest. 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. 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. Bauer, an avid outdoorsman, was looking for a coat that would deliver maximum warmth without weighing him down. Starting with warmth, the Down Cruiser Vest is packed with 650-fill goose down. Of all the factors we consider in ranking vests, the Patagonia Nano-Air wins outright in two of them: comfort and breathability. Synthetic Insulation). 14 oz.What we like: Premium everything. Thats clear even before you put one on, since these sturdy mainstays of outdoor winter wear can cost quite a bit more than a simple windbreaker or sweater. SCRIPPS CO., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. And while we find the Arcteryx to be far more durable and wind-resistant than Patagonias synthetic Nano-Air below, it doesnt quite measure up in terms of breathability. A lot of major clothesmakers are too. Merino Wool Most serious adventurers depend on down jackets or synthetic jackets for warmth and protection while out in the backcountry, while vests are seen more frequently in town. 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). Synthetic insulation comes in second, with merino wool and fleece tending to be the least warm of the bunch. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? 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. 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). There are a couple features that will make a big difference for heavy outdoor use, and pockets will be one of them. And a final knock is that fleece tends to pill and will require regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. Added up, its a highly versatile and affordable design that looks great around town but can easily pull double duty for light outdoor pursuits. What We Liked: This mens down vest uses a down alternative fill to keep you warm on those chilly fall and winter days. 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. This fleece vest will add only a fraction of the warmth compared to a down or even a synthetic model. Yes, the Down Cruiser is expensive, but it certainly is a fine piece of clothing.See the Men's Filson Down Cruiser Vest. 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). When it comes to vest insulation, you have two main choices: down or synthetic. Its also removable, which makes this a great outerwear item, no matter what the weather. In terms of fit, vests are less complicated than full jackets, mainly because the arms dont come into play. 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. For cold-but-not-frigid shoulder-season weather, the Fjallraven Greenland is a classy, versatile layer that provides solid core warmth for around-town use and light adventuring.See the Men's Fjallraven Greenland Down See the Women's Fjallraven Greenland Down. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score.
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