Published February 7, 2018 12:00AM
If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy
Why You Should Own a Puffy Vest
From a performance-minded midlayer to an apres statement piece
Wearing a vest gives you more pockets without adding the bulk of a jacket.
Vests are one of the most overlooked pieces of gear. They can be integrated into an elaborate layering system during the cold months, or used as a solo layer on top of a flannel during the shoulder seasons. Even better, wearing a vest gives you more pockets without adding the bulk of a jacket. So we picked five of our favorite down vests. There’s something for you on this list, whether you’re looking for a performance-minded layer or something that makes a statement when you’re rambling about town.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer ($170)
The Ghost Whisperer is an essential vest because of its warmth to weight ratio and the 800-fill water-resistant down stuffing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fjallraven Ovik Lite ($200)
The high collar and chest pocket give this vest, which is made from Fjallraven’s bomber G-1000 fabric, a sporting look.
ADVERTISEMENT
REI Co-Op Down ($40)
REI packs 650-fill down insulation inside a nylon shell with a DWR coating to give you all of the down vest essentials in a budget-friendly package.
ADVERTISEMENT
Howler Brothers Rounder ($135)
Howler Brothers goes vaguely western with the Rounder, which has a thin fill of Primaloft One insulation in a rip-stop outer shell. We like the touch of corduroy on the shoulders and the front snap pockets.
ADVERTISEMENT
The North Face Novelty Nuptse ($180)
This 700-fill down vest with large baffles gives you a retro look without going full “That ‘70s Show.” And we dig the fun colorways.
