Best Ex Light Thermawrap Insulated Vest Synthetic Vests

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Lightweight, packable, and versatile—this vest excels across various outdoor activities.

Montbell says: 

Lightweight, packable and highly stretchy materials provide excellent breathability and moderate heat retention to maintain comfort while on the move. Utilizes synthetic Stretch EXCELOFT insulation to deliver warmth, stretch, and quick-drying properties. Excels as a middle layer in winter and as an outer layer in spring, fall and at high elevations in summer.

(Unfortunately, we are unable to ship MontBell products outside of the UK)

Our Verdict

The Montbell Ex Light Thermawrap Insulated Vest is a minimalist yet versatile piece. It offers lightweight warmth and excellent mobility for active outdoor pursuits.

Weighing just 124g (size M), it uses Stretch EXCELOFT synthetic insulation to provide warmth, flexibility, and quick-drying performance. The seamless face fabric enhances wind resistance, while stretch panels on the back and sides allow unrestricted movement, making it an excellent choice for climbing, hiking, and fastpacking. The vest also includes three practical pockets for essentials and easily packs down into its stuff sack for efficient storage.

In terms of fit, I typically wear a medium in outdoor clothing. With a base layer and light fleece, I found the vest snug but well-fitted, offering a streamlined profile ideal for mobility. However, consider sizing up for added comfort if you plan to wear it over thicker layers.

Its balance of warmth and breathability makes it an adaptable layer. It performs well as an outer layer during cooler seasons or high-altitude summer adventures and is a lightweight mid-layer in colder conditions. The compact design ensures it’s never a burden, whether stowed in a pack or clipped to a harness.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Heat-retaining Stretch EXCELOFT insulation is highly stretchy, quick-drying, and delivers excellent loft resilience
• Seamless face fabric helps keep out wind and effectively retains heat
• Back and sides stretch to follow body movements even during intense activities such as climbing
• Sewn Through Construction keeps insulation in place while lightening the weight 
• Zip End Guard protects your chin and face 
• 3 zippered pockets (2 hand pockets, 1 left chest pocket) 
• Stuff sack included

Specifications

• Small weighs: 119g
• Medium weighs: 124g
• Large weighs: 134g
• XLarge weighs: 144g
• Compressed size: 3.3 x 5.8 cm / 9 x 15 in

Material & Construction

• 20-denier Ballistic Airlight® nylon ripstop (water repellent finish)
• Lining: 12-denier Ballistic Airlight® nylon ripstop (water repellent finish)
• Insulation: Stretch EXCELOFT® (polyester), 25g/㎡

Help & advice:

• About Montbell
• What is Fabric Denier?