How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

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Filled with ethically sourced 800-fill-power down, the men's updated Patagonia Down Sweater Vest is super warm and so lightweight it practically floats.
Shop newer versionImported.
View the Patagonia Down Sweater Product LineView all Patagonia Men's Down VestsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | Recycled ripstop polyester |
Lining Fabric | Recycled ripstop polyester |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Down |
Insulation | 800-fill goose down |
Hood | No |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 9.8 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | |
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Chest | 33 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 56 | |||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | |||||||||||||
Waist | 26 | 28 | 29-30 | 31-33 | 34-36 | 37-40 | 42-44 | 49 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 |
Hip | 32 | 34 | 36 | 39 | 43 | 46 | 49 | 55 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
Inseam | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Inseam varies depending on style.
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I've been in the market for a down vest for 2 or 3 seasons I decided to take the plunge on Patagonia because of their reputation in this category. I like that this season REI stocked this vest in red, as the last few years have seen some strange color offerings (especially in the nano puff), perhaps leading to my reluctance in investing $150+ I've worn this on a few Sept nights here in downtown Chicago when the temps have dipped into the 50s. The warmth is incredible and the weight is unbelievably light. I'll really see how this vest flexes its muscles when I take it on my Oct backpacking trip to Michigan's UP, but I dont expect it will let me down.
I have two Down Sweater Hoodies which I love and both are a size medium. I read some reviews that suggested to go up a size in the vest. I went to the Patagonia store here in Portland and tried the vest on and the store clerk laughed when I could barely get the zipper together on the medium. I put on the large and it fit perfect. I then went and put on the medium in the DSH and it fit perfect like my other two. There is a definite difference in sizing between the Hoodie and the vest. I highly recommend going up a size in the vest and I am a fit athletic individual.
I’m 5’11”, 170 lbs with 18.5 “ in torso length. I bought and returned about 8 different Patagonia jackets and vests in the past few weeks due to sizing. The medium size are too small and large is too big. I ordered the large size down vest and the shoulder fit and the length was fine but it was too big too loose around all around especially under the armpit wing area. So I ordered the medium size and it’s tight and short. Great product but not sure if I’ll keep it due to sizing. I found that Kuhl medium size vest fit the best for me followed by REI magma vest in medium, and arcteryx lt cerium in large size.
First let me say that this is another great product by Patagonia, you pay more but you get more. This vest is super light weight, it collapses into itself so easily! Yet, its one of the warmest pieces I own. Very well made. However, be careful with sizing. I have a number of Patagonia jackets and I always need a medium. I'm 6 feet, 190lbs and the medium in this product wouldn't even let me zip it up. I'm guessing its because its more of a layering item and needs to be a tighter fight than some of their other products. I exchanged for a LARGE and I am very happy with it. It's not as tight as some down vests because I'm probably in between their sizing for this product, but I like it because I can layer up underneath and still be comfortable. Great product, just may want to size up depending on how you enjoy being able to breathe...
I live in a Rome where the climate is comparatively mild, very seldom going below 40 degrees fahrenheit. This vest serves me well as it is very light in weight, not bulky and can be worn under a light weight jacket or coat for added warmth. My only complaint is that I would prefer not to have the manufacturer's tag on the outside of the garment absent the manufacturer paying me to be a billboard. I would take off a star for this but I know it would be futile since most manufacturers have this practice and weirdly it seems that many customers think the label gives the wearer status.
I have been very happy with this vest. I bought it for travel since is is so compact and light. But I found it is my favorite outside garment. There are several important features this vest has that others do not have. Most important is the adjustable waist elastic. You will lose heat if it is not adjustable. The arm openings also have elastic (non-adjustable). Secondly, the filling is the highest quality down. 800 fill power versus 650 on most others. And lastly I love the way the entire vest packs into the chest pocket. This is really handy on long winter walks/hikes. You are cold when you start, but after awhile you need to unzip. Then when you are ready to take it off, you can hang it from your belt instead of carrying. Would have given 5-star rating except for the high cost. Even with the cost, it is a value packed product.
If, like me, you want to get the cheaper color to save some green, don't get the red unless you really love orange. Maybe the actual name color - "paintbrush red" - is supposed to mean something other than Crayolla red, but I did not expect what arrived. If you are a hunter and don't want to be mistaken for a deer, or if you work on the freeways for Caltrans, this is the color for you.
I had Women's Nano vest on sale in my cart and when I went to buy it, it was gone. So I looked around for another Patagonia vest on sale and found this in Mens. I'm 5'4", Bust 38, 120 lb woman. The Men's Small fits fine even with shirt, tee and bra under. A little long, to mid butt, but it'll keep me warmer. The color is better for me than the Nano that was on sale.
I really wanted to like this vest... 850 fill per down, got it $66 in the Moroccan blue (my fav) while it was on sale and its a really good quality, and very warm. But dang do they need to make a long/tall version of their clothes. I'm about 6'2" and anywhere from 160-175lbs (not that far off from the model they use in their pics, which I thought would be ok...) on any given day. The Large is too large in the stomach, good length in the torso and shoulders, but it's built for somebody with a beer belly. The medium was much more form fitting, but was really tight in the arms (If you're like me, expect it to bunch up any type of layer that isn't skin tight underneath) and was constantly pulling itself up over my belt, which it barely came down past. I'd have to cinch the draw-cord and 'hook it' on my belt to get it to stay pulled down. Overall was disappointed with both fits and the fact that they haven't addressed this long running issue. Returned both and got a Marmot Solus Featherless vest, size M is a perfect fit! I would've preferred the 850 FPD insulation but the Marmots 700 FPD equiv 3M thinsulate is pretty warm also!
I’ve never been a vest type of guy but wanted something that could warm my core body under a jacket without the bulkiness around the arms. It fits well under my winter coat and I’ve found myself wearing the vest more often by itself on cooler days and have stayed quite warm. I don’t have the build of an athlete and appreciate the extra room in the waist. The fit is comfortable zipped up and has room to layer underneath. I’m 6’ 175 lbs wearing size medium. Turns out I’m a vest type of guy now.