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Compare Best Hiking Vests head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#6 on this list
Atom Vest
Arc'teryx
Coreloft insulation with stretch side panels that vent while you climb with a pack on.
- Price
- $229 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#7 on this list
Microlight Down Vest
Rab
Recycled down warmth for cold camp mornings, packing to the size of a water bottle.
- Price
- $229 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Atom Vest | Microlight Down Vest |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation Type | Synthetic (Coreloft) | Recycled Down |
| Side Panels | Stretch fleece | — |
| Weather Resistance | Light wind & moisture | Wind-resistant, DWR treated |
| Fit | Trim, active | Regular |
| Pocket Count | Two hand pockets, one internal | — |
| Packability | Good compression | Highly compressible |
| Shell Fabric | — | Recycled Pertex Quantum |
| Weight | — | Lightweight for its warmth |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Atom Vest
- Excellent core warmth for weight
- Breathable stretch side panels prevent overheating
- Performs well in damp conditions due to synthetic insulation
- Highly durable construction and materials
- Versatile as an outer or mid-layer
- Premium price point
- Not the absolute lightest option available
- Outer fabric not fully waterproof
Microlight Down Vest
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for a vest
- Uses recycled down and shell materials
- Good wind resistance and light moisture repellency
- Highly packable, takes up minimal space
- Durable Pertex Quantum fabric resists wear well
- Not fully waterproof, requires a shell in wet weather
- May feel bulky under very trim-fitting outer layers
- Not designed for extreme cold conditions
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.