Columbia Sportswear Flash Forward Hybrid Blue Down Jacket 650 Fill Power Reviews

Updated on September 28, 2021

Colder atmospheric condition is right around the corner, and what does that mean? Down! The superior insulating properties of downward are very well documented throughout the adventure customs. This, combined with beingness extremely lightweight and packable, makes downwards ideal for most any sport. Furthermore, one of the best means to relish downwards nonetheless maximize packability is the iconic down belong.

But at that place are just so many out there, correct? Puffy vests, slim vests, hooded vests, and the list goes on. We've gone ahead and waded through all these options, and at present present the absolutely best downward vests on the market for your consideration. So read on, and pick out the vest that volition piece of work all-time for yous!

For more of our height hiking apparel recommendations, cheque out the Best Down Vests for Women.

Quick Answer - The All-time Downward Vests

6. The Due north Confront 1996 Retro Nuptse

7. Outdoor Research Transcendent

Desire to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Demand buying advice? Have a wait at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The All-time Down Vests for Hiking

Patagonia Down Sweater

Specs

• Material: Polyester Ripstop
• Fit: Trim
• Fill Ability: 800-Make full
• Hood: No
• Packable: Yeah, fits into internal pocket
• Weather Resistance: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish

Features

• Prissy Trim Fit
• Very Comfortable For Any Activity
• Adjustable Hem

All-time FOR: VERSATILE USE FOR ANY SPORT

Patagonia's reputation for high quality and eco-friendly products is near legend in the adventure customs. It therefore comes every bit no surprise that their Down Sweater Vest is ane of the best downward vests out there. 800-fill up downwards provides fantabulous warmth while the comfortable fit and durable textile brand it an ideal add-on to near any hazard wardrobe.

The durable – and 100% recycled – ripstop polyester shell volition hold upward to most active use, and its DWR end will also help go on that inclement weather at bay. The belong's hem is also adaptable through drawcords attainable through the two pockets, so you can sure-fire in that warmth without fifty-fifty taking your hands out of your pockets!

This premium structure and plethora of features comes at significant toll however. Simply if you're in the market for an gamble vest that can add warmth to your next ski trip, snow-shoeing excursion, or any other cold conditions effort, and so the Patagonia Sweater Belong may well be worth the cost.

REI Co-op 650

Specs

• Textile: Nylon And Ripstop Polyester
• Fit: Boxy
• Fill up Power: 650-Fill up
• Hood: No
• Packable: Yep, fits into hand pocket
• Weather condition Resistance: DWR And Slight Wind Resistance

Features

• Very Accessible Toll
• Packs Down Nice And Small
• Comfortable For All-24-hour interval Wearable

BEST FOR: FINDING A DOWN Belong ON A Upkeep

Many exceptional down vests come with an uncommonly big price tag to friction match, just not the REI Downwards Vest. The many benefits of a quality down vest are here for the taking at a very reasonable cost. These benefits include fantabulous insulation for the colder days along with a durable and conditions resistant outer material to brand the vest last.

The lower price does come with a few sacrifices, however. The look comes out a little boxy and lacks the premium trim fit that we ofttimes look for in vests destined for activewear. The cloth itself is too not quite equally soft to the touch as its higher end competitors.

Only when looking for a reliable vest that checks all the boxes for a standard layering addition, the REI Downwardly Vest is perfect. While the 650-Fill downwards may not be quite as insulating equally other vests on our listing, it still gets the job done for cooler autumn and spring days. It also packs down into its own pocket for easy toting.

Arc'teryx Cerium LT

Specs

• Material: 100% Nylon
• Fit: Trim
• Fill Power: 850-Fill up
• Hood: No
• Packable: No, just very lightweight
• Conditions Resistance: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish

Features

• Athletic Trim Fit
• Internal Zippered Security Pocket
• Low-Profile For Active Use

Best FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATION

On almost the exact opposite end of the spectrum from the classic oversized and puffy leisure vest, we accept the trim Cerium LT from Arc'teryx. This vest expertly combines a low-profile pattern with exceptional 850-fill downward insulation and all in a lightweight 6.5oz packet.

Such powerful insulation with an as powerful lightweight construction easily makes the Cerium one of the best down vests for you active adventurers out there. It barely adds any bulk or weight to your agile wardrobe, and yet provides significant insulation wrapped up in a durable nylon exterior and DWR finish. Arc'teryx also went the extra mile to include constructed insulation in areas where wet tends to reduce downwardly'south effectiveness.

It's of import to note that the very trim cutting of this belong may not arrange everyone, especially if y'all adopt to throw on your vest over several other layers or even a coat. Therefore plan on going upwardly a size if you're unsure, or fifty-fifty consider checking out other vests that aren't quite and so tight – or expensive. Only for those of you looking for a slim belong to keep you warm and avert actress bulk, y'all can't go wrong with the Cerium LT.

Patagonia Nano Puff

Specs

• Textile: Recycled polyester ripstop
• Fit: Trim
• Fill Power: 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation
• Hood: No
• Packable: Yes
• Weather Resistance: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish

Features

• Brick quilting pattern for stable insulation & durable thread for abrasion resistance
• Center-front zipper has wicking interior storm flap
• Ii zippered handwarmer pockets
• Drawcord-adjustable droptail hem seals in warmth

BEST Synthetic PICK

If you're looking for something that feels similar to downwards but breathes meliorate and dries quicker, consider the Nano Puff.

Patagonia designed the Nano Puff every bit a versatile, sleek, and affordable down vest option. This belong features highly advanced PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation that makes for a swell three season piece that layers well, is decently warm, and packs down small.

What I similar most well-nigh the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest is its considerably slimmer-looking contour when compared to down alternatives in its class.

Cotopaxi Fuego

Specs

• Material: 20D Ripstop Nylon
• Fit: Indigestible
• Fill Power: 950-Fill up
• Hood: No
• Packable: Aye, comes w/ divide stuff sack
• Weather Resistance: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish

Features

• 2 Interior Stash Pockets
• Drawcord Adaptable Hem
• Very Warm Insulation

Best FOR: Exceptional INSULATION FOR VERY Cold DAYS

At an impressive 950-fill, the Fuego has some of the highest insulation powers of any down vest on the list, making information technology your perfect sidekick for whatever cold weather adventures this winter. It functions perfectly as your primary outer layer on slightly cool days, or as an additional layer nether your glaze on those very cold occasions.

What's more, the adjustable drawcord hem allows you to lock in that oestrus someday conditions dictate, and the DWR cease will help keep rain and snow from soaking in. The two interior stash pockets are likewise very handy for keeping your essentials prophylactic and tucked away while skiing, hiking, or only walking effectually boondocks.

We're also very taken with the attractive colour schemes that are available for the Fuego, making information technology a slick choice for a night out besides as skiing in the mountains. The premium insulation combined with a durable nevertheless attractive nylon crush therefore makes the Fuego the last but certainly not least on our listing of the best downwardly vests.

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse

Specs

• Cloth: Nylon Ripstop Or Polyester Taffeta - Color Dependent
• Fit: Boxy
• Fill Power: 700-Fill up
• Hood: Yes (stowable)
• Packable: Yes, fits into hand pocket
• Weather Resistance: Durable H2o Repellent (DWR) End

Features

• Extremely Warm And Boxy Fit
• Very Large Bamboozle Design To Retain Heat
• Durable Ripstop Beat Material Withstands Heavy Utilise
• Stowable Hood

BEST FOR: CLASSIC PUFFY Vest Way

For those of you out there who love the puffy comfort of the classic boxy vests, The Northward Face has crafted the Retro Nuptse Vest just for you. The baffles – down filled sections – are oversized and extra puffy. The overall fit is furthermore very indigestible to promote comfort and warmth.

The Nuptse is virtually guaranteed to keep yous nice and cozy through chilly city winters, and provides an excellent outer layer for colder walks and day hikes. Proceed in mind that the boxy design of this vest won't be well suited to more farthermost alpine, hiking, or climbing adventures.

Nevertheless, the DWR finish will help keep any precipitation from wicking into the downward while the extremely durable outer shell will hold upwards to daily use for your commute, walks around boondocks, or only a chilly office. What's more, the collar hides a very comfy hood to farther lock out the cold.

Outdoor Inquiry Transcendent

Specs

• Material: 20D Polyester
• Fit: Boxy
• Fill Ability: 650-Make full
• Hood: No
• Packable: No
• Weather Resistance: H2o And Wind Resistant

Features

• Very Stylish Design And Color Options
• Snazzy Snap Pockets And Naught Chest Pocket
• Internal Media Pocket

All-time FOR: Stylish VEST-WEAR

It seems that the vest has recently been falling out of fashion, but the Transcendent injects fresh life into the world of stylish yet functional down vests. With a very precipitous design and color options to match, this belong boasts large snap pockets and a trim fit that looks proficient from the city to the mountains.

But the Transcendent isn't just for bear witness! The 650-fill down provides aplenty insulation for most cool weather adventures and the low profile design easily allows this garment to be worn nether your coat for added warmth retention. The belong furthermore includes an internal media pocket to make it but as functional for those daily commutes.

For such a powerful belong design, we actually wish Outdoor Research has upped the fill power to perhaps the 750 or 800 marking to make this vest invincible in merely almost all temperatures. However, nosotros'll settle for the 650-fill downwards and a very classy design that makes this i of the best downwards vests to cutting a dash on every occasion.

Eddie Bauer Downlight

Specs

• Material: 20D Ripstop Polyester
• Fit: Boxy
• Fill Ability: 800-Make full
• Hood: No
• Packable: Yes, fits into hand pocket (w/ carabiner loop)
• Weather Resistance: StormRepel Super DWR And Windproofing

Features

• Media Compatible Chest Pocket
• Adaptable Hem
• Windproof
• Stylish Design That's Neither Beefy Nor Too Tight

BEST FOR: CITY LIVING

Eddie Bauer has produced an exceptional vest that checks all the boxes we look for in a city-going layer. The design is straightforward, notwithstanding still attractive. The cutting is neither too indigestible nor too tight, making information technology fit comfortably and stylishly. The chest pocket and media port is the perfect identify to stash your telephone and heed to some tunes while walking or taking the bus or subway.

The durable ripstop beat is also impervious to those chilling winter winds, and sheds moisture thank you to its DWR terminate. Both these items work in tandem to make this belong a solid performer in all types of weather. When the atmospheric condition gets extra cold, the adjustable drawstring hem can exist cinched down nice and tight to lock in all the warmth that the 800-fill down provides.

The Downlight Vest is therefore our top recommendation for looking practiced and taking on chilly days with impunity. A hood would take been a very welcome addition to this ensemble, but this is nonetheless one of the best down vests on the market at a very reasonable price.

Marmot Zeus

Specs

• Material: Ripstop Polyester
• Fit: Trim
• Make full Power: 700-Make full
• Hood: No
• Packable: Yes, fits into mitt pocket
• Weather Resistance: Durable H2o Repellent (DWR) Finish

Features

• Drawcord Hem Adjustment
• Downwards Proof Shell To Keep Feathers From Poking Out
• Trim Cut To Fit Nether Coat

BEST FOR: LAYERING ON SKI AND SNOWBOARD ADVENTURES

Streaking down those slopes with the wind whistling through your clothing can be a very chilly feel! So do yourself a favor and add together the Marmot Zeus to your ski or snowboard layering system. The trim design tin can fit perfectly under your jacket to requite your insulation the boost it needs with very comfortable 700-fill downward.

The outer polyester shell is as well downproof to keep that pesky plumage from poking out and getting stuck on your other clothes. This vanquish features the standard DWR stop to help keep whatsoever rain or snow from seeping in. You can too cinch the hem nice and tight to proceed that precious rut from spilling out when you pull off those tight turns on the slopes.

A nice puffy hood would round this detail vest off very nicely, merely we can't argue with its decent midrange toll and excellent insulating properties. And then stay warm out there this winter with one of the best downward vests on the market!

Columbia Flash Forrard

Specs

• Textile: 100% Polyester
• Fit: Trim, Long
• Fill Power: 650-Fill
• Hood: No
• Packable: Yes, fits in mitt pocket
• Weather Resistance: Water Resistant With Columbia Heat Seal To Reduce H2o Penetration

Features

• Packs Downward Into Its Own Pocket
• Very Shiny And Sleek Appearance
• Long Design Suited For Alpine Men

BEST FOR: TALLER GENTLEMEN

In that location'due south almost nothing worse than slipping into a new top where everything is merely perfect, except it ends awkwardly high right around your waistline, correct? Well you alpine gents out there have nothing to worry near with the Columbia Flash Forwards. The cutting for this particular item distinctly favors the long side, making it an ideal choice for the 'tin yous reach the peak shelf?' folks out there. Y'all know who you are.

Simply catering to the alpine isn't the Wink Forward'southward just strength. The 650-fill up down provides excellent insulation while the slimmer contour makes information technology easy to slip into whatever layering system. Columbia's Heat Seal applied science furthermore eliminates seams between the baffles – downwards filled pockets – which in turn reduces avenues for water to seep in.

This Estrus Seal combined with the standard weather resistance finish has resulted in a distinctly shiny appearance for the Flash Forrard. We believe this to be a very acquired sense of taste, so look closely earlier ordering!

All in all, this is a solid item that is certainly the all-time down vest for taller gentlemen looking for a warm layer on their adventures.

THINGS TO CONSIDER Earlier BUYING Down VESTS

INSULATION AND Make full Ability

The fill up power number is the primary indicator you have for a down garment's insulating ability, just what exactly does the number mean? That number, mostly anywhere from 500 to 900, is the number of cubic inches of loft that a single ounce of that particular down occupies.

The higher the number, the greater the insulating capacity of that detail vest. For more information about how the fill power examination is conducted and how make full power can touch your warmth, check out this article from REI.

Belong Cut – TRIM VS. Boxy

The idea of a down vest probable brings an epitome of those huge puffy garments that are delightfully reminiscent of the pillsbury dough-boy. These classic vests are indeed very warm and take terrific insulation, only are but too indigestible and bulky to exist practical when climbing, mountaineering, hiking, or completing any outdoor chance activity. That'southward why indigestible vests are all-time suited for wearing around boondocks, or short day hikes in cold weather.

But these days, the boxy cut isn't your merely option anymore. More and more outdoor gear manufacturers are shifting to a much more athletic cut downwardly vest that has a significantly slimmer profile than their indigestible brothers. These vests are your platonic layering pick to wear under a coat, or stand lonely in but slightly cool weather condition.

Therefore consider why you need a downward vest, and pick out the all-time style from there based on your own personal preference. If you're an avid outdoor adventurer who needs minimal bulk but meaning insulation, opt for an athletic (or trim) cut vest designed for winter escapades. If, on the other hand, yous need a cozy vest to wear around boondocks, and so the more than puffy/indigestible version may exist for you.

BUDGET

The plethora of different styles and features associated with the best downwards vests unfortunately drives a wide range of prices. Premium down vests that are designed for maximum warmth retentiveness and immovability for loftier-intensity activities are oft head-and-shoulders more expensive than their less fancy cousins.

Consider your intended apply very carefully and plan your budget accordingly before deciding which vest is right for you lot. Spending $250 for a down vest designed for the mountains but only using information technology to drive to and from piece of work is a cringe worthy waste of your difficult-earned coin. There are plenty of very warm and functional vests available at very accessible prices. Simply if you are planning to put your down vest through the wringer, then past all ways get for the all-time.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Material Immovability

The outer trounce of the vast majority of down vests is either nylon or polyester. These lightweight materials easily continue the downwards where it should be, and resist full general utilise wear and tear. This material's thickness is measured in deniers and the larger the number, the thicker the material – i.e. a 20D nylon is thinner than a 40D. Thick materials typically indicate increased immovability, along with increased weight.

However, if you're taking your new down belong climbing, or up into the mountains, or on a hiking trip, so a heavier merely more than resilient cloth may well exist worth the extra cost and added majority. Simply regardless of the thickness, a nick or tear or dirty smear is virtually inevitable. Bank check out Backcountry'south advice on how to properly intendance for your belong in guild to keep it in tip-top shape.

WEATHERPROOFING

Near all adventurers concord that down'southward achilles heel is moisture. Downwards works so well by trapping air inside the garment, and therefore creating a warm buffer between y'all and the elements. But if the downward was to get wet it would collapse and clump upwards, and therefore remove your warm air pockets.

Many of the best downwards vests therefore feature some level of weather resistance in order to keep the rain and snow at bay. This virtually oft takes course as a Durable H2o Repellent (DWR) end that volition add at least some water resistance to the outer material. It'south of import to notation that this DWR end may need a boost from time to time, and REI has excellent communication on how to care for and reapply this DWR coating.

PACKABILITY

One of the many benefits of down is that it squishes downward very easily for transport, then pops back up without losing whatsoever of information technology's fluffy insulating characteristics. Many manufacturers will therefore include a stuff sack with their downward vest for you to pack it downward into. This is a very handy characteristic to look out for, and definitely makes it like shooting fish in a barrel to stash your down vest in a bag for a mean solar day out in the elements.

Lacking this stuff sack, many down vests can only be packed into ane of their own pockets until y'all demand it!

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Source: https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-down-vest/

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