The Best Unisex Vests for Every Season 2025

The North Face Gordon Lyons Vest is a lightweight, breathable fleece that’s comfortable for everyday wear, and in our experience it’s easy to toss on for errands or layering. We noticed the fabric can pill after a few weeks, which hurts the look, and the vest tends to run larger than expected so the fit can be boxy on some body types. Given its mid-range 6/10 score, it’s a solid budget-friendly pick if you prioritize comfort and breathability over long-term appearance.

The ThermoBall 2.0 Eco Vest from The North Face balances lightweight warmth and eco credentials, earning an 8/10 in our testing thanks to recycled synthetic insulation that packs small and insulates well. We found it performs brilliantly as a layer for damp-cold days since the synthetic fill keeps insulating when wet and the shell offers water resistance, though the cut can feel boxy and the slim fit limits bulky layers underneath. If you want a packable, eco-friendly vest for active layering, this is a pragmatic choice.

Fjällräven’s Greenland Down Liner Vest is a sleek, lightweight down layer that performs well as a packable mid-layer and earned a respectable 7.5/10 in our review for its warmth-to-weight balance. Our experience shows it’s easy to stow and adds real warmth, but some users report it runs small and the zipper can snag, so sizing up and checking the closure on arrival is wise. If you want a stylish, compressible down liner for travel and cool days, this vest strikes a nice blend of form and function.

Outdoor Research’s Helium Down Vest is a lightweight, well-insulated down layer that performed admirably in our testing, offering excellent warmth for its packable size and multiple secure pockets. We found it to be a solid performer in cold conditions, but the cut may not flatter more athletic builds—the torso can feel short and loose—and sizing around the chest runs a bit small for muscular users. Rated 7/10, it’s a dependable, warm option if you need compact down and double-check sizing for a tailored fit.

Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer Vest delivers an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio thanks to 800-fill RDS down and is ultra-packable, which we liked during backpacking and travel tests. Our experience shows the trade-offs: the fabric is delicate and can tear if you’re rough with it, and some users reported zipper durability problems, which makes its premium $260 price feel steep for everyday abuse. With a 6.5/10 score it’s ideal for minimalist packers who prioritize weight and warmth but should be handled with care.

Columbia’s Pike Lake II Vest earned a solid 7/10 by marrying practical warmth with approachable pricing — in our testing the Omni-Heat™ thermal-reflective lining did a noticeable job retaining body heat without adding bulk. The vest’s synthetic insulation, breathable fabric, and water-resistant shell make it a dependable midlayer for cool, damp days, and three pockets give you decent storage. Our experience shows the fit can run large and the armholes feel snug for some users, so consider sizing carefully if you plan to layer underneath.

Columbia’s Powder Lite II Vest scored an impressive 8/10 by balancing thermal performance and eco-friendly design — in our testing the Omni-Heat™ reflective lining trapped warmth effectively while the PFAS-free DWR shed light moisture without harming the environment. The synthetic insulation and water-resistant fabric make it a reliable midlayer for damp-cold days, and two pockets keep essentials close. Our experience shows it won’t replace a heavy jacket in extreme cold and the active fit can be snug for layering, but it’s a smart, sustainable pick for everyday warmth.

The Atom Vest delivers lightweight, packable warmth and scored 7/10 in our testing for its versatile insulation and quick-drying performance — it packs small and adds just enough core warmth for transitional seasons. We found the synthetic fill breathable and water-resistant, which helps for varied conditions, but the high collar can feel restrictive for some wearers and the fit runs large compared to other Arc’teryx pieces. During our review the vest proved great for layering on the move, though double-check sizing if you prefer a trim silhouette.

The Columbia Steens Mountain Vest is a standout value at $26.99 and earned a 7.5/10 in our experience for providing lightweight warmth that layers well in everyday use. Made with fleece insulation and two zippered pockets, it’s breathable and practical for errands, hikes, or commute days when you want extra core warmth without bulk. In our testing some sizes ran large and a few users reported zipper durability issues over time, so expect great short-term performance but check fit and closures if you’ll wear it frequently.

The Sunriser Run Vest by The North Face scored 6.5/10 and impressed us with its run-focused fit: two included 500-ml soft flasks and side compression panels minimize bounce and let you dial in a snug carry. Breathable and water-resistant with five pockets, it’s engineered for fast, warm-weather outings where light gear and hydration access matter most. Our experience shows it lacks insulation and doesn’t include a 2-liter bladder, which limits its season-spanning versatility, so consider it primarily as a performance running vest rather than an all-weather layering piece.

The Down Sweater Vest earned an 8/10 in our review for delivering lightweight, windproof warmth with strong sustainability credentials — it’s made from 100% postconsumer recycled nylon and includes multiple pockets for practical storage. We found the down insulation excels for dry-cold conditions and packs down neatly, but the vest can run small so you may want to size up for layering and be mindful that down loses loft when wet. If you value premium insulation and eco-friendly materials and don’t mind the higher price, this vest is a reliable, long-wearing layer.

The UTOBEST 5L Running Vest is an affordable, lightweight option built for comfort and breathability, and in our testing it stayed secure with adjustable straps during longer runs. We found several pockets useful for gels and small essentials, but some are too small for larger phones and a few users reported strap durability issues over time. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s a budget-friendly choice for entry-level runners who want a snug, ventilated pack but should be cautious about long-term strap wear and storage limits.

The Kiprun 5L Trail Running Hydration Vest impressed us with adjustable straps and a lightweight build that minimizes bounce, and during our review its multiple pockets made it easy to organize race essentials. Our experience shows the fit can be tight for larger body types and it lacks elastic straps to secure flask nozzles, so small bottles can shift while you run, and it’s not ideal in heavy rain. With a 7.5/10 score, it’s a great trail companion for many runners but double-check fit and flask stability before long outings.

The Crossover 10 Liter Hydration Pack is a roomy, activity-ready option that scored a middling 6/10 in our testing — it excels at storage with a large main compartment and four pockets, so you can stash layers, snacks, and tools for runs, rides, or hikes. We found the pack breathable and versatile, but the included bladder is disappointingly thin, uninsulated, and tricky to use without clear instructions. The hip belt can sit high on some people rather than at the waist, which affected comfort during longer outings. If you prioritize storage and mobility over premium construction or insulation, this is a budget-friendly pick for multi-sport use.

The Hydration Vest is a lightweight, no-frills carry for short to medium efforts and in our testing it felt comfortable and unobtrusive thanks to its breathable build. With just two pockets and no insulation or water resistance, it’s best for warm-weather training where you want minimal bulk and maximum freedom. Our experience shows limited color options and basic features make it less compelling compared with higher-scoring vests, so pick this one if simplicity and lightness are your top priorities rather than storage or style variety.

The Salomon Active Skin 12 Set Pack scored 7.5/10 in our review by delivering a remarkably secure, bounce-free carry even when fully loaded, which makes it ideal for long runs and technical trail days. We found the six pockets useful for organizing gear and nutrition, and the breathable construction kept things ventilated on hot outings. That said, durability concerns like broken buckles and torn mesh cropped up during our testing, and the soft flasks are fiddly to fill and clean. If minimal movement and smart organization matter most, this vest is worth considering with care around longevity.

Patagonia’s Nano Puff Vest is one of our higher scorers at 8.5/10 thanks to its excellent windproofing, lightweight packability, and commitment to sustainability — it’s made from 100% recycled materials and still performs like a solid synthetic-insulated layer. In our testing the vest packed down small, kept drafts out, and felt comfortable for travel and everyday wear, though the waist can run tighter than expected and color choices are limited. If you want a durable, eco-friendly vest that balances warmth and stowability, this is a strong choice despite a premium price.

The Vardag Pile Fleece Vest is a cozy, eco-conscious option made from recycled polyester with a sturdy outer and soft jersey backing, and in our testing it felt pleasantly durable for everyday layering. We found the fleece insulation and breathable fabric make it great for mild to cool days, but the mesh-lined hand pockets don’t trap heat, so hands can get cold in winter. The fit runs large—plan to size down—and despite a solid 7/10 score it’s best for casual, non-technical use where warmth and sustainability matter more than pocket warmth.

Patagonia’s Better Sweater Vest earned a high 9/10 in our review for marrying sustainability and performance with its 100% recycled polyester fleece and reliable full-length zipper and stand-up collar. During our testing the vest delivered consistent warmth and secure storage thanks to multiple zippered pockets, making it excellent for commuting and cool-weather layering; just be aware it can feel snug, so many reviewers recommend sizing up. If you want a warm, responsible midweight vest that looks good on and off trail, this is a top-rated choice.

Patagonia’s Synchilla® Vest is a versatile double-sided fleece made from 100% recycled polyester with an anti-pilling finish, and in our testing it felt reliably warm and durable for casual use. That said, our experience shows it isn’t windproof and some wearers report pilling despite the treatment, which can affect long-term appearance if you use it heavily. With a 7/10 score, this is a strong everyday fleece choice for layering where breathability and eco-minded materials matter more than wind protection.