This buying guide will show you 12 of the best down vests for men we could find. While some are meant for warmth and others are more fashionable they are all from top-notch manufacturers.
Being from Philadelphia where the winters are mild enough, I spend the majority of my time in a down vest instead of a winter coat. If you’re in zone 6 or higher like me, you’re probably the same way. For 90% of the season, there’s no need to pull out a winter coat when running errands.
Related: 7 Of The Warmest Winter Jackets for Men
First up on our list is a winter vest I actually own, the Gap Men’s Quilted Vest.
Gap Men’s Quilted Vest
If you’re in a milder zone like 5 or 6 the Gap Men’s Quilted Vest ($40) is a great choice. This vest has a reasonable price and will definitely keep you warm. Here in Philadelphia, I’ll wear mine 90% of the winter season. Only when the temp’s drop below 30-degrees or I’m planning on spending an extended period in poor weather conditions will I move on to a winter coat.
Moncler Men’s Winter Vest
The Moncler Men’s Winter Vest ($388+) is not only stylish but also delivers a ton of warmth. Moncler is a brand name worn by a lot of entertainers, so if you want the cool factor this is the way to go. This vest features a brushed tricot-lined collar for added comfort and warmth, a shell made of 100% nylon, and a 90% down fill. The great thing about this vest is that it packs into an included pouch.
Sussex Quilted Vest By J. Crew
The Sussex Quilted Vest By J. Crew ($118) is another vest that I own. Though it’s not as warm as the Gap vest. I primarily go to this one for evenings out where I’ll layer it with a sweater or a jean jacket. Still a great vest with the added benefit of being machine washable. It features a corduroy collar and a chest pocket with a hidden zipper compartment. The Sussex is a lightweight layer that’s perfect for those warmer winter days or for a night out on the town.
Helios Down Vest By Feathered Friends
If you’re looking for the best winter jacket replacement on the list this is the one for you. The Helios Down Vest By Feathered Friends ($209) has an incredible 850+ fill power rating and weighs just under 11 ounces. This vest is warm and light enough to handle extended periods in colder weather. The Lycra armholes and hem seal in the heat, so shivering on those chilly mornings around camp will be a thing of the past. With the addition of an insulated draft tube, the Helios Vest is ready for the cold and all your outdoor adventures. It’s perfect for backpacking, alpine ascents, ski touring, or just general cold weather.
The North Face Men’s Aconcagua Vest
For a hundred bucks you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better working or a better-looking men’s winter vest. The North Face Men’s Aconcagua Vest ($99) comes with a respectable 550 power fill rating making it perfect for those daily dog walks or those winter trail hikes. It features a 40D nylon shell with a water-repellent finish, a stand collar with a soft, brushed inner face, full-length zip with inner draft flap, a zip chest pocket, and zip hand pockets.
Canada Goose Hybridge Lite Vest
The Canada Goose Hybridge Lite Vest ($450) not only looks great, but it has a great set of features. The filling is 100% goose down. It has an 800 fill power rating to keep you toasty in the coldest conditions. It also packs into an exterior zipper pocket for easy storage. When not in use it also doubles as a travel pillow.
Uniqlo Ultra-Lite Down Vest
This is another vest that I also own. The Uniqlo Ultra-Light Vest ($50) is a great option when you don’t want to spend $100s on a vest. It features a 100% nylon shell with a water-repellent coating to keep out light rain and snow. The down fill will keep you warm in some of the coldest temps. But once it gets below freezing I’d opt for something warmer. This vest is also fully packable which makes it great for travel.
L.L. Bean Men’s Mountain Classic Down Vest
The L.L. Bean Men’s Mountain Classic Down Vest ($139) is for those looking for a rugged winter vest option. It features the brands DownTek water-repellent down which stays dry 10x longer than untreated down. The fill power rating is 650, which is great for colder conditions. Additional features include a recycled polyester shell that resists wind and rain. A Full-zip front closure with snaps on the storm flap offers additional protection. And an adjustable hem with two drawcords.
Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Vest
The Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Vest ($51) is another great all-around winter vest on our list. It not only has great looks but offers an excellent fill power rating. The CirrusLite vest is ultralight and packable and features a premium down insulation. It has a StormRepel DWR water-resistant finish for protection against rain and snow. Other features include secure zip side pockets. Inner pouch-style pockets. And a higher neck to provide protection against the elements.
Lands End Packable Down Vest
Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ratio Down Vest
Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Vest
