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Best Winter Vests – 2024 List
With so many options to choose from, we have picked and reviewed a selection of the best winter vests on the market. Enjoy shopping!
Carhartt Gilliam 
The North Face Nuptse
Arc'teryx Cerium LT
Columbia White Out Omni-Heat 
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite 
SmartWool Corbet
Outdoor Research Transcendent
North Face Thermoball Eco
Goodthreads Sherpa
Columbia Sportswear Flash Forward
Carhartt Artic-Quilt 
Legendary Whitetails 
Outdoor Ventures Polar Fleece
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
You want to choose a vest that’s made of soft but durable material. Shells made of polyester and/or nylon are commonly used, as they are versatile, comfortable and strong.
Also, make sure you’re choosing one that has strong zippers that will last a long time. You don’t want to trade sturdy zippers for an item that’s light in weight. If it no longer zips, it isn’t going to help you stay warm!
And finally, you’ll probably want some pocket space for your snacks, keys and cell phone. Interior and zippered pockets are absolutely a plus for maximum security on all your winter ventures.
Down
Down is a high-performance insulator proven to perform well in extreme cold. It is usually sourced from geese and ducks around the world. It can compress tightly, allowing for greater fill at a lightweight. Its easy compression also makes it packable, a perfect option for extended journeys, low-key trips, and distance backpacking and climbing. It is a long-lasting insulator, with the ability to be compacted and misshapen over and over again while maintaining its original shape, fluff, and insulating properties.
Responsibly-Sourced Down
For many who live active, outdoor lifestyles, caring for the planet and animals we share our outdoor spaces with is important. Sometimes, to obtain down feathers, the animals are live-plucked, a painful and cruel process. In addition, the waterfowl are sometimes force-fed for fattening, as they are primarily raised for meat. Feather gathering is, after all, a byproduct of the large meat industry.
Patagonia and The North Face, for instance, now have ethical standards in place to ensure that the down clothing you purchase from their companies is responsibly sourced. Waterfowl connected to these brand names are now humanely treated and traceable. If these are important factors for you and you are willing to pay the price for higher standards, you’ll get what you pay for.
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation is a man-made fine fiber that is manufactured to be very similar to down. They don’t have quite the insulating power of down, as it’s hard to replicate what nature has done so naturally, but they come in close behind when it comes to warmth retention. This type of insulation will lose shape a bit more quickly than down, and therefore, it won’t be as long-lasting. However, synthetic does outperform down when it comes to moisture.
While down clumps when wet, synthetic doesn’t. If your wintry conditions are going to be icy or snowy ones, synthetic could be the way to go unless you have really great shell protection over your insulating material.
Furthermore, articles of clothing stuffed with synthetic insulation are typically less expensive than those with down insulation. It’s a good choice to have on hand if you plan to spend any time outdoors this winter.
Insulation
Winter puffer vests are lightly stuffed with a fill that insulates, trapping body heat and keeping warmth right where it needs to be, snugly against your body on chilly days.
Down and synthetic insulation both trap air in the free space between the fibers, thereby providing extra warmth. Both are effective insulators, however, there are some differences to take into account.
Fill Power
The higher the fill power, the lighter and fluffier the fibers. The lighter the fibers, the more that can be packed into a given space without increasing the weight. For instance, 800-fill down and 600-fill down may both weigh one ounce. However, the 600-fill down will take up more space, thereby decreasing the number of fibers it takes to reach that one ounce. The 800-fill down will pack in more compactly, providing more insulating coverage in that same one ounce.
In order to achieve the same coverage as the 800-fill, the item with 600-fill would need to increase its amount of down. This would increase the weight, making an item that’s a bit heavier and, perhaps, bulkier. While all down is an incredible insulator, the very best choice (if it’s within your budget and needs) would be that with a fill power of 800 or more. However, as down is the best fill insulator, lower fill power is still a good one.
Fill in Grams
The amount of insulation placed into a vest can vary among models. The greater the amount of filling, the heavier and warmer the vest will be. For instance, a vest filled with 200 grams of 650-fill down will be thicker and cozier than a vest filled with just 50 g of the same fill power down. Check the number of grams of down placed into a vest if possible, in addition to the fill power of the down in the vest. A lighter fill will be ideal for early spring or fall weather, whereas you’ll need a larger amount of fill for deep wintertime activities.
Features
The features of a winter vest are another important criterion to look into. For one, pockets are always something to check out.
It's useful to know if you'll be able to store your phone or keys on your body, or if you will need a purse. Also worth noting, is if the pockets have a secure closure. Additionally, if you are planning to travel with your vest, you'll want to know how easily it packs down and if it is susceptible to wrinkles. A few of the vests featured on this list can actually fold up into the pocket of the vest. Even if your luggage for traveling is filled to the brim, you could attach the vest to your backpack with a carabiner and not worry about space.
Another feature that some of these vests feature is a collar. If you don't plan on wearing a scarf or a turtle neck, a vest with a collar will help to keep you warm. Another way to keep warm is with the cinch cord of a vest. Some vests have cinch cords around the bottom which not only helps with the fit but also to hold in warmth.
Top 13 Picks
1. Carhartt Gilliam
This durable and water repellent Carhartt Gilliam vest is exactly what you need to keep yourself warm and dry when working outside in the cold and rain.
Read moreMaterial
This winter vest is made from 100% nylon and weighs 1.75-ounces.
Insulation
The shell has a nylon lining that has been quilted with a 100gram polyester insulation. To keep the cold air out, the vest features an adjustable drawcord hem at the bottom of the piece. The vest also has a drop tail design that provides extra coverage and helps to keep you warm.
Features
The winter vest has a defender water repellent fabric finish that works by pushing the water off the surface of the garment, keeping you dry. This piece is lightweight, warm, and exceptionally durable so can withstand a lot of harsh cold weather. The vest has a left-chest map pocket, two lower-front pockets, and two inside pockets that have one zipper closure and one with a hook and loop closure.
2. The North Face Nuptse
Stay more than warm with The North Face Nuptse vest. Top-of-the-line and well-made, it’s great to have on hand when temperatures begin to drop. It’s versatile and stylish enough to wear anywhere and everywhere.
Read moreMaterials
It’s constructed with a tough 50 denier x 50 denier shell that’s 100% nylon, making it resistant to tears, abrasions, wind, and stains. While the average weight of the Nuptse, at 16.23 oz., is greater than some other options that made the list, it’s a super lightweight vest that will compress and easily pack away for wintry trips. It’s a standard fit with a comfortable hip length that averages 27” in the back.
Insulation
The Nuptse is filled with 700-fill goose down that’s responsibly sourced, has a double layer of taffeta on the shoulders and a high collar to preserve core warmth. It's nice, the updated fit will ensure you are kept warm and comfortable in some of the most uncomfortable elements.
Features
This cold weather vest has two deep pockets that are zippered for ultimate security and an internal pocket at the chest for storing small items. The vest includes a hem cinch-cord for making simple adjustments to length and fit.
3. Arc'teryx Cerium LT
It performs well as an extra warm middle layer as well as a stand-alone top layer. It provides non-constricting comfort and outstanding warmth.
Read moreMaterials
The Cerium LT is crafted with an Arato 10 shell that’s 100% nylon with a DWR finish for moisture resistance. It has a sewn-through construction to decrease weight while increasing tight packability. The Arc’teryx Cerium LT is one of the lightest vests available, coming in at a minuscule 6.5 oz. It has a trim fit and the hip length is an average 69.5 cm for a size small back.
Insulation
Arc’teryx uses a most impressive 850-fill good down in the Cerium LT. Also utilized for insulation is Coreloft 80 (80 g) and Coreloft 100 (100 g) synthetic insulation. It’s placed in areas more prone to moisture exposure by a technology called Down Composite Mapping, creating a user-beneficial partnership between down and synthetics.
Features
It is made with two outer zippered pockets as well as an inner zippered security pocket. Attached to the inner pocket is a drawstring bag for packing up your vest during light travel. The vest includes a bottom hem adjuster for tightening or shortening the hem as you feel comfortable. It is available in sizes S to XXL.
4. Columbia White Out Omni-Heat
Columbia is known for making exceptional puffer vests that will keep you warm in cold weather conditions.
Read moreMaterial
This vest is made from 100% polyester, consisting of a 100% polyester shell and polyester lining.
Insulation
The puffer vest has been constructed using Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology that works by reflecting the heat that your body generates. The design is an extremely clever way of keeping you warm and making this vest a fantastic insulator.
Features
This puffer vest comes in 5 different colors including Olive, Silver Grey/Black, and Blue/Dark Teal. It also comes in a range of sizes varying from Small to XX-Large.
5. Eddie Bauer CirrusLite
Built and tested by world-class guides and athletes, Eddie Bauer is known for producing the best gear and apparel for mountain sports and this Men’s CirrusLite Down vest is a perfect example!
Read moreMaterial
This men’s puffer vest is made from 100% nylon. The vest can be machine washed on a delicate setting, separate from other garments. It is also suitable to tumble dry on a low setting.
Insulation
The vest has a 650-fill premium down insulation that will keep you extremely warm in colder temperatures. The puffer option also has a high neck that helps maximize warmth, when wearing. The down insulation has been responsibly sourced with a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down insulation.
Features
The vest from Eddie Bauer has a wind-resistant nylon shell that has a StormRepel DWR finish that works by shedding moisture, so the fabric does not absorb the moisture. The piece features an outer secure zip side pocket and inner pouch style pocket. The vest is available in 4 different colors and a range of sizes from S-Regular – XL-Regular.
6. SmartWool Corbet
For temperature-regulating comfort, a natural feel and a sharp look, the SmartWool Corbet Vest is a winner. It provides a reliable layer of warmth without the heavy weightiness layers can sometimes have. It’s fully functional for all types of active recreation as well as indoor events. Whether your day involves hunting, camping or business travel, the Corbet Vest won’t let you down.
Read moreMaterials
This vest is made from merino wool, polyester, and elastane. Most importantly, the fill of the vest made from 75% wool and 25% polyester, which has proven to be an incredibly hardy winter material. It can stretch and compress without losing its shape, insulating abilities or comfort. Additionally, it can handle and recover well from any moisture that may saturate it. A wool item is one you can count on for years to come. The SmartWool Corbet Vest is ideally made to be warm without unwanted bulk and heaviness. It weighs just 10.6 oz. and has an average fit with a style that keeps the Merino Wool close to your back, ensuring warmth.
Insulation
The Corbet vest is made with 75% Merino wool, which is even more comfortable than typical wool. Merino wool, designed to be less itchy to the touch, is finer, softer and quicker to dry. The vest is breathable, as it absorbs and then releases unwanted moisture so that you can stay dry and just the right amount of warm. It is a semi-fit, which is a more relaxed fit so as not to constrain the range of movement in the torso and arm areas.
Features
It is made with a zippered security chest pocket for important items like an iPod or key, a big plus for activewear. This chest pocket also features a media cord routing. The hand pockets can also be zipped closed. The best winter vest is available in a good range of sizes from S to an XXL and in seven different colors.
7. Outdoor Research Transcendent
Outdoor Research’s Transcendent down vest is super light, compressible and made with goose down for proven warmth in the lowest of temperatures.
Read moreMaterial
A 20 denier 100% polyester ripstop shell and a 44 denier 100% nylon embossed taffeta lining give it a hardy wind and water resistance while you’re out in the elements. It weighs in at light 9.4 oz. with a 70 cm average back length for a lightweight, packable winter vest.
Insulation
The Transcendent vest has 650-fill goose down insulation throughout. It’s a standard snug fit for technical and casual wear that will keep the cold out but won’t hinder your movement. It pairs well with a hoodie and can also serve as your light mid-layer underneath a sturdy shell.
Features
It’s made with two secure zippered pockets and a zippered chest pocket. It packs down simply into one of the pockets for multi-day adventure trips. It includes a carabiner loop for easy attaching, an internal front storm flap and an elastic drawstring adjustable hem. As with most of the other options, it’s available in a variety of sizes from S to XXL.
8. North Face Thermoball Eco
The North Face brand is no stranger to cold weather. This vest is a perfectly packable item to bring with you everywhere. The neck of the vest is high enough to keep you warm without feeling restraining.
Read moreMaterial
Depending on which color and style you choose, the materials can differ slightly. The lining for the shiny and matte styles is made from Nylon taffeta. The shell of these styles is made from Nylon and has a DWR finish. However, the lining and the shell of the printed vests are made from polyester and also has a DWR finish. The classic styles are made with ripstop Nylon, also with a DWR finish.
Insulation
Inside, you’ll find 13g Primaloft synthetic insulation. The synthetic fibers have a close similarity to down clusters and work together to retain heat and leave you with fewer cold spots. In a University test, the Thermoball showed that it has equivalent warmth to 600 fill goose down.
Features
Most styles come with zippered hand pockets. There have been a few complaints about the pockets themselves being too big, but if they were smaller, how would the vest fold into itself for easy carrying? With most styles, there is also an internal zippered chest pocket.
9. Goodthreads Sherpa
The Goodthreads Sherpa Fleece vest is a performance vest that provides maximum comfort and mobility.
Read moreMaterial
This fleece vest is made from 100% polyester and is machine washable.
Insulation
Made from 100% polyester, this fleece style vest is warm but does not offer a good amount of insulation in comparison to some of the other vests in our collection.
Features
This option features a high collar with a full zip front. The vest has zippered side pockets and a chest pocket. The fleece vest comes in 7 different colors including Navy, Tan, and Olive. The piece also comes in a variety of sizes ranging from X-Small – 3X-Large Tall.
10. Columbia Sportswear Flash Forward
Its sleek trim cut is slim-fitting and stylish so that you can throw it on for frosty morning commutes, stops at the coffee shop or evening runs and feel totally comfortable without a heavy bulk weighing you down.
Read moreMaterial
This vest is made with a 100% polyester lining and a 100% polyester taffeta shell, creating a durable, water-resistant and wind-resistant addition to your winter wardrobe. The Flash Forward vest is made with a long torso and a snug fit so that it hugs your core comfortably and attractively.
Insulation
Stuffed with 650-fill down and made with a collar that rises up on the neck, it will keep you snug and cozy. It has an active fit with hem and armhole binding to provide a sleek look and feel.
Features
It includes two zippered hand pockets at the sides for ideal warmth and storage, as well as two large interior pockets that can store a cell phone, gloves or other small items you may need to have on hand. There are bright and vivid color options available.
11. Carhartt Artic-Quilt
If you need a reliable vest that is ultra-durable and will keep you warm in the cold weather, you can count on Carhartt to have your back.
Read moreMaterial
This vest is made from a 12-ounce, firm-hand, 100% ring-spun cotton duck. The piece can be machine washed in cold water.
Insulation
The Carhartt vest features a nylon lining and artic-weight polyester insulation. The vest also has a rib-knit collar that will keep your neck warm and a drop tail, keeping your waist warm.
Features
The men’s vest features a front zipper that has a wind flap. It also has two front hand-warmer pockets and an inside patch pocket with a hook-and-loop closure. The vest comes in a variety of sizes ranging from Small to XX-Large, however, it only comes in a brown color.
12. Legendary Whitetails
Wearing a Legendary Whitetails women’s quilted vest will certainly take the chill out of being outdoors!
Read moreMaterial
This quilted vest is made from 100% polyester.
Insulation
The vest features quilting that makes this vest warm to wear. However, the piece is not as warm as some of the other pieces in our collection.
Features
The vest displays a feminine princess cut and has a suede-lined three toggles opening. The piece has a variety of pockets including two front pockets and one chest pocket. It has a lined collar and snaps closure on the top and bottom of the zipper. The vest comes in three colors including the army, black, and rusty maroon.
13. Outdoor Ventures Polar Fleece
For ladies that enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, climbing, and rock climbing, the Outdoor Ventures vest is a great layer to wear to keep you warm.
Read moreMaterial
This fleece vest is made from 100% ultra-soft polyester and has a 4-way stretch.
Insulation
The fleece vest is soft and thick making it a great item for layering and keeping you warm in colder weather.
Features
The fleece zipper vest features a stand-up collar that keeps your neck warm. The piece is lightweight and has elasticized arms and a smooth SBS zipper for a casual sporty design. It has two large exterior zip pockets and two interior patch pockets to store personal items in. The vest comes in 19 different colors and designs, giving you plenty to choose from.
Sources
- Carhartt Gilliam
- The North Face Nuptse
- Arc'teryx Cerium LT
- Columbia White Out Omni-Heat
- Eddie Bauer CirrusLite
- SmartWool Corbet
- Outdoor Research Transcendent
- North Face Thermoball Eco
- Goodthreads Sherpa
- Columbia Sportswear Flash Forward
- Carhartt Artic-Quilt
- Legendary Whitetails
- Outdoor Ventures Polar Fleece