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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#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
#8 on this list
SuperStrand Vest
Outdoor Research
Synthetic insulation that mimics down loft while surviving wet Pacific Northwest conditions.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Microlight Down Vest | SuperStrand Vest |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation Type | Recycled Down | SuperStrand Synthetic |
| Shell Fabric | Recycled Pertex Quantum | — |
| Packability | Highly compressible | — |
| Fit | Regular | — |
| Weight | Lightweight for its warmth | Lightweight |
| Weather Resistance | Wind-resistant, DWR treated | — |
| Maker | — | Outdoor Research |
| Material | — | Synthetic Insulation, Nylon Shell |
| Seasonality | — | 3-Season |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
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
SuperStrand Vest
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for a synthetic
- Performs well even when damp or wet
- Highly compressible, packs down small
- Good breathability for active use
- Solid construction and durable materials
- Not as warm or light as high-end down
- Fit can be a bit boxy for some body types
- Hand pockets lack zipper closure
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.