Six of the Best: Down Vests

Vest, body warmer, gilet, one of those coats with no sleeves - whatever you call it, the down vest is an essential part of your winter wardrobe. I've always been a big fan of the vest and throughout my life I've faced an ongoing barrage of jibes from people of a certain age asking me if I've 'jumped ship'. I like them because they give your arms freedom of movement, work well as part of a layering system and keep you warm as toast.

I've selected some of the best down vests on the market that will set you apart from the crowd. These are investment pieces that will last season after season. They're all very well made from the best materials and they all look sharp as a knife.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEATHERBED

CHRISTY DOWN GILET

£480 / $733

Originally designed to keep cowboys protected from unpredictable weather, Rocky Mountain Featherbed's 'Christy' gilet is an enduring brand signature. This version has been made in Japan from down-filled shell and finished with a leather yoke. The shearling-trimmed collar, handy pockets and pearlescent snap fastenings round it out in style. Layer yours over a chambray shirt.

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FILSON

DOWN CRUISER VEST

£193 / $295

Made with lightweight, single source European goose down, this rain-repellent vest features a true-to-size fit for layering and our classic multi-pocket design, including handwarmer pockets. The zipper front with snap-closure storm flap protects against wind and driving rain, and the standing, wool-lined collar provides additional warmth. The Shelter Cloth yoke and pockets add extra durability. A long back hem offers additional coverage when bending, squatting or twisting. The rear bottom panel is made of abrasion-resistant, moisture-repellent Shelter Cloth, so repeated sitting won't wear out the seat.

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BEST MADE CO

DOWN VEST

£130 / $198

Best Made Co's Down Vest, entrusted with the protection of your core, feels like the armor it is. The rugged plain-weave polyester shell is tear and water-resistant, ensuring that nothing will keep the 600-fill down from working at maximum efficiency. And because down is so lightweight, the vest will disappear under any coat or jacket, and still hold its own when worn with just a base layer.

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PENFIELD

OUTBACK VEST

£115 / $175

One of Penfield's key styles since its first collection, this exclusive 40th Anniversary design features a one-off anniversary fabric created using original design drawings and spec sheets dating back to 1975. With only 500 available each has been individually labeled and numbered.

Constructed fro 60/40 cotton Nylon fabric, the Outback is a classic quilt through down vest, which features premium down insulation for warmth without bulk. The vest has been cut to allow freedom of movement and accommodate layers, which, combined with the breathable 60/40 shell means the Outback can be worn all-year round.

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TOPO DESIGNS

PUFFER VEST

£100 / $149

Timeless on the outside, technical on the inside, Topo' s puffer vest will keep you warm and comfortable season after season. It' s filled with super light, quick drying, ultra packable, Primaloft® that keeps heat in without weighing you down. Two exterior pockets and an interior zippered pocket keep everything in the right place.

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PATAGONIA

BIVY DOWN VEST

£150 / $230

The Bivy Down Vest is a limber but durable outdoor piece made of bluesign® approved, quilted nylon canvas with a durable water repellent finish and insulated with 100% Traceable Down (600-fill-power duck down that can be traced back to birds that were never force-fed, never live-plucked). The two side-entry handwarmer pockets are lined with brushed polyester, and an internal zippered chest pocket keeps your essentials secure. Full-length zipper has a snap-closure storm flap; stand-up collar and drop-tail hem keep the wind and cold at bay.

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