Vests

Recent Vest Reviews

Patagonia Synchilla Vest

Solid construction, solid fleece, solid fit, but no windblock lowers utility. 1. I haven't had one new for 15 years'ish, so fit and fleece may be worse now. I hear Patagonia quality has fallen off. 2. If you only own one fleece vest, make sure it has windblock lining. These don't. They're more for light weather or as an insulative layer. Here in VA a windblock vest plus a heavy thermal longsleeve suffices for almost any winter day without rain or heavy snow. The same is not true for simple fleece. Full review

Patagonia Synchilla Vest

A wardrobe staple. Recycled, lightweight, versatile, durable. An extra layer of warmth, which doesn't impede your shoulder movement. I like a vest/gilet/sleeveless sweater....call them what you will. I don't live in a warm climate but I go outdoors every day and don't always appreciate the restrictions of heavy and bulky clothing. If I'm cutting wood, paddling, or walking with poles, my arms are going to keep themselves warm. If I'm working, with arms above my head, the tradeoff of warmth for flexibility… Full review

Arc'teryx Atom Vest

Breathable protection. Phenomenal core protection with a light weight. Outperforms many down vests in both warmth, wind resistance, and breathability. Compare to the Arc'teryx down light vest, I find the Atom LT more breathable and less prone to be wet. It is my main winter protection while ascending paired with a 260 Merino wool top. It feels very warm and yet breathes condensed air very well. I carry an Atom LT Vest on every hike. Material is light and durable but a bit on the delicate side. Size… Full review

Arc'teryx Atom Vest

I've had my Atom LT Vest from Arc'teryx for more than eight years, and it continues to perform year-round as a versatile, lightweight synthetic insulated vest, especially for active use. I use the Atom LT as an extra layer of core insulation skiing (nordic and alpine), hiking, camping, and as an everyday layer. It's a mid layer, it's an outer standalone layer, it's an extra layer stashed in a pack. The Atom LT Vest is so useful I bought an Atom LT Hoody when I saw one on clearance in an outdoor… Full review

Outdoor Research Refuge Vest

The Outdoor Research Refuge Vest is a do-it-all vest that is well-suited to keep the core warm during chilly winter activities or for adding that extra bit of warmth and comfort during the shoulder seasons when a full-on jacket isn’t necessary. The vest has synthetic insulation (High-loft VerticalX) and with big pockets and a soft, comfortable collar, the vest has some standout features that make it a formidable midlayer or outerlayer. Conditions: For five months, I’ve regularly worn the Outdoor… Full review

Patagonia 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

The North Face Nuptse Vest

So many different sizes, very confusing. When I ordered this vest I did some research for size. The US, the European, and Asia sizes all are different. I didn’t mind to invest in a good vest, but wanted a good fit. I take XL size T shirt which is XXL Asia. Finally I chose the North Face chart for decision, here I was between size « L » and «  XL « Scared to be tight in L size, I chose XL. Bit anxious. Got my vest today and quickly try for size. First impression, nice and light. The fit is… Full review

Arc'teryx Atom Vest

Warm, durable, packs down small, layers well, looks great with everything. I love this vest! I wear it all the time. It's a great layer for keeping my core warm when I need just that extra something, and it fits under most jackets very well.  The material on the sides and front are different, but both are very durable and soft. The zipper is nice and stout and the pockets are nice and deep so I can get my whole hand covered and tucked out of the cold.  Full review

Eddie Bauer IgniteLite Hybrid Vest

Constructed for maximum movement. Primaloft insulation to keep you warm even when wet. Stretch back for a close fit and maximum breathability. Fleece lined collar for comfort. The Eddie Bauer Ignitelite Hybrid Vest is unique in that the front of the vest is fully insulated and the back is completely breathable. Constructed in this manner for activities such as running, hiking, and biking where you want to be warm without sweating. The front of the vest features 110 grams of Primaloft Silver insulation… Full review