The 9 Best Down Vests for Skiing & Snowboarding of 2023
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | January 19, 2023
Down vests are a super versatile techwear piece that you can utilize for just about any activity, including layering for skiing and snowboarding. They can provide warmth right where you need it on your core while allowing you to maintain flexibility. When shopping for a puffer vest, it's important to consider factors such as insulation, water resistance, and breathability. In addition, look for vests made with high-quality down filling, either natural or synthetic, as well as those with durable exterior materials to withstand harsh winter conditions. It's also important to consider the fit and style of the vest and any additional features with pockets being a big one, there's never enough space for stashing extra snacks.
New This Year:
This season, many brands focus on sustainable materials and production methods, with 100% recycled down often featured. Additionally, new and emerging brands in the market, such as Vuori and Kari Traa, offer their unique designs and take on this staple piece. Another trend is reintroducing retro styles, like The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest. Additionally, there are ever-increasing options for women's specific designs and fit. Overall, there are various options for ski and snowboard enthusiasts to choose from to meet their particular needs and preferences, from the slopes to the apres afterward.
This Year's Best Ski & Snowboard Down Vests:
Patagonia Nano Puff® Vest
Wear it as a mid-layer or wear it on its own; the Patagonia Nano Puff® Vest is a classic for a reason. It's windproof and water resistant, and filled with lightweight, compressible yet super warm PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation. Once you go Nano Puff®, you never go back.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| 60g PrimaLoft Gold Synthetic | $179.00 |
Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
The Patagonia Down Sweater Vest sets the standard for lightweight, packable warmth that doesn't weigh you down. Now with a shell and lining of NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled Nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets, and with the best down insulation available, this vest is indispensable for the outdoor enthusiast.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| 800 Fill Down | $229.00 |
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest
The Volkswagen bus. The Grateful Dead. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest. Great things are too good to only go around once. If your original is toast its time to re-up on the Nuptse vest and go for another 30 years.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| 700 Fill Goose Down | $219.95 |
Vuori Canyon Insulated Vest - Women's
Be prepared for fall and the season of layering with the Vuori Canyon Insulated Vest. Derived primarily from recycled materials and loaded with Primaloft™ synthetic insulation, the Canyon Insulated Vest has plenty of pockets too for all your on-the-go needs.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| Primaloft Synthetic | $148.00 |
Kari Traa Eva Down Vest - Women's
For your nordic and alpine adventures as well as more casual trips around town, the Kari Traa Eva Down Vest has the stylish and slim fitting core warmth you need. Complete with secure hand pockets, an insulated hood, and stretchy, breathable fabric on the sides for unrestricted mobility, the Eva Down Vest is an active gal's winter season BFF.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| 80/20 Down | $150.00 |
Burton AK Helium Stretch Vest - Women's
Whether you're layering for a big mountain mission in the backcountry or logging party laps with the crew on an in-bounds pow day, the Burton AK Helium Stretch Vest offers big time warmth with minimal bulk. Made from a stretchy plain weave nylon, the AK Helium Stretch Vest gives you unlimited mobility while the DWR treatment and resilient Thermacore stretch insulation work to keep the elements out and the good times in.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| Thermacore 40g Synthetic | $154.95 |
Burton Carbonate Insulated Vest - Women's
Stay extra warm and cozy with the pullover Burton Carbonate Insulated Vest. Thermacore insulation keeps you nice and toasty, while a water resistant coating keeps droplets off when you forget a rain jacket. Slip your hands in the pockets and strut your stuff with this low profile, slim fit layer.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| Thermacore 100g Synthetic | $149.95 |
The North Face ThermoBall™ Eco Vest
Wear The North Face ThermoBall™ Eco Vest in any situation from the dog park to the espresso bar to under a shell while riding the slopes; it's good to go and good for you, too. Light enough to layer, but heavy enough to provide a serious boost to your overall core warmth.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| ThermoBall™ | $148.95 |
Patagonia Reversible Bivy Down Vest
One vest, two unqiue styles. The Patagonia Reversible Bivy Down Vest is water-resistant, super warm, and makes any outfit pop. Featuring a drop tail hem for additional backside coverage and plenty of pockets for all your goodies.
| Insulation Material | Original Price |
| 600 Fill 100% Recycled Down | $229.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Fleece Vests
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
