Best Down Vests for Women of 2022

BEST FOR: DAILY USE

The simple and sleek Patagonia Sweater Vest is a primo cold buster you’ll want to add to your insulation arsenal. This down vest sports an attractive trim fit that’s both warm and packable. The vest compresses down into a pocket making it a go-to staple you can have on hand anytime. 

Packed with 800-fill goose down, the Patagonia Down Sweater features an incredible amount of toasty insulation that will keep your core warm while effortlessly regulating your body temperature. That is, as long as conditions are mild. The durable shell of this down vest will serve you well in repelling light moisture and breezy weather, but the moment inclement weather strikes, you’ll want to reach for your rain jacket.

BEST FOR: THOSE ON A BUDGET

When you need a performance piece and don’t have hundreds to spend, consider REI’s 650 2.0 down vest — it won’t disappoint.

The 2.0 is offered in both men’s and women’s styles. It’s stuffed with 650 fill power down which means less warmth for the weight than our overall pick, but REI upgraded its most recent iteration with square-shaped baffles and a roomier fit that adds loft to help keep the warmth in.

What I like most about the 650 2.0 down vest is that it’s crafted from Bluesign materials and RDS-certified down, which ensures the humane treatment of birds.

BEST FOR: FRIGID ALPINE HIKES

Ultralight hikers, eat your heart out with the mouthwatering warmth-to-weight ratio of the Arc’teryx Cerium LT. This down vest practically radiates heat with its lofty fill power that optimizes insulation at a ridiculously light weight. By strategically placing the down throughout the vest, Arc’teryx was able to maximize warmth around your core. Then, they cleverly utilized synthetic insulation in specific areas more apt to moisture to keep you dry – like sweaty armpits. 

Pop up the high collar and cinch down the hem cord at your waist to seal in the heat. With premium-quality like this, you’ll find the price to match. However, if you’re an avid hiker looking to stay warm and active, you’ll appreciate every last pricey plume.

BEST SYNTHETIC PICK

If you’re looking for something that feels similar to down but breathes better and dries quicker, consider the Nano Puff.

Patagonia designed the Nano Puff as a versatile, sleek, and affordable down vest option. This vest features highly advanced PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation that makes for a great three season piece that layers well, is decently warm, and packs down small.

What I like most about the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest is its considerably slimmer-looking profile when compared to down alternatives in its class.

BEST FOR: FICKLE WEATHER

You can recognize Cotopaxi a mile away with their fun bold and bright designs. If you’re looking to add some flair to your drab cold-weather wardrobe, the Cotopaxi Fuego will heat things up. Zip into this vest and let your core warm up with the lofty insulation. The durable water repellent nylon will fend off any moisture in the air while the dual internal and external zippered pockets protect smaller items. Other than the eye-popping color pattern, another one of the features that will catch your eye is that the premium down is also water-resistant. This adds a bit more peace of mind when you’re out romping in drizzly conditions. 

You may think twice, however, about the flashy color and elastic binding around the hem and shoulders. With regular wear, we’re a tad worried the elastic may stretch. And if you’re not ready to blow your incognito mode, perhaps you may want to go with a more earthy color.

BEST FOR: CASUAL DAY HIKES

If you’re nostalgic for a time when vests had large baffles (the squishy squares that hold the down in place) and the bulk to match, you’ll appreciate The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse throwback. Loft is not a problem with this super plush old-school style vest. The wide baffles provide stellar warmth, leaving you to feel like you just wrapped up inside a cozy blanket. Combine that comfort with the durable, water-repellent exterior and stowable hood and you have the ideal layer for hiking on a cold day. While minimalist and agile hikers may argue this vest is too hefty, those who prefer to wrap up in something big and cozy will appreciate the heavier relaxed fit.

BEST FOR: RUGGED TRAIL WORK

Working outdoors in less than ideal conditions requires tough apparel that can take a beating. The Patagonia Bivy Hooded Vest is up to the challenge. This beefy down vest is constructed from a rugged, pliable canvas that repels light rain and wind. Stuffed inside the wide baffles you’ll find 100% recycled down which seals in the warmth while you’re plowing through the trail. 

With western-style yoke shoulders, the Patagonia Bivy Hooded Vest was built to handle heavy loads. Secure your small items in the internal pocket, then block out the weather with the full-length front zipper, metal snap buttons, and adjustable hood. While it would be nice if the side entry hand pockets also had zippers for securing items, you probably don’t want stuff poking you in the belly when you’re working away. If you work hard and play harder, the heavy duty Patagonia Bivy Hooded Vest may be right up your alley.

BEST FOR: MISTY CONDITIONS

If clumped up down drives you crazy, you’ll appreciate the Rab Microlight. The slender and micro-stitched baffles keep the down evenly spread out so it’s not annoyingly balling up in any one place in the vest. Slim fitting and lightweight, the Rab Microlight lets you maintain your pace without feeling bundled down.

As a plus, the down inside the Rab Microlight is treated to fend off moisture so it will maintain loft and insulation even when wet. So go on, scoff in the face of cloudy days and trek above the treeline. The Rab Microlight will keep you warm even when you’re hiking through the clouds.

BEST FOR: MILD WEATHER

For those days when it’s too warm for a jacket but too cold for a just a long-sleeve, zip into the Outdoor Research Plaza. This soft and cozy down vest is stuffed with a decent amount of loft for your brisk outdoor adventure with one bonus feature added: stretchy side panels. These breathable side panels are designed to move with your body and enhance air circulation when you start to break a sweat. This way, you can move freely and comfortably even as you warm up. The one drawback here is if your activity doesn’t require much exertion or if it’s a particularly frigid day, these side panels allow the cold to seep in.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

If you’re in the market for a functional vest without all the super fancy high-end mumbo jumbo, take a look at the Columbia Lake 22. This down vest has a classic look that is versatile in design. 

Take it on a trek, enjoy an evening saunter, or hang around the campfire. The active fit gives you a full range of motion while the weather-resistant shell and breathable insulation speak to your comfort level. Whichever activity you choose, it will serve you well as an insulating mid or outer layer in chilly temperatures. Semi-fitted and hip length, the Columbia Lake 22 is a solid go-to vest when brisk weather strikes.