Size large works for me at 5'10" & 44" chest I'm able to wear as is or layer under a summer snow storm. Easy to move and very warm during low activity and core heats right up with some movement. Pockets hold all that I need. Very comfortable vest. Packs super well too.
The Patagonia down vest is a must for California. Great on cool mornings and evenings, works well when layering for skiing and looks good for casual business meetings.
The vest is very light and pretty warm. It is a good grab and go item. Also, it is very warm under a shell. It packs down to nothing. Perfect gift for men and women.
I carry a little belly and normally wear an XL but it was long and loose so I returned for a ML and it fit perfectly. Very warm down fill, so lite you hardly know you're wearing it. Great all around cool weather vest.
It's a very good vest and I am pleased. But they've changed it since 2012 which is when I had one last. The hand warmer pockets are no longer lined with fleece and neither is the collar. If I remember correctly, there used to be an outside left chest zippered pocket which is perfect for a phone and now it's on the inside. The fit is ... Read Morevery good, I'm 6' 200lbs and the large is perfect. It just seems a little less well-made, less attention to detail than previous models.
I've had my vest many years, its been very good to me. Warm and light weight it goes perfect under my snowboarding jacket and over my fleece. The only problem I've had with it is both pockets jammed and would not open. I had to cut them open to pull out my wallet on one occasion and my keys on another occasion. When I go snowboarding I ju... Read Morest use my other pockets on my outer shell leaving the vest as strictly a base layer.
Great item for wearing over a sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt. Really comfortable and provides great warmth while spending time outdoors during the winter. Fits true to size for me.
This is what makes Patagonia shine above the rest. I had the stopper end of a zipper let go on a nearly new down sweater. Not repairable in the store, the garment would have to be sent to the shop for repair with a 6 week turnaround. This puffy is an essential part of my winter wardrobe and would be sorely missed. The store(Freeport, Maine) clerk o... Read Moreffered to replace it in house and was able to do so on the spot.....problem solved. Thank you very much!
Alan Arbo
Sugarloaf, Maine
Purchased XXL. Sized way too tight. My "normal" size for shirts is XL; Outerwear XXL. I will return this item for an XXL or refund. Barely get the front panel closed.
Good style. Good quality. Don't like the draw sting cord coming through side pockets
( past models draw string was outside).Navy blue more like a royal blue with dash of purple.
I have worn this basically everyday since it came in the mail. I love it. So warm and comfortable but not too warm like a full down coat. Absolutely perfect.
You can go wrong with a Patagonia vest! I have a few but wanted a good color like this. Thankfully the men’s XS fits like a woman’s small. I love it so much!
Don’t mind the mess in my teenagers room! :)
A beautiful down vest. Well made and customer service was exceptional. I expect to wear this vest for many years to come! I purchased a men's as I liked the color (and that color was not available in women's. Fit is perfect.
Ever been wearing your Patagonia down sweater and thought "man, I wish this thing was sleeveless"? Look no further, this is the one! So lightweight and comfortable --and packable! Don't waste your time deliberating, get it!
I’m very happy with my purchase. This is my first Patagonia product, so far I’ve only read about the quality of their products but now I see it for myself. I hope I’ll wear this for a long time and for sure I’m getting more of the brand.
Just before buying, google the colors so you can see the true tone of the color on more images.
Nice color (Hammonds Gold), and well made. My only concern is that the fit is a little odd, as in so many Patagonia items of late. If you are of average build and expecting a regular fit, I think you'll be very disappointed. It's slim - no two ways about it. It fits me because I'm (very) slim, but even then it could use a little more... Read More room in the mid-torso. The saving grace is that the fit around the shoulders and armpits gives sufficient room to move, unlike some slim fit items.
It's a fine garment. A small thing; zippers frequently catch surrounding material and get stuck. I previously owned the same vest and had the same problem. In the case the right pocket zipper became so stuck I had to send it in for repair.
Man, does Patagonia’s Down Sweater Vest keep your midsection toasty! Perfect for hiking, camping, cool evenings, frosty mornings, and the odd misty mountain hop. Just at home as a stroll along the promenade as it is during Spring and Fall Backyard BBQ’s.
The Down Sweaters cousin when you don't need selves but need to keep your core warm. I found the fit slightly slimmer than "regular fit". A great packable piece to have on the boat, just in case.
This vest is the perfect extra warmth layer to throw in your bag or keep in your car. It's got plenty of fill, so it's warm; it's durable and well-made, like everything Patagonia makes; and it packs down small into its own chest pocket, so there's no excuse not to carry it with you. I've worn this under a work coat or over ... Read Morea softshell for that just-perfect amount of extra insulation while I'm out and on the go.
I recently purchased the Down Sweater Vest in a size Large to primarily wear as an outer wear piece and not a layering piece. I'm 5'10 and between 170-175lbs. The issue I have is the DRASTIC difference in size between the medium and large sizes. I would describe myself as average build, not overweight, not skinny. I like my micro brews lo... Read Morel. The medium fits extremely snug with just a light layer and the large is quite loose unless you have a heavier bottom layer. Every single piece of Patagonia I own in the regular fit I am a Medium except for this vest. It doesn't look oversized or baggy thankfully if worn with a flannel or hoody but just feels a bit boxy. My down sweater jacket which is a size medium fits perfect and I wish they transferred the cut from that jacket to the vest as it would still be a solid layering piece if the cut was slightly more accommodating. I'm going to keep the vest in the end but hopefully the designers will take the feedback from my post and others having the same issue and incorporate it into future designs.
If you are in the market for lightweight,warm and windproof Vest this is the best product you can get for this price range.
I've used this vest throughout the Colorado Rockies and during my business trips,and I would say this is one of the most comfortable & good looking pieces I've owned.
I would certainly give it 5 stars for great b... Read Moreuild quality!
I recently ordered a Patagonia Down Sweater Vest to replace my previous Patagonia Sweater Vest after 8 years of hard use and thought I'd take the time to provide a more detailed review. I have used this vest in the Sierra Nevada, throughout the Colorado Rockies, the Northern Rockies of Montana, and the Green and White Mountains of New England.... Read More If I added up all of the days I wore this vest in the field my guess is I would come close to 3 straight years/1100 field days of daily use.
Overall this is a great vest ' I would say it sets the industry standard for lightweight down vests. The down is quality, as is the fabric and construction. All down will leak from garments but this is about as good as it gets for down retention with no noticeable loss of fill/loft after all this use. Patagonia deserves props for their efforts to ethically source and construct their products. A down vest is a great layering piece, and this is more or less an ideal weight for this kind of layer. If I'm snowboarding at a resort I will wear this with an R1 base layer and a shell down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit without overheating on the runs or getting too cold on the lift. Touring I often just wear this with a base layer. Camping/backpacking I pair this with a down jacket of varying weight depending on the conditions.
In the pictures below you can note a couple of changes over the last 8 years, both of which are solid improvements. Patagonia has eliminated vertical upper baffles (these baffles in particular lost loft on my original vest). The have also bucked the industry trend (kudos!) of using ultralight zippers in favor of a slightly heavier, more durable zipper on both the main front zipper as well as the hand pocket zippers. I had to replace the main zipper on my previous vest after 2 years of heavy use and will gladly carry the extra grams to avoid the hassle of finding a seamstress to fix repair this zipper (Patagonia does back their products with an Ironclad guarantee but I needed a weekend fix to head back into the field).
The interior pocket, which doubles as a stuffsack, has also improved in size and design, though I wish it were larger to more comfortably accommodate a set of climbing skins. Other improvements I would like to see in the future are more robust elastic around the armholes (suitable enough for occasional use) and fewer, larger baffles on the neck. I also wish Patagonia had a slightly more athletic cut. Finally, it would be nice to see Patagonia provide a heavier weight down vest one day.
When all is said and done I've been happy with the 8 years my vest has brought. I could get several more years out of this vest but the amount of stains and duct tape on my vest led me to want to look like less of a dirtbag everywhere I went, hence the recent replacement. If you're looking for a high quality, lightweight down vest - and particularly if you value ethically sourced and produced products from a company with a strong commitment to our public lands - this vest is an easy win. If you are particularly round or particularly thin you may find the fit lacking, but the average person will find this to be a suitable fit.
I've had my Down Sweater Vest for over a year and it is easily one of the best garments I have ever purchased.
Well made,versatile,extremely warm and packable.
I live in British Columbia and have this vest in my pack for hiking and camping trips heading into the mountains. As soon as things cool down it will warm you right up. It also look... Read Mores great too so you can just wear it around town on a cooler day.
The DWR finish is excellent I've stained the vest so many times,but it always washes out.
For me this is one of Patagonia's essential and classic pieces. A must have in anyone's outdoor wardrobe.
Also this vest goes on clearance frequently. So it's often one of the best deals going.
Wanted a down vest and found this version on sale so bought (elsewhere) the Ramble Red which complements my Patogonia French Red Down Sweater Jacket. The Ramble Red is a bit darker than the French Red which is slighter brighter.
It's not yet cold yet but autumn's cool weather has appeared with winter's cold temperatures coming.
The v... Read Moreest fits over a t-shirt and a lightweight fleece with enough room for a heavier base or mid layer. It's not thick as a regular down vest but appears to be warm enough,at least indoors.
The fabric is lightweight so it probably won't hold up well if you use it harshly.
There's no inner liner in the hand pockets so you'll need to keep some gloves in those pockets.
Buy it when it's on sale ~50% off :)
I bought this item with the expectation for the outdoor and it could not be designed better than Patagonia itself. Thank you for the commitment for us outdoors.
We love Patagonia,have always bought Patagonia and think it is great wear. Unfotunately soon after buying this vest we noticed a little hole in the back and the insulation is coming out of it. otherwise we love all about Patagonia.
Best Buy yet!!! It goes with me all over the world. I wear it under the heavier Patagonia jacket for extra warmth. Super convinent for travel as they both become so small.
Bought this to keep warm during work. I should have bought this a longtime ago. The perfect thing to have all the time. Keeps the core comfortable and the arms ready for action.
I bought this vest about a month ago and have worn it several times with casual weekend clothing and have used it once while backpacking for evening / morning camp wear. I love it and it has quickly become my favorite insulating clothing layer.
well made,warm,comfortable ( I'm a 44 jacket and the XL was ileal) but i would descibe the color as "caribbean blue" not "deep sea blue".Another consequence of climate change? The photo shows a blue darker than the product delivered. So it goes.
I love my vest and it's keeping me warm during the cold days of spring. But wouldn't you know my first flight the TSA put my vest through the x-ray and it caught on something and make a hole where the down is coming out. Dang. Any ideas?
This item replaced an old "Down Vest" from around 2003. I immediately noticed that the evolution of this vest has resulted in a slimmer fit garment,which is actually alright by me,but won't be for some folks. My 2003 Down Vest was a size small but fit a little more relaxed than this newer "small" one. I like the relaxed fit... Read More more,but this tighter fit will be fine. Also,there is now less down in this 2017 product,as my 14 year old vest is still puffier (and possibly warmer) than the brand new one. However,this new vest has baffling that makes the garment more compressible and seems more pack-able and light. This one will be useful for certain cases where I need slimmer,lighter,and more compressible,but will not be as warm and relaxed of a fit.
I haven't give 5 starts because of the size,the product mention regular fit,but,I found kind of small,more like a SLIM fit,the company should reconsider their sizes they are not consider wide backs.
I already have the Micro Puff Vest and that is nice for lightweight warmth but the Down Vest is definitely warmer and it's really nice and lightweight. It totally blocks wind and easily maintains your inner core warmth in colder 20-40 degree situations. I haven't had the chance to wear it in colder than 15 degree temps. as it was a mild W... Read Moreinter here. You can also wear it in 40-60 degree weather. I like vests for their lightweight and maneuverability. I live near the beach in the New Jersey where it's damp and cold in the Winter so the Down Vest is perfect for around here. I'm 5'9" and 180 lbs and large fits perfect.
I purchased this about a month ago. I bought it because I already had the jacket and just needed a bit more. I take it with me wherever I go and will keep it in my car all year round. It is exactly what a person needs when it is just a bit chillier out than expected. Thanks for making such great functional,usable stuff!
Richard
This is my 2nd vest (both size medium) which I bought a month ago. My first vest fit perfectly - not too loose or too snug. The 2nd one is much too snug around core even though its style is regular fit (I am 6',160 lbs). I tried a large and it is much too big. This vest is definitely a slim fit. Very disappointed with the slimmer style.
This vest will make me sad when it's summer. I absolutely love it! Great layering piece. I use it skiing,winter walk/jogs to the playground with my kids,around town,and at home. The vest keeps the core nice and toasty and the arms free to move.
This was a gift. I've rarely worn a vest before,and now I rarely take it off,in the cooler seasons here int he NW. Great colors,nice cut,and of course,Patagonia's troubke free warranty,which they honored effortlessly when I had a zipper issue. Replaced in a flash..Great "purchase" and I'll be buying myself more Patagonia ge... Read Morear going forward,since the company is second to none in their environmental efforts!
I bought this vest for my husband as I have one myself and love it. Unfortunately the L was too large and the Meduim too small. We ended up returning both.
Must have for anybody that uses a waterproof outer shell,without much insulation. Combined with a parka or other shell,you'll be warm and dry all day.
Got this for casual wear. Didn't realize I would also be using it as a layering piece for hunting too. Quality is great and it's very functional
I purchased this last Fall and it has been my go to jacket/vest for wearing outside and inside. I have gotten so many compliments on the electric blue color,but to me the best part is the simple design,the soft collar,and the incredible light weight warmth it provides.
Bought this for a winter road trip to Colorado. I used it much more than I had anticipated because it works so well with layers. I wear it under a nano jacket or rain shell. It also works great over a heavy flannel shirt or other base layer depending on conditions. I like the fact that it is shorter than the standard vest. I like the inside pocket ... Read Morefor stuffing it during travel.
Bought this last fall,quality of construction and practicality make this a killer vest. I truly expect to have it the rest of my life. Add it traceable down and the sustainability of Patagonia as a company,well its the real deal.
I bought this vest 2 weeks ago and didn't get to wear it until recently because of the unseasonably warm Holiday season. The fit is true and feels extremely light without any restriction to movement. I am thinking of getting the big brother to this line,the hooded jacket,hoping that it shows the same fit and freedom of motion. The only caveat ... Read Moreis the light-weight zipper that is a little difficult to engage if you don't have the reading glasses on.
Great midweight down vest. I wear it under lighter shells on times when I need a little extra warmth. I like that it is thin and easily layer-able (if that is a word). Excellent construction. Fits true to size in my opinion
I own the deep blue sea down sweater vest and so far it has been a great addition. It has kept me warm at home whenever I am just lounging or doing things around the house,warm during the current chilly fall commute to and from work or errands,and even at work whenever the occasion allows for wearing the vest where I work.
The size works out well ... Read Morefor me. I am about 5'10'' 150-155lbs and I prefer a more fitted feel. I can wear a t-shirt,long sleeve t-shirt,baseball t-shirt,active gear (i.e. dri-fit long sleeve shirts) up to a thin wool sweater or fleece without it feeling uncomfortable or too tight. The M size,at least for me,was not able to keep me warm the way I wanted it to.
Overall,very satisfied and enjoying this vest from 'Gonia.
I have only been wearing this vest for the last week but so far I love it. It's lightweight and keeps me warm when the temperature has dropped in the 50's. I haven't had a chance to test it out in any cooler weather yet.
I am 6'5" 250 and ordered the XXL and it fits perfectly. It's just long enough. I am so happy when... Read More I buy clothes online and they actually fit.
love my down sweater jacket so it was only natural to add the vest as the weather warms up. also a great layering piece under a snowboard coat or winter hiking.
So far,so good. I purchased this after researching many competitors' products. The vest is light,stuffs into an inner pocket,repels water,and keeps me warm while not restricting my movement. I've worn this vest in 20F weather and walked to do errands layered as follows: long-sleeved t-shirt,light fleece 1/4 zip pullover,vest,blue jeans,at... Read Morehletic shoes and socks. I kept my hands in my pockets and I was very comfortable as I walked from my office to the post office and then to the bank. There may be other vests out there that get the job done,too,but I'm glad I bought this one. Patagonia has a new customer.
Had mine for years. Keep it right next the door along with my house keys. Wear it every day that ends in a y. Walking the dog? Check. Going to get coffee? Check. Headed out for dawn patrol and the fog is an inch thick? check. Headed to the crag? Check. Great for bay area where you can pair it with a tshirt and sunglasses, or a thick wool sweater an... Read Mored a hat, sometimes in the space of a few hours. Got one for my dad for Fathers Day and he loves it. Everyone makes cheapo down stuff these days, but this is the genuine article.
I have purchased three of these vests for my family and they wear them everywhere. It's warm enough to wear by itself or can be used as an added layer when needed. It's been used skating, skiing, fishing, hanging out at the lake, and even as a layer snowmobiling. I would like to see more colors so I can order more.
This is a great vest with one exception, the zipper closure at the neck. The zipper guard creates a stiff section of the collar that digs into your chin and neck. The collar isn't rounded all the way around the neck, maybe three quarters of the way and then it's squared off in the spot you expect it to be round. This does not break in wit... Read Moreh regular wear. I have the same issue with a solar wind jacket I purchased from Patagonia. It's annoying and shouldn't happen on a piece this expensive.
It is exactly what I was looking for. Simple and efficient. I got an M size.
Room enough to move and of course it is warm. Use in the city in a chilly morning, at the track after running or in the fields walking.
Worth the money.
Can't live without it. I am so used to wear my vest to keep me warm and organize everyday with all the right pockets. My Patagonia vest Not only gave me everyday comfort also gave me style and a brand respected worldwide
This down vest packs so small and when combined with a couple under layers is the perfect traveling jacket for climates that are cold but not wet. Just wore in the high desert Arizona and worked great.
Super styley, and warm and light. Digging my down vest for colder days on the mountain, absolutely, but mostly digging it around town and traveling. Nothing's cozier than down.
I'm very happy with the flexibility this vest offers - I'm able to wear it under a shell or as an outer garment. My positive experience with this vest has me considering the down sweater too. Stick with the regular fit. I'm athletic and slim, but recognize that the regular fit will accommodate more body types and layering desires.
The Down Sweater Vest is an ideal extra layer for cold weather activities. Low bulk, great warmth, and looks good too. Really easy to stuff into a day pack when the sun peaks through. Another awesome Patagonia product.
Vests are simply the best. From adventure to expedition to rigorous work days on site, I'm most likely wearing a vest. I own 1/2 dozen from Patagonia, including the latest Forge Grey Down Sweater Vest.
1) When donning vests, I often end up going elbow first through the opening.. Somehow Patagonia has made this Down Sweater Vest with such a ma... Read Morervelous flexible opening that stretches to accommodate uncoordinated elbow-first entry and yet constricts closely to the body, retaining warmth.
2) I loathe the infiltration of my pockets with irritating plastic parts. After years of annoyance from the uncomfortable placement of adjusting cords where hands and gear belong, I found the only adjustment needed is to cut those absurd parts out of the vest and enjoy comfortable pockets.
I purchased the Down Sweater Vest last minute before a 5 day trip in north central Wisconsin on the Ice Age Trail in late October. I bought it as an additional mid layer but ended up using it everyday as a primary piece of clothing. I would start my day with it on over my base layer and it would come off about 30 minutes into the hike. I'd cli... Read Morep it to my pack belt and it would go back on during my breaks. Paired with a fleece sweater, it kept me warm around camp at night. I get cold easily but the vest kept me warm to my surprise, even in temperatures to the low 30's. It also blocked the wind as advertised. The cinch cords in the pockets are a nice feature. I'm very pleased with the features and performance of the Sweater Vest. I could have left my insulated jacked at home since I never wore it!
Great quality and construction but had to return. Seems like a lot of gear has been resized smaller this year. I got this to go over a mid layer but under a shell. I'm usually a medium in patagonia across the board. I can not wear the med on any thing over a thin base layer mostly because the bottom edge is too tight. I thought that's why... Read More the cords where there in case adjustment needed.
