Smartwool  Smartloft Vest - Women's

I am stingy with giving 5 star reviews, but this turned out to be a fantastic addition for cooler weather activities in the Northwest! Initial impressions were positive, the outer fabric has a nice finish on the chest and back that ended up being pretty resistant to wind and moisture. Not a fully waterproof piece by any means, but very good in mist and chilly conditions, definitely "moisture resistant" as advertised. The side panels have really nice stretch and allow some ventilation where it matters. The hood is a decent size although don't expect it to fit great over a pony tail or helmet. My first wear was on a bike commute and it was a really nice addition. I ended up getting pretty warm (I do tend to run warm so others might really appreciate this), and discovered that it is very packable as well! It fit right into my bike bag at a stop light and didn't take any time at all to take off or stow, bonus points for that. I also wore it on a hike and found it to be great for the lower effort but still cold and misty conditions. I love the pockets, nice and deep and more than 1! I am glad companies are realizing that women carry things too. I got a medium and it fits really well, I am 5'6", 140lbs with an athletic, square build and I appreciated that the slight taper didn't make me look even more square than I already am. It layers really well (important for a vest and for people like me who run hot), I have worn it over a t-shirt, a long sleeve and a sweatshirt. It also fits well under things, as it has a nice slim fit, although I don't love wearing something with a hood, underneath another layer, but this hood has a very low profile and so actually fits really well under another jacket, and doesn't give a bunched up feel or look. Lastly, I really do believe that merino wool is the most superior material for the PNW, its warm, works when damp, and never stinks. This only means I haven't washed it yet so I cannot comment on its durability. Overall I am really impressed with this and highly recommend.

This is a great vest for getting out and about when the weather is variable. Even though it is relatively thin, it is quite warm and is especially good as a layering piece. I really like how soft it is and that the side panels are stretchy to allow it to fit and move with you. I wore it to the pumpkin patch with my family, as well as out on a fall hike. The weather was really cool and slightly rainy and layering it with a thin down sweater kept me toasty warm. It feels durable, almost like a soft shell, so I think that it will hold up well in the long-term.

As a low profile but warm vest, I was pleased to find that it may now be the most versatile piece of clothing I own. It’s designed with a flattering cut to accentuate a gals figure but doesn’t skimp on pockets, quality, or durability. Size it up and it’s the perfect layer to wear over jackets on a run, size it down and it’s a flattering vest to wear out on the town.

I love this vest. It is fitted without being tight and doesn't become bulky when layering underneath. The zippered pockets are great and there is an internal zip pocket perfect for keys. There are also two interior pockets that fit a phone etc. I use this for hiking, running and beach walks.

For size reference, I'm 5'07", 110 pds, 32C and 25" waist. Purchased an Ex-Small. The pros: Fits perfectly on me. Wore it over the the REI Co-op Henley long sleeve and the vest was fitted. Should have purchased a size Small in case it shrunk after washing/drying. Otherwise. it fits perfect for my slender built. If you have a larger chest, I would size up. Five stars for 3 inside pockets. One small zipped pocket for credit cards & two bigger open pockets for phone, keys, bottle water, etc... Cons: VERY THIN, hood isn''t removable, both sides are a thin layer of a stretchable knit. For the high price, I expect warmer and better material.

Are you on the fence about this vest? I am too. The net is that this vest is warm and comfortable and durable, with enough pockets and zippers to keep your stuff secure. Is it long enough or flattering? Not necessarily so if you have a long torso like I do and want to carry around things like a cell phone and bulkier items like keys, you’ll have pretty noticeable bulges and the vest rides up, so I will size up on my next purchase even if I lose some warmth. I do like the wool and this is a very easy product to wash and dry. The zipper quality is as others have said—okay but the main front zipper is a bit tight so it’s not always a one handed zip up or down, which can be challenging when playing a sport and wearing this vest. All in all, if you’re on the lookout for a warm and durable product, Smartwool has your covered, so give it a try to see if it works for your body type and activity.

I finally got around to wearing this now that it's Fall and cold out. Wore it backpacking and pulled the hood up over a visored cap. The hood on the vest is too small. It's nearly impossible to wear it over the cap and then to look upward (for example when climbing up a steep hill or scramble). The hood pushes down on the visor. Can't say if all the sizes are that way, but it was on my size Small. Had to wear it with the zipper not zipped up all the way. A major disappointment. Otherwise wonderful.

I really like this vest and would get more if they were a bit cheaper and had more colors. It's a wonderful layer and I love that it has a hood that encapsulates my face well. My core and head are definitely warm in it. I've had it for about 3 weeks now and I wear it often in the SoCal winter both inside and outside. I give it 4 stars because of one thing. When I zip the vest all the way up but do not have the hood on the zipper pokes into my neck in a really uncomfortable way. The weight of the hood pulls enough down my back that the tough zipper on the front gets pulled back too and sits against my trachea. There is a simple solution to this. I just unzip it a couple of inches. I'm ok with it it but it might be an issue for someone else.

I bought this vest 5 years ago, wear it every day in the fall, and it still looks the same as the day I bought it. So light weight, and warm. I love the pockets. I ordered another one because I like the new color, Winter Sky. Unfortunately it is not the pale aqua as it appears on line, but a pure blue blue. So sadly I will return it.

I've used this product on a couple fall mountain hikes in the Sierras. It's comfortable and just the right weight for a slightly cooler day. It think it will also go well under a coat to add a little extra warmth when the weather gets colder. I love how soft the vest is and there are plenty of zippered pockets for a phone, keys, and other small items. If I could offer one improvement, it would be a drawstring for the hood to help keep it in place.