breathability
If you’re looking for a puffer vest to wear while active then how breathable the shell material and vest is overall will be an important factor to consider. Typically, the warmer and more weather resistant a vest is, the less breathable it will be.
Intended Use
When deciding which puffer vest is right for you, think about what you primarily intend to use your vest for. If warmth is your top priority, you may have to spend more and the vest will probably not be as light or breathable as others. And if you’re dealing with particularly cold conditions or if maximum warmth is crucial for you, consider an insulated jacket instead. If you prioritize weight savings for backpacking and other backcountry adventures, you may need to compromise on features. Nail down your preferred features and pick a puffer vest that meets those.
Shell fabric
There are a handful of different types of shell fabrics used on insulated vests, from ripstop treated with water repellent to shells that offer stretch. Consider the denier (the size of the threads the fabric is woven with), water repellency, and other factors when selecting a vest that’s ideal for you.
Sustainability
One of the primary factors we consider when testing gear, including these vests, is how sustainably made that piece of gear is. It’s important to factor durability, since that will help the garment last longer, keeping it out of landfills. We also look for things like responsibly sourced and produced materials. Examples include responsible down or water repellents that avoid the use of PFCs that are harmful to the environment. Many vests use shell material made of recycled material, such as The North Face Ecovest, which uses post consumer reycled polyester in the insulation and recycled nylon for the shell.
We also look for companies that support fair working conditions for the people making their clothing and gear, including vests that are Fair-Trade-Certified sewn.
Additionally, we value companies with good warranty and repair options. Outdoor gear and clothing is expensive to make, especially when done right. So typically, you’ll need to spend a little more to get a vest (or other gear) that’s made with sustainability in mind, but we think that’s worth it, given that you usually get a higher quality garment that’s better for you, the earth, and the people who make it.
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor to consider with any outdoor gear or apparel. We will rarely recommend a piece of gear or apparel that lacks durability (except in the instance of unique pieces of ultralight gear). Durability not only makes gear more sustainable, it also helps you spend less money and acquire less stuff in the long run.
We believe all of the puffer vests in this review offer great durability, and some stand out more than others. Durability and weight can sometimes have an inverse relationship, so if you’re hard on gear, it’s perhaps best not to go for the lightest on the market. And, like sustainably made gear, quality gear that lasts for many seasons will often cost more than gear that is not well made.
Size and fit
Always be sure to check the fit and sizing chart, or try on in a store, to avoid unnecessary returns. If you want to be able to put lots of layers under your vest, consider sizing up. A puffer vest should fit loose enough to allow for layering while maintaining the loft in the vest. When a down vest fits too snug, the down is constricted without enough room to fully loft, which in turn causes it to be less warm. But, if you want a vest to wear over minimal layers for aerobic activities, it’s better to go with your true size. With a women’s vest in particular, make sure that it is cut to not become too tight around the waist, hips, and chest.
Weight
Do you plan to use the puffer vest for mostly casual wear, or are you looking for a vest that you can stuff into your pack for long backcountry trips? For casual wear, weight is not as important, though it’s still a factor worth considering. If you want the vest for backcountry adventures, weight savings should be a primary factor.
Compressibility
In general, down insulation is more compressible than synthetic insulation. So if you want your puffer vest to pack very small, whether for travel or an outdoor adventure, you may want to consider a down vest over a synthetic one. A down or synthetic puffer vest will generally compress down better than a fleece vest or vest made of other material.
Pockets
All of the vests in this review have at least two hand pockets, though some have additional chest and internal pockets. Consider how much you want to be able to carry and how important pockets are to you and factor that in when deciding on a vest that’s right for you. A hand pocket is a handy place to store a phone for easy access and to prevent its battery from getting too cold to function.
Hood
Since puffer vests are often meant to be lighter, more minimal garments, many of them don’t have hoods, though some do. If the additional warmth is important to you, consider a vest with a hood. But if you’d like a vest that’s lighter and more packable, avoid the hood to save weight.
Price and value
Not all puffer vests are equal, and that’s especially true with price. Some are designed for fashion and some for function. If budget is your top priority, there are great options out there, but there are a handful of features you may have to sacrifice. Typically, when a vest costs more, it’s because better materials are used and/or the vest is made more sustainable than its less expensive counterparts.
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