Fleece Vests

Reviewed by Bheiser1

The Black Diamond Coefficient Vest is a worthy addition to the gear list for anyone venturing out to cool or cold places. It serves well as a mid-layer in colder weather, or even as a top layer in moderate to warmer temperatures and while active. It’s compact, and light, so it's easy to carry along. It's also durable so it can be counted on out on the trail.

The reviewer getting ready for a hike along the California coast updated 20-Apr-2014 with confirmed weight Review Conditions Due to personal circumstances which cropped up shortly after accepting this review assignment, my ability to take time off to “head for the hills” was severely limited for much of the review period. Therefore it turned into more of an extended review lasting over six months. I used the vest for hiking and snowshoeing on (and off) the trail. Additionally, although it doesn’t formally count for Trailspace reviews, I also used it in front-country conditions while attending a multi-night photography workshop on the northern California Coast (including pre-dawn and late night outings), during a coastal cleanup project...

Read more: Black Diamond CoEfficient Vest review (1)

Featured review by Lester M

A wardrobe staple. Recycled, lightweight, versatile, durable. An extra layer of warmth, which doesn't impede your shoulder movement.

I like a vest/gilet/sleeveless sweater....call them what you will. I don't live in a warm climate but I go outdoors every day and don't always appreciate the restrictions of heavy and bulky clothing. If I'm cutting wood, paddling, or walking with poles, my arms are going to keep themselves warm. If I'm working, with arms above my head, the tradeoff of warmth for flexibility is often a good one. I have padded gilets, waxed cotton ones, shell vests, and a wind vest. It's only a matter or time, before I buy one, with a hood;-) The great benefit of a Patagonia, is that it breathes better than a shell, so makes a great mid-layer, or active external garment, if the northerlies aren't blowing.

Read more: Patagonia Synchilla Vest reviews (2)

Reviewed by Andrew F.

A versatile insulator. From cutting the chill on a spring day to augmenting core warmth on really cold ones, this soft, comfortable fleece does the job. Don't expect it to stop any wind, as even a mild breeze runs right through this, unless you wear it under a shell. Brand new, it sheds until you wash or tumble dry it, and durability/pilling could be a longer-term issue.

OVERVIEW I had been eyeing the Retro Pile Jacket when I received this as a gift. Mine is size XL and weighs 14.4 ounces on an electronic scale. As the photo shows, three pockets—two large lower ones, one smaller one at the chest. All, including the front zipper, are large-tooth YKK zippers with sewn-on nylon pulls. If looking like sheep doesn't suit you, it's also available in a number of other colors. Whereas the Retro Pile Jacket reportedly has a more athletic fit, the vest is true to size, generously sized actually, so it's easy to wear over the heaviest base layers I own.

Read more: Patagonia Retro Pile Vest review (1)

Featured review by Confutatus

Great vest. Looks and is very comfy. Can wear as casual vest around town but works fantastic for hiking. I wore this vest as my primary hiking layer (over nylon shirt) for my hike up to the Everest basecamp. Wore pretty much the whole way up, alone up to maybe 4000m. Definitely windproof. Seems a little stiff straight out of the package, but loosens up wonderfully with some use, but still maintains windproof capabilities. Only issues—this is more designed for casual use, around camp, and not as high-tech mountaineering layer.

Read more: Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest reviews (2)

Featured review by Louis Howard

One of my better vests, I usually go to if I want to wear a vest even though I have other vests. Does what it needs to do very well.

Got it in size XXL. Had to send it in for worn out zipper pulls, but that was after many years of use. I only had to pay postage to send it back to the mothership North Face manufacturer. Repairs are free. 

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Reviewed by Pete Dix

This vest has been in heavy backcountry, carpentry, indoor and outdoor, casual evening dress use for 20 plus years and is still going strong. I have looked at all brands including Sierra Designs for over 10 years to replace it. Its qualities and versatility cannot be matched by any product made today that I can find. Everyone I have met and talked to would like to know where to get one. I will work with anyone and do whatever it takes to have another one produced. This vest is the most important piece of clothing I own. Please help me find a solution.

Fit and comfort and durability are unmatched by any product made today. I am a carpenter, backcountry skier, biker, sailor, camper, and business owner working with wealthy people. I wear my vest almost every day in all the for mentioned endeavors. It performs in all weather, clean or dirty environments, and always looks great. It has taken 20 years to wear it out. The most important function point of the vest is its durable, lightweight, breathable design. It is warm enough to be worn indoors or outdoors, but is not overbuilt, too warm or too stiff to wear as casual dress for an evening out.

Read more: Sierra Designs Backcountry Vest review (1)

Featured review by Mikey1299

The vest is very thin making it great as a layering piece. Like the Tech Jacket, the collar wasn't incredibly uncomfortable. The sizing wasn't as much of an issue as it is more of a layering item. I am 5'11" and 180lbs and wear a large in most items. For this vest, I had to get an extra large and the body fit fine in the shoulders and chest but it barely made my waist. As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Vest reviews (3)

Reviewed by FromSagetoSnow

Of all the fleece vests I have owned, this is one.

So I usually wear Columbia fleece vests that I pay about twenty bucks for on sale. Mine finally wore out (zipper died) so I got this MH one on sale in Butte. I am not a huge MH fan because their gear, to me, is overpriced and over promoted, but this time the sale price got me.  I especially liked the idea of shoulder patches for pack straps, even though I doubt they will extend the life of the thing too much. I also like the big inside packets and the chest pocket. If it had two chest pockets I'd like it more.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Bedlam Vest review (1)