10 Best Hiking Vests Reviewed and Compared
The best hiking vests should be lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. They should also be compatible with the weather and terrain you will be hiking in, so if you like to hike in a different place you may need more than one!
For the most part, the hiking vests we found were really packable and easy to take with you wherever you go. The best options also typically have pockets for storage, so you can easily bring your stuff along with you without sacrificing being hands-free.
Check out our top 10 picks below to learn more!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weather Resistance
At its core, hiking vests are designed to protect against the outdoor elements--but not all of them are designed to handle the same weather and terrain, so make sure to choose wisely.
As you can see, there are a lot of different types of hiking vests to choose from and they each have their own unique features to offer--but the best hiking vests must perform well when it comes to many of its most important features. We used a set list of criteria to see how each vest performs and compares to its competition. The criteria are detailed below:
Warmth:
The amount of insulation is the most important feature. Hiking vests must keep the hiker warm. It should retain heat for the core of the body while also allowing the arms to move freely. The ideal vest is warm without being bulky. What type of insulation is used? How warm is this option? Does it perform better as a mid-layer for warmth?
Water Resistance
This is important because when you are outdoors you need to expect the unexpected. When it comes to hiking gear, the last thing you want is to end up with a hiking vest that weighs you down when it gets wet. Not all of the vest on our list are waterproof or resistant to water, so make sure to look closely if this is a feature you definitely need.
Comfort
There is little point in buying hiking clothes if they are not comfortable and easy to wear.
Because hiking is a physical activity, comfort is key. The hiking vest should be comfortable to keep on when hitting the trails, climbing and descending. What kind of fabric is the vest made of? Is it soft? Is it cozy? Does it include moisture-wicking properties to keep the athlete comfortable and dry? Thes questions need to be answered to find the vest that is just right for you and your needs.
These are all questions we asked ourselves while we researched and reviewed the best hiking vests out there--and we encourage you to do the same when looking for the perfect hiking vest for you. This also means you need to consider your own needs and preferences to ensure you are getting the perfect option for you.
A comfortable hiking vest should be lightweight and flexible. It should allow for a full range of motion, even when buttoned or zipped up, so you can move freely without restriction. At the end of the day, however, only you can decide what is comfortable for you since we all have our own personal preferences.
Breathability
Breathability is essential to staying comfortable and dry on your long hikes. To prevent uncomfortable chafing, blisters, and hot spots you need to make sure you stay cool and dry--which is why breathability plays a key role in determining what is the best hiking vest for you.
Even though a hiking vest is designed to keep the consumer warm, it should also provide enough ventilation to not cause them to overheat or get too sweaty. Having free arms does provide ventilation, but how breathable is the fabric? Hiking vests are often used as an outer layer but need to be packed away once layers are shed. Is the vest compressible?
Here you should also consider the weather you will be hiking in. Just because you are heading out in the winter doesn't mean you don't need breathability--but you will need a little less of it. There are a lot of options on our list that are designed for either season, so make sure you get the option that provides the right amount of breathability.
To prevent chafing and blisters, breathability is really important. Look for vented features on the vest as well as the materials used. Many of these vests are both breathable and moisture-wicking, so you can trust your hiking vest to keep you both cool and dry--and all of the options on our list offer excellent breathability.
Use
The hiking vest is a versatile piece of clothing that is ideal for layering.
It is designed to make the consumer comfortable for those mild to chilly weather days outside. It seems contradictory that the best hiking vest should be warm, yet also breathable and light. But the best options are a good combination of all these features. Hiking vests are designed without sleeves to allow full range of motion for hiking while keeping the body cozy and toasty.
Then again, some are super lightweight to provide slight protection with breathability more important. In general, insulated hiking vests won’t keep the consumer warm in the cold winter temperatures when worn alone. Depending on the insulation, it should provide ample warmth to keep the body free from chill when braving the great outdoors.
Synthetic insulation and merino wool often are the most breathable in terms of insulation--so these materials will keep rally warm. On the other hand, there are lightweight hiking vests made specifically for the summer--so if you need one for every season, you can definitely get more than one if you need to have one for each season.
Materials
It is important to pause and give some thought to the materials that are used in your vests and jackets because they determine the overall durability, comfort, and effectiveness of the vest.
Not all hiking vests are made of the same materials, so before you hit your favorite trails make sure to take a look at the materials it is made of. We made sure to pick a well-rounded selection, so you will have a lot of options to choose from, no matter what your needs are. Check out the factors we took into consideration below.
There are two types of insulation: down or synthetic.
Down is generally sourced from geese, made from its plumage underneath the feathers. It is warm and lofty, trapping heat while being compressible. The higher the down fill power number, the warmer the option is. Synthetic insulation is made of polyester that is threaded together to copy down.
Synthetic is generally cheaper than down, yet thicker and more durable. It has water-resistant properties, retaining heat even when wet.
Polyester and moisture-wicking materials
If you want to make sure your hiking vest is breathable and moisture-resistant, polyester is a great way to go. It ensures the vest is able to keep you cool and dry, so you won't have to worry about it holding in moisture or water and weighing you down.
10 Best Hiking Vests
1. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
The Ghost Whisperer is a high-performance hiking vest that has all the main features and functionalities needed. First and foremost, it is lightweight so won’t weigh (or slow) the wearer down for those fast treks or longer trips.
Read moreWeather Resistance
This is one of the warmest hiking vests on the market, equipped with 800-fill Q.Shield down that resists moisture to keep the consumer warm even when it's wet outside.
Comfort
It is comfortable because of it's down, fit and moisture-wicking features. This hiking vest is sleek and has that down puffy jacket look without being bulky. It is form-fitting with an athletic fit and has a hem drawcord for adjustment. It reaches the hips and features pockets on each side. Consumers will be impressed with how warm it is while being lightweight at just 5 oz.
Breathability
It’s Q.Shield down is infused with water repellent. It is more than breathable, but with moisture-wicking properties, sweat slicks away. However, it is packed with 800-fill-power Q.Shield down that provides more than enough warmth. And this down, in particular, is treated with a water repellent to make it ward off moisture and dry quickly.
Use
It is lofty and stays that way even when wet, yet compressible and can be stuffed into its pocket when not worn. It’s not super puffy, ideal for layering or using as an outer shell when the weather starts to drop on the trail.
Materials
The Ghost Whisperer Down Vest features super lightweight fabric that is tightly weaved. While this helps to make it light and compressible, it also makes it windproof and water-resistant. The fabric itself is wind- and rain-resistant, has higher pockets on the waist, allowing for a hip belt to be worn comfortably, and it folds away into its pocket.
2. Columbia Silver Ridge
This hiking vest is ideal for trekking along the trails comfortably, with enough pocket space to store all personal items when going for that hike. It’s ultra-lightweight and provides lots of ventilation when the sun is beaming down. It has moisture-wicking capabilities, provides UPF sun protection and has a great fit.
Read moreWeather Resistance
With OMNI-Shade protection, being out in the sun all day isn’t a problem when wearing this vest with its UPF 50 sun blocking feature.
Comfort
This is one of the most comfortable options for those milder weather hikes. It is made of nylon Silver Ridge ripstop fabric that is durable, with recycled polyester and mesh. This allows the wearer to stay nice and cool when working up a sweat on their hike.
Breathability
This vest features OMNI-Wick fabric that pulls moisture away from the body so that sweat can evaporate more quickly. It provides lots of ventilation and is lightweight, making it super breathable.
Use
Stylish with its outdoorsy appearance, the Silver Ridge Vest is available in two different neutral colors. It is all about the pocket space with this vest. It has zippered hand pockets, a zippered security pocket, and a pocket with a hook and loop closure. There is plenty of room for a wallet, phone, trail mix and more. This makes it a great option for hitting the trails hands-free for a good workout.
Materials
This jacket is made of durable and high-quality materials that is built to last. It offers a seamless fit that is comfortable and functional for hiking.
3. Patagonia Down Sweater
Patagonia’s Down Sweater Vest is all about the warmth. It is stuffed with 800-fill-power goose down, keeping the consumer toasty warm when hiking or casually trekking the trails. Complete with a ripstop and water-repellent shell, it is durable, and light rain isn’t a problem. It has a great fit, not being boxy or overly puffy. It has zippered pockets and an internal pocket that doubles as a stuff sack.
Read moreWeather Resistance
It has an inside chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack for packing when not in use It has zippered pockets on each side to keep the hand warms and store goodies. The consumer can also just the hem but pulling the drawcord located inside the pocket for a closer to the body fit.
Comfort
This is a super comfortable and warm option, thanks to its 800-fill-power traceable goose down. It also has nylon-bound elastic armholes that seals out the cold. It provides more than enough insulation, keeping the cold away and retaining heat to the torso so that chilly hikes don’t have users running back to their cars or campsite.
Breathability
The quality of the down, plus its fabric and construction are of high quality, and this vest won’t lose its shape or loft over time. Even though it is very warm, it is still lightweight and compressible, able to fold up into its pocket when the temperature warms up.
Use
This vest looks great, available in many colors. It has a minimalist design with a fit that contours well to the body. Its center zipper has an interior storm flap and a zipper garage at the chin.
Materials
The quality of the down, plus its fabric and construction are of high quality, and this vest won’t lose its shape or loft over time. Even though it is very warm, it is still lightweight and compressible, able to fold up into its pocket when the temperature warms up.
4. Arc’teryx Cerium LT
This is one sleek and stylish looking hiking vest, and it performs just as well as it looks. It has a combination of goose down and synthetic insulation that strategically keeps the body warm in all the right places while retaining warmth and drying quickly when wet. The shell is durable, and it has a great, form-fitting, athletic fit. The only downside is its higher price tag.
Read moreWeather Resistance
The Cerium LT’s outer Atom 10 shell is durable, wind-resistant, and most importantly, is treated with a durable water repellent finish so that rain just rolls off.
Comfort
This vest is lightweight, yet performs well in the warmth department. It features an 850-fill-power goose down that makes this one of the warmest options.
Breathability
Even though it is a bit puffy, it is lightweight. However, it isn’t as breathable as other options.
Use
Not only does the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Vest look good, but it also fits well, too. It has a form-fitting and is slim enough to wear as a mid-layer underneath a shell. It is lightweight, yet is longer to hug the entire torso, with its hem drawcord allowing for a snug fit.
Materials
It also features Coreloft synthetic insulation that is mapped in all the right places, especially where moisture may be to ensure that the consumer won’t be damp and cold. It also has a hem drawcord that further seals out the cold. The goose down also ups the comfort factor, making this one of the most comfortable options.
5. Fjallraven Keb
This hiking vest is all about mobility, being lightweight and non-restricting thanks to its stretchy fabric. The Keb Vest protects the chest and back from winds, but without heavy insulation making it ideal for warmer weather. It provides lots of ventilation and has water-resistant properties. One of its main selling points is its large chest pockets and overall is a stylish option.
Read moreWeather Resistance
This vest is ideal for milder temperatures. It will protect against winds that can cause a chill, yet won’t be too warm and heavy for those hikes under the warm sun.
Comfort
It is equipped with a mesh pocket on the left side pocket that is ideal for storing a smartphone. It has large stretch panels, which allows for unrestricted movement.
Breathability
With that said, it does have moisture-wicking properties that help keep the consumer dry. Not only is it water-resistant, but it also performs well against winds. The Fjallraven Keb Vest also provides lots of ventilation, making it light and airy.
Use
This is one of the most stylish options on the list. It has a great sporty look adventure seekers and explorers will appreciate. This includes a comfortable, relaxed fit and two large vertical chest pockets.
Materials
It’s made of G1000 Eco recycled polyester and organic cotton, making it comfortable and stretchy with ample freedom to move. Since it is thin, it can even be worn as a mid-layer over a shell when the rain picks up.
6. Patagonia Nano-Air
This is one of the best options for hiking in the spring and fall when the weather is much milder. Although it does include synthetic insulation, this is a much more lightweight and airy option. The Nano-Air is breathable, ideal for those uphill climbs, but can be used as a mid-layer when the temperatures start to drop when backpacking. It’s comfortable, durable and has a great stretch for unrestricted movement.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Versatile to wear in various temperatures from mild to slightly chilly weather. The vest features a DWR finish that repels precipitation to keep the consumer dry in the light rain. This makes it great to wear as an outer layer when hiking (or can be worn as a mid-layer for colder days). The FullRange insulation maintains its warmth and loft when wet, and dries fast.
Comfort
The vest’s nylon ripstop shell is stretchy and allows for a full range of movement to give it a comfortable wear. It has stretch binding at the armholes as well.
Breathability
Best of all is its breathability. The Nano-Air vest is one of the best in this category, allowing airflow up to 40 cubic feet per minute. This makes it an option for those who plan to work up a sweat when trekking.
Use
This vest has a nice relaxed fit that is a bit closely fitted and not too loose or baggy. It stretches nicely and is thin enough to be worn as a mid-layer. It features the company’s Nano Puff brick quilting on the sides panels which adds to its shape. It has a storm flap and zipper garage at the chin, a chest pocket, and two handwarmer pockets.
Materials
The NanoAir Vest is thin and lightweight, and like its name suggests, nice and airy. This makes it one of the best options to wear on those early spring and fall hikes when looking for a little bit of warmth. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide any form of insulation. It includes 60g of FullRange insulation, a multi-denier synthetic fill insulation made from several different types of polyester fibers.
7. Arc'teryx Atom LT
Made with Coreloft synthetic insulation and fleece side panels, this option from Arc’teryx is cozy and warm, even when wet. The fabric is stretchy, and overall it has a slim fit that looks great on with a full range of motion.
Read moreWeather Resistance
This is a great option for slightly cooler days as the weather starts to warm up. It is stuffed with 60g of Coreloft insulation in the torso that provides enough warmth without being too toasty once the beaming sun is at its peak.
Comfort
It isn’t bulky and provides lots of stretch for easy movement.
Breathability
Because this option uses Coreloft insulation, it dries quickly when it gets wet. This means getting caught in some light rain won’t be a problem. The fabric features a water-repellent finish that wicks away water to keep the consumer dry. Even though the side panels are fleeced lined, they venture really well. This makes it a great option for the changing seasons.
Use
The Atom LT is available for both men and women in a few color options. It has a sooth color that won’t cause irritations and features an internal zippered chest pocket, as well as zippered hand pockets. It falls hip length and has a trim fit.
Materials
It does have Polartec fleece on the side panels and underarms that adds to its insulation when the temperatures do drop. This fleece is stretchy so moving around isn’t a problem. It also helps to make this vest soft.
8. Outdoor Research Transcendent
Staying warm isn’t an issue in the Transcendent Vest since it features 650-fill-power goose down that makes it almost as warm as the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Vest. More cost-effective, it also if lightweight and compressible, perfect for backing up when the weather is warmer. It is durable, wind- and water-resistant and comes in various color options.
Read moreWeather Resistance
This is one of the warmer options on the list, great for colder weather hikes. It is stuffed with 650-fill-power goose down that makes this vest super toasty and cozy.
Comfort
Because it is made of down, expect it to be fluffy and ultra-comfortable.
Breathability
This option is made of durable polyester ripstop fabric that can withstand abrasions and has water-resistant properties. This further helps the goose down keep its loft when wet. It is not the most breathable option, better suited for colder adventures when staying warm is the key.
Use
The Transcendent Vest looks good on, having a stylish appearance that comes in standard Black, Dusk/Night and Agate/ Hot Sauce color options. It does have that puffy coat look but compresses down into its own pocket to easily be packed when not needed. It has a front zipper with a storm flap, two zippered side pockets, and a lined collar.
Materials
The down is responsibly sourced, so the consumer can rest easy that they are making an ethical choice.
9. Marmot Reactor
This fleece vest is among the less bulky options on this list, while still providing warmth for those chilly, early morning hikes or once the sun starts to set. It even has moisture-wicking properties to keep the consumer dry. The Reactor Fleece vest looks great and is sold for an attractive price.
Read moreWeather Resistance
It isn’t baggy or bulky and looks nice on. It has an elastic drawcord hem for that tighter fit if desired. It has zippered pockets to store goodies and warm the hands. It also has a wind flap behind the front zipper, along with a chin guard.
Comfort
This is a fleece vest, so it is super comfortable and does provide a good amount of insulation. However, it is a lighter material than one would expect. With that said, it isn’t bulky and is nice and warm to be worn as a mid-layer for the colder weather, or by itself when the temperatures start to increase.
Breathability
The Polartec fabric uses has moisture-wicking properties, which keeps the consumer warm and dry. Since it’s made of fleece it isn’t the most breathable option on this list, but as a vest, in general, there is ventilation.
Use
With its flatlock construction, the Marmot Reactor Fleece Vest has a regular fit that is comfortable and more relaxed than some of the other options.
Materials
It’s made with Polartec fleece that provides ample insulation when worn as an outer shell for spring and fall temperatures, while still being breathable and not too sweaty.
10. Ibex Shak
This hiking vest has an athletic fit that is form-fitting and one of the least bulky options on this list. It’s only downsides include that the fabric is not as durable as other options on this list and for it to be too thin for colder temperatures.
Read moreWeather Resistance
This vest does an extremely great job at regulating temperatures, a great combination of keeping the chill away while having enough breathability to not make the consumer too hot and sweaty when hiking.
Comfort
The merino wool fabric is plush to the touch, making this one of the most comfortable hiking vests on this list.
Breathability
Made of merino wool, the fibers of this vest are moisture-wicking, pulling sweat away from the skin and to the outside of the fabric. Merino wool is also a very breathable fabric, so the Ibex Shak Vest performs well in these two categories.
Use
This vest fits a bit snug compared to relaxed fits, but not as tight as fitted options. This makes it a Goldilocks vest fit wise. It has a full front supper along with a zippered chest pocket. It has an interior chin guard that eliminated chafing.
Materials
This hiking vest is unique because it is made from 100 percent merino wool. This makes it warm yet breathable, soft and comfortable to wear, along with having moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties.
Sources
- , What to Wear Hiking, Outdoor Gear Website
- , The Science of Warmth, Hiking Website
- , PATAGONIA DEBUTS REVOLUTIONARY NANO-AIR™ JACKET AND HOODY WITH FULLRANGE™ INSULATION , Company website
- , Down vs. Synthetic: Which Insulation is Right for You?, Outdoor Gear Website
