Fleece Vests

Recent Fleece Vest Reviews

Patagonia Men's Retro Pile Vest

A versatile insulator. From cutting the chill on a spring day to augmenting core warmth on really cold ones, this soft, comfortable fleece does the job. Don't expect it to stop any wind, as even a mild breeze runs right through this, unless you wear it under a shell. Brand new, it sheds until you wash or tumble dry it, and durability/pilling could be a longer-term issue. OVERVIEW I had been eyeing the Retro Pile Jacket when I received this as a gift. Mine is size XL and weighs 14.4 ounces on an… Full review

Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Vest

The Better Sweater Vest is a slimmer fleece-like vest that functions well for both outdoor and casual pursuits. Conditions: In January 2015, I put a call out for recommendations (link to thread) to the Trailspace community for good-quality vests that could pull double duty; warm enough for cold season layering, stylish enough for occasional wear in business casual situations. After looking at many suggestions and weighing prices, I settled on the Patagonia Better Sweater Vest. Fortunately, I found… Full review

The North Face Men's Denali Vest

One of my better vests, I usually go to if I want to wear a vest even though I have other vests. Does what it needs to do very well. Got it in size XXL. Had to send it in for worn out zipper pulls, but that was after many years of use. I only had to pay postage to send it back to the mothership North Face manufacturer. Repairs are free.  Full review

Sierra Designs Backcountry Vest

This vest has been in heavy backcountry, carpentry, indoor and outdoor, casual evening dress use for 20 plus years and is still going strong. I have looked at all brands including Sierra Designs for over 10 years to replace it. Its qualities and versatility cannot be matched by any product made today that I can find. Everyone I have met and talked to would like to know where to get one. I will work with anyone and do whatever it takes to have another one produced. This vest is the most important… Full review

Black Diamond CoEfficient Vest

The Black Diamond Coefficient Vest is a worthy addition to the gear list for anyone venturing out to cool or cold places. It serves well as a mid-layer in colder weather, or even as a top layer in moderate to warmer temperatures and while active. It’s compact, and light, so it's easy to carry along. It's also durable so it can be counted on out on the trail. The reviewer getting ready for a hike along the California coast updated 20-Apr-2014 with confirmed weight Review Conditions Due to personal… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Mountain Tech Vest

This vest is cut much larger than and seems to use heavier grade material than the same model 7 years older. It seems more like a dress vest than a sport vest. I bought this same model vest in a L size 7 years ago. It was light, cut at the hips for great articulated movement, and proved to be an excellent component in my layer system. Now however, MHW latest's re-creation is cut larger and seems to use a heavier fabric. I probably should have returned it for a Medium.  I also miss the interior… Full review

Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Vest

It's a good lookin' fleece vest. It fits nicely like most pata stuff. It is a little big in the arm holes. Fits nicely in the chest, fairly slim. I'm 6' 160 and I have a medium.  It looks nice in the reddish color.   The vest is not super warm, it is only about 150 weight fleece, but for the weight it is very good. The zippers on it are kind of loud and have lots of resistance which is strange. Bought it off ebay NWT. It is a good piece for skiing or casual wear. I don't think it will make the… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Vest

The vest is very thin making it great as a layering piece. Like the Tech Jacket, the collar wasn't incredibly uncomfortable. The sizing wasn't as much of an issue as it is more of a layering item. I am 5'11" and 180lbs and wear a large in most items. For this vest, I had to get an extra large and the body fit fine in the shoulders and chest but it barely made my waist. As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. Full review

EMS Men's Atlas Fleece Vest

A solid fleece vest for those in-between times. I have owned this vest or a version thereof for decades and it has stood up to everything I have thrown at it. It fits well, looks sharp, and gets the job done on not-full-fleece-needed days. The price is also right for decent quality. Full review