Synthetic Insulated Vests

Featured review by Alicia MacLeay

I've had my Atom LT Vest from Arc'teryx for more than eight years, and it continues to perform year-round as a versatile, lightweight synthetic insulated vest, especially for active use. I use the Atom LT as an extra layer of core insulation skiing (nordic and alpine), hiking, camping, and as an everyday layer. It's a mid layer, it's an outer standalone layer, it's an extra layer stashed in a pack. The Atom LT Vest is so useful I bought an Atom LT Hoody when I saw one on clearance in an outdoor store three years ago.

  spring ski touring While Arc'teryx's Atom LT Vest has been updated in the eight years I've had mine, the overall design and intent remain the same. As part of the brand's Atom line it's intended to be a "versatile synthetic insulated mid layer with a high degree of weather resistance." Fit Available in women's (XS-XL) and men's (S-XXXL) sizes, the Atom LT Vest is a lightweight (LT), low-profile, minimal vest. Arc'teryx classifies it as a trim fit. I have a women's medium and while it's not relaxed, I find it the right size for a mid-layering piece.

Read more: Arc'teryx Atom Vest reviews (5)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

I had been looking for a lightweight, but warm, vest to wear under my anorak shell, and it seems that recently the packaway style vests have become very popular. I was not convinced that this light, easily packable, vest would add much warmth, but I was wrong! It is very comfortable, and work great under a shell, or alone over a base layer, for winter hiking and snowshoeing. I expect this vest will serve nearly year-round duty.

This is a really nice vest, which has surpassed my expectations...from Bean, I knew I could return it at any time if not satisfied, but this one is staying with me! In fact, though it has been used only for winter activities until now, I know it will be great in the spring, and also to bring along on canoe camping trips this summer. It will aslo serve as an early spring extra layer, with my cycling jacket It is very comfortable, light, and warmer than I thought it would be, as it is so light. It has 60-gram PrimaLoft One polyester insulation, and it packs down into the pocket, to a nice compact size...I have brought it along in my day pack, and it takes up little space.

Read more: L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Vest review (1)

Featured review by FromSagetoSnow

A basic, very functional vest from a very unique company.

I admire old school, low tech ways to get things done. However, I also admire hi tech fabrics and technologies. I also wish more of our stuff was made responsibly in the U.S. It seems like these sentiments came together in the Recreation Before Responsibility Ripstop Vest. This vest combines Primaloft One insulation with a DWR treated down proof shell made off the electrical grid by Amish crafts people in Iowa on sewing machines that use no electricity.  Coming from a Mennonite heritage myself that I can trace back to within a few years of the Reformation I must admit that this concept interested me on several levels.

Read more: Recreation Before Responsibility Nylon RipStop Vest reviews (3)

Reviewed by Delmarco

OVERVIEW: Another great classic from Mammut! The Stratus Vest is versatile, packable and warm and one of those gear that grow on you over time as you realize how necessary it is. Great for when it's not too cold for a full on parka, but fleece or softshells aren't enough after the sunsets. I've carried and used this piece 12 months out of the year and its so light you wont know its in your pack until you need it. COMPARISONS: This is a one of a kind item and its closest competitor (in the US) is Patagonia's ultra delicate and cute Puffball Vest and North Face's burly Optimus Vest.

Read more: Mammut Stratus Vest review (1)

Reviewed by KiwiKlimber

The Outdoor Research Refuge Vest is a do-it-all vest that is well-suited to keep the core warm during chilly winter activities or for adding that extra bit of warmth and comfort during the shoulder seasons when a full-on jacket isn’t necessary. The vest has synthetic insulation (High-loft VerticalX) and with big pockets and a soft, comfortable collar, the vest has some standout features that make it a formidable midlayer or outerlayer.

Conditions: For five months, I’ve regularly worn the Outdoor Research Refuge Vest. This includes through the winter and early spring in Pennsylvania (USA). The vest has been worn as a midlayer during colder days (down to -5°F or -20.5°C) and as an outerlayer on more mild days (up to 60°F or 15.5°C). Activities during which I’ve worn the vest include hiking, camping, and normal everyday use. For the last five months, I’ve worn the vest, on average, two to three times per week. Reviewer’s Measurements: Height: 6'2" (74" or 1.88m) Weight: 200 lbs (90.7kg) Chest: 42.5 inches (108cm) Typical Top/Vest Size: Varies between medium and large Vest Reviewed Size: Chest size is between Medium and Large, so I sized up to the Large.

Read more: Outdoor Research Refuge Vest review (1)