How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

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Using our ShadowBaffle™ construction that's much warmer than standard quilting, the women's REI Co-op Flash insulated vest is an ideal core-warming light layer—and made with 70% recycled insulation.
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View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Synthetic Insulation VestsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign® approved) |
Lining Fabric | Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign® approved) |
Windproof | Yes |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Insulation | 60 g PrimaLoft Silver Eco polyester (70% postconsumer recycled content; bluesign® approved) |
Hood | No |
Packable | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 26 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 8.8 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials Fair Trade Certified™ Factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
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Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I purchased this on a whim because it was on sale and it was advertised to be lightweight & packable, but warm. I am SO glad I purchased this item! It is all of those things. I have a long torso and it fits me well; I'm usually a S or M in vests and I purchased a Medium- fits like a glove. The temps on the day we visited a park in PA were variable: it was warm in the sun but once we headed into the woods the shade coupled with the setting sun brought on a chill. I was really glad I had this vest as a midlayer under my down jacket. In the photos online of the blue color the outer material looks very shiny, which I was a bit concerned with ordering the yellow, but it is not nearly as shiny as that photo appears. I am super pleased with this, I've worn it a lot since purchasing, and I'd love to purchase the long sleeved hooded jacket version (holding out hope for better colors like the yellow!!).
I love this vest! It's a nice fit and not at all bulky, making it comfortable and easy to layer with. Also very packable for stuffing into my bag. I got the medium because I wanted to make sure it was roomy for layering, but I think the small would have fit if I wanted a snug layer.
This vest is warm and still lightweight enough to stuff in a backpack. It is comfortable and looks great too! It has three zipper pockets in the front and one pouch pocket inside, so there's plenty of room for keys, phone and anything else you need. It is stylish enough to wear for casual wear, but also functional for outdoor activity. I washed it with my regular wash and air dried it - it looks just the same as before washing.
This vest fit well despite being a bit too long. As a 5' 3" curvy lady with a short torso, I have trouble finding outerwear that fits properly unless it comes in a petite size. Regular vests and jackets tend to be long and hit way too low on my hips/butt and can't be zipped, as was the case with the REI Co-op 650 down vest. I tried the Flash Insulated Vest and it's great! I would actually prefer it to the 650 down vest for the intended purpose of hiking given how lightweight it is, but I just wasn't sold on the colors and didn't end up buying it. I might change my mind on this because it checked all the other boxes for me, but if this came in black, navy, or dark grey, it would already be hanging in my closet :) Please add more dark/neutral colors!
I've never been a vest person, because my arms usually get cold first. However, I used this for a chilly, rainy trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone and loved it. The weight was great for an extra layer on cold mornings and evenings, and the synthetic filling wicked and dried well. The cut is pretty generous. I'm usually between a large and extra large and the size down was very comfortable. I liked the placement of the pockets for gear while hiking or carrying a pack. The downside is the look of the vest. The shiny fabric and lack of stitching gives it a little bit of a garbage bag look. I loved the color, but design is more utilitarian.
Love this vest! It is super lightweight and can be packed in one of its own side pockets, so it is easy to throw in a bag or backpack for a sporting event or a cold mountain evening. I love the number of pockets, including inside pockets to keep my phone warm. Can easily be worn as a middle layer under a rain jacket, fleece, or coat without adding bulk. Not a huge fan of the shiny fabric. Maybe more exterior quilting would have given it a cleaner look.
I wanted a vest for walking that would be highly visible, and this certainly is. It's well made, and has pockets of useful depth. My only complaint is that, while it fits perfectly across my shoulders and in the armholes, it's a bit tight around my hips; a bit of judiciously-placed elastic wouldn't have been amiss.
This vest is great- so light but very warm and comfortable. It fits very well and I can easily move around wearing it. I wish it came in white!
Need a little added warmth but not all the layers, this vest does the job. Whether you are on a cool morning hike, or grabbing an early cup of joe in town, or blocking some wind at the coast this vest provided mid layer warmth and protection. Especially appreciated the hidden pocket chest level.
I liked the bright blue vest, but the fabric was too noisy and stiff. Didn't think it would change much with wear. It's fine for silly fashion but not for quietly hiking in nature!