Fall provides the perfect opportunity for us to transition into the impending colder weather ahead. As the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, we have to begin thinking once again about layering. And what better way to accomplish this seasonal task than to ease into cooler weather with the king of layering – the vest.
Here are 13 of our favorite men’s vests for town, trail, and travel, separated by material.
Synthetic
The North Face ThermoBall Active Vest – $130
This slim fitting active vest utilizes the revolutionary ThermoBall insulation which offers the warmth and compressibility of down with the protection of a synthetic product (even when wet).
Salomon Drifter Mid Vest – $130
This active fit, reversible PrimaLoft vest paired with a soft Pertex shell is the perfect compliment for trail and travel.
Filson Quilted Polson Vest – $195
The dry wax treated shell provides a water repellent field vest that is insulated with PrimaLoft and highlighted with an antique brass zipper with snap storm flap.
Down
Mammut Trovat IN Vest – $150
This regular fit 650-fill-power down vest contains 80% white goose down (20% white goose feather). The Pertex Microlight shell makes this an ideal vest for active pursuits.
Patagonia Ultralight Down Vest – $124-$249
This super lightweight vest contains 800-fill-power Traceable Down (goose down that is traced from parent farm to apparel factory to ensure that the birds that supply it are not force fed or live-plucked).
Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Vest – $149
This 650-fill-power goose down vest in protected by a wind and water resistant shell to provide a lightweight solution for early morning treks or nights around the campfire.
Stio Woodson Down Vest – $189
Overstuffed with 650-fill Allied Feather HyperDry water-repellent down, this classic, work inspired down vest will be at home on the job site, in the mountains or around town.
Fjällräven Ovik Lite Down Vest – $265
This classic looking vest looks great for a night out on the town and is functional off grid. The recycled polyester and organic shell is water resistant and is paired with soft Pertex Quantum lining that is insulated with 80/20 down.
Wool
Duckworth Snowcrest Vest – $295
This casual and stylish woven wool vest is made in the U.S.A. The super soft exterior shell is 100% Helle Rambouillet Merino wool while the vest is insulated with WoolCloud fill (a wool alternative to feathers).
Aztech Cathedral Vest – $585
This vest is the perfect mix of performance and style. The PrimaLoft Gold insulation is paired with water-repellent fabrics along with the brands signature triangle quilting.
Smartwool Double Propulsion 20 Hoody Vest – $200
The DWR treated polyester shell will provide protection from the wind and moisture while the SmartLoft wool insulation and merino wool/polyester lining will keep you toasty for wherever the trail takes you.
Ortovox Swisswool Piz Cartas Vest – $180
The Pertex Microlight shell is breathable, water and wind resistant. This reversible vest is insulated with Swisswool which is a more coarse and durable grade of wool. The company states that it’s ‘from the mountains, for the mountains’.
Hybrid
Ibex Mixed Route Vest – $200
The blending of two great natural fibers make this vest an anomaly in the roundup. Down and wool pair together to provide the insulation in this 100% recycled nylon shell.