The 10 Best Down Vest in 2023 – Top Picks For Active Hikers

Last Updated on March 1, 2023

Men survived in the cold from a thousand years ago. They used to wear animal skins to stay warm. After a long time, they invented fire to keep themselves warm.

Day by day, technology has developed, and people started using various kinds of vestures to keep them warm. The down vest is one of those. It can protect cold to keep you warm and provide much comfort in cold weather. Typically, the cold wears are too much heavy.

For this reason, working becomes harder when you wear those. On the other hand, down vests are not bulky, and these are thin but comfortable enough. As a result, you can easily do your job by wearing a best down vest.

Quick Answer – Top 10 Best Down Vest

1. The North Face Men’s Nuptse Vest

2. The North Face Men’s Thermoball Vest

3. Outdoor Research Men’s Transcendent Vest

4. Eddie Bauer Men’s DownlightStormDown Vest

5. XPOSURZONE Men Vest

6. Amazon Essentials Men’s Down Vest

7. Vcansion Men’s Outdoor Vest

8. Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLiteDown Vest

9. Xin Dao Men’s Stylish Leisure Padded Vest

10. Amazon Essentials Men’s Vest

Reviews of the Best Down Vest

While you are in a cold environment, you have to think about stay warm and protect yourself from cold. A down vest can do all of these for you. It can protect you from cold and wind, keep you warm and allow you to feel much comfort.

There are many down vests available in the market. But all of them are not good enough. And it is too much tough to go to the market to find out the best vest. To solve your problem on finding out the best down vest, here we’ve given some reviews on the best down vests found in online.

We hope, these reviews will be enough help for you to find out and buy the best down vest to keep yourself protected from wind and cold. Stay warm and feel much comfort!

1. The North Face Men’s Nuptse Vest

To prevent cold and stay warm in cold weather, a good vest can help you much. The North Face Nuptse Vest’s size chart is a classic size vest. This down-insulated vest features high loft baffles.

It is now sporting an updated fit for everyone with sleek quilt lines. The North Face Nuptse Vest is zip-in-compatible integration with the complementing garments from The North Face.

The vest is stuffed with 700-fill goose down insulation with nylon plain weave fabric that will capture warmth around you. It contains double-layer taffeta fabric on the shoulder.

This vest is stowable in the internal chest pocket. It is secured with a zip hand pocket. This vest is hem cinch-cord which contains 100% nylon plain weave shell. This vest is also washable. You can wash this vest after using it.

It is machine washable, and it should be tumble dry in low heat. This vest is also imported. The measurement of this vest may vary by size. The dimension is 18x14x2 inches. This product is lightweight, weighs 2 pounds only.

2. The North Face Men’s Thermoball Vest

The North Face Thermoball Vest is a durable and highly packable vest. This features a bottleneck quilting pattern and ultralightThermoball which fills for an excellent warmth to weight ratio and fewer cold spots.

You can wear this thermal vest as a mid-layer for added warmth on cold fall camping excursions, or you can pack it for emergency layering in the backcountry.

A brilliant fall layer and lightweight Thermoball is insulated vest retains loft to keep you warmer in wet and cold weather. This vest is humanmade with the fabric of nylon and polyester.

This vest is zipper closure. You can explore with Thermoball vest which is stowable in the hand pockets. This vest is water resistant and insulated inside the vest pack.

Also, the vest is covered with secured zip hand pockets. The vest is washable, and it can be machine washed. The fabric of this product is 15D nylon ripstop with 11 g/ft² ThermoBall insulation throughout the body, 10 g/ft² in the side panels and 13 g/ft² in the collar.

The vest has lightweight VISLON center front zip. The dimension of this product is 17.2×15.8×1.2 inches and weighs only 11 ounces.

3. Outdoor Research Men’s Transcendent Vest

The Outdoor Research Men’s Transcendent Vest is warm, compressible and incredibly lightweight. This vest is built to keep you comfortably insulated when the temperature drops.

You can then stuff away from the vest into a corner of your pack when it is not needed. The vest is padded with high quality 650 down fill insulation that keeps you cozy during cross-country rambles yet stows neatly for uphill slogs.

For multi-day treks, you can pack it down so small that you won’t have a hard time finding space to bring it along. The material of this vest is 100% ripstop polyester.

The vest contains a zip-front puffer vest featuring the logo and vertical zip pocket at chest. This vest also has two zip hand pockets. The vest’s tricot-lined collar offers you comfort when the vest is fully zipped.

The internal front storm flap prevents strong gusts from chilling from the core as the vest is wind resistant. The vest is also water resistant that protects from mild storms.

The carabineer loop and key clip of the Vest help to keep daily necessities organized. Also, the elastic drawcord hem tightens the vest to seal out the elements for warmth. The vest is lightweight. It only weighs 1 pound.

4. Eddie Bauer Men’s DownlightStormDown Vest

The Eddie Bauer DownlightStormDown Vest is best for climbing, mountaineering, and all cold weather activities. It is a classic fit which is a universal fit. It’s not too slim, not too relaxed on the body.

It is designed to fit over midweight layers. This vest has a durable polyester shell with DWR finish to shade moisture, so it doesn’t soak in.

The vest is a high loft, moisture resistant that makes the vest ultra-soft and highly compressible. It is stuffed with 800 fill storm down insulation for ultra-tight, ultra warm and ultra-compressible comfort.

This vest is versatile, lightweight and warms enough for most cold weather situation. The updated version includes an extra 1.5″ in length; a drawcord waist that helps the vest to keep the warmth in and the cold out.

The handy chest pockets provide you with audio ports that keep your electronics close at hand and warm. The material of this vest is 100% ripstop polyester.

The vest is Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified down insulation certified by Control Union. The tricot-lined zip hand pockets are set behind the down for maximum warmth.

The vest is easily packable and washable in cold water. Also, you can carry necessary pieces of stuff into a left-hand pocket that has carabineer clip-in-loop.

5. XPOSURZONE Men Vest

A good vest can help you to stay warm in cold and wet weather. The XposurzoneDown Puffer Vest is one of the greatest vests that can easily keep you warm and allow you much comfort in cold weather.

This best down vest is a very thin, light and warm for men. The vest is imported and sized in the US version. So when you are buying it make sure to check the size chart for a suitable size.

The vest is ideal for outside activities like golf, hiking, climbing, traveling, riding, driving, and walking, also for casual and sportswear.

Construction of this vest is strong and durable enough to keep you warm. Its shell and lining are made of 100% Nylon. And this vest contains a 90% Duck Down insulation system. It also has a zipper closure to provide you with easy access to wear and put off.

The vest is easily machine washable. It is effortless to carry this vest because of the color matched pouch is included in this vest which is packable. It features quilting, standing collar, and zip front closure. There are zipper pockets with flap in this vest.

6. Amazon Essentials Men’s Down Vest

Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Down Vest is a neat down jacket, which is made of 100% Nylon on the outside. It comes with six different colors to choose from Blue, Brick red, Black, Grey, Navy, and Olive.

The shell of the jacket is water-resistant and quilted. Speaking of down fill, it is a blend of 10% feathers and 90% Duck down. It is very lightweight and comfortable to wear.

This vest features elasticized hem and sleeve cuffs providing not only a better fit but also helping to insulate the jacket better.

The collar is high and even padded to keep your neck warm and protected from the elements. There are 2 zip pockets on the outside of the jacket, and it comes in regular length.

7. Vcansion Men’s Outdoor Vest

A vest can be helpful to prevent cold weather. A well-padded and lightweight vest can highly protect you from cold and allow you to stay warm and feel much comfort.

The Vcansion Men’s Outdoor Casual Stand Collar Padded Vest Coat is a premium Lightweight Outdoor Recreation Vest. The shell, lining, and filling of the jacket are made from a very treasure fabric as polyester with 100%.

It features stylish tailoring with a front zipper closure and brings up the stand-collar design to increase your visual height as well as to keep your neck warm.

The Vcansion Men’s Outdoor Casual Stand Collar Padded Vest Coat is a nice looking warm vest can be ideal to pair with tee shirts, heavy coats, jeans, sport pants, boots, or other casual wear for spring, fall or winter season, or any occasion: daily wear, work, shopping, holiday, outing, etc.

It comes with three pockets, 2 side pocket and 1 inside so that you can keep your hands warm. Its durable polyester fabric and parallel quilted design with fine sewing craft prevent leakage of imitation cotton stuffing. It is suitable with hand wash, and do not bleach.

8. Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLiteDown Vest

The Eddie Bauer CirrusLiteDown Jacket is its entry-level model that means it uses a less lofty 650-fill power down. It is not quite as ultralight as more expensive down jackets.

The shell, lining, and filling are made of 100% durable polyester and parallel quilted design with fine sewing craft prevent leakage of imitation cotton stuffing.

The nylon shell includes a StormRepel DWR water-resistant finish, though. This nice looking warm vest is ideal to pair with tee shirts, heavy coats, jeans, sports pants, boots, or other casual wear for spring, fall or winter season, occasion: daily wear, work, shopping, holiday, outing, etc.

The Eddie Bauer CirrusLiteDown Jacket’s Stand-collar- Stand-collar design will increase your visual height and keep your neck warm. It has a full zipper closer and three pockets, 2 side pockets and 1 inside to keep your hand warm.

The key here is that this vest is the only entry-level down jacket that you can get in a tall version. The vest contains a great insulation system to keep you warm which is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. And this is approved by Control Union too.

9. Xin Dao Men’s Stylish Leisure Padded Vest

In a windy or cold day, you must have to wear cold preventing vestures. A vest can protect you from cold and provide you comfort.

The XinDao Men’s Stylish Leisure Padded Vest Cashmere Warm Vest Lightweight Stand Quilted Coat is a high-quality jacket made with full of personality design, refined craftsmanship.

Its shell and lining are made of 100% polyester closureQuality fabric, and its soft and comfortable imitation cashmere lining will keep you warm and comfortable.

Its wind-resistant Polyester shell with StormRepel DWR finish will protect you from wind and water leakage. The XinDao Men’s Stylish Leisure Padded Vest Cashmere Warm Vest Lightweight Stand Quilted Coat comes with very high-quality full zipper front and button closure.

It has 3 pockets outside and 1 pouch inside to keep your arms warm. It compresses easily into its space-saving pouch for storage. Its higher neck shields throat from chill will protect your throat and neck and will also give you a stylish look.

You can use it for any occasion: daily casual, outdoors, work, travel, vacation, sports, indoor and outdoor activity, and outing. It is suitable for low-temperature washing or machine wash. It takes a tiny space for packing. That’s why you can easily carry this to go anywhere.

10. Amazon Essentials Men’s Vest

The Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Vest is a nice down jacket, which features 100% Nylon on the outside. It comes with 6 color options choose from Black, Blue, Charcoal Heather, Grey, Navy and Olive Heather.

Its quilted shell made of Nylon makes it water resistant. Speaking of down fill, it is 90% Duck down and 10% feathers. The vest is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. The vest features elasticized Hem and sleeve cuffs providing not only a better fit but also helping to insulate the jacket better.

No hood and the collar is high and even padded to keep your neck warm and protected from the elements. There are 2 zip pockets on the outside, and it comes in regular length.

Down Vest FAQs

How Should a Down Vest Fit?

If you’re buying a down vest from a physical store, you can try it on yourself. Thus you can buy a properly shaped vest for yourself. In this case, the proper way of buying Down Vest is given here:

• It would be best if you bought a vest that fits your shoulder properly. Your shoulders should properly touch the shoulder part of the vest.
• The lower area of the vest should tightly cover your waist. The lower area of the vest should tightly adjust your waist.

But if you order your vest online, you can’t try it before you purchase. In this case, you need some other cloth of yours to measure it. You need to follow the following things to buy a perfectly fitted down vest:

• It would be best if you took a regular shirt of yours. And you may buy your jacket precisely the same size as your shirt. But make sure the shirt you’re matching with is not baggy.
• Otherwise, you can order one size smaller than the actual size of the shirt.

As you’ll have to wear sweatshirts underneath you, you must be careful that the vest is not so tight. So it’s wise to purchase the same vest as regular shirts.

What Is the Point of Wearing a Down Vest?

Nowadays, down vests are being so popular among men as well as women. People are adding down vests to their winter closet. Down vests are attracting people for their multipurpose tasks. Here are some of the explanations why “why should you buy a down vest”:

• Down vests are trendy. It can be paired with both formal and casual clothes. You can wear it if you’re going to the office or a hangout with friends.
• It keeps your chest warmer. While going on driving in the winter season, your body especially, your chest, needs to be warm to prevent you from cough and cold. In this case, a down vest is a must for you.
• Down vests have more pockets to it. While traveling, you can carry your small but essential things such as your traveling tickets within those pockets.

How Long Should a Down Vest Be?

Down vests are used to keep your body warm. As you need to keep your chest free from cold and cough, you will need a down vest.

While buying a down vest, you need to observe the length of the down vest. The length of the vest should be up to your waist from your shoulder. It is because your vest should be tightened with your waist. So that air can’t pass through the down vest. And the down vest will keep your chest warm.

How to Remove Grease Stains From a Down Vest?

Grease is a wet component. If grease is not cleaned from a down vest properly, molds and bacteria can be grown easily on the vest. These molds and bacteria directly affect the loft. The loft is the fluffy thing that is the main component of a vest, keeping the body warm. So it’s necessary to clean the grease from the down vest. Here are some processes you can clean your down vest:

• Firstly you need to observe the label of the down vest. Most of the time, things are written there about how you could clean your vest.
• Moreover, you’ll need some vinegar and some water to wash your down vest. Mix water and vinegar together. Just spray the watery mixture on top of your down vest. Then with the help of a brush, rub the upper layer gently. Then rinse it off with water; after that, dry the vest. The vinegar mixture will react with the grease, and using a brush will loosen the grease. In this way, you can wash your down vest.
• Otherwise, you can use a detergent powder that is suitable for down cloth. As all detergents do not go well with a down cloth, you need to be careful to use any inappropriate detergent. You need to wash your down vest with the detergent and then dry it off.

These are the simple steps you can go with to achieve a clean, grease-free down vest. But be patient; you don’t dry hot the down vest. The hot drier will damage the down cloth.

How to Choose a Down Vest?

Down vest comes with a wide range of different features and different insulation levels; it has waterproof pockets, detachable hoods, zippers, etc. When choosing a vest, you must consider temperature, your other layers, and your other activity.

You need to be considered first that how much a vest will be insulated or heavy. A lined or heated vest provides some insulation when the temperature is too cold. The weight and insulation of your vest should also match the level of your activity. If your activities are more physically challenging, and you are sweating, choose a lightweight vest.

How to Wear a Down Vest?

Choose a light down vest that weighs less than 150grams and warm as a micro-fleece. There are various types of vests to wear. It depends on the weather and the comfort to wear. There are waterproof down vests to protect you from the rain and to keep you warm. It is also windproof and snow-resistant vests that are very useful when traveling, cycling, hiking, and mountaineering.

Down Vest is very easy to wear; each vest has a chain in it. When you take off the chain and put on the vest, the vest is worn, and the body worms up.

How to Wash a Down Vest?

Getting dirty should be avoided, but sometimes it is inevitable. If it gets dirty for any reason, it should be dried flat. It should not be hung. Otherwise, it can damage the inner baffles because if it is wet, the filling becomes heavy. It can be dried in a low heat place. You can wash with natural soap, or there are special soaps for the Down Vest. They can be used if you want.

Where to Find Cheap Down Vest?

The prices of these vests are selected according to the weather and temperature resistance. It is up to you to decide when and where to use this sort of down vest. These vests are sold on various online sites you can buy at affordable prices from your chosen website. Moreover, you can also buy from the shops of different clothes and buy the right Down Vest.

Final Words

This article tried to present the list of the best down vest available in the market at present. Down jackets have existed as functional outdoor protection for decades, and while the central concept that guides their design, hasn’t changed over the years, yet companies are still finding new ways to make them more functional than ever.

These jackets are ultra-light and provide warmth in cold weather. They impeccably match with other outfits and suitable for any occasion. Hope this article helped you to make the best buying decision.

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Campbell John

Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.