REI Co-op  650 Down Vest - Men's

The previous version I wanted to replace was a better fit for me. The revised design is blousier and the down row widths have increased. A pull cord waist tensioner has been added. I find the change in down row density makes the vest cooler. I find the looser (blousier) fit is cooler and not as good for layering. The pull cord tensioner helps, but not needed with the previous, more contoured fit. I will try the next size down to see if that works better.

The perfect layer for that extra bit of warmth on a cool morning. At first I wasn’t sure about the length. Seemed a bit long. (5’8”, size small) but then I was sitting on my haunches observing some wildlife in the valley below me and was glad for the extra length to keep the blood sucking bugs off me. Pairs well with my long sleeve wool shirt. It did alright in the misty weather, but would t take it out in anything more. If it was treated with a more water resistant product you could get away with it. Zippers have performed well. I would like to see a metal zipper, but that probably won’t happen. This is a light weight vest for shoulder season use. Or for popping out to do some shopping.

Overall this is an excellent down vest with a great ratio of providing warmth to being light weight. I was able to wear this in a few different environments and each time was presently surprised. This vest provided warmth when it needed to and in more active conditions, it was able to let out excess heat. This vest wasn't overly puffy and kept a slimer profile when worn. I wouldn't use this on the coldest days of the year alone, but I do think it is a great layering piece in the fall and spring. It was great at regulating body temperature as I never felt too warm, even when being more active. I am 5'11" 175 lbs and the Medium size fit perfect with a little extra room to breath. I personally wouldn't have sized up or down for this vest. The materials feel premium and are able to be washed clean even after rougher use. The pockets are in a good position on the sides of the vest and the zippers did not feel like they got in the way. The only minor complaint I have with the vest is that it could have been a touch longer, maybe even just in the back of the vest. Another inch or two and it would have been perfect, but again a minor complaint compared to how much I enjoyed the vest itself. I will be putting this vest into my regular rotation hiking and casually.

Great vest for the fall and layering while skiing. Also for backpacking Four wheelin'. Great for around town Like Denver. I will use it mostly for layering while skiing. But also for watching the Broncos play.

REI has evolved their 650 Down Vest and produced an improved piece. It's still lightweight and packs small. The most notable upgrades are materials and design. The shell material is a more durabe recycled fibre that adds protection from weather not found in the earlier model. By going to all horizontal baffling this season's 650 vest is markedly warmer. Perfect on recent brisk Fall mornings. Fully expect to wear it through the Winter, either over a sweater or under a shell. Highly reccomended.

2 Nice inside dump pockets and 2 zippered externals. I do miss having a Napoleon chest pocket though. One sided draw cord, does catch occasionally if long. Zipper garage sized well. Nice N.MI fall vest

I chose the green color over the black because of the REI logo. It was much more understated on green vest (in stock photos). Unfortunately when I received the vest the logo was very prominent. I would have just chosen the black color knowing the logo was so prominent. I feel REI is false advertising their images of the vest. I know I can return it but it’s really not worth my time. I wish REI would correctly represent the items they are selling. See pics for reference.

It is harder to find a well fitting puffer down vest than a regular down jacket. I tried the NF and Patagonia down vests as alternatives. This 650 vest by REI is better fitting. I am 5ft 7 inches, 146 lbs. (for reference). A small size REI vest fits perfect (NF is too small, as is the Patagonia). The NF feels tighter in the chest and the Patagonia feels tighter at the hips. If you size up with NF and Patagonia, they feel long and loose. The REI vest shell is rip stop and feels sturdier than those of Patagonia's, NF has a even sturdier feeling fabric. A subtle REI logo, YKK zippers and two internal open pockets are also nice touches. Only suggestion - a zippered internal (chest) pocket would be nice for travel.

I avoid coats as much as possible in the winter time, using them only for longer times outdoors when the temps are really low. So I’m always looking for a nice, warmer vest to layer over sweaters and sweatshirts, just enough to keep my core warm but not feel all bulky and limited in my movement. This vest is a dream. I bought two colors (black and green) to vary when the clothing calls for it. Pockets are perfect with easy access and deep enough to actually hold whatever I need to store. Plenty warm enough for everyday wear when headed to work or running errands in the winter, and I’m sure it will be great through spring and fall, too.

I had two of these inside of eight weeks and both had failed pocket zippers after a short time - in the open position the stoppers(?) tore/failed and zipper came disconnected. One after six weeks and replacement less than two weeks. Much cheaper materials and zipper quality and sewing that the five year old exact same model I have, even both made in Vietnam. Guess REI switched vendors or materials.