Best Superior Down Vest Down Vests

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The Superior Down series from Montbell includes a number of modern classics, The Down Vest is no exception it has an impressively low weight, an amazingly small pack size and a superb warmth-to-weight ration. We are seriously impressed with this vest.

Montbell says: 

Reliable ultralight down garment. Offers an excellent balance of function and quality. Prized by budget conscious backcountry enthusiasts

Our Verdict

Montbell’s Superior Down Vest combines high-quality, lightweight outer fabric with 45g of 800 fill power down to give you an impressive weight-to-warmth ratio. Despite weighing in at a lightweight 160g, this vest still has two decent-sized zip hand pockets and draw cords for adjusting the hem. A stuff sack is included, but more often than not it gets stuffed straight into a small pocket in my pack.

The feel of the outer fabric is nice and soft, so whether you’re throwing it on when stopping for a break or keeping the chill out at camp, this is a nice piece to wear. The squared design of the stitch-through construction helps prevent the down from clumping, minimising the risk of cold spots while allowing it to pack down very small. It has proved a well-worn item this autumn as the temperatures have started to drop.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Sewn-through construction
• Draw cords for hem adjustment hidden in pockets
• 2 zippered hand pockets
• Stuff sack included

Specifications

• Small weighs: 152g
• Medium weighs: 160g
• Large weighs: 182g
• XLarge weighs: 196g

Material & Construction

• 10-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstop (water repellent finish)

At Montbell, we source down from both the European and Asian markets to satisfy a variety of characteristics (supply/availability, low cost, consistent quality, humane practices, etc.) and maintain our lofty standards. Every season we seek to balance the superior quality for which we are known and the lowest possible raw materials cost. We change down sourcing companies frequently to insure that our customers have access to superior products at the lowest price possible. In the course of these efforts, Montbell never purchases down from operations that practice “live-plucking” methods. We only utilize down plumes and feathers collected as a by-product of water fowl raised to meet the demands of the food industry.

We will continue to look for sources of down that maximize value to our customers and allow Montbell products to perform at the highest level.

Help & advice:

• Choosing a Down Jacket
• Down Quality
• All About Down