Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We love layering for chilly hikes and sightseeing excursions with these outdoor vests.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
I love how versatile they are while still providing a great balance of warmth and breathability.
We evaluated each vest on their style, functionality, quality, features, purpose, and materials.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
L.L.
Credit: L.L. Bean
Bean Mountain Classic Hooded Down Vest
We love the versatile style, protective hood, and overall comfort.
We wish it had an interior pocket.
We love how versatile the three-season L.L.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Other features we appreciated are the cozy fleece-lined pockets with zippers and the water- and dirt-resistant exterior fabric.
The materials feel high-quality and durable, and we noted that it was easy to keep clean.
The collar sits up a little high.
It runs large, so you may want to size down.
We appreciated the deep pockets for storing phones, wallets, and other important items when spending time outdoors.
It runs large with an oversized, boxy fit.
The vest is plush and retains heat well without making you feel overheated.
The zippers functioned smoothly and we appreciated that the condition remained top-notch, even after washing.
We also noted that the pockets are spacious and perfect for holding everything from your phone to a snack.
This puffy vest is best as an outer layer.
We really liked the flexibility this vest offers for a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
The vest feels durable and well-made, and didnt snag even when hiking in brush and taller grasses.
It also washed easily without showing any signs of wear and tear or fading.
Its not super breathable.
We felt that the stitching was durable and the materials were overall very high quality.
You may want to wear an outer layer for prolonged periods outside.
We found theMontbell Thermawrap Vest for menand women to be our favorite vest for hiking endeavors.
Its incredibly thin and lightweight, but still manages to provide impressive warmth.
We liked the slightly longer length and the included stuff sack for easy packing and portability.
We noticed that the design fits well around the waist and our arms didnt feel restricted at all.
Thanks to its slim profile, we found that it felt nice underneath extra layers without bulk.
Its very long and more of a stylish vest.
We loved the quilted design of the Athleta Whisper Featherless Vest.
It feels soft and warm for casual activities like running errands or touring a new city.
Although the style is long, it does cinch in the waist for a more tailored and stylish look.
The padding feels thick and durable, but wearing the vest feels lightweight.
We appreciate that its machine washable on the gentle cycle.
The pockets are spacious and perfect for holding important items while commuting or grabbing lunch with friends.
This vest pairs well with leggings since the longer length provides plenty of coverage.
However, the extra puffy design made it tricky for layering underneath a jacket.
Think about packability
Portability is a key aspect to look at when shopping for an outdoor vest.
Look for functional features
A good outdoor vest should be functional as well as comfortable.
An avid hiker, Lauren knows the importance of dressing appropriately for unexpected weather conditions.
Credit: Patagonia
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Fjallraven
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Alo
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Columbia
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Eddie Bauer
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Montbell
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Athleta
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
