Best Women's Down Vests of 2023-2024

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The Down Sweater Vest is made with a 100% recycled 20-denier nylon ripstop outer shell fabric that’s treated with a PFC-free DWR coating for water repellency. The vest is stuffed with 800-fill responsibly-sourced down that’s certified by Responsible Down Standard, and the vest is Fair Trade Certified-sewn.

This vest has two perfectly-placed hand pockets on the exterior, plus one internal chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack for the vest, which packs down a little smaller than a Nalgene water bottle.

The baffles on this vest are part of what makes it stand out from others in our test. More baffles in a down garment typically means extra warmth, since the down feathers are more concentrated. When testing in the Colorado high country while hiking, foraging, and camping, we found the Down Sweater to be super cozy, especially considering it’s fairly light.

In fact, this is the softest and coziest vest in our test and the one we reached for most often when we wanted to take off the chill. While the Outdoor Research Cold Front was the warmest in our test, it isn’t as versatile outside of wintry conditions, which makes the Down Sweater ideal for everyday use across three seasons. This vest is among the warmer vests in our test—the Rab Microlight was slightly warmer than this vest, but not by much.

Some of the other features we love about this vest are the pockets. The zippered hand pockets are very spacious. They are placed in a normal location near the waist, so they can’t be fully accessed when wearing a pack with a hip belt, but they can be at least partially unzipped. The inside drop pockets are also large and can fit even the largest of cell phones, while the internal chest pocket can fit most phones.

When it comes to mobility, this vest is very comfortable, though it does not have the stretch of the Mountain Hardwear. The shoulder openings are spacious and comfortable without looking like shoulder pads. Overall, we think this vest runs true to size. Patagonia has been getting better in recent years with offering a wider range of sizes. We appreciate that this one goes up to XXL but would love to see it available in a 3X, too.

Patagonia Down Sweater Testing Forgaging

Another bonus is Patagonia’s warranty under their Ironclad Guarantee—they will repair or replace any garments that are not up to their standard. Or, if you’ve just put some good wear-and-tear into your garment, they have helpful guides for cleaning and repairing, or you can send it to Patagonia for professional repairs for a small charge (if it’s not a warranty item).

Patagonia Worn Wear is also a great resource, whether you’re looking to trade in your old gear or find a used Down Sweater Vest for a fraction of the retail price—plus, it’s easier on the earth. Additionally, this vest comes with a small patch kit in case you do get any holes in the fabric.

There isn’t much we don’t like about this vest for everyday use. It does lean on the expensive side, but with that comes a more sustainably-made vest with very high-quality materials and construction, in addition to a great warranty and repairs policy.

For leaning on the more casual side, this vest is still quite light and packable, which makes it great for travel.

It is not quite as technical as other vests in our test, like the Rab Microlight or Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown. And it’s not as light as the Montbell synthetic vest. If you’re looking for a vest that’s primarily for use in the backcountry, whether you’re looking for weight savings or more technical features, consider one of these instead.

The Down Sweater vest popped up numerous times in our research, with positive media and customer reviews across the board. It comes recommended by Switchback Travel and Wirecutter (written by Treeline EIC, Liz Thomas), among others. Aside from a few remarks on sizing (we’d recommend sizing up if you’re on the fence), most customers on Patagonia’s website left 5-star reviews for the Down Sweater vest. The bottom line: If you want one great vest to do it all with quality construction and understated, casual style, the Down Sweater can’t be beat.

The Down Sweater vest is the vest version of our overall winner for Best Down Jacket in our Best Down Jackets guide. We also dedicate a single product in-depth review to the Down Sweater Jacket.

BEST OVERALL SYNTHETIC VEST: MONTBELL THERMAWRAP

Weight: 6.8 oz.

Available sizes: S-XL

Fit: standard

Shell fabric: 12D nylon ripstop with DWR

Insulation type: EXCELOFT synthetic insulation

Pockets: 5 (2 zippered handwarmer, 1 zip chest, 2 internal zip)

What we liked: lightweight and packable, good warmth-to-weight ratio, reversible

What could be better: limited sizing, not as weather protective as others

Down is a great insulating material for its plush coziness, but there are times when synthetic materials are more ideal. If you’re looking for an excellent vest made with synthetic insulation, look no further than the Montbell Thermawrap. This vest is warm, packable, and incredibly lightweight, plus the synthetic materials mean it performs better than down in wet conditions because it stays warm when wet.

MONTBELL THERMAWRAP

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This vest is ideal for backpackers, any adventures where weight matters, or anyone who prefers the qualities of synthetic insulation over down. We tested this vest hiking around Colorado’s high country mostly in cool and dry late-summer weather. While we did not have the chance to test this in truly wet weather yet, we appreciated the synthetic insulation that stayed warm on drizzly evening forages in the woods. The lightweight construction is also minimal enough for backpacking trips with a lightweight pack.

The Thermawrap is filled with 90 grams of EXCELOFT synthetic insulation that has a good warmth-to-weight ratio. This synthetic insulation also does not lose its loft when wet, like untreated down insulation does. For the shell, the vest has a 12-denier nylon ripstop that’s treated with a water repellent coating. The shell on this is not as weather protective as others in our test, but it still held up on high country hikes. And, because the shell fabric is a lower denier, this vest is not as abrasion resistant as others in our test, so we had to be more careful when hiking in dense foliage, bushwhacking, or scrambling to avoid snags or tears—though we did not sustain any rips or damage to the vest in testing.

An added bonus that’s a standout for this vest: It’s reversible. That means not only do you get two colors and styles in one, you also get double the pockets. Each side of the vest has dual zippered hand pockets and one side of the vest has a zippered chest pocket. The internal pockets are a bit awkward to reach, but still totally usable for items you don’t want to lose but won’t reach for often, like car keys or your wallet.

In testing we found that this vest works well as a stand alone piece in dry weather that’s chilly, but it also layers incredibly well under a rain shell or full puffy jacket for extra protection and warmth. Aside from features and great synthetic insulation, this vest is also the lightest in our test, so if weight is a priority for you, consider this option first.

While this vest is light, warm, and comfortable, it’s not as weather protective as others in our test. When windy or drizzly conditions hit, it noticeably did not stand up to weather as well as others in our test. That’s partly because the denier (the thickness of the individual threads that are woven into the shell) of the shell is smaller than other shell materials. But, since the insulation is synthetic, a little moisture is not as much of a concern as it is with a down-filled vest, since the synthetic stays warm when wet. Our only other gripe with the Thermawrap is the lack of available sizing. We’d love to see a broader range to fit more folks.

Backpacking Light and Wirecutter (written by Liz Thomas) both recommend the Thermawrap as a top choice for a synthetic vest. If you prefer the advantages of synthetic insulation (warm when wet, durable, easier to care for, more affordable) and need a vest that’s just about as light as they come, put this one at the top of your list.

BEST AFFORDABLE DOWN VEST: REI Co-Op 650 VEST

Weight: 7 oz.

Available sizes: XS-3X

Fit: standard

Shell fabric: recycled nylon ripstop with DWR

Insulation type: 650-fill down

Pockets:

What we liked: Comfortable, affordable, good sizing range, uses sustainable materials

What could be better: Not as warm or weather-protective as others

If you’re looking for a good down vest that won’t lighten your wallet too much, we think the REI Co-op 650 vest offers an excellent value. It’s a warm, comfortable, and reasonably durable vest that is a fraction of the price of others in our test. You’ll get all the features we expect in a down vest without breaking your budget or having your gear fall apart after minimal use.

REI CO-OP 650 VEST

The REI Co-op 650 vest, as expected with the name, is made with 650-fill down, which is on the low end of any others in our test, meaning the down used in this vest is not as lofty as others. The outer shell is constructed with a bluesign-approved recycled nylon ripstop that’s treated with a DWR coating. With dual zippered hand pockets and a spacious internal drop pocket on one side of the vest, there’s ample space to carry essentials.

While this vest is not the warmest in our test, it’s still quite cozy and is on the lighter side and small enough to pack into the backcountry as long as going ultralight is not a concern.

While the REI Co-op 650 vest offers excellent value, there are a few things it lacks compared to others in our test. The fill power is lower than all other down vests in our test, and notably lower than the 800-fill of the Down Sweater. It’s also not quite as warm or weather resistant as others, but overall the performance for the price is very good.

With any budget item there are features you’ll have to sacrifice and we still think this is a great piece of gear. However, if you’re looking for a warmer vest with a higher loft and better down insulation, consider others in our review.

Switchback Travel also recommends the 650 vest as the best budget option. The jacket version of the 650 vest, the REI Co-Op 650 Down jacket, is the best budget winner in our Best Down Jackets guide.

BEST INSULATED VEST FOR WINTER: OUTDOOR RESEARCH COLD FRONT HOODED DOWN VEST II

Weight: 16.9 oz.

Available sizes: XS-XXL

Fit: standard

Shell fabric: Pertex Quantum Eco shell

Insulation type: 700-fill 90% RDS-certified down

Pockets: 2 handwarmer

What we liked: ultra-plush warmth, good weather protection

What could be better: too heavy and bulky for backcountry use

When the snow starts to fly and the temperature drops, you need more than a lightweight layer to keep you warm. That’s where the ultra-cozy Outdoor Research Cold Front vest comes in. After testing on chilly shoulder-season camping trips in the Rockies, this vest proved to be the warmest and most weather protective in our test. Plus, unlike any others in our test, the Cold Front features an insulated hood and plush fleece lining in the collar that kept us extra toasty. If warmth and coziness is your top priority, this is the vest for you.

OUTDOOR RESEARCH COLD FRONT HOODED DOWN VEST II

The Cold Front vest is made with a bluesign®-approved Pertex Quantum Eco shell that in our tests stands up better than most others to light precipitation. (The Rab Microlight performed slightly better in water repellency, but both of these have notably better weather protection than others in our test.) This vest is stuffed in the body and hood with 700-fill down that’s Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified.

For pockets, the Cold Front features two zippered hand pockets and one interior mesh drop pocket that can fit a large phone.

One of the coziest features of this vest, aside from the toasty-warm hood, is the high-loft, ultra-soft fleece lining that insulates the inside of the collar. It’s soft and warm and adds a touch of fun style to the vest. The vest fits true-to-size, but if you like plenty of room for lofting and layers, consider sizing up. (Also worth noting, we tested the jacket version of the Cold Front for our Best plus-size winter gear story, but sadly the vest is not yet offered in plus sizing.)

There aren’t many downsides to this vest, given that it’s used in appropriately cold conditions. It’s not as versatile as others and certainly meant for cold weather, so you won’t need this layer for those still-mostly-warm fall days. But it does offer superior warmth. We think having a vest like this for winter is great when you want warmth in your core area but still like the arm mobility a vest offers, or just want the style and flair of a vest. (If it’s truly frigid, you’re going to want a full coat.)

The only other trade-off with the Cold Front is that it is heavy compared to other vests we tested. This layer is meant for days lounging at the base of the ski hill, casual winter hikes, and around-town adventures in cold and snowy weather. If you’re looking for a warm layer to drag with you into the backcountry, you’ll find lighter and more packable options out there.

The original model of this vest has a heap of 5-star customer reviews, with many commenting on the warmth, style, and quality construction. The Cold Front II has a slightly different baffle construction and adds the lofty fleece collar, both features that we think are upgrades and only make this vest even cozier. For ultimate warmth and great style, this is the best vest for wintery days.

BEST VEST FOR AEROBIC ACTIVITIES: MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR STRETCHDOWN LIGHT VEST

Weight: 8.1 oz.

Available sizes: XS-XL

Fit: standard

Shell fabric: 20D Durable Stretch Doubleweave, 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane

Insulation type: 700-fill RDS-certified down

Pockets:

What we liked: Stretchy, comfortable, great for freedom of movement

What could be better: price, shell fabric could be more water-resistant and breathable

Even with the lack of sleeves, not all vests offer a wide range of motion due to the stiff shell materials used for down insulation. Mountain Hardwear changes that with their Stretchdown shell material. For active pursuits, whether hiking, backpacking, or rock climbing, the Stretchdown vest offers the most comfort and range of motion of any vest in our test. We used this on long and tough late summer backpacking trips in the high alpine of northern Colorado and only took it off in the heat of the day. If you want a vest that can stand up and stay comfortable for all sorts of outdoor adventures, this is it.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR STRETCHDOWN LIGHT VEST

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The Stretchdown Light vest is made with a stretchy, 20-denier shell material that’s both durable and comfortable. On boulder field scrambles, we had no issues with abrasion when wearing this vest. The Stretchdown has 700-fill RDS-certified down in the staggered baffles. It’s not as lofty as other vests in our test, but that sleeker design is part of what makes it great for aerobic activities like hiking and climbing. We were less likely to overheat in this vest than any others in our test.

For pockets, it’s got two zippered hand pockets plus two internal stash pockets. On our testing hikes and backpacking trips, we found that the vest blocks wind well in 25-mph gusts above treeline, but the water resistance was not as good as others in our test; it wetted out faster than the others.

The only real downside to this vest is that it’s on the pricey side. If you want the functionality of the stretchy shell material you’ll have to fork over the extra cash, but that’s worth it if you plan to use this vest primarily for active outdoor pursuits. While this vest is stretchy and comfortable for moving in, the fabric could be more water-resistant and breathable. But only a certain level of breathability is to be expected with an insulated garment like this in the first place, so this is a minor complaint.

If you want a vest that’s ideal for a lot of movement and big outdoor adventures, we think this should be your top choice. We also had the most confidence in the durability of this vest; it didn’t snag or tear when bushwhacking and scrambling for an entire day off-trail. No other vest in our test was as comfortable on the trail (or scrambling and bushwhacking off trail), and the freedom of movement that comes with the stretch shell is tough to beat.

BEST PLUS-SIZE VEST: COTOPAXI FUEGO DOWN VEST

Weight: 14 oz.

Available sizes: XXS-4X

Shell fabric: 20D nylon ripstop with DWR

Insulation type: 800-fill RDS-certified down

Pockets:

What we liked: great size range, fun colors and style, warm, made with sustainable and ethical business practices

What could be better: heavy, not all colors are offered in plus sizing

We love when high-quality outdoor gear comes in a wide range of sizes, and it’s an extra bonus when that gear looks great, too. The Cotopaxi Fuego has a fun retro style, warm down insulation, and comes in a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes up to 4X. If you’re looking for a great vest that’s offered in plus sizes, we think this is the best option for its performance, style, and overall value.

COTOPAXI FUEGO DOWN VEST

The Fuego has a 20-denier nylon ripstop shell that’s treated with a DWR coating. Inside the baffles is 800-fill responsibly-sourced down insulation that’s wonderfully warm (comparable to the Patagonia and Rab, but not quite as warm as the Outdoor Research). It has two zippered hand pockets, plus two internal stash pockets on one side of the vest—one zippered and one drop-in. The internal zippered pocket can be used as a stuff sack to pack the vest. It also has a drawcord hem that cinches for added warmth. The Fuego fits true to size and is very comfortable whether at camp or out in town.

We tested the Fuego on camping trips in western Colorado in late summer and early fall conditions. It’s warm and cozy while having good style for the days you might end up in town instead of camp. All of the four pockets are spacious enough to fit a large phone and plenty of snacks.

The Fuego is about as warm as other similar vests in our test, like the Patagonia Down Sweater, and comes at a better price, though it’s notably heavier. It kept us warm on nights at camp near the river when the rain clouds lingered and the temps dipped into the low 40’s. If weight is not much of a concern, this is an excellent vest for all-around use.

Other features we love with the Fuego include the fact that Cotopaxi offers a great lifetime warranty and offers repairs and gear trade-ins as well. Cotopaxi is conscious of their supply chain, and they’re a Climate Neutral Certified and B-Corp brand. Additionally, their Gear For Good initiative offers grants to communities facing extreme poverty.

The Fuego is one of the heaviest vests in our test, right behind the Outdoor Research Cold Front. This isn’t an issue if you plan to primarily wear this vest around town, on campus, while camping, or on day hikes. If you want to save weight, some of the others in our test are half the weight or less. The only other downside is that plus sizing is not offered in every color.

This vest is popular among outdoor media and everyday customers alike. Switchback Travel recommends the Fuego and Cotopaxi’s website features nearly 100 5-star customer reviews for the vest. If you want a technical, stylish vest that’s offered in a wide range of sizes, we think Cotopaxi made a great vest with the Fuego.

BEST VEST FOR BAD WEATHER: RAB DOWN MICROLIGHT VEST

Weight: 9.2 oz.

Available sizes: XS-XL

Fit: standard

Shell fabric: 30D Pertex Quantum nylon ripstop

Insulation type: 700-fill GRS-certified down with hydrophobic Nikwax treatment

Pockets: 2 handwarmer

What we liked: weather-resistant shell and hydrophobic down stand up well to damp conditions

What could be better: not as light as other down vests

The Rab Microlight vest is an excellent all-around down vest that stood out in our test for its notable weather protection. Unlike any other down insulated vest in our test, the down inside the Microlight’s baffles is treated with a PFC-free Nixwax hydrophobic coating. This paired with the Pertex Quantum shell and DWR make this down vest perform particularly well in damp conditions. If you’re often out in bad weather—like damp PNW days or misty and dewy mornings on the trail—and are looking for a down vest that will hold up in the clouds, make this your top choice.

RAB DOWN MICROLIGHT VEST

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The Microlight vest is constructed with a 30-denier Pertex Quantum shell material that’s treated with a DWR finish for added water repellency. The denier rating is the highest of any of the vests in our test, which helps to make this shell material both more durable and more weather resistant. Inside the baffles you’ll find 700-fill GRS-certified responsibly-sourced down that’s been treated with a hydrophobic coating. (This certification is different from RDS down; rather than being ethically sourced from the animals, it’s made with certified recycled down, which is another sustainable option.) These features don’t make the vest fully waterproof, but it stood up well to light rain and heavy wind on hikes and foraging adventures in Colorado’s high country.

The Microlight has two zippered hand pockets and stretchy seams around the shoulders that help make the vest more comfortable and offer some added range of motion.

Overall, this is an excellent all-around vest without many downsides. It is, however, on the heavier side. It’s still light enough for most outdoor adventures, but if weight savings is a priority you’ll want to consider other options, though you will sacrifice some of the weather-resistant qualities that this vest offers.

The Microlight is ultimately a good value vest for all-around use that stands out especially in bad weather. With a quality shell material and hydrophobic down, it still is less expensive than two of our other winners (the Patagonia and Mountain Hardwear vests are both more expensive than the Rab). It also comes recommended by Switchback Travel, and they note the weather-resistant qualities of this vest as well.

OTHER INSULATED VESTS WE CONSIDERED

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR GHOST WHISPERER

Weight: 5.6 oz. (for the current men’s version)

Available sizes: men’s sizing S-XXL

Fit: men’s standard fit

Shell fabric: nylon ripstop

Insulation type: 800-fill hydrophobic down

Pockets: 2 zippered handwarmer

What we liked: ultralight, packable, and warm

What could be better: We wish the women’s model had not been discontinued

The Ghost Whisperer line has long been a favorite among the ultralight crowd—few down insulated vests and jackets have been able to match the performance-to-weight ratio of this model. This vest would be a frontrunner for the best lightweight vest, but sadly Mountain Hardwear has decided to discontinue the women’s vest but not the men’s.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR GHOST WHISPERER

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If an ultralight down vest is what you’re looking for, you could consider the men’s version if you’re able to find a good fit. Or, there are still a handful of women’s vests that can be purchased online. If you can find this vest, we recommend it as a good lightweight option. And we hope that in future seasons Mountain Hardwear will bring the women’s model back. The last thing we need is fewer technical options for women’s-specific gear!

PATAGONIA NANO PUFF VEST

Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Vest Womens

Weight: 7.3 oz.

Available sizes: XXS-XXL

Fit: standard

Shell fabric: recycled polyester ripstop with PFC-free DWR

Insulation type: synthetic Primaloft Gold Eco

Pockets: 3 (2 handwarmer, 1 internal)

What we liked: Comfortable, light, flattering fit, made with sustainable business practices

What could be better: not as warm as others

The Nano Puff vest is another popular option that we tested and is an excellent quilted vest for those looking for a synthetic option. The recycled polyester ripstop shell offers good protection from wind and the DWR coating helps fend off light precipitation. It fits true to size and we found this to be one of the more flattering vests in our test.

PATAGONIA NANO PUFF VEST

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Patagonia Nano Puff while stand up paddleboarding

The Montbell Thermawrap has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than this vest, which is what helped it take the cake as a winner. However, this vest is not much heavier and in our opinion offers better style and excellent functionality. So, if you’re looking for a lightweight synthetic vest but also want something that offers good off-the-trail style, this is a great option.

ARC’TERYX ATOM VEST

Arcteryx Atom Lightweight Insulated Vest Womens

Weight: 7.1 oz.

Available sizes: XXS-XXL

Fit: trim/fitted

Shell fabric: 20D Tyono shell

Insulation type: Coreloft 60 g recycled polyester fibers (bluesign® approved material)

Pockets:

The Atom line from Arc’teryx has long been a favorite for active insulation, thanks to the breathable materials and strategically placed side panels that offer both freedom of movement and help to vent heat. We have not been able to test this vest yet, but if you’re looking for a vest that performs well during aerobic activities, this is a good one to consider. It’s made with a durable, weather-resistant shell material and synthetic Coreloft insulation that stays warm when wet. Additionally, this vest is on the lighter side, making it a good option for backcountry adventures.

ARC’TERYX ATOM VEST

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ARC’TERYX CERIUM VEST

Weight: 6 oz.

Available sizes: XXS-XXL

Fit: fitted

Shell fabric: 15D nylon

Insulation type: responsibly-sourced 850-fill down, synthetic Coreloft

Pockets:

This hybrid down vest incorporates synthetic insulation in areas more prone to absorbing moisture, like the shoulders, one of the only vest in our review that has this feature. Additionally, it’s among the lightest options we considered, making it an excellent option for when weight savings matters. While we have not yet had a chance to test this vest, it’s on our list to get out on the trail with soon and we will update this review as soon as we’re able to do so. The Arc’teryx Cerium Jacket was the best hybrid jacket winner in our Best Down Jackets guide and our Best Synthetic Jackets guide.

ARC’TERYX CERIUM VEST

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The North Face Thermoball Ecovest

Available sizes: XS-3XL

Fit: regular?

Shell fabric: Recycled nylon

Insulation type: ThermoBall Eco postconsumer recycled polyester

Pockets: 3 (2 handwarmer, 1 chest)

We were excited to test the The North Face Thermoball Ecovest, which comes up on many lists for affordable and eco-friendly casual vests. It’s made of recycled post-consumer polyester for the insulation and recycled nylon for the shell material. Unfortunately, we were not able to test one. However, if you’re looking for a casual vest, this could be a good option.

THE NORTH FACE THERMOBALL ECOVEST