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Best Down Vests
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Insulation
When discussing any type of garment that is intended to be used to keep you warm, you need to judge how well it does its intended designed purpose. With down vests, this mainly comes down to the fill power utilized. First of all, for those that do not know down is the soft layer of feathers that is closest to a bird’s skin. When you see “down vests”, this is not referring to the literal direction of down. Now, the amount of fill each vest has will vary. For example, on this list, there are some with 650-fill, 700-fill, 800-fill, and 850-fill. But, what on earth do these numbers mean?
Fill power is the measure of loft in a down product. As such, the more fill power it has (the higher the number is) allows it to trap more air; thus, providing a greater amount of insulation. In layman’s terms, the higher the number the warmer the vest will keep you. But, there are outside features that attribute to the overall warmth of a vest. This includes the design of the collar and whether or not the zipper has a garage at the chin, an interior storm flap to block drafts, and elastic armholes to seal in heat.
Durability
Having a vest keeps you warm is extremely important, but the overall design and construction do not end there. In fact, it is only the beginning. There are two huge areas of the construction to pay attention to, one being the fabric utilized and the other if it is resistant to water and the weather. The types of fabric will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but most on this list either consist of nylon or polyester. Honestly, picking between these two is like flipping a coin as they both are terrific materials.
Polyester has a high-durability and tenacity and can withstand repetitive movements while nylon is known as being thin and flexible while maintaining an excellent amount of toughness. Either one will more than suffice but be sure there is some sort of durable water-repellent finish coated on top of it. This will allow the vest to protect itself from water, allowing it to repel off your vest. However, remember that water repellency means it is not easily penetrated by water, but it is not waterproof.
As an additional design feature, also look for shoulder construction. Take special note of the ones that are crafted with double-layer taffeta on the shoulders, as taffeta gives it a greater volume.
Features
As simple as it seems, pocket location and design can play a factor in any type of garment, but especially types such as vests like these. Throughout the entirety of this list, you probably started to notice a theme. Most vests had zippered hand pockets in the front and the occasional one had an internal chest pocket. The reason to want these types of pockets is simple as it gives you a location to store your valuables and accessories, while also providing a resting spot for your hands.
But, what is more important is whether they are zippered and if the zipper has a garage. Zippers are important as they keep your items secure. Say, for example, you had loose change in your front pocket and leaned over. Without a zipper, there is a high probability that the change will fall out. Take note if they do not have a garage, though, as that can lend its way to comfort. A garage is a small piece of fabric that will keep the zipper pull away from your skin. While a zipper will not result in a serious injury, those without garages can quickly become nuisances.
There are also additional features to be aware of. Some of which, such as an included carabiner clip-in loop, elasticized hem, and the ability to double as a stuff-sack, can be very beneficial for you.
Let’s start off with the carabiner clip-in loop. The only way this would be of any use to you is if you ever see the need to wear a carabiner, say for rock climbing. It would also work well with a harness.
As far as the ability to double as a stuff sack, that is a neat feature in times where you want to take off and store the vest. Lastly, an included drawstring or elasticized hem allows you to tailor the vest ever so slightly to add comfort.
Style
It truly is a shame that every single aspect of a garment could be perfect, but if the color or size is not to your liking it can tarnish the entire product. Oftentimes, resulting in a pass. Color is one thing, as you sometimes may have to live with a color scheme that you are not in love with, but the size is everything.
As you noticed, most of these vests tend to vary with size. Some fit large while others tend to fit small. The more size options are given to you, the higher the chance you will find one that fits you. Keep an eye on both of these, as if you are going to go all-in and invest in a down vest you might as well enjoy the visual appeal and fit.
Top 10 Picks
1. Arc'teryx Cerium
When speaking about pure quality and design, there is little to nothing wrong with the Cerium LT Men’s Vest from Arcteryx. About the only aspect, you could take issue with is the fact that it tends to run small, but the construction and design are flawless.
Read moreInsulation
When the warmth is most needed, the 850-fill insulation will provide it. However, the down composite mapping also places Coreloft synthetic fibers to retain the warmth when the vest is exposed to moisture. Also, the collar is designed in a way to provide the maximum amount of warmth.
Durability
Constructed from full nylon and coated with a durable water-repellent finish, this vest will protect you from light precipitation. To reduce the noise, the zipper pulls are corded and simple to grab onto.
Features
For a convenient place for your hands or accessories, there are zippered hand pockets in the front of the vest. When you are not using this vest, simply store it away in the included stuff sack. In addition, for adjustability, there is an elasticized hem.
Style
Men can select all the way from small to XX-large while there are color options for black, magma, nautic gray, tropos blue, riptide, and admiral.
Overall
Arcteryx complements their superb quality and construction with a visual appeal that makes a great fashion statement. Past the small issue with the sizes generally running small, which is more of a note than a hindrance, this performs its designed purpose perfectly.
2. Mountain Khakis Outlaw
All you men out there, this is the best down vest for you. Right off the get-go, it is a strong sign when the biggest issues are with the sizing and “over-shininess”. Everything past this is pure gold.
Read moreInsulation
This vest is specifically designed to mimic the quantities of down, even when it experiences moisture and water. The fabric itself is crafted from soft saving woven fabric with 650-fill down insulation.
Durability
Outside of the 650-fill down insulation providing superb warmth, the vest is crafted with treated nylon shell with a durable water repellent finish that sheds light rain and snow and has great wind resistance.
Features
For a convenient location to rest your hands or stash your small accessories, there are zippered hand pockets that can be accessed. Past its intended design, there are not too many additional features to be aware of. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as this vest does not need excess accessories to be as terrific as it is. However, it is highly compressible and can pack into its left-hand pocket for easy carry and storage.
Style
There are plenty of colors to choose from including black, pink, purple, gray, cool blue and cosmic blue. Size-wise, select from extra-small to XXX-large.
Overall
It is difficult to find many reasons to why you would not want to invest in this down jacket. However, it is important to note that the sizing may not be true to your size. Once you get the appropriate size, though, the rest will be history.
3. The North Face Nuptse
Chances are, you have worn a piece of apparel from The North Face at one time in your life. There is a reason for that as they are keen on producing the best garments possible and their Men’s Nuptse Vest is a great example of why they have had success.
Read moreInsulation
With a 700- goose down fill, this vest manages to capture warmth around your torso. The insulation manages to trap all the hot air inside and reduces the amount of heat loss thus, enhancing the overall warmth.
Durability
The vest is crafted from 100 percent 50D x 50D nylon and a 700-fill goose down insulation. With high-loft baffles, it manages to sport an updated fit. Finally, it has double-layer taffeta crafted on the shoulders. But, the zippers are somewhat lacking in quality.
Features
Besides the secure-zip hand pockets on the front, there is also an internal chest pocket to hold any items you want to be secured. The North Face specifically designs these types of garments to be compatible with other apparel that they sell. Plus, the hem allows for proper adjustment.
Style
While not all sizes are promised to be there, there is a wide selection from small to XXX-large. Meanwhile, there are loads of color choices including red and black, brown and black, blue and black, and blue and navy.
Overall
Everything about the Nuptse Vest is as good as it gets, except for the zipper construction. Each vest may not encounter this issue, but some will have a sticky zipper.
4. Eddie Bauer Downlight Stormdown
While this next vest is fantastic for the reasons it should be (great design and comfort), it is also noteworthy for its convenient chest pocket. There is an audio port built into the chest pocket that provides you with an excellent location for your music player.
Read moreInsulation
In most cold weather climates, this will keep you warm with its 800-fill down insulation. Past this, it is designed to be a universal fit. Thus, not making it too relaxed or too slim on your body.
Durability
This vest is crafted from a durable polyester shell with a DWR finish, which manages to wick away moisture. In addition to this, this vest is also windproof.
Features
Past the hand pockets on the front, there is also a convenient pocket located on the chest. On this pocket is an audio port that allows your electronics to stay warm and close nearby your reach.
The audio port is convenient enough, but there is also a drawcord waist that can be streamlined to better adapt to your needs. Even though the fit is made to be universal, everyone will have a different preference.
Style
All men should be able to find a size for them with options from small to XXX-large (with some options for tall). For colors, there are a few including black, gray, berry, cinder gray, and blue.
Overall
It is hard to ask for much more than this. Past a few blimps in the radar, this is beyond a worthwhile investment.
5. Patagonia Nano Puff
The Nano Puff is a dependable and eco-friendly addition to our list. It is made primarily from recycled materials and maintains 98% of its warmth, even when wet. It is lightweight and portable and easily stuffed into its own pocket. To top it all off, it fits true to size and is available in ten different colors.
Read moreInsulation
This vest will keep you warm without weighing you down. The insulation is made from 60g Prima Loft Gold Insulation Eco. To keep all of the heat circulating around your core, and not let in breezes, there is a drawcord hem. Additionally, the two zippered pockets on the front are lined with a material that will help to keep your hands warm. hand-warming pockets.
Durability
With dependable zippers and great fabrics, there have been minimal concerns about the durability of this vest. The quilting pattern and the threads themselves are durable and abrasion-resistant.
The DWR finish on the vest makes it windproof and water-resistant. Even if you find yourself in a heavy downpour, the Nano Puff maintains 98% of its warmth when wet.
Features
If you’re already an eco-friendly consumer or looking to begin, this vest is great. The insulation is made from 55% post-consumer recycled content. Additionally, the polyester shell is made from 100% recycled materials.
For ultimate comfort, the zipper has a storm flap and finishes with a garage. You’ll find three zippered pockets on this list. Two of them are hand-warming pockets and the other is an internal chest zipper that also doubles as a stuff sack for the vest. The lightweight vest is easily compacted and easy to carry.
Style
You’ll notice this vest has a bit of a sheen to it, and it’s really up to you if that affects how you feel about it. It is available in ten different colors and from sizes XS to XXL.
Overall
As you can see, this is a great vest. The materials make it comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant. We would have liked to see a bit more breathability added in, but it’s nothing to cry about. We appreciate the three zippered pockets and easy portability.
6. Outdoor Research Transcendent
As great as the Outdoor Research Men’s Transcendent Vest is, and you will soon find out, it does not provide as much warmth as other down vests. For its weight, though, the warmth is pretty remarkable.
Read moreInsulation
A brushed tricot collar lining manages to keep you both warm and soft simultaneously and the internal storm flap assists in keeping out drafts. Overall, the vest is stuffed with 650-fill power goose down.
Durability
As this vest is water-resistant, moisture will naturally repel off of the fabric and away from you. The ripstop polyester fabric and nylon taffeta liner make up the overall craftsmanship of the vest.
Features
Per the norm with down vests, there are two zippered hand pockets. But, also a zippered Napoleon pocket. To keep everything in place and to keep the heat secure, there is a drawcord hem. In addition, the left-hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack.
Style
Not too many colors are available, just black, dusk and night, earth and café, and pewter and lemongrass, but a strong amount of sizes from small to XX-large.
Overall
Sure, other vests use a more potent fill past 650 but that does not mean it will not keep you warm. In fact, this makes the vest an ideal choice if you still wanted to wear it in reasonably cool weather.
7. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
In many ways, a lot of these vests could be flip-flopped. That is how close they are and much is the same with the Ghost Whisperer Men’s Vest. It could have easily eclipsed the top spot, but minor deficiencies prevent it from doing so.
Read moreInsulation
For both extra warmth and freedom of movement, a low-profile quilt pattern is implemented. Meanwhile, the 800-fill down provides an excellent amount of warmth and insulation.
Durability
Shield technology is able to resist heat-robbing moisture and manages to retain maximum loft even when damp. The Ghost Whisperer fabric utilizes a super-tight weave to ensure it is down-proof, windproof and water-resistant.
Features
Its lightweight nature makes it simple to layer while the interior toggle hem provides an easy adjustment. Also, a built-in secure loop for a carabiner is included. Nothing out of the ordinary here, with two front handwarmer pockets.
Style
The choice is yours from the black, dark compass, ice shadow, shark, and manta gray, among others. Size-wise, options are available from small to XX-large.
Overall
Mountain Hardwear clearly wanted to make this vest as lightweight as possible, which is good, but the toggle hem and zipper are not of the utmost quality. But, they will still more than suffice and do not hurt the overall rating that much.
8. Patagonia Down Sweater
This sweater vest is a great example of an entry that could have so easily taken the top spot on this list but is hindered by one simple design flaw. This design flaw, which you will soon find out, does not make this unusable (as it would not be on the list) but is one to be cautious of.
Read moreInsulation
For next to your skin comfort, the collar has a zipper garage at the chin. To keep you dry, the center-front zipper has a wicking interior storm flap. The fabric itself has 800-fill power goose down for a terrific level of warmth.
Durability
The liner is a 100 percent recycled polyester fabric that has a durable water-repellent finish. Its shell fabric has an updated ripstop pattern and is more contoured. But, the plastic oversized zipper teeth on the pockets are a huge issue. They tend to snag on everything and it would have been sufficient to have hidden zippers.
Features
Both of the handwarmer pockets on the front have zippers and garages. In addition, there is an internal zippered pocket near the chest area. The included internal pocket also self-stuffs and includes a carabiner clip-in loop. Plus, there is a drawcord hem that tightens from the inside.
Style
Past large, there are no size options but you can go down to extra-small. A few colors are accessible including black, harvest moon blue and different shades of gray.
Overall
If you have layers on top of this vest, they may get caught from the teeth of the zippered pockets. Just a forewarning, but it should not deter you from this vest. It is just a slight inconvenience that could have easily been avoided.
9. Columbia Flash Forward
First things first, this vest is tailored for taller men and taller men only. This is not necessarily a hindrance, but something all guys should be wary of. If you do happen to be a taller individual or do not mind a lengthy vest, you may just fall in love with it.
Read moreInsulation
It features 650-fill power down insulation for an ample amount of warmth and will hold up well in relatively cold conditions.
Durability
No-sew bonder baffles are integrated into the fabric to reduce the amount of water penetration. However, this also provides a modern and sleek aesthetic. Although, the sheen appeal may appall some. The 100 percent polyester is also coated to be water-resistant.
Features
Just a normal day at the office here with zippered hand pockets on the front. For added convenience, this vest is packable into the hand pocket.
Style
As mentioned, this is for tall men and the sizes reflect that. Available are sizes extra-large (tall) to 4X-large (tall). Some additional colors are also available including black, graphite, black and blue, and hyper blue.
Overall
If you can get past the long, albeit extra-long, and shiny appeal then you may have a match made in heaven. However, this will certainly not appeal to all so keep that in mind.
10. Degrees Nano Light
Truthfully, there really is nothing wrong with this 32 Degrees’ down vest. However, when you stack it up against the competition, it does not necessarily stand out in any way. Though, that does not mean it will not make a worthwhile addition to your winter clothing.
Read moreInsulation
It features both a packable design and down-fill insulation to provide you with warmth throughout the day. The collar also zips all the way up to prevent a draft from hitting your neck.
Durability
The fabric is made up of a mix of nylon and polyester and it has a coating to prevent water from penetrating the surface.
Features
On the side of the vest, front zippered pockets are present for you to access. With a drawstring at the bottom, you can adjust this vest to tailor to your needs. Plus, its lightweight nature makes it easy to layer additional clothing.
Style
On Amazon, you can choose from small, medium and XX-large. For colors, select from either royal blue or asphalt.
Overall
You know, there is nothing wrong with simple and that is just what 32 Degrees exemplifies with this vest. Not too much here is going to open your eyes but there is enough quality to warrant an investment.
Sources
- , The best down vests of 2018, Blog
- , The Best Down Vests for Hiking in 2019, Hiking Site
- , The Best Down Vests Are a Warm Hug You Can Wear, GQ magazine
