Travel Fashion Girl

The Best Travel Vest for Women: 15 Cozy Reader Picks

Backpacking , FASHION , Sweaters & Jackets , Travel Clothing

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Do you need a little extra warmth on your next trip to fight the cold winter or cool spring weather? TFG readers recommend their favorite travel vest womens styles!

Travel Vests

Written By: Tae Haahr

Table Of Contents

A vest is an excellent addition to your travel wardrobe. They help keep you warm when you’re outdoors, easy to layer so you can adjust your temperature, and many of them are built to be packable—they can be folded up into a bag!

But there are a ton of vests out there on the market. Some are great for a chilly outdoor hike, others perfect for a night on safari . With so many options out there, we asked TFG readers to share their top picks so you can make your own choice!

What Are the Best Womens Vests for Travel?

travel-vest

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince

Quince Lightweight Travel Vest

The Quince lightweight down vest is a huge fave in the TFG community. This light vest is a chic option that’s made to be worn everywhere! 

It’s warm yet slim, with a stretchy hem and armholes for a comfy and extra warming fit, while side pockets and a zip closure add to the function. Plus, it’s incredibly light and packable, so it’s easy to take with you and pull out whenever needed. 

This womens long vest is designed to be layered, so it’s great for everything from freezing winters to that awkward transition between seasons. And on those colder days, you can zip the neck up for some extra protection!

travel-vest

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon 

32 Degrees Ultra-Lightweight Packable Down Vest

If you’re looking for a cozy vest for those cool-weather outings, then the 32 Degrees Vest  is a great choice. It comes in several different colors to match your ideal look. It is “perfect for layering and very packable.”

TFG readers love this vest, with one saying, “I love these packable vests—I wear them at work in the winter for layering. Took one to Europe and wore it in Ireland … had one in my bag in NYC and put it on when it suddenly got chilly under my denim jacket. Such a great item.”

It comes in sizes XS-XXL and if down isn’t your thing, 32 Degrees also offer this non-down alternative vest too.

These are the most lightweight denim jackets according to TFG readers!

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Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon | Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer Puffer Vests for Women – CirrusLite

Eddie Bauer down vests come recommended by TFG readers due to the fact that it’s easy to pack into a carrying bag. It’s water-repellent and machine washable and will help you keep warm in the cold weather. 

This vest comes in several different colors. It has zip pockets, stand-up collar, and elasticized cuffs. One TFG reader shares, “Eddie Bauer packable vest is a great option. I love it.”

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

travel-vest

Eddie Bauer Fireside Plush Vest

The fleece Eddie Bauer vest is perfect for warding off the cold while you’re out-and-about. It’s a terrific choice if you want to layer, but it’s still soft and thick enough to keep it cozy.

TFG readers love these fleece vests for women. One shares, “ Coziest vest ever! Looks great worn with my tshirts , sweatshirts , sweaters , and flannel. Great layer for crisp fall weather! .”

These are the most fashionable fleece jackets recommended by our readers!

travel-vest

Shop: Amazon  | Columbia Sizes: XXS-XXL Regular | XS-XL Petite | 1X-3X Plus

Columbia Benton (Plus Size Women’s Vests Available)

Columbia makes one of the best women’s vests for fall. It comes in 32 colors and is made of 100% polyester fleece. You can get the Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Vest in sizes XS-XL, petite XSP-XLP, and plus sizes 1X-3X. It features two zippered side pockets, a full zip closure, and a collared neck.

Readers say to add this to your list of women’s spring vests. One says “I wear my vest constantly.” Another reader adds, “I have a fleece vest and wear it all the time in the fall or early spring with a thin lining sleeve so I can push the sleeves up if needed.”

Our readers share their top picks for lightweight packable rain jackets , perfect for your next trip!

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Shop Land’s End: Sizes XS-XL Regular |  1X-3X Plus

Lands’ End Packable Light Vest

Lands’ End makes warm vests for ladies to wear on their next outdoor venture. It’s filled with down to give you a warm and layerable piece of clothing. This is a longer vest that hits below your hips, but it has a two-way zipper so you can wear it closed to be more cozy or open when the weather lets up.

One TFG reader shares, “Have a Lands’ End tunic length packable down vest. It’s warm enough with some butt coverage and goes with anything dressy to casual. I can pack it into its own pocket. To pack it, the key is to just keep rolling and squeezing the air out.”

Readers love these cashmere sweaters for their polished and timeless look, incredible warmth, and versatility.

travel-vest

Shop Sizes XXS-3X:   Athleta

Athleta Downtown Women’s Quilted Vest

If you’re looking for a more fashionable style, then look no further than this Athleta Water Resistant Downtown Puffer Vest . It’s a quilted vest that features side panel stitching and a flattering curved hem to give a neat silhouette. This is a warm gilet that you’ll turn to from spring, right through to fall.

Our readers share their favorite brands for the best travel blazer !

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Shop: Amazon  | Columbia Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | 1X-3X Plus

Columbia Puffy Vests for Women

The Columbia Women’s Heavenly Vest  is one of the best puffer vests for women on the market. It’s great to layer while you’re out on the trail. And it’s lightweight and thin so you can stick it under your heavier jacket.

TFG readers love these women’s winter vests because they’re quite warm. One reader shares, “Love Columbia with Omni Heat on the inside. I hate being cold!” The heat technology is a brilliant addition to colder weather travel, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside.

Read this post to learn about some of our favorite winter jackets for travel!

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Shop Sizes XS-3XL: Amazon  | The North Face

The North Face Puffy Women’s Travel Vest with Pockets

If you’re looking for comfortable and warm down vests, look no further than The North Face Women’sThermoball . It’s a quality product that’s both lightweight and made of superior material. Plus, it has a zippered closure to keep you warm.

One TFG reader shares that it is “great if you’re at the outdoorsy end of the market.” Overall, a high quality that looks flattering, and you can get it in 10 colors.

See our readers’ picks for the best packable down jacket for travel!

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Shop Sizes S-XXL: SCOTTeVEST |   Amazon  

Scottevest Warm Womens Vests with RFID

The Scottevest RFID Vest comes highly recommended by TFG readers due to its 18 different pockets where you can store items in as you’re out and about. One reader does warn that “it’s heavy even without much in it. But having a vest with pockets is great.”

One reader comments that this vest was invaluable on her summer trip to Scotland because they appreciated “the freedom of not needing a purse.”

It’s great to layer with it, one reader shares, “I’ve loaded the thing up with budget airlines to bypass weight limits and such to get through security and on the plane. No one weighs it!” This comes in sizes S-XXL .

Read this post on how to pack a bulky winter jacket in a suitcase!

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Shop Sizes XS-3XL: Amazon | The North Face

The North Face Aconcagua Down Vest

TFG readers love this brand and this classic  North Face puffer vest is a comfortable and nice-looking puffer and it’s equipped with lots of insulation, making it an ideal layer. One reviewer shares, “ This vest is super lightweight and the material is very soft and flexible and this vest fits true to size. I’m so happy with this purchase!”

travel-vest

Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo 

Uniqlo Women Ultralight Down Vest

The Uniqlo ultralight vest can be stored into a small carrying pouch, making it super easy to pack and bring along on your next trip. It’s made of durable and water-repellent coating. This puffer vest, while packable, definitely has all the hallmarks of being warm, with a 640 fill power, or more. 

One TFG reader shares, “I’ve got a Uniqlo vest that I’ve worn under my leather jacket for extra warmth when out and about. It’s great for travel since it compresses down to nothing, and since I got it in burgundy, it spices up my wardrobe.” Another reader adds, “Can’t believe how warm it kept me.”

Check out our selections of lightweight fall jackets for your next trip!

travel-vest

Shop Sizes XS-XXL:  Amazon

BALEAF Women’s Lightweight  Vest with Hidden Pockets

The BALEAF softshell vest has an internal pocket to hide your favorite valuable items. Made from  wind proof and water resistance fabric, this women’s vest jacket can effectively keep you dry all-day . Plus, the added high collar helps block the wind and keeps you warmer longer.

TFG readers adore this piece, with one sharing, “Love my BALEAF vest. Super comfy and keeps me warm without getting too hot.” You can get it in 6 colors too so there is a style for everyone.

These are the most packable and beautiful cardigans that you’ll want for your next trip!

travel-vest

Shop L.L.Bean: Sizes XXS-XL Regular & Petite | 1X-3X Plus

L.L. Bean Fleece Light Weight Vest (Petite and Plus Sizes Available)

The L.L.Bean fleece vest is slightly-fitted, easy to layer, and one of the most popular warm weather vests, due to the PrimaLoft insulation and the outer layer is water-resistant.

One TFG reader shares, “This vest is my go-to when I travel. It has two zippered pockets that are roomy, and is also long enough for me to wear it with leggings, is pretty wrinkle-proof, and has a zip-off hood. I have two and wear them all the time.”

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Shop Sizes 0-14: Lululemon 

Lululemon Pack It Down Vest

The Lululemon Down for It All vest is a great addition to your travel wardrobe. It is a water-resistant model using Glyde fabric. It has an easy-access pocket, plus a secret hidden one, so you can hide your credit cards and such while traveling. And it packs into a handy sack. 

One TFG reader shares, “Can’t go wrong with Lululemon.” It comes in three cute colors, including lunar rock, chianti, and black, so you can truly make your personal style shine.

Wondering what to wear on a rainy day when traveling? Check out this post !

Product Comparison Chart

travel-vest

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Pack Your Vests

Many of our readers use packing cubes to roll up and organize their clothes. Compass Rose packing cubes allow you to do so by number and color so you know where you packed everything, even when you use the cubes to separate outfits. Learn more in the video below.

Learn about our hacks with packing cubes in this video !

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods of using packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

What’s your favorite travel vest? Share and comment below!

For more travel jackets, please read:

  • Best Winter Parkas
  • Classic Trench Jackets 
  • Cozy Women’s Wool Coats 
  • Most Recommended Waterproof Jackets for Every Adventure

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travel vest reviews

Home

Best Vests of 2024

To add warmth on those chilly days, we break down the season's top vests from down and synthetic insulation to fleece.

Patagonia Down Sweater Vest (overlooking canyon)

Switchback Travel

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, packable, less bulky, and cheaper than a full jacket. But the vest market is varied, ranging from casual to performance and including a number of possible insulation types. Below we break down the best vests of 2024, with our favorite down, synthetic, merino wool, and fleece models. For more background information, see our vest comparison table and buying advice below the picks.  

Our Team's Vest Picks

  • Best Overall Vest: Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
  • Best Budget Vest: REI Co-op 650 Down Vest
  • Best Vest for Active Use: Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest
  • Best Casual Vest for Everyday Use: Patagonia Better Sweater Vest
  • Best Down Vest for Winter: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse

Best Overall Vest

1. patagonia down sweater vest ($229).

__Patagonia Down Sweater Vest

Popular for both casual and active use, Patagonia brings it all together with the Down Sweater Vest. In terms of warmth, the vest is filled with 3 ounces of premium 800-fill down that will keep your core nice and cozy (it’s also certified to the Responsible Down Standard). The nylon shell fabric looks and feels great, repels light moisture, and comes in a wide variety of colorways from muted to bright. Bonus: With a recent update, the Down Sweater Vest's shell is now made from recycled fishing nets, which only adds to the all-around appeal. From wearing around the city to hiking and use as a midlayer for skiing, this vest pretty much does it all.

As we touched on above, Patagonia recently updated their Down Sweater collection, and we think most of the changes were positive. In addition to the clear sustainability slant, the latest Down Sweater Vest uses a little more down than the past-generation model (3 oz. vs. 2.4 for the prior version), weighs around an ounce less, and has a slightly thicker and loftier look. We’re also big fans of the new interior drop-in pockets, which are a nice place to stash items like a hat and gloves. The biggest downside is cost: At $229 (a notable $50 more than its predecessor), the Down Sweater Vest is an undeniably steep investment. But it’s hard to beat the build quality and versatility, which is why we’ve kept it at the top of our list for 2024. See the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater   See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater

Best Budget Vest

2. rei co-op 650 down vest ($100).

REI Co-op 650 Down Vest

REI Co-op’s in-house brand consistently churns out performance outerwear at prices that are substantially lower than most big brands. The 650 Down Vest is no exception, offering a legitimately warm layering piece for $100—less than half the cost of the Patagonia Down Sweater above. This vest isn’t teched-out and doesn’t have the high-end look and feel of the premium alternatives on this list, but it’s a fantastic value overall.

What do you compromise by going with the 650 Down Vest? It uses lower quality 650-fill down compared to the Down Sweater’s 800-fill—which means less warmth for the weight—but this isn’t hugely important unless you’re counting ounces or heading into the backcountry. In addition, its boxier fit and roomier dimensions result in a slightly less polished look. But on the bright side, REI holds its own in terms of sustainability, with RDS-certified down (for humane treatment of birds) and recycled, bluesign (read: ethically sourced) materials. All told, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better down vest for the price. See the Men's REI 650 Down Vest    See the Women's REI 650 Down Vest

Best Vest for Active Use

3. arc'teryx norvan insulated vest ($180).

Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated vest

When it comes to vest insulation, you have two main options: down or synthetic. Down is known for its superior loft and warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic insulation is the best choice for breathability and weather resistance. Thus, if you’re in the market for a vest to wear during active pursuits like running, nordic skiing, and ski touring, synthetic is the way to go (also look for breathable shell fabrics, built-in stretch or stretchy side panels, and a snug fit). Within this category, we like the Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Vest best: Specifically designed for runners, it cuts the chill with a light dose of Coreloft synthetic insulation (40g), and its Fortius Air 20 shell keeps air flowing when your heart rate gets high. Tack on a low 3.5-ounce weight and a design that stuffs into its own pocket, and the Norvan Insulated is just about as good as it gets for high-output use.

But the Arc’teryx vest falls short in terms of weather resistance—its air-permeable shell does little to cut the wind, and the thin insulation only offers enough warmth for mild weather or consistent movement. It’s also worth noting that the Norvan Insulated has very little storage—just a pocket on the rear hip—and isn’t particularly durable. For a better all-rounder, check out the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Vest, which features a thicker shell fabric, roomier dimensions, and three generously sized pockets. Both are wonderfully breathable and supple vests for active use, and a final decision will come down to your objectives and priorities. See the Men's Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest   See the Women's Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest

Best Casual Vest for Everyday Use

4. patagonia better sweater fleece vest ($119).

_Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest

The down and synthetic vests above are quality insulators, but fleece wins out in coziness and everyday appeal. And no design puts it all together better than Patagonia’s iconic Better Sweater Fleece Vest. For a reasonable $119, the Better Sweater combines plush, moisture-wicking fleece insulation that provides solid warmth for most mild and spring days with a classy, knitted exterior that wears incredibly well around town. It’s not an active piece like the Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated above, but breathability is surprisingly good for lower-output uses like hiking and downhill skiing. Added up, it’s a highly versatile and affordable design that looks great around town but can easily pull double duty for light outdoor pursuits.

All that said, fleece isn’t the best option for serious performance use. In testing the jacket version of the Better Sweater, we found that drafts were easily able to seep through the fairly porous outer knit fabric—we needed to add a shell overtop on gusty days, even in otherwise mild conditions. In addition, you can get more warmth for less weight with options like Patagonia’s Down Sweater above or Arc’teryx’s Cerium Vest below. And a final knock is that fleece tends to pill and will require regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. But for excellent comfort and everyday appeal at a low price point, the Better Sweater Vest is hard to beat. See the Men's Better Sweater Vest   See the Women's Better Sweater Vest

Best Down Vest for Winter

5. the north face 1996 retro nuptse vest ($230).

_The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Vest

Patagonia’s Down Sweater above is a great option for shoulder-season use, but those headed out in true winter temperatures will likely want a bump in warmth. Enter The North Face’s Nuptse Vest, a substantially built design with a cold-weather pedigree to back it up. This vest is nearly synonymous with the term “puffy” with thick, oversized baffles and heaps of lofty, 700-fill goose down (The North Face doesn’t provide a fill weight, but it feels like a lot). And many love the retro-inspired design, which looks the part in the city or on the trail. For daily outings, cold-weather hiking, or extra insulation during après, the Nuptse is a nice option. 

The Retro Nuptse falls short in one key area: versatility. It's one of the warmest and most substantial vests on the list and built to withstand cold temperatures, but is overkill for mild conditions and is a bit too bulky for midlayer use. Alternatively, the Down Sweater above can fit reasonably well under a hardshell or ski jacket, and provides enough warmth for most conditions. On the other hand, the Nuptse excels at standalone use, with a robust 40-denier shell and a stowable hood that ensures warmth and weather protection for your noggin. We don't recommend the TNF for serious backcountry endeavors, but as a core insulator for frigid days in the frontcountry, it doesn't get much better.  See the Men's TNF Retro Nuptse   See the Women's TNF Retro Nuptse

Best of the Rest

6. patagonia nano puff vest ($189).

__Patagonia Nano Puff synthetic vest

As we touched on above, down wins out in warmth and loft, but synthetic insulation breathes better, dries quicker, and is cheaper. One of our favorite synthetic-insulated vests on the market is the Nano Puff from Patagonia, which also comes in a very popular full jacket version (as do most other vests on this list). This Nano Puff Vest is sleek and versatile: It’s decently warm, light, packs down small, and looks the part for both casual and active use. It’s also less expensive than a comparable down vest and noticeably lower-profile.

What are the downsides of the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest? The PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation is pretty darn warm but not to the same degree as down, so this vest isn’t built for frigid conditions (it’s ideal for fall, spring, and as a layering piece). And the current model is slimmer than past versions, so you may want to consider sizing up if you’re on the border or plan on wearing the vest over bulky layers. But for an active vest with tons of everyday appeal, you can’t beat the Nano Puff. See the Men's Patagonia Nano Puff   See the Women's Patagonia Nano Puff

7. Arc’teryx Cerium Vest ($300)

_Arc'teryx Cerium Down Vest

Arc’teryx’s Cerium collection has been well loved for years, combining high-end materials and excellent build quality in a good-looking package. The latest Cerium Vest follows suit and is high-end in just about every way: You get 850-fill goose down for warmth (the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest above has slightly lower 800-fill), a super-soft face fabric and lining, and Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas prone to getting wet like the shoulders and collar. And with the recent update, Arc’teryx tacked on a host of sustainability measures, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics, bio-based materials, RDS-certified down, and a dope-dyed shell that uses less energy and water during production than standard dyeing practices. The result is just about all you can ask for in a vest, from weight and warmth to functionality and looks.

We have the Cerium Vest ranked below the Down Sweater for a couple of reasons. The first is cost: $300 is a lot to spend on a layering piece. Second, Arc’teryx’s athletic fit isn’t for everyone, not to mention a vest often is layered over a shirt or light jacket and therefore is best with a slightly looser cut. But if you love the Arc’teryx fit or plan on packing the Cerium along for active use, this vest will not disappoint. See the Men's Arc'teryx Cerium Vest   See the Women's Arc'teryx Cerium Vest

8. Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest ($210)

_Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest

When warmth-to-weight ratios matter, we’ll stick to names like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research. But for casual use around town, Fjallraven consistently catches our eye with outerwear that merges performance and fashion. The Greenland Down Liner Vest screams quality, pairing well-selected colorways with classic horizontal baffles and a stylish chest pocket with flap and button closure. And like many other vests here, Fjallraven is making efforts toward sustainability, using recycled polyester, organic cotton, a PFC-free water-resistant finish, and ethically sourced down.

With a hefty 13.4-ounce weight and limited breathability, the Greenland is not our first choice (or anything close to it) for active pursuits. Combined with the steep $210 price tag, it’s far from the best value on the market—especially for those who prioritize versatility. But along with the Patagonia Better Sweater above and Classic Retro-X and L.L. Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton vests below, it’s one of our favorite casual options of 2024. For cold-but-not-frigid shoulder-season weather, the Greenland is a classy, versatile layer that provides solid core warmth for around-town use and light adventuring. If you prefer the added protection of synthetic insulation, Fjallraven’s Expedition X-Latt and Abisko Padded Vest are similarly well built and good-looking. See the Men's Fjallraven Greenland Down   See the Women's Fjallraven Greenland Down

9. Black Diamond First Light Hybrid Vest ($195)

_ Black Diamond First Light Hybrid Vest

Arc’teryx’s Norvan Insulated above is our top pick for active use, but those looking for a step up in warmth and durability should consider Black Diamond’s First Light Hybrid. Like the Norvan, this vest is purpose-built to keep you comfortable during high-output pursuits: The outer shell is stretchy and allows for decent airflow, you get a nylon/merino wool panel at the back for airflow and temperature regulation, and the highly breathable PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation at the core adds warmth where you need it most. The net result is class-leading performance for heart-pumping activities in the cold, whether you're ski touring, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

We do have a few issues with the First Light Hybrid. The first two are weight and price: At 8 ounces and $195, the BD is relatively heavy and expensive for a synthetic vest that isn’t all that warm, especially compared to down options. This leads up to our next point: The 60-gram PrimaLoft insulation does a decent job if you’re moving but won’t keep you cozy when standing still or in cold weather. Finally, the vest doesn’t block the wind all that well, especially at the back. These downsides hurt the First Light’s appeal for casual use; on the other hand, they're the primary ingredients that lead to it being one of our favorite vests for serious activity. See the Men's BD First Light Hybrid Vest

  10. Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Vest ($179)

_Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Vest

Outdoor Research is known for churning out quality, performance-minded apparel at a relatively low price point, and their Coldfront Down Vest is no exception. For $50 less than the Down Sweater Vest above, the Coldfront provides winter-ready warmth and tacks on additional weather protection by way of a water-resistant Pertex Quantum Eco shell and synthetic VerticalX Eco insulation at the shoulders. We also love the look, which features wide horizontal baffles, roomy dimensions (designed for layering underneath), and a subtle OR patch at the chest. Added up, the Coldfront is a classy yet warm vest that will get the job done both in the mountains and around town.

But compared to the Down Sweater, the Coldfront does fall short in a few categories. For one, it's only available in two colorways at the time of publishing, compared to Patagonia's five color options. Second, at one pound even, it's almost double the weight of the Down Sweater, although the extra ounces do translate to a bit more warmth. Outdoor Research has been slippery with their numbers, but the last we checked the most current Coldfront Down Vest features 3.5 ounces of 700-fill down (compared to the Patagonia's 3 oz. of 800-fill) and a bit of synthetic insulation, which leads us to believe it's overall the warmer piece. It's not our first choice for weight-conscious backpacking or climbing trips, but the Coldfront is nevertheless a warm and versatile vest for everything from resort skiing and snowshoeing to chilly evenings closer to home. See the Men's OR Coldfront Down Vest   See the Women's Coldfront Hooded Down Vest

11. Norrøna Falketind Down750 Vest ($249)

_Norrona falketind down 750 vest

Norway-based Norrøna isn’t a household name in the U.S. like Arc’teryx or Patagonia, but they offer a quality lineup of outerwear that’s purpose-built for demanding backcountry pursuits. True to form, the Falketind Down750 is a decidedly premium piece that works well for everything from cold-weather hiking to bundling up around town. Like the Cerium Vest above, the Falketind is primarily insulated with down but substitutes synthetic at the neck, sides, shoulders, and lower back for better wet-weather assurance. Norrøna also added a hood—not common among vest designs— which adds a good dose of warmth and a nice, cozy look.

As a result of the added features, the Falketind isn’t particularly light for a down vest, clocking in more than 2 ounces heavier than the Cerium Vest. Further, while 750-fill down is fairly high-quality, you can get more premium varieties that are warmer for the weight (and therefore less bulky) within Arc’teryx or Patagonia’s lineups. Combined with the very steep price tag, these downsides are enough to push the Falketind to a mid-pack finish. But we do love the look and feel of this Norrøna vest, and its thoughtful design touches make it versatile for both performance and casual use (which could help justify the cost). See the Men's Norrøna Falketind Down750   See the Women's Norrøna Falketind Down750

12. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest 2.0 ($180)

The North Face ThermoBall Eco vest (black)

We haven’t seen many collections as hyped up as The North Face’s ThermoBall was at its release, but there was good reason for the fanfare. The namesake synthetic fill was designed with insulation expert PrimaLoft to mimic the fluffiness and warmth-to-weight ratio of down. Nothing is quite like premium duck or goose plumage, including ThermoBall, but it sure does a nice job of keeping you cozy while feeling light and packing down small. And we appreciate that TNF uses 100% recycled materials, from the shell fabric down to the insulation.

In general, we've found the ThermoBall line to be best suited for casual uses such as day hiking, resort skiing, and running errands around town. True to its intentions, the vest gets high marks for durability and is fairly streamlined compared to down, making the ThermoBall a nice layering option under a rain jacket or ski shell. And when stuffed into its own pocket, the vest is surprisingly compact and easy to throw in your pack. ThermoBall has its fair share of competition (including Patagonia’s PlumaFill used in their popular Micro Puff line), but for a respectable impression of down at a reasonable price point, the TNF is worth a look.  See the Men's TNF ThermoBall Eco Vest 2.0   See the Women's ThermoBall Eco Vest 2.0

13. Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest ($185)

_Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest

There’s no shortage of down vests, but the Cotopaxi Fuego stands out to us for a few reasons. First is value: For $185 (a considerable $44 less than our top-ranked Down Sweater Vest), you get a really nice piece with premium 800-fill down and a water-resistant 20-denier shell. Second, it toes the line between our casual and performance categories better than most, balancing Cotopaxi’s trademark retro styling with a functional feature set that includes great storage (two zippered handwarmer pockets and two interior pockets) and a drawcord at the hem. Clocking in at just 8 ounces and stuffing into its own pocket, it’s even lighter than the Down Sweater (8.9 oz.) and a worthy choice for hikers, skiers, and climbers alike.

It’s worth noting that Cotopaxi is one of just a few outdoor brands (including Stio, REI, and Ibex) that is climate neutral-certified, meaning that they continuously measure their footprint and work to offset (and then reduce) those emissions. This won’t be a selling point for everyone, but it’s become an increasingly important consideration for many consumers in recent years. We rank the Down Sweater higher for its more subdued and streamlined styling—the Cotopaxi’s vibrant stripes can be a bit polarizing—but this is largely a matter of personal preference. In the end, Cotopaxi has a ways to go in matching Patagonia’s long-standing reputation for quality and fit, but their Fuego is a well-priced Down Sweater alternative. For a cheaper synthetic option from Cotopaxi with similar styling, check out their Teca Calido Insulated Vest . See the Men's Cotopaxi Fuego Vest   See the Women's Cotopaxi Fuego Vest

14. L.L. Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest ($179)

L.L.Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest

L.L. Bean consistently hits the mark when it comes to effectively balancing fashion and function, and their Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest carries the torch. Like the Fjallraven Greenland above, the Upcountry Vest is decidedly more casual than performance-focused but looks great around town and can pull double duty for light outdoor use. Starting with warmth, the L.L. Bean is packed with 650-fill down (bonus: It’s hydrophobic) with soft corduroy accents inside the collar and pocket flaps for a nice boost in coziness. And all of the small features are there: The zipper and buttons are solid brass, the storage layout is generous and well executed, and the branding is much less prominent than on other vests on this list (only on the inside tag). 

Deciding on the best casual vest will likely come down to preferences on materials, styling, and cost. At $179, the Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest costs around $30 less than the Fjallraven Greenland above and uses slightly higher-quality insulation, but you forgo some of the ubiquitous down-puffy look. Alternatively, budget-conscious shoppers can save with Patagonia’s $119 Better Sweater Fleece Vest above or Carhartt’s $80 Duck Vest below. But the L.L. Bean’s waxed exterior will fare better over the long term (it will develop a vintage patina look similar to leather), and the thoughtful finishes add a high-end, premium feel. For a slightly more performance-ready option from L.L. Bean that still looks the part for daily wear, check out their Mountain Classic Down Vest .  See the Men's Upcountry Down Vest   See the Women's Upcountry Down Vest

15. Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest ($159)

Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest natural

Nobody does fleeces better than Patagonia, and their Classic Retro-X harkens back to some of the brand’s original designs. It’s hard to argue with the formula: The Retro-X is cozy, stylish, and adds a noticeable boost in warmth on those chilly fall and spring days. You’ll see this vest (and the full fleece jacket version) everywhere from your local trailhead to the watering hole later that evening, and nobody seems to be complaining. 

As is the case with many Patagonia products, the Retro-X isn’t cheap at $159. You are getting nice extras like a windproof membrane sandwiched in between the sherpa fleece exterior and mesh lining, but the price puts it up against cozier and warmer down alternatives. It’s no doubt a great piece, but there are enough downsides to drop the Retro-X in our rankings. For a more buttoned-down look with a little less warmth, try the Patagonia Better Sweater Vest above. And for a step up in performance, Cotopaxi’s new Trico Hybrid Vest uses a unique hybrid design with a polyester shell and synthetic fill up top and fleece along the core and chest pocket for a nice mix of comfort and protection. See the Men's Patagonia Classic Retro-X   See the Women's Patagonia Classic Retro-X

16. Rab Microlight Down Vest ($200)

Rab Microlight Down Vest

Rab’s Microlight Down Vest might look relatively unassuming on first glance, but there’s more to this piece than meets the eye. First is weather protection: Rab tacked on several protective measures to help combat down’s inherently poor wet-weather performance, including a tough Pertex Quantum shell, quality DWR coating, water-resistant YKK zippers, and Nikwax finish on the insulation. Other notable features include a close-fitting collar for a little extra warmth around the neck, adjustable hem for sealing out wind, and pockets that sit high enough to access while wearing a harness or hipbelt. You’ll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight stands out as one of the most weather-ready down vests on the market and a nice match for summer alpine missions and shoulder-season use in wetter climates.

How does the Rab Microlight Down Vest stack up to our top-rated Patagonia Down Sweater Vest? The Microlight uses lower-quality down (700-fill vs. the Patagonia’s 800-fill) but a little more of it at 4.2 ounces (compared to 3 oz. for the Down Sweater), which translates to a small bump in warmth. On the flip side, the Down Sweater weighs around 2 ounces less, and we prefer the Patagonia’s stuff pocket over the Rab’s separate stuff sack for packing down (the latter is easier to lose). Finally, the Down Sweater is more everyday-friendly with a more streamlined look and better colorway selection. But the Rab costs $30 less and gets the clear edge for demanding outdoor use, making it the better pick for those who value performance over casual appeal. See the Men's Rab Microlight Down Vest   See the Women's Rab Microlight Down Vest

17. Smartwool Active Ultralite Vest ($100)

_Smartwool Active Ultralite Vest

The majority of vests here use down or synthetic fill for warmth, but merino wool is another excellent insulator. Most often worn next-to-skin (it’s our favorite baselayer material), merino offers impressive temperature regulation, naturally resists odors, and has a very soft and comfortable feel. Playing off these strengths, Smartwool’s Active Ultralite Vest pairs a water-resistant nylon shell with panels of thin merino mesh (blended with polyester for added durability), resulting in a trim-fitting design that offers a small dose of protection and just enough warmth for high-output activities like running and cross-country skiing. And at a crazy light weight of just 4 ounces, the Active Ultralite Vest even packs into its own pocket for compact storage while on the move.

However, while we love merino wool as a baselayer material, it loses some of its appeal when used in a midlayer. In other words, you don’t really feel the soft lining when wearing the vest over other layers, and the aforementioned odor-fighting and moisture-wicking abilities won’t shine through as much either. That said, the combination of wool insulation and weather-resistant nylon certainly is intriguing for performance use, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much difference just a little extra protection around the core can make. To reap the full benefits, we recommend pairing the vest with a merino baselayer (like Smartwool’s Classic All-Season Long-Sleeve). For a step up in warmth, Smartwool also offers their Smartloft Vest for $185 , although it’s not a UL standout at 10.6 ounces. See the Men's Smartwool Active Ultralite Vest   See the Women's Active Ultralite Vest

18. Columbia Steens Mountain Vest ($50)

Columbia Steens Mountain Vest

For those on a tight budget, the Steens Mountain from Columbia is just about the cheapest vest you’ll find. There are no frills here: It’s constructed of a very basic polyester fleece fabric, has two hand pockets, and some versions come in a two-color design with the shoulder/side panel varying from the torso. But Columbia is a respected company in the outdoor gear world, and the Steens Mountain Vest should help add some warmth to your core.

Who should steer clear of the Columbia? This fleece vest will add only a fraction of the warmth compared to a down or even a synthetic model. And although our Columbia products have lasted longer than anticipated, it’s good to have reasonable expectations with gear available at this price point. The fleece eventually will show wear, especially after a number of washings. See the Men's Columbia Steens Mountain   See the Women's Columbia Benton Springs

19. Carhartt Duck Vest ($80)

Carhartt Duck Vest arctic quilt lined

For winter workwear, it doesn’t get much more classic than the Carhartt Duck Vest. Built with a heavy canvas exterior and lined with quilted polyester, this vest delivers warmth and durability in an affordable package. Whether you’re working outside or looking for a casual piece to keep you cozy, the Carhartt is an excellent example of why we love vests—you can get a bombproof and cozy covering for your core while still maintaining excellent mobility and breathability (Carhartt also makes a Duck jacket, which we find heavier and more restrictive).

In terms of competitors, the Duck Vest can’t hold a candle to down-filled alternatives like the Fjallraven Greenland or L.L. Bean Upcountry above in terms of warmth, and its polyester lining will pack out over time. But for a whopping $130 less than the Greenland and $99 less than the Upcountry, it’s a really nice value. Patagonia also makes their All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest , which splits the difference at $139. Keep in mind that these vests are designed for work and casual environments and don’t offer the low weight or weather protection that you’ll want for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. But for outdoor work and everyday use, the Carhartt Duck Vest is a capable layer at a price that’s hard to beat.  See the Men's Carhartt Duck Vest   See the Women's Carhartt Duck Vest

Vest Comparison Table

Vest buying advice.

  • Casual vs. Performance Use

Insulation Types

Weather resistance, breathability, durability (denier), weight and packability, sustainability.

  • Stepping up to a Full Jacket  

​ Casual vs. Performance Use

We’ll start by pointing out that the majority of vests are worn casually as everyday pieces. They’re great for layering over a flannel or light jacket to add warmth during the fall and spring, and a vest can make you much more comfortable without the need for a full-on jacket. This means that warmth is a top priority—it’s the main purpose of a vest aside from looking good in the process. For this reason, we generally favor down vests like the Patagonia Down Sweater over synthetics (more on why down is the warmest option below).

In addition to casual use, some people wear vests for aerobic activities like hiking, biking, and climbing, or as a midlayer for skiing (both resort and backcountry). For these types of uses, you’ll often see synthetic vests from performance brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx, many of which breathe well, resist moisture, and continue insulating when wet. For serious forays into the backcountry, however, a jacket provides maximum coverage and warmth and therefore often makes the most sense. This is why most vests are casual first and performance second.

Vest line-up

Down Without a doubt, down is the warmest insulation type. It’s simply unmatched in terms of warmth, weight, and compressibility—the plumage and feathers are extremely fluffy and do a great job at trapping heat close to your body and packing down small. However, down is less breathable than synthetic insulation and retains more moisture when wet, which can cause problems in rainy or snowy weather. For this reason, some down vests (like the OR Coldfront and Arc'teryx Cerium above) pattern synthetic insulation in high-exposure areas.

When evaluating the quality of down inside a particular vest, fill power is the most commonly provided specification. The higher the fill number, the warmer and fluffier the down will be at a given weight. Most high-end down layering pieces use 850- or 800-fill down, with the Arc’teryx Cerium Vest topping our list at 850-fill. 750-fill power and below falls more into the mid-range category, but even premium brands like Fjallraven use 600-fill down in their vests (it doesn’t matter as much for casual use). Fill weight, which is the actual amount of down inside the jacket and very helpful in determining warmth, unfortunately isn’t provided for most vests. Synthetic For high-output activities, synthetic insulation is more breathable than down and won’t soak up moisture as readily. It’s also cheaper yet still does a pretty good job of keeping you cozy. Not all synthetic insulation is created equal, however, and industry leader PrimaLoft is dependable and has been innovative of late. Arc’teryx does a nice job balancing weight, warmth, breathability, and packed size with their in-house Coreloft insulation, Black Diamond’s First Light Hybrid uses PrimaLoft’s breathable Silver Insulation Active, and The North Face has spent a lot of energy on its proprietary ThermoBall (made in conjunction with PrimaLoft). All have their upsides, but at the end of the day none are quite as warm and packable as premium down (Patagonia’s PlumaFill is the closest we’ve tested). For a complete breakdown of the topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation .

Arc'teryx Atom LT Vest (camp)

Merino Wool Along with down, merino wool is one of the premier natural forms of insulation, known for its next-to-skin comfort, warmth, temperature regulation, and ability to wick moisture and stay dry. For these reasons, it’s very popular in performance layering, and particularly for baselayers. Merino vests are popular too, with wool specialists like Smartwool and Icebreaker having a number of models. Keep in mind that most merino vests and products in general consist of simply the fabric itself instead of clusters of down or synthetic insulation, and therefore are less substantial and warm. There are outliers though:  Black Diamond's First Light Hybrid  offers a nice mix of synthetic fill at the front and a blended merino panel at the back. For a performance vest or baselayer for aerobic activities, merino is a very viable option. Fleece Fleece is pretty much synonymous with coziness and has been for years. This simple polyester fabric is soft, decently warm depending on the thickness, and offers great next-to-skin comfort. Fleece is most commonly found on casual pieces like the ubiquitous Patagonia Better Sweater and Classic Retro-X Vest . You’ll occasionally see performance fleeces out on the hiking trails or in the bouldering fields, but they aren’t built for serious outdoor use in the same way as the other insulation types. Fleece doesn’t block wind very well in most cases, weighs quite a bit for the warmth it provides, doesn’t compress very small, and tends to pill up over time. But it is comfortable and inexpensive, which are two of the reasons it’s so popular for everyday wear.

As we covered above, down is the warmest type of insulation for the weight. Synthetic insulation comes in second, with merino wool and fleece tending to be the least warm of the bunch. In general, a vest should help keep you decently warm as a layering piece in most fall and spring conditions. If the temperatures get frigid or you are standing still for an extended period of time, you will want to consider layering up or wearing a full down or synthetic jacket instead. Partial coverage is great in mild weather or if you’re working up some body heat, but full coverage is best for the cold.

If you’re looking for concrete numbers to evaluate the warmth of a particular vest, there are a few helpful clues. For down, fill power is readily available (850-fill, 800-fill, etc.), which is the measure of the quality of the down. Fill weight (the amount of down) isn’t listed as frequently for vests as it is for full down jackets , but we’ve mentioned it as often as possible in the product write-ups above. Synthetic pieces often use grams (60g, 40g, etc.) to measure warmth, and merino and fleece use grams or other designations like heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight. All in all, a vest will add notable warmth but shouldn’t be thought of as a standalone piece for the cold.

REI Co-op Vest (Tofino)

The sleeveless design of vests means weather resistance isn’t a top consideration, but there are notable differences between models. The shell, including its material, thickness, and coating, largely determines the degree of weather protection. Most down and synthetic vests have a polyester or nylon shell that should do a decent job at repelling light to moderate wind and precipitation. Some high-end and mid-range vests like the Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated  and Patagonia Down Sweater add a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, which helps water bead up and roll off your vest instead of soaking in.  Rab's Microlight Down Vest takes it a step further with a weather-resistant Pertex Quantum shell, hydrophobic down, and quality DWR finish. Merino does a good job of repelling moisture naturally but will soak through over time, and the same goes for fleece, which is hydrophobic but allows wind and water to penetrate the fabric.

If you have a down vest in particular, you’ll want to add layers when rain or snow really starts to fall. Down soaks up moisture and loses the ability to insulate, whereas synthetics are much better in this regard. From our experience, we’ve noticed that most jackets and vests are rather impressive at resisting moisture, and we tend not to fret too much unless we are out in the rain for extended periods or it really starts to pour.  

Breathability can vary significantly from vest to vest, and synthetic insulation is superior to down in this regard. From our list above, Black Diamond's First Light Hybrid  (which features PrimaLoft Silver Active at the front) is impressive at breathing and keeping you cool on the go, which makes it a great midlayer for high-output activities like backcountry skiing or as an outer layer for cool-weather hiking, biking, or climbing. Arc’teryx’s Coreloft is great, too, as seen on the minimalist Norvan Insulated Vest. Merino wool also is a good breather for aerobic activities like running and cross-country skiing, although its utility is somewhat limited as these vests tend to be thinner and less warm than synthetics. Lightweight fleeces also can be decent ventilators, but most fleece vests are casual in nature and do not excel at regulating temperature.

Don’t overlook the durability of the vest you’re considering—it can lead to an all-too-short lifespan for a rather pricey purchase. The thickness of a down or synthetic vest’s shell fabric is measured in denier (D), and the higher the number the thicker the shell. At the ultralight end of the spectrum, a vest like the 10x10D Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (not included here) is built for true ounce counters. This means that the overall weight of the vest is surprisingly low, but it’s also quite easy to rip while brushing up against a branch or rock. If you take great care with an ultralight shell fabric, it can last, but it requires exactly that.

Most casual or all-around synthetic and down vests on this list are 20-denier and up, which allows you to think about your vest a lot less than with an ultralight piece. Many of our top picks fall into this category, including the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated (both 20D). A heavy-duty vest like The North Face Nuptse is even thicker at 40D, and Carhartt’s Duck Vest fabric doesn’t have a denier measurement but is extremely thick and durable. Merino wool is the least durable vest type of the bunch, as it doesn’t have a shell protecting the material and is typically rather thin. Fleece is fairly tough but is prone to pilling after multiple washings or extended use.  

Weight matters most to those who are heading out into the backcountry and carrying their belongings in a pack (backpacking and backcountry skiing are two prime examples). Because most vests are casual in nature and worn for everyday use, weight isn’t a huge factor in most people’s buying decisions. However, there are notable differences in weight between our picks above, starting with the Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated at a feathery 3.5 ounces. Next up is the Smartwool Active Ultralite at 4 ounces, with the bulk of the vest pack sitting in the 6-to-11-ounce range. Burly vests like The North Face Retro Nuptse weigh around 1 pound, and thick shells like the Carhartt Duck Vest are even heavier. For ultralighters, down is the clear favorite—it provides the most warmth for the weight and packs down the smallest.

Vest (stuffed)

For those who plan on carrying their vest along in a backpack, a number of our picks come with a stuff sack or pack down into one of their own pockets (this involves finding the correct two-sided zipper). This can make a vest a cinch to carry and it ends up taking very little space. Remember that it’s best to leave your vest unpacked while at home, which helps preserve the down or synthetic insulation. A handful of vests on this list are not packable (we list this in our comparison table ), although many of those still will stuff down into the corner of a backpack reasonably small.  

Vests don’t have a ton of variation in terms of pockets, but most designs boast at least two handwarmer pockets (even the basic fleece Columbia Steens Mountain has two hand pockets). Some vests have a chest pocket on the upper left, and some have an interior pocket that may double as a stuff sack for storage. We’ve found that the pockets on the vests we’ve tested are perfect for comfortably carrying the basics: small objects like keys, a wallet, and a phone. If you plan on bringing more than that along, you’ll want to consider using a daypack or other carrying device.

Vest hand pockets

In terms of fit, vests are less complicated than full jackets, mainly because the arms don’t come into play. But different vests and brands do fit differently in the torso, and this is worth taking into account. Patagonia, for example, tends to have a medium to boxy fit that allows for a wide range of body types to wear their gear. The North Face tends to run large and boxy as it too is worn frequently for casual use. On the other hand, Arc’teryx's Cerium and Norvan Insulated are designed with performance in mind and therefore have snug, athletic fits. Keep in mind that vests are layering pieces and therefore it matters what you intend to wear underneath. If you plan on layering over a bulky flannel or jacket, it definitely makes sense to size up if you’re on the fence.

The outdoor apparel market has seen a sizable push in sustainability practices of late, and vests are no exception. Key measures include the use of recycled fabrics, down insulation that’s traceable and certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and materials that are bluesign-approved (safe for the environment, workers, and consumers) and Fair Trade Certified (produced in a factory where workers’ conditions and compensation are priorities). It’s important to note that no insulation type is totally eco-friendly, and both down and synthetics have their drawbacks, but the increase in RDS-certified down and recycled synthetic fill certainly are appealing from an environmental standpoint. It’s also becoming increasingly common to see PFC-free DWR coatings, which are free of perfluorocarbons that have been found to be harmful to the environment.

Brands like Patagonia and REI Co-op have been at the forefront of the sustainability push, but many other leading outdoor companies continue to make notable inroads year after year. For example, The North Face updated their ThermoBall collection recently to include 100% recycled materials and a PFC-free DWR finish (the same goes for their Nuptse Vest). Cotopaxi is also worth calling out directly as one of just a few outdoor brands that’s climate neutral-certified (along with REI), which means they continuously monitor their footprint and work to reduce emissions. In the end, how a vest is made may not be the deciding factor for some consumers, but we certainly appreciate when brands are transparent about their practices and go the extra mile in creating more sustainably built products.

Stepping up to a Full Jacket

We really appreciate vests. They’re super cozy, terrific for casual use, and less bulky and expensive than a full jacket. But there are limitations: Vests don’t offer full coverage and leave your arms exposed, meaning you also have to think about what’s going to be worn underneath. Most serious adventurers depend on down jackets or synthetic jackets for warmth and protection while out in the backcountry, while vests are seen more frequently in town. Fortunately, the majority of the vests on this list are the trimmed-down siblings of the full jacket versions. This means that you may already have some familiarity with certain products and insulation types, and if you’re a fan, you can grab the jacket version of the vest or vice versa.  Back to Our Top Vest Picks   Back to Our Vest Comparison Table

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The Best Insulated Vest

Two people wearing Patagonia Down Sweater Vests, in front of a grey backgroud.

When you want to add a little more warmth but are seeking greater freedom of movement than a jacket allows, a vest is the perfect cozy addition.

To find the best insulated vest to keep you warm on your most active days, we sent 22 adventurers with 25 vests to nine states and two countries.

After all of those adventures, we’ve determined that the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest ( men’s and women’s ) is the best down vest both for technical performance and for everyday commuter or office use.

Everything we recommend

travel vest reviews

Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Vest

The best women’s down vest.

This is one of the warmest vests we tested, with strong construction that stands up to tough use.

Buying Options

travel vest reviews

Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Vest

The best men’s down vest.

travel vest reviews

Montbell Thermawrap Vest Men’s

A synthetic option for men.

If you prefer synthetic insulation over down, this vest is our choice. It stays warm even when wet, and the slimmer profile works great either for layering under outerwear or as a top layer.

travel vest reviews

Montbell Thermawrap Vest Women’s

A synthetic option for women.

This is the same great vest as the men’s version but in women’s sizes.

Budget pick

travel vest reviews

REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 - Men’s

A stylish, inexpensive vest.

This budget vest is half the price of our other picks, but it’s nearly as warm and still well constructed.

travel vest reviews

REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 - Women’s

This is the same model as the men’s version but with a slimmer fit, and it comes in additional colors.

travel vest reviews

REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 - Women’s Plus Sizes

This vest comes in extended sizes, making it an even more appealing option.

The Patagonia Down Sweater Vest (in men’s and women’s versions) is a warm, stylish choice for people who want to wear a vest while walking the dog, running errands in urban areas, hanging out in cool temps, and engaging in outdoor adventures. The Patagonia vest’s stitching is some of the strongest we found. And the vest has a tough, ripstop nylon shell (in 2022, the company switched to a ripstop nylon made from recycled fishing nets), which minimizes insulation loss. The Patagonia vest comes in a variety of colors, and its front pockets are located right where your hands fall, so they’re well positioned for keeping them warm. Due to the 800-fill-power down, this vest kept us warm, even on the coldest days—in fact, it’s one of the warmest options we tested. In past years, we didn’t like the men’s version: The fit was boxy, and reviewers noted that it wasn’t great for layering. But in 2022, Patagonia updated the Down Sweater Vest (and jacket) line, and the designers fixed this fit problem, allowing for easier layering and a more flattering look. The remodeled vest feels slightly warmer (the company says it added 27% more down), but it’s still lightweight and durable.

If you plan to hike in cold, wet climates, or you’re looking for an option that isn’t down, the Montbell Thermawrap Vest (in men’s and women’s versions) is our favorite synthetic model. With its Exceloft filling, the Thermawrap vest strikes an ideal temperature balance, keeping active people warm but not making them so hot that they overheat. When it’s raining or snowing, the shell’s fabric repels wind and droplets. But even when the vest gets wet, the synthetic insulation will still keep you warm. Since it isn’t as puffy as our top picks, the Thermawrap can work as both a midlayer and a top layer (it fits under a jacket). And it looks sleek, whether you’re out on the trail or commuting to work. In 2022, Montbell redesigned this vest to be reversible, and it narrowed the fit just slightly. We didn’t notice any huge differences in functionality, and the vest still fits nicely under a jacket or over a base layer.

REI has released an updated version of this pick (for women and men ). We’ll be testing this new model and will update with our results.

The REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 (which comes in men’s , women’s , and women’s plus versions) is an ideal budget option for people who want a down vest to wear for commuting, urban walks, and the occasional outdoor adventure. The REI Co-op vest, which has 650-fill-power down, is as warm or warmer than all but our top pick (and it’s less than half the price). This vest comes in a range of sizes, for many body types, and due to the slightly boxy fit, adding layers beneath it is quite easy. That said, the price cuts were evident in its wider baffles and the fact that feathers started emerging from the seams after only a day of use (a sign that the vest might become less warm over time, as it loses insulation). And despite having a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, this vest still isn’t great at repelling water, so it’s not ideal for rainy climates—once the vest is wet, it loses its warmth. Still, we think that it’s a decent option for the price; several of our testers even ranked this vest as their favorite option providing “just enough” warmth.

The research

Why you should trust us, when should you wear a vest instead of a jacket, how to layer with a vest, how we picked, how and where we tested, our pick: patagonia down sweater vest, also great: montbell thermawrap vest, budget pick: rei co-op 650 down vest 2.0, other good vests, the competition, care and maintenance, what to look forward to.

To find the best puffy vests, we asked cool-weather climbers, commuters, cross-country cyclists, hikers, a curler, backcountry skiers, and an ICU nurse what they wanted in a vest for both work and play. Our sources included:

  • Brandon Lampley , a rock climber, mountaineer, and review editor at OutdoorGearLab at the time of the interview, who has biked across the country to raise awareness for several nonprofits doing development work in Nepal.
  • Manasseh Franklin , a Laramie, Wyoming–based backcountry skier, mountain biker, and former certified technical rock-climbing guide whose writing has appeared in Alpinist and Rock and Ice magazines.
  • Maya Rosenzweig , a San Francisco Bay Area–based ICU nurse and distance backpacker who wears vests both indoors and outdoors.
  • Jayme Moye , a Nelson, British Columbia–based recreational curler and award-winning travel and outdoor writer .
  • Jim McDannald , a runner, podiatrist, and assistant coach of track and cross-country at the Université du Québec à Montréal at the time of our interview.

Liz Thomas wrote the first iteration of this guide when she was a staff writer on Wirecutter’s outdoors team; she started wearing insulated vests as a rock climber in Yosemite a decade ago and found that they translated well to outdoor activities and everyday life. Since then, she has hiked more than 15,000 miles on long trails and once held the women’s unassisted speed record on the Appalachian Trail (hiking 2,181 miles from Georgia to Maine in 80 days 13 hours). She teaches Backpacker magazine’s online Thru-Hiking 101 class and wrote Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike .

The co-author standing on top of a mountain, wearing a blue insulated vest.

Freelance journalist and frequent Wirecutter contributor Jenni Gritters updated this guide, testing the newest versions from 2020 and then conducting testing again in 2022. Jenni has a decade of experience writing about health, the outdoors, parenting, and purchasing. She has covered products ranging from headlamps , down jackets , and trekking poles to backpacking tents and baby swings. She grew up in the wet and cold cities of Boston and Seattle, and she currently lives in central Oregon with her son, daughter, husband, and dog. Jenni spends her summers hiking, her falls and springs tromping through the rain, and her winters wearing snowshoes. So she’s a pro at evaluating the best—and worst—winter gear.

In the past, Jenni contributed gear reviews to the REI Co-op Journal, which is an editorially independent publication run by the REI Co-op. Liz was an outdoor ambassador to about a dozen companies, including Montbell, which provided her with gear from November 2015 until she joined the Wirecutter staff, from 2017–18. To keep the findings of this review objective, we based our conclusions on quantitative data (including weight, compression size, length of torso) and on qualitative data from third-party testers (who had no affiliation with any of the gear companies mentioned in this guide). The findings for this guide were also reviewed and affirmed by two additional Wirecutter outdoors editors who’ve never had any type of professional relationship with REI, Montbell, or other companies mentioned here.

A vest has some practical advantages over a jacket: It weighs less, allows for added mobility, and takes up less space (which is nice for travelers who are limited to a carry-on). Also, a vest typically costs less than a jacket.

If you need warmth primarily when you’re not moving (such as back at the campsite after a day of play or while watching a sports game), stick with an insulated jacket . But if you anticipate drastic temperature changes on an outdoor adventure, or you plan to be super-active (which can translate to high volumes of sweat), choose an insulated vest. In cool weather, insulated vests are masters of thermoregulation (or keeping the body from overheating or getting too cold) when either the ambient temperature or the amount of heat you generate through exercise changes.

An arms-free insulating layer offers benefits to athletes, especially when it comes to mobility. Brandon Lampley, a Yosemite big-wall rock climber with several Himalayan first ascents, told us, “Sleeves get in the way. Elbow and forearm fabric wear out quick.” He added that many climbers favor vests because of the maximum range of motion in the shoulder.

He also typically uses a vest while cycling, as a “Goldilocks layer” for interval training or exercising on rolling hills. When the intensity level of your activity drops, sweat can chill the body to dangerous levels. Lampley added, “I’m super-sweaty, and if I want the same clothes for uphills and downhills, the vest is great. On the bike, I don’t want to stop every 5 or 10 minutes [to take off a layer] on the uphills, and I don’t want to be frozen on the downhills, either.” Many athletes, including Lampley, told us the arms made a jacket hard to remove when you’re on the go. With a vest, your core stays warm when you’re going downhill, but you can still let off some heat through your arms.

Those mobility advantages also translate to the workplace. “We physically move people and manipulate equipment all the time,” San Francisco Bay Area intensive care unit nurse Maya Rosenzweig told us. “A vest has more mobility than a jacket, so it’s more functional.”

Vests are designed to be worn over a base layer . The base layer creates a temperature-regulated bubble against your skin, and the vest keeps your core warm. This is important “because your body puts a premium on protecting the vital organs over the appendages,” said Jim McDannald, a podiatrist and an assistant running coach at the Université du Québec à Montréal at the time of our interview.

Although insulated vests lack arms, they still keep your arms warm by limiting shunting (the process of blood leaving the appendages or the skin to keep your organs functioning in the cold). When the body doesn’t need to work as hard to keep you warm, it can dedicate resources to other activities, including performance.

A thermal image showing the comparable warmth of two people wearing vests and one person wearing a jacket.

Although breathability is less important in a vest than in a base layer, an insulated vest should not trap your sweat. You can also layer your insulated vest with a wind jacket. To stretch the temperature range of the vest-plus-base-layer combo without having to add a jacket, put on a hat, gloves, and warm socks.

A vest also works well under rain gear. When you spend enough time in the rain, water creeps under your sleeves to the layer beneath. If you wear a down jacket, those sleeves become useless for insulation and warmth. But with a vest, your core will stay warm, without the worry of wet wrists or sleeves.

A stack of four folded insulated vests on an outdoor table

To determine which brands and models to test, we talked with experts, considered the most popular vests at outdoor stores, scoured outdoor and fashion media, and looked through customer reviews. We identified over 50 different vests that looked promising. From there, we narrowed the field to 25 contenders during several seasons. Then we chose which vests to test based on the following criteria:

  • Price: We looked for vests that were available in both men’s and women’s versions for approximately $150 or less. (Since the first iteration of this guide, prices have gone up, and some of our picks are now closer to the $200 range.) Some of our vests tend to retail for more but are on sale with enough regularity that we decided to include them.
  • Light to midweight models: Our experts steered us away from heavyweight vests. If you’re moving around, the best vest will keep your core warm but won’t leave you wanting to take it off. Chances are good that if the weather is cold enough for a heavier vest, you’ll want arms with it. So then you’re better off wearing a jacket.
  • 600 to 800 fill power (for down vests): By eliminating vests with a lower fill power (a measure of how much volume, in cubic inches, 1 ounce of down will fill), we found vests with better warmth-to-weight ratios.
  • Hand-warmer pockets: These two pockets are positioned on either side of the body where the arms fall, allowing you to stuff your cold hands into them.
  • Extra features: We looked for a full zipper and a waist cinch to reduce draft (which all of the vests except the Uniqlo model had).
  • Positive online customer reviews: We looked for models with more than four out of five stars, when available.
  • Ethical sourcing : We preferred vests that contained down certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which aims to ensure a company sourced its feathers from birds who weren’t live-plucked. Global Traceable Down Standard (Global TDS) is another down certification program that both guarantees the safety of the birds and also audits the farms distributing feathers. At the moment, most down products—including most of the vests in this guide—are certified through RDS.

Down or synthetic?

An age-old debate among those who love the outdoors is the question of down versus synthetic. Wirecutter writers have researched this debate for years (you can read more on the topic in our other guides, including those for sleeping bags , puffy blankets , comforters , and bed pillows ).

Down has the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any insulation, and down vests can be more compact, durable, and soft. Plus, they typically look more stylish than their synthetic counterparts. Our testers generally thought down felt cozier and more luxurious.

Synthetics, on the other hand, stay warm even when wet, making them ideal for outdoor adventurers. They’re functional in light weather or under a soaked-through rain jacket. And we liked that after a hot climb with a backpack, back sweat dried more quickly with a synthetic vest than a down one. Synthetic models also tend to be more durable than down. And, of course, synthetic vests don’t involve killing birds.

Ultimately, which type of insulation you choose depends on your budget, how you use your vest, where you take it, how long you expect it to last, and whether or not you choose to wear down. We’ve included both down and synthetic vest options in this guide.

Over the course of five years, our 22 testers took 25 vests to nine states and two countries to put them to the test, over several seasons. From visiting waterfalls in Iceland to playing cornhole in Michigan, our testers evaluated these vests across many different climates and scenarios, including:

  • Thru-hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail , a 1,200-mile-long backpacking trip from the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean in Olympic National Park, through Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
  • Hiking and sightseeing in Iceland, including a visit to Gullfoss Waterfall.
  • Backpacking in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, in California , and in Sespe Wilderness , Los Padres National Forest, north of Ojai, California.
  • Playing cornhole, hanging out, and hiking in and near Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan , and in Keystone, Colorado. Dog walking and commuting in Chicago, Sacramento, Seattle, and Bend and Portland, Oregon.
  • Eclipse watching and sightseeing in Corvallis, Oregon, and on Mt. Shasta in California.
  • Walking along Lake Sacajawea Park and hanging out in Longview, Washington.
  • Camping on the Olympic Peninsula, at Kalaloch Beach .
  • Cycling and commuting in San Francisco.
  • Exploring Orcas Island in Washington’s San Juan Islands.

Two of our testers wearing insulated vests while standing in front of a waterfall.

We used the following criteria to decide which vests were the best:

The right temperature: We expected the vests to keep us warm but not too warm, regardless of whether we were moving. A good vest should keep your core warm but not make you so hot that you want to take it off when you’re exercising. We looked for breathable vests that were quick-drying enough that when we stopped moving, we weren’t chilled by back sweat (gross). To supplement our testers’ subjective opinions on which vest was the warmest, we used a thermal-imaging infrared camera to detect the amount of heat testers generated while wearing different vests.

Four thermal photos of people wearing our picks for best insulated vest.

Fit and comfort: An insulated vest is designed for layering over a base layer. It should fit close to the body, with room for a base layer or (if you go up a size) a sweater or sweatshirt. A comfortable vest won’t restrict your range of motion in the back or shoulders. It shouldn’t pinch under your arms or anywhere else. If a vest isn’t fitted at the waist, it will bunch and ride up, exposing your lower back to cold air; for that reason, we also preferred vests with a long torso.

Versatility between performance and everyday use: If you can buy only one insulated vest, you’ll want it to excel as a technical performance layer but translate to daily use, too. An insulated vest should work well in the outdoors but not have so many performance features that it feels fussy when you wear it at the bar. A versatile vest can switch between outdoor use and commuting, layering under both ski jackets and suit coats.

Pockets: Good pockets turn a vest into a wearable purse or lumbar pack. We tested whether the vests’ pockets were deep enough to hold an iPhone, a wallet, keys, sunglasses, a point-and-shoot camera, and two Probars. After hearing sob stories from folks who’d lost their phones out of pockets, we decided that a good vest pocket should be able to hold its contents even when you forget to zip. To verify this, we played countless games of cornhole with our phones and wallets stashed in unzipped pockets. The best pockets are angled, so even if you forget to zip, you won’t find yourself phone-less. Hand-warming pockets are positioned where your hands are—not on your sides or too close to your stomach. We liked vests that had internal pockets, which helped us to keep phone batteries warm and to store essentials when we didn’t want bulkiness (such as while wearing a climbing harness).

Durability: Each vest went through standardized rough treatment. We shook each one 10 times and then crammed it into its pocket or stuff sack, after which we shook the compacted vest 10 times to mimic jostling in a briefcase or backpack. We took each vest out of the stuff sack and repeated those steps 10 times. By the end of the experiment, feathers were flying. We also noted any threads that loosened or any synthetic insulation that came through the seams.

Two vests laying side by side on the ground, covered with water.

Weatherproofing: A vest works as part of a layering system but can perform as an outer layer in mild weather. Even though a vest isn’t a windbreaker, when you’re wearing it as an outer layer, you shouldn’t feel a breeze on your back. We also preferred vests that could work in both dry and moist climates. A versatile vest can repel a drizzle and snow flurries, giving you the option to avoid wearing hot and clammy shells or a rain jacket in anything but the most torrential weather. We tested the vests’ waterproofing using a protocol similar to what we used for our rain pants guide ; this was based on advice from Susan Sokolowski, director of the Sport Product Design Program and a professor at the University of Oregon.

Nine of the insulated vests we tested packed up into their storage bags.

Can be packed away: For those times when you aren’t wearing your vest, you’ll need to carry it. We preferred vests that were lightweight and could compress to a compact size. Some vests zipped into their own pockets. Others came with stuff sacks (which, because they can be lost, aren’t as good). The poorest-rated vests in this regard were a flopping mess that either didn’t zip or didn’t fit into their pockets. The best stowaway systems were easy to figure out and lined with fleece, for conversion into a pillow.

Good zippers: A vest’s zippers should be big enough that they are easy to open and close, even with cold, numb, or mittened hands. Whether the company calls it a chin guard, a zipper guard, or a zipper garage, the design needs to include some fabric over the top of the zipper to prevent your chin and neck from chafing.

A person wearing our pick for best puffer vest, the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest in pink, in front of a grey backgroud.

The Patagonia Down Sweater Vest ( men’s and women’s ) is one of the warmest and puffiest vests we tried. It’s a cozy, stylish vest to wear either around town or on outdoor adventures. Our testers were impressed with the quality of materials and tightly sewn baffling, which stopped it from shedding down. It kept us warm even on blustery days of hiking, car camping, and skiing, and it could be layered over or under fleeces and jackets.

None of the vests we tested had poor stitching, but on the Down Sweater Vest, the stitches were tighter and straighter. This vest also scored among the best in our durability tests, with only the tip of a feather sticking out from a seam. After we compressed the vest, its puffiness bounced back quicker than on most of the other down vests we tried. Patagonia uses a responsible-down-sourcing program, certified to the Responsible Down Standard . This vest’s 800-fill-count down was among the highest fill count of any vest we tested, and it kept us warm throughout the day. According to the company, the 2022 redesign added 27% more down to the mix, too, though in terms of warmth, the new women’s model felt just like the one from 2020. And the recycled-polyester shell (which is made from old fishing nets, as of 2022) performed well in our tests of wind and water resistance.

A close up of the side panels on our down vest pick for women.

Patagonia’s baffles (the tubular-looking “ribs” that separate and hold the down in place) are thinner and more numerous than those on many of the other down vests we considered. Down-vest manufacturers often cut corners by constructing fewer baffles (this is not as important on synthetics). But because Patagonia has added so many baffles to its Down Sweater Vest, this vest manages to minimize cold spots and keeps a uniform warmth. All of those baffles help with mobility, too.

The pockets on this vest are among the best of those on any vest we tried, due to their large size and placement. They were “placed and angled right where [my] hands fall,” one tester said. During past rounds of testing, we disliked the men’s model of this vest because it felt too narrow and bunchy, which led to oddly placed pockets and a constrictive fit. But the 2022 remodel fixes those problems. We liked the generous internal Napoleon-chest-pocket zips, too. Maneuvering the big (but not too big) YKK zippers with mittened or numb hands is easy, and a zipper garage keeps your chin protected. As for weight, the Down Sweater Vest is middle-of-the-pack compared with the other vests we tried: A men’s vest weighs 8.9 ounces.

Previously, testers complained that the Down Sweater Vest had a shorter torso than some of the other vests we tested, so it would ride up and expose the small of their back when they wore a backpack. But the 2022 remodel has added an inch or two of length, and the drawcord hem at the hips also creates a more secure fit.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Down Sweater Vest doesn’t come in as expansive a range as we’d like. If you’re looking for a longer and wider option, the budget REI Co-op 650 vest offers more coverage. This Patagonia vest also doesn’t fit in its own pocket like some of the other vests we tested, but it does pack down small enough.

A man wearing our also great pick for insulated vest, the Montbell Thermawrap, in blue.

If you’re headed to a damp place, or you need warmth during highly active adventures, the Montbell Thermawrap (in men’s and women’s versions) is an ideal choice. It features a still-warm-when-wet synthetic insulation and a thin shell fabric that repels raindrops. The Thermawrap is less puffy than our down picks, and we found it was equally comfy as a top layer or tucked beneath a jacket for extra warmth. Even after some rough handling, this vest showed no signs of wear.

The Thermawrap was one of the lightest and most compact vests in our lineup. On our scales, the men’s medium weighed 221 grams, and the women’s medium weighed 197 grams, making this vest the second lightest of the synthetics we tried (at 218 grams, the Arc’teryx Atom vest was just barely lighter than the men’s Thermawrap, but it wasn’t as warm). Compressed, the Thermawrap is the size of a Nalgene bottle, so it’s also easy to carry when you’re not wearing it.

On mountain backpacking trips and cool beach walks, the Thermawrap did the best job of helping us balance between overheating on the uphills and overcooling on the downhills. Unlike The North Face’s Nuptse , which tended to overheat, Montbell’s Thermawrap kept our testers the right amount of toasty. The Thermawrap vest also blocked the wind and kept us warm enough during snack breaks, something that couldn’t be said for competing synthetics such as the Arc’teryx Atom or the Patagonia Nano Puff .

During our water-repellency tests, the Thermawrap vest’s shell fabric was among the most effective at making droplets bead and roll off, instead of letting them penetrate the material. Our tests confirmed this: During a windy, rainy hike without our rain gear on Washington’s Mount Baker, water was slow to penetrate. When it did, the Thermawrap vest was still warm when wet, compared with the soggy and deflated-looking Montbell down vest we tried at the same time.

A close up of the Montbell logo on our also great pick for insulated vest.

When water did penetrate the Thermawrap vest (like when we soaked it in the wash), it dried more quickly than most others (it was almost dry after two spin cycles and totally dry after another 20 minutes in the dryer on extra-low heat). With all of the vests we tried, when we wore them under a rain jacket, condensation or a soak-through rain made them moist (that’s the rain jacket’s fault, not the vest’s). But even in that situation, we found that the Thermawrap vest dried faster than the down competitors and most of the synthetic-insulation models we tested.

Our testers also found that the Thermawrap vest fit true to size. Most testers liked the cut and said the Thermawrap vest stayed put and didn’t bunch in the back or chest, even when they were moving about vigorously. And most testers liked the long length of the torso (which measured 28 inches for a medium, the longest among the vests we tested). In 2022, Montbell redesigned this vest to be reversible and narrowed the fit just slightly. However, we didn’t notice any huge differences in functionality, and the vest still fit nicely under a jacket or over a base layer. We also found that compared with the material of the other vests, the Thermawrap’s stretchy shell fabric provided some mobility (though not as much as the Arc’teryx Atom, which had stretch side paneling). Montbell produces men’s and women’s versions of the Thermawrap with that same kind of uninsulated stretch paneling, but we didn’t test them.

A close up of a person wearing our also great pick for insulated vest with their hand in the vest's pockets.

We also appreciated the two generous hand-warmer pockets, with YKK zippers big enough to work even with numb or mittened hands. Each hand-warmer pocket fits an older model iPhone (the same size as the current SE ), a camera, sunglasses, a checkbook-sized wallet, keys, and two Probars. To confirm that the pockets were angled well enough to keep their contents safe, we played a 21-point game of cornhole with our pockets full and unzipped. At the end of the game, the winner still had a phone in her Thermawrap vest pocket.

After our rough durability tests, the Thermawrap and the Arc’teryx Atom alone showed no signs of wear. Both designs had fewer seams than the other vests, reducing the number of needle holes where insulation could exit or water could seep in.

A woman wearing our also great pick for insulated vest with her hands in its pockets.

The Thermawrap has a boxier fit than some other vests we tested, though the 2022 update has a slimmer fit, making it easier to layer over. Still, the side panels aren’t as contoured, so most testers found this vest to be less flattering than our top pick. Though they said this vest fit well, one tester of the men’s version found the upper back constricting when he made kettlebell motions. As with all of the vests, if the sizing isn’t right, you’ll see bunching even if you cinch the waist cord. But with the Thermawrap, this bunching is more pronounced than on our Patagonia down pick.

Synthetic insulation won’t last as long as down. Each time you compress and compact your synthetic layer, the microfibers lose their resilience. Still, if you find something wrong with your vest, know that Montbell offers a lifetime warranty program for the original owner that covers manufacturing defects, and it has a repair program that covers other fixes for a reasonable rate.

A person wearing our budget pick for best insulated vest, while standing in nature.

Note: REI has released an updated version of this pick (for women and men ). We’ll be testing this new model and will update with our results.

If you need a vest for everyday errands and the occasional outdoor adventure, the REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 (in men’s , women’s , and women’s plus ) will do the job for less than half the price of any of our other picks. It is warm enough to get you through cold days, and it’s made with responsible down standard (RDS) down . It also fits a range of body types.

We didn’t expect much from this basic vest, especially since it was half the price of most of the other vests in our testing pool. But we were pleasantly surprised by the fit, warmth, and extra features. Although many budget vests don’t contain information about their down count or provenance, REI uses ethically sourced down in these vests (as do the makers of our other down picks). This is a 650-fill-power down vest, and it’s slightly cooler than our top pick from Patagonia . But we found the 650 fill to be just right on cool shoulder-season days, on long ferry rides, and even on chilly camping trips. We didn’t overheat, but we were grateful for the added core warmth.

One of our testers wearing the women's plus size version of our budget pick for insulated vest

The 650 Vest 2.0 is nearly as lightweight as our synthetic pick, and it easily packs down small into its own pocket, to about the size of a one-liter water bottle. We like that it comes in plus-size options for women and that the plus-size women’s vest is well made: Rather than simply adding another panel to make the vest wider, REI has constructed the vest with continuous baffles, which help seal in warmth and keep the insulation from bunching. The fit is a bit boxy compared with that of our other picks. So the REI vest is easy to layer under, but you likely won’t be able to fit another jacket on top of it. There are two simple yet large outer zip pockets and two inner pockets.

There are some features we missed in this lower-priced vest, compared with our other picks. After our camping trip, the down started leaking out along the jacket’s seams, with a feather here and a feather there every 10 minutes or so. This isn’t a huge problem at the outset, but it means that, over time, the 650 Vest 2.0 may become less reliable and could leave you colder, and the insulation may be patchy. Also, the zippers aren’t as sturdy as those on our top picks, and the REI zippers occasionally got stuck on the surrounding fabric. Unlike synthetic insulation (which continues to warm even when wet), on a snowy day down insulation may become clumpy (which will make it non-insulating).

You get what you pay for with the REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0. It’s not fancy, but it’s definitely good enough for errands, cold-weather BBQs, football games, and the occasional hike. We think it’s the best among its budget-vest peers.

Three people wearing three different types of insulated vests while standing in front of a gray background.

If you’re planning to go climbing or trail running: Consider the Arc’teryx Atom Vest ( men’s and women’s lightweight). We already liked this vest, but in 2023, Arc’teryx updated the women’s version, streamlining the fit even more and slightly cutting the price. And now we like it even better. Along the sides, this vest has non-insulated stretch paneling, which adds mobility and makes the vest more breathable. Like our pick from Montbell , this vest is durable and highly water-repellent, and it contains synthetic insulation, which stays warm even when wet. But the Atom vest isn’t as warm as the Montbell vest, and it doesn’t keep the wind out quite as well. Also, those side panels absorb water and dry more slowly than the rest of the vest—which may translate to a colder day out on the trails. Testers also didn’t like that they couldn’t stuff this vest into its own pocket and zip it. That said, many of our testers preferred the sleeker style of the Atom over the boxier Montbell. We’ll also be keeping an eye out for an updated men’s model.

If you’re a gram-counting ultralight backpacker: Consider the Montbell Superior Down Vest ( men’s and women’s ), a performance vest that packs down small and has a good warmth-to-weight ratio. But at 5½ ounces, it is probably too minimalist for most people. We didn’t notice any durability issues during our shake, wash, or use tests. But the vest’s 10-denier fabric won’t hold up to serious abuse as well as our picks’ higher-denier fabrics do. (Denier numbers show the fabric’s thread thickness, and this one is relatively low compared with those of some of the other vests we tested.) Montbell’s website says the company uses responsible down that does not come from live-plucking sources, but it is not third-party-certified like Patagonia’s down.

If you want something easy to pack: Check out the Arc’teryx Cerium Vest ( men’s and women’s ). Currently $300, it’s more expensive than our top pick, the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest . But it’s 2 ounces lighter—just 7 ounces total for the men’s vest—and it packs down smaller than any of the other vests we tested. It feels as warm as the Patagonia; it has an 850 down fill count—higher than most of the other vests we looked at. However, we prefer some features of the Patagonia vest that the Cerium doesn't offer, such as the larger zippers, which are easier to grasp. The Patagonia also has a slightly wider fit, making it easier to layer under; the Cerium’s fit is more tailored, as is typical for Arc’teryx. The Cerium’s sizing is also less inclusive than some other vests, including the REI Co-op 650 Down Vest . But we think the Cerium is a solid, well-made option for folks who prioritize packing ultra-light.

If you simply need an additional layer on a budget: Consider the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vest ( men’s and women’s ), which offers back-up warmth with virtually no weight at a price that sometimes drops as low as $30. The company offers no information about the down count, and the construction is simple—no liners around the armholes, and wide baffling with feathers already emerging—but the basics are there.

If you want something for nights on the town: We like the women’s Outdoor Research Coldfront Vest , if you can find it. It appears to have been replaced by a second version , which we haven’t had the chance to test. This 700-fill-count down vest was one of the puffier options we tried. It doesn’t pack down as small as its competitors, but it comes with a cozy, adjustable hood and has a drop-waist design (with a drawcord hem) to cover your tush. The top of the vest contains diamond-shaped baffles, while the bottom half is made with horizontal baffles. Our testers appreciated this contoured construction, and they got many compliments when they wore it out in the world. Despite the differing baffle structure, the down seemed to stay in place as well. This vest is too bulky to be ideal for active outdoor adventures, and it’s certainly not even close to being the most waterproof or windproof option out there. But for a workday or casual dinner plans, we think this is an option you won’t regret adding to your closet.

If you like the style of our top pick but want brighter colors: Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Vest (men’s and women’s ) is a solid choice for nearly the same price. The baffles vary in width from top to bottom, which can mean the down migrates a bit (and causes cold spots over time). And we found the stitching wasn’t quite as solid as on the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest ; every so often, a feather escaped. Otherwise, the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest is quite similar to our top pick in fit and design, with the benefit of a more expressive, bright color palette. The Fuego is made with 800-fill, RDS-certified down and has ripstop nylon lining, which proved to be both durable and waterproof. It weighs 8 ounces and packs down small. The pockets were a bit less cozy and the zippers got stuck slightly more often than on the Patagonia vest. But the pockets on the Cotopaxi were still better placed than those on many of the other vests we tested. Cotopaxi also donates 1% of proceeds toward climate change efforts each year.

L.L.Bean Men’s PrimaLoft Packaway Vest : Testers didn’t like this affordable synthetic-fill vest’s boxy fit—sizes ran large, and the armholes were too big. Although this model was among the most wind-resistant synthetic vests, the fabric wasn’t as soft as on other picks. This L.L.Bean vest does have the best stowaway system of any of the ones we tried: It fits into its own fleecy, labeled stowaway pocket, after which it can be used as a pillow.

Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Vest : This popular, stylish vest was among the least puffy and least warm models we tested. It didn’t keep out the wind, either. Despite its synthetic design, it wasn’t durable: After six shakes, an insulating fiber popped out of this vest’s seam. Although the Nano Puff fit our testers true to size, some found the torso to be too short and thought the pockets could have been bigger (this vest doesn’t zip into its own pocket). For the price, you have better options.

Stio Men’s Pinion Down Vest : This vest simply didn’t feel as robust as our top picks. The baffles are quite thin, giving the vest less puff. That’s ideal for active adventures when you need flexibility and plan to layer, but it also means you won’t feel as warm when the wind kicks up, since there’s less down in each of the baffle segments. The 800-fill down is RDS-certified. And at a lightweight 8 ounces, this vest packs down small. It also stayed fairly waterproof on drizzly days.

Marmot Men’s Highlander Vest : This 700-fill down vest is not as warm as our top picks, and the hardware—especially the zippers—felt a bit cheap. We found ourselves fighting to get the zipper up and down, and the pockets weren’t as well placed as those on the other vests we tested. Also, the down is not certified as sustainable. The company says the down is specially treated to be “extra water-resistant.” We did find that it performed just fine on water tests, but not any better than the other vests on our list. The fit was also just fine; the Highlander vest ran true to size, and it was possible to layer over and under it. But compared with our picks, this option just isn’t quite as well made, durable, sustainable, or stylish.

Feathered Friends Men’s Eos Down Vest : We’d been waiting a while to try this vest, one of the more expensive options on our list. Feathered Friends has a good reputation when it comes to down products, especially sleeping bags, but we didn’t love the Eos vest. It was incredibly warm—made with 900-fill-power goose down. But the shell fabric was so thin that we could see the down under the surface, and the down tended to move around in clumps because of the wide baffles. The fit of the vest we tried was also huge and boxy, so we found layering to be difficult. However, some online reviewers mentioned that their vests were too small, so we think there may be some irregularity in the sizing. Water also soaked into the nylon shell quickly, so this vest is not a great option for wet days.

Outdoor Research Men’s Coldfront Down Vest : In previous iterations of this guide, we chose the men’s Outdoor Research Transcendent Down as our top pick because it was cozy, stylish, and it fit well and was well designed. The Coldfront replaces the Transcendent Down, and we still think the Coldfront is a decent option. But with its 700-fill count, it’s not as warm as our top pick. And compared with our top-pick, the Patagonia , or the Cotopaxi vest, the Coldfront has wider baffles; that means the down moves around more within the baffles, resulting in spotty warmth. The pockets are less comfortable because of their placement, and the zippers feel cheaper. Also, the men’s Coldfront has neither the stylish look of the women’s model nor the fun colors of the Transcendent Down version. Overall, this is a just-fine option. So since this vest and the Patagonia are fairly comparable in cost, we recommend considering our top pick instead.

The North Face Women’s Nuptse Vest : Our testers found the sizing ran large, and the fit was loose on this heavy vest. It was so puffy that it couldn’t fit into its own pockets. Similar to reviewers online, our testers found this vest to be too warm for outdoor exercise. When conditions were cold enough to justify its poofiness, we wanted a jacket instead of a vest.

Andrew Marc Women’s Quilted Vest : This budget synthetic vest felt heavy and plasticky. We also ran into some fit issues: Compared with the sizing of other vests we tried, this vest’s sizing ran much larger, it was boxy, and it tended to bunch. Our medium-size testers felt as if they were “drowning in the collar” of the size S version of this vest. The pockets were too small, with low-quality zippers, and the vest didn’t compress down well, either. It’s also a Costco exclusive, limiting who can buy it.

Lands’ End Ultralight Packable Down Vest : In theory, a vest that reaches to mid-thigh should keep you very warm. But in practice, the fit was off, with bunching and pinching in strange places and an overall boxy construction. The zipper was sticky, and the quality wasn’t up to snuff compared with that of other, similarly priced vests. We do like that this one comes in extended sizing .

Stio Women’s Pinion Down Vest : The biggest difference we found with the Pinion vest was in its baffles. The thin baffles were flexible for active adventures, but that meant we felt a little chillier than we did when wearing our top picks. The Pinion’s outer fabric felt a bit thinner than that of the other vests we tested, too. But it stayed dry enough on windy, wet days. And we appreciated that the vest is made with 800-fill-power, RDS-certified down.

Marmot Women’s Highlander Vest : Like the men’s option, this 700-fill-power down vest simply felt less well made than our top picks. The zippers were tough to move and plasticky, and the pockets weren’t as well placed. The waist flared out in a way that some of our testers found unflattering, and the less-warm down was not certified as sustainable. It performed just fine when sprinkled with water, and it did a decent job of keeping out wind, but we preferred the warmth of our top picks.

Feathered Friends Women’s Eos Down Vest : Despite being highly priced and made with 900-fill-power goose down (the highest fill count of any vest we tested), the Eos vest fell short on fit and consistency. Like the men’s version, the women’s had shell fabric that was so thin, we could see the down under the surface. The fit was also unflattering and wide, which reviewers and testers complained about. “I almost thought they were sending me men’s sizing,” one online reviewer said. Even with many layers underneath, this vest was simply far too large.

With the proper care, a down vest can last decades. You shouldn’t expect a synthetic vest to last as long , but with good maintenance its life can be extended. Regardless of whether you opt for down or synthetic, washing a vest can help restore its loft and performance.

The steps for washing a down or synthetic vest are similar, with a few exceptions:

  • Use a front-loading washing machine. Top-loaders have an agitator system that can catch or rip lightweight performance fabrics.
  • Close all of the zippers so loose sliders won’t catch on fabric. Check the pockets for forgotten lip balm or chocolate. These kinds of items are usually a minor annoyance when left in a pair of jeans, but they can damage performance materials.
  • Set your machine to cold and delicate.
  • Use a detergent made for the type of insulation in your vest.
  • For synthetics: Use a synthetic-friendly detergent such as Gear Aid’s ReviveX Pro Cleaner , Nikwax’s Tech Wash , or Grangers Performance Wash . These detergents are designed not to leave a residue, which can reduce the breathability or loft of your vest’s insulation.
  • For down: Use a down-friendly detergent like Gear Aid’s ReviveX Down Cleaner , Nikwax’s Down Wash Direct , or Grangers Down Wash . These detergents will not strip the down of the naturally occurring oils that help maintain its loft.
  • Don’t use fabric softeners or conditioners.
  • When you open the wash, your down vest may look like it’s ruined. Don’t worry! Wet down is heavier than dry down, so it can tug on the vest’s nylon shell. To prevent damage, carefully remove your down vest with both hands so you aren’t grabbing it by the nylon. (Imagine if you were trying to pull nylon fabric from under a rock: If the rock weighed too much, the fabric might rip.)
  • Use a front-loading dryer. And use your hand to check the inside of the machine, to ensure there are no nicks or burrs, which can create hot spots capable of ripping or burning the fabric (we’ve seen this happen). Set the dryer to no heat or low heat. Don’t use dryer sheets.
  • It doesn’t take long for a synthetic vest to dry, but be prepared to wait two-plus hours for a down vest. If you must use heat, check to confirm that no area is overheating. For down vests, some manufacturers advise adding clean tennis balls to the dryer to break down clumps. Stuff the balls in a sock—unless you want bright yellow-green dots on your vest. Otherwise, you can massage the down clumps with your hand. Synthetic vests don’t require the use of tennis balls or massaging.
  • Don’t iron a vest.
  • Do not store your vest in its stuff sack or stowaway pocket. This is okay to do when you’re traveling or on a trip, but over time storing a vest this way can break down the insulation to the point where it will never loft back. Instead, when you’re done using gear for the season, dry it completely, and store it in its lofted form in a cool, dry place.
  • Restore the durable water repellent (DWR). An insulating vest isn’t supposed to repel water like a rain jacket does, but if you notice water isn’t beading as much as it used to, it’s time to restore the DWR . You should expect to do this every three to five washes . There are two home DWR maintenance and restoration methods: wash-in and spray-on. For insulating vests, several manufacturers recommend using spray-on only—you spray a treatment onto the material after washing but before drying. To spray a treatment onto a clean but still-wet garment, lay your vest on a flat surface. Use a spray-on DWR like Gear Aid ReviveX Durable Water Repellent or Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On , and be sure to spray from 6 inches away . Coat both sides of the vest, paying attention to high-friction areas, like near the armpits. The bottle's label should give you an idea of how much you need to spray to cover the vest. Heat activates the DWR, so dry with low heat.

In 2023, Arc’teryx updated and improved the women’s version of its Atom vest, which we list in our Other good vests section. The men’s version has not yet been updated, but once it has been, we will retest it too.

The latest version of this article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. This article was originally published in 2017.

Brandon Lampley, rock climber, mountaineer, bike tourer, and review editor at GearLab , phone interview , October 15, 2017

Maya Rosenzweig, ICU nurse and distance hiker , phone interview , October 16, 2017

Manasseh Franklin, backcountry skier and mountain biker and a former certified technical rock-climbing guide , phone interview , October 16, 2017

Jim McDannald, runner, residency-trained physician, Wirecutter health and technology writer, and assistant coach of track and cross-country at the Université du Québec à Montréal , Slack interview , October 13, 2017

Jayme Moye, recreational curler and award-winning travel and outdoor writer , phone interview , November 13, 2017

Meet your guides

travel vest reviews

Jenni Gritters

Further reading

A bike resting against a street sign on a rainy day.

Gear for Foul-Weather Bike Commuting

by Wirecutter Staff

Hard-core bike commuters share seven items—from storm-worthy gloves to rugged tires—that keep them (and their stuff) safe and dry in the winter.

A young child playing outside in winter snow while wearing full winter gear.

How to Play Outside More This Winter, According to Outdoor-School Teachers

by Rose Maura Lorre

The right gear—and attitude—can help you coax your kids (and yourself) into embracing the elements.

An illustration depicting the tracks left by running shoes in the snow, next to the tracks of a little red bird passing by.

The Cold-Weather Running Gear You Need This Winter

by Ingrid Skjong

Dressing for winter runs takes preparation, but the right strategy (and gear) can help you stay warm, comfortable, and safe when temperatures plunge.

two people walking through the woods in rain gear.

Getting Outside on a Rainy Day

by Kit Dillon

This is the gear we’d use during—and after—a rainy-day outing.

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11 BEST Travel Vests [2023 Guide!]

travel vest reviews

Travel vests have earned a place on many frequent traveler’s kit lists because they can be so extraordinarily useful when out and about and away from home.

We all have those bits and pieces we need to keep with us when we’re traveling – from passport and cash to memory cards, earphones, and maps. The only real alternative to a travel jacket is a pair of pants with a hell of a lot of pockets or a backpack.

Brands big and small have cottoned on, and there are now a whole range of different designs and patterns on the market? So which should you choose? We’ve sorted the best of the bunch and present them to you below.

Quick Summary: The Best Travel Vests

#1 –  Columbia Silver Ridge

Best men’s travel vest.

Columbia Silver Ridge

Why does the Silver Ridge make it to our top stop of best men’s travel vest? Well, we think this travel vest by Columbia offers the best combination of utility, flexibility, and style!

It has a sleek slimline design which means you could easily where this about your home town within looking out of place, but the vest still offers a good number of pockets, as well as other features.

Made from durable ripstop nylon, the vest includes mesh pockets, zippered security pockets, and hand pockets too. On top of that, the vest is constructed with Omni-Wick moisture technology to keep you dry in the heat, and contains UPF 50 blocking power too!

  • Great combination of utility and style
  • Good number of pockets
  • Comprises Omni-Wick and UPF 50 technology
  • Pockets aren’t as large as other vests
  • No RFID protection
  • Polyester abrasion resistant fleece
  • Cold wash only

Is the Columbia Silver Ridge for you?

A solid travel vest purchase is ever there was one, Columbia’s Silver Ridge looks great one, and many of the features you’d expect to see on a travel vest, from pockets to weather protection. If you’re looking for a men’s travel vest, this should definitely be your first port of call!

Recommended – Want to get your kayak on? Have a peek at our list of the coolest inflatable kayaks on the market!

#2 –  ExOfficio Flyq Lite

Best women’s travel vest.

ExOfficio Flyq Lite

Matching the men’s Silver Ridge in the style stakes is the Flyq Lite by ExOfficio (which also comes as a men’s version). But the Flyq Lite is also a vest that is lightweight and packs down very easily into a bag when you don’t need it.

Despite the sleek shape this vest comes equipped with 11 (yes, 11!) different pockets, including one for your hands, another with RFID protection to secure credit cards and personal data against scanning attacks, and one intended for sunglasses that is lined with microfleece to prevent scratching.

Microfleece also lines the collar, for a soft feel against the skin of your neck!

  • More than 10 pockets
  • RFID protection
  • Microfleece in sunglasses pouch and around neck
  • No main zipper shield
  • No all pockets zippered
  • Lacks UPF blocking

Is the ExOfficio Flyq Lite for you?

If you’re a woman who wants to maintain her style while traveling, but also wants all the advantages a travel vest offers, the Flyq Lite by ExOfficio would make a fine choice for you. As well as the good-looking design, there’s everything you could want in a travel vest, including RFID protection!

Recommended reading – Looking for an incredible travel daypack? These are the best daypacks for travelers.

#3 –  Fox Fire Thunder River

Best travel vest for hot weather.

Fox Fire Thunder River

Hot weather brings with it its own set of issues, but you still have to have something to help store all those little bits and pieces you need while traveling.

For that reason, you’re going to want to find a travel vest specifically designed to help you cope with what the sun can do! The fact this vest by Fox Fire is made from natural cotton means it’s breathable, light to wear, and kind to the skin.

The back of the vest is also partially made from mesh for even better ventilation. The Thunder River vest boasts a good number of differently sized pockets too, so there really is a place for everything!

  • Specifically designed for hot weather
  • Natural cotton
  • Mesh back for ventilation
  • Lots of different sized pockets
  • Shortened main zipper
  • Waist adjuster may irritate some

Is the Fox Fire Thunder River vest for you?

Specifically designed for those time when heat can become a problem – hiking and safari – its no surprise this is our go-to travel vest for the hot weather! Fox Fire has managed to create a perfect balance between lightness for the heat, and pockets – the reason you were looking for a travel vest in the first place.

Editor’s Note – Check our these amazing travel hammocks for all budgets!

#4 –  Gihou Lightweight Denim Vest

Best lightweight travel vest.

Gihou Lightweight Denim Vest

Denim might not always be considered the lightest of materials to use for a lightweight travel vest, but don’t let that thought put you off this travel vest by Gihou!

With a slightly more utilitarian look than some of the other travel vests on our list so far, the Gihou makes an excellent option for those getting out into the wilds. It has an incredible 16 pockets, four of which are hidden internally.

They come in all different shapes and sizes, and a combination of zippered and Velcro closures, providing a good mix of security and ease of access. There are also a couple of metal D-loops by the shoulders for hanging or connecting items such as keys.

  • Lightweight denim design
  • Good for the outdoors
  • 16 pockets, 4 internal
  • Zipper and Velcro closures
  • Utilitarian look
  • Mid-length design
  • 80% polyester + 20% nylon

Is the Gihou Lightweight Denim Vest for you?

If you’re looking for a travel vest that’s going to have no trouble dealing with time in the great outdoors, this travel vest by Gihou is a great option. Though made from tough denim it is also lightweight, and offers its users an incredible array of pockets of varying sizes and closures!

#5 –  Izod Spectator

Best fleece travel vest.

Izod Spectator

The Izod Spectator travel vest crosses the divide between travel wear and casual wear – to great effect. Comprising of an on trend two-tone design that won’t have you feeling like you stand out, there are three pockets built into this travel vest.

There’s a nice high collar which will keep any draft away from your neck, and a full-length zipper which will help with controlling your temperature whatever the weather is going.

Comfortable, and lightweight, this fleece travel vest will keep you snug, and allow you to carry those essentials without the need for another bag.

  • Lined with fleece for warmth
  • Full length zipper
  • Lightweight
  • Just three pockets
  • Not for hotter destinations
  • Fit is a little large

Is the Izod Spectator for you?

With warming fleece, the Izod Spectator travel vest is an ideal purchase for anyone who expects to find themselves hanging around in places that might turn a little on the cold side. Its three pockets can’t match the 16-26 of other travel vests on our list but should provide more than enough space for all your absolute essentials.

travel vest reviews

We are obsessed with backpacks – we’ve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack.  This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever :) Check it out here!

#6 – Weekender Traveler Air

Best of the rest.

Weekender Traveler Air

The Weekender Traveler Air is another of our more utilitarian travel vests. Firstly, its quick drying and resistant to stains too, meaning you can use it without worrying that you’re going to cause any permanent damage.

It has adjustable side straps to ensure personalized comfort, as well as shoulder padding and rubber shoulder grips to help prevent rubbing with or without an added backpack.

There are large areas of mesh to help with ventilation and breathability, and good-sized pockets that take up the majority of the space on the jacket’s front, truly providing space for anything you might need to hand while out and about.

  • Quick to dry
  • Stain resistant
  • Side straps
  • Large pockets
  • Shortened zipper
  • Pockets are quite bulky

Is the Weekender Traveler Air for you?

The Weekender Traveler Air is a good all-round travel vest for getting into the wilds. Breathable, stain resistant and quick drying, the weather won’t hold any problems for you, while the front is full-to-bursting with large pockets that can take everything you can possibly need, from camera equipment to fishing tackle!

P.S. – Protect your cash while traveling with our EPIC guide to the most awesome travel money belts!

#7 – Autumn Ridge Traders Safari Vest

Autumn Ridge Traders Safari Vest

As a specifically designed safari travel vest, you can be sure this vest by Autumn Ridge Traders is ready for the heat of the African plains should need be.

The vest’s back panel can be removed and zippered into a pocket to reveal a ventilating mesh, while the 100% polyester construction makes this safari vest water resistant and quick drying. And as for pockets?

The Safari Vest has 16 different pockets to choose between, from smaller pockets suitable for SD cards to much larger ones that would easily take a compact digital camera. Closed by a mixture of zippers and Velcro, you can be sure your stuff will always be safe as well as being close to hand too!

  • Dedicated safari vest
  • Removable back panel
  • Polyester construction

Is the Autumn Ridge Traders Safari Vest for you?

Not surprisingly – as it made it to our list in the first place! – the Autumn Ridge Traders Safari Vest is another great option travel vest. Specifically intended for use on the hot plains for safaris, this travel vest nicely blends the need to keep cool and the desire to leave nothing essential behind as you head out.

#8 – SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest

SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest

With versions for both men and women, the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest has more features than the headline RFID protection that will keep your personal and credit card details safe from digital hackers.

Fully machine washable, this vest includes a Teflon coating which makes it both water and stain resistant, for instance. There are an incredible 26 pockets overall, including a clear windowed pocket intended for your touchscreen smartphone.

There are also hidden spaces that allow you to thread through a pair of earphones without having the wires endlessly flapping about and getting caught up. That’s what we call a travel vest!

  • Men and women’s versions available
  • Teflon coated
  • 26 tech-friendly pockets!
  • No for going on safari
  • No zipper shield
  • Fit a little off

Is the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest for you?

This is a great travel vest for tech lovers due to features such as the clear windowed smartphone pocket among its 26 pockets, and special passage for earphone wires too. But its RFID blocking and protecting capabilities means this is a serious contender as a travel vest for anyone who travels with credit cards or passport – which, let’s face it, is all of us!

Pro Travel Tip  – Travel pillows are a game changer. Check out our pro guide to the best travel pillows.

#9 – AyeGear V26

AyeGear V26

The AyeGear V26 is the only travel vest on our list that is officially designated as unisex in design, but that takes absolutely nothing away from the quality of this travel vest.

Breathable and machine washable, the AyeGear V26 consists of 26 different pockets, spread between offering access internally and externally. There’s a dedicated smartphone pocket which allows you to use your screen without having to ever remove the phone from its pocket.

There’s also a pocket at the rear capable of taking a 12” laptop or tablet, though we think this is more for when holding the vest in your hand rather than when wearing it. All the same, the AyeGear V26 has some clever features – did we mention the retractable cord for keys?

  • Machine washable
  • Touch sensitive smartphone pocket
  • 26 pockets overall
  • Only available in black
  • Laptop pocket not really useable
  • Not for the great outdoors

Is the AyeGear V26 for you?

It’s difficult to argue against a travel vest that boasts a combined internal and external pocket count of 26, including a touch-sensitive pocket specifically designed for using a smartphone without the need to hold it! But what’s more, the AyeGear V26 is also breathable and machine washable. What more could you possibly want?

#10 – Rothco Undercover

Rothco Undercover

Coming in a choice of three colors – black, khaki, and olive drab – the Undercover travel vest by Rothco is a subtle and unflashy vest, which is no bad thing when you’re traveling in an unknown place.

There are a dozen different pockets of various sizes to choose between, including a hidden pocket on the inside of the vest intended to fit your passport or other valuables such as your credit cards.

There’s also a tablet sized pocket for keeping your electronics secure while on the move, and pass-through ports so the wires of earphones can be threaded through the vest without them hanging and getting in the way.

  • Subtle styling
  • Hidden passport pocket
  • Ports for threading through earphones
  • No zipper weather shield
  • Not water proof

Is the Rothco Undercover travel vest for you?

We like the subtle styling of the Rothco Undercover travel vest, which won’t drawer any undue attention your way while you’re traveling. There’s a good number of pockets, including an all-important hidden passport pocket, and a handy port system for keeping your earphones out of the way too!

#11 – Beat The World Travel Vest

Beat The World Travel Vest

This vest by Beat The World intends to be all things to all men – the travel jacket that no man can do without. Does it achieve this? We think it comes pretty close! First, there’s the brilliant price point.

Then there’s the huge range of colors the travel vest is available in – want a bright red travel vest? No problem! Then there’s the fact this is a lightweight number, weighing just a few ounces.

And then, of course, there are the pockets, securable with metal zippers for extra safety while moving about!

  • Good all-round travel vest
  • Excellent price
  • Wide range of color options
  • Zippered pockets
  • Intended for men only
  • 90% polyester + 10% nylon
  • Fit runs large
  • Less durable than other vests on our list

Is the Beat The World Travel Vest for you?

Need a good all-round travel vest? One you can use while out hiking, out in the yard, or while doing the DIY? Then it’s difficult to beat the Beat The World Travel Vest! The pockets with metal zippers will keep anything you want to keep close nice and safe, while the expansive color range means you can still express your own personality at the same time.

Which is the best travel vest for you?

We’ve selected the best travel vests on the market and put them all in one place to save you the time and effort of having to do this yourself! From big brands such as Columbia to newer or lesser known brands, each of the travel vests you find here has made it onto our list with good reasoning in mind. The only real question that remains is which is the best travel vest for you?

Editor’s Note  – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have  great travel insurance . We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out the form below to get a quote.

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Your support helps me keep the site going :)

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MORE TIME TO TRAVEL

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The Best Lightweight Travel Vest For Men

The Scottevest Lightweight Travel Vest

Eureka! We found the best lightweight travel vest for men. It’s hard to improve upon perfection but Scottevest has done it.

My husband has always been a huge fan of Scottevest apparel. In fact, the vest that he’s used for the last six or so years is the one piece of apparel he takes on every single trip.

He loves the convenience of being able to load the vest pockets with his smartphone, camera, backup charger, wallet, keys, passport, and more.

When we arrive at airport security—instead of going through the arduous task of emptying his pants or jacket pockets into one or more trays—he simply removes the vest, folds it, places it in a tray on the conveyer belt, and picks up the vest at the other end. Everything remains safely tucked inside the pockets ready to pick up and go.

He wears the vest on walking tours and shore excursions, leaving him hands-free to take photographs, take notes or reach into his pocket to pay for something.

He purchased a tan-colored one for tropical climates and a navy blue one for cooler ones. I can’t even count all the times the old vests have been washed. Yet, they still look and perform like new.

The new and improved lightweight travel vest: What we loved

Then we received the newest model for review: the featherweight version of the classic vest. My husband chose the black one (it comes in three different colors) and will never go back to the old version. Yes, you can improve upon perfection.

Really light:

travel vest reviews

Weighing in at 0.6 pounds, this easy-to-wear, featherweight travel vest adds minimal heft or weight on your back or in your suitcase. The breathable fabric is comfortable enough to wear in warm weather and light enough to be worn under a medium or heavier weight jacket.

Plenty of pockets

With 16 pockets (some inside and others outside), there’s a place to stash everything you want to take with you. The zippered pockets keep your wallet safe, out of sight, and off-limits to potential pickpockets . A front pocket is a perfect place to stow a smartphone so it’s easy to reach when you need it.

One of the interior pockets offers RFID protection (radio-frequency identification) so no one can surreptitiously steal data (or your identity) from your wallet or credit cards. Another interior pocket is large enough to hold an iPad.

A pocket large enough to hold an iPad: How cool is that?

Stylish and durable

We love the water- and stain-repellent fabric as well as its fit. Two small slits at the hip make the fit forgiving and comfortable. The new lightweight travel vest is made of high-quality polyester with just enough sheen to keep it looking fresh and clean. It’s washable and dries quickly.

The vest comes in three colors

See the Feather Weight VEST ON SCOTTEVEST

We have a suggestion if you don’t want to splurge on the real thing.

We recently met for dinner, and my friend’s husband wore this vest. We fell in love with it and ordered one from Amazon (delivered the next day). This vest is far less expensive than the Scottevest (probably because it doesn’t have as many pockets and is made in China), but it’s extremely attractive, comfortable, and durable. Directions call for hand washing, but I threw the vest in the washing machine with no problem.

It’s lightweight and has two side pockets with zippers, a top pocket outside with a zipper, and an unzipped interior pocket. What attracted us was the all-season khaki color, but it also comes in navy, black, and army green.

Gihuo vest in khaki

SEE IT ON AMAZON

On YouTube: Meet Scott Jordan, CEO of Scottevest and learn about this featherweight vest

Disclosure: We received this vest for review but any opinions expressed in this post are our own.

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149 Comments

I would love one of these vests for my husband in black. We’ve been looking at vests a lot lately. Seems like such a practical idea!

Hubby would love a black vest since he’s a pocket fiend! I may borrow it from time to time as well.

I would choose the black one, more versatile for me. Very nice!

My husband would love the cadet blue!

I’ve been looking at Scottevests for a while but haven’t gotten one yet. This would be terrific for my husband! I think he’d like the blue one.

Oh, I love the cadet blue! He brought a fanny pack last trip and loved having the pockets, this would be immensely preferable!

All of them would be nice, but I would take mine in basic black, thanks!

The Good Guys Wear Black. My husband is a very good guy.

The black one for me if I win! Thanks!

I really like the black vest.

So useful plus stylish. Like the Black vest

Perfect for travel.

Would love the cement color

I would like to get the black vest. You can’t go wrong with black.

I would choose the black.

I would love the black vest for my husband

I’d probably go with cement

I would choose the Cement coloe

i would choose the black one for my husband which he travels constantly.

All the colors are great, but black is mine.

My boyfriend would like the black.

I like Cadet Blue

This vest looks great for travel. I would choose black.

I’d love black.

I’d choose the black vest!

I would choose the black vest. It’d really suit my husband.

i hope win vest be nice gift give to friend that travel a lot.

it would look perfect on my husband, i loveCadet Blu

I see a lot of people commenting on choosing a Black vest. I’ve done quite a bit of traveling and in some of the hotter climes, Black would be a bad idea and you would stand out in the crowd. My choice would be Cement. Thank you

I would choose the black

I would choose black. Thank you!

Love the light blue!

My husband would love cadet blue. These look amazing!

Black is good

I would choose the cement color vest if I win.

If I were to win, I would choose black.

I would choose the mens size xxl in cement or in black.

I would love to win the cement travel vest! It would be a nice alternative to a man-bag during travel.

Hubby needs a new vest and he would choose the cement colour.

I’d love the black vest for my husband

I love Cement one

I would choose cement.

black – its basic – thanks

I like the black vest.

Black for me!

Would would be my choice. Thanks

The Cadet Blue would look dreamy with my husbands eyes!

I would love the black vest

Wow seems like a great travel product, thanks for the review and giveaway. I would choose the cement colour.

Cadet Blue will Do!!!

I would love this vest in black. Thank you.

i would pick cadet blue or black for my husband. he would look very dashing in it

I’ve been thinking of buying one of these as they sound great for traveling. I’d take the Cement version.

Black is my color. I’d love it!

I would choose the cement color.

I love the Cadet Blue.

My husband would love this! The black one is my favorite!!

Great looking vest! Would love to have one in black!

Great looking vest! Would love to have it in black!

I would love black, thanks for the chance!

I love the Cement! That’s what I would pick!

I would choose the cadet blue.

Awesome product. I would choose cadet blue because it pairs well with jeans.

My husband has been a fan of Scottevests, also, and would love an updated one with the RFID protection, plus the ability to keep his IPad safe at hand. I’d love to see him in the cement colored one. Also – at the risk of an overshare here – husband also a fan of their undergarments – very lightweight and easy to hand wash on the road if necessary!

My husband would love this and never take it off! Black is his color 🙂

Black is nice.

I would like the black one please.

I’d love to win the black one!

All the colours are great, love to start with the Cement and build the wardrobe from there 🙂

I would love to win a Black Vest, would make an excellent inner layer.

I’d love to have. Cadet Blue. I have several Scottevest products.

Black would be my choice. These are awesome for travel, I have three vests, a long sleeve fleece and a jacket!! It is true, my overhead bag on the plane is my ONLY back on a week long cruise.

I’d like a Cadet Blue.

Cadet Blue please

My wife Sheryl is correct . . . I would love this in black or pretty much any color!

The black one would be nice. Thanks.

The tan one for me please.

I love my Scottevest jacket, and would be thrilled to add a black vest to my closet.

I own several Scoot e Vest products. Pants, shirt and jackets. A vest would be a great addition to my wardrobe. A black one please.

I would pick the black vest.

I would choose Cement color please.

cement is a very nice color

I would choose Cadillac blue for my husband.

Love all the colours, but would choose black! 🙂

I like Black the best

I would love to have the cadet blue vest in Extra large for my husband. They are beautiful vests.

I Like them all, but would go for the cadet blue.

I would love a black vest.

I would like the cadet blue for my husband in extra large

I like the Cadet Blue. Nice vests.

Black vest. Be nice to have, thanks!

I choose Cement color please.

Black for me.

My husband would love the black one. Very trendy

LIKE MY UGGS, COZY, WARM, LOTS OF POCKETS, FITS TO A TEE. SCOTTEVEST TAKES GOOD CARE OF GUYS LIKE ME… A SENIOR WHO LOVES MY VEST ….

Thanks for the business! Scott of SCOTTeVEST

I would choose the black if I won

I would choose Cement.

I would choose Cadet Blue.

I like the black vest!

I always wear black slacks, so I think I would go the opposite direction and bet the cement color.

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

I like the Cadet Blue vest.

I would like to win the black vest.

My boyfriend would love the black vest! Thanks for the opportunity!

I would go with basic black. Its more versatile.

I like the cement color the best, but I would choose black since that is the color hubby would like best.

I like the cadet blue color best.

I would choose Black.

I think the black would be best for travel- black just seems to last longer

Such a useful product. I like the black one.

The vest not only looks so very fashionable. It’s function is beyond what else is out there. When my husband and I travel he doesn’t have enough places to put what he needs to carry. It is a real problem for him comfort wise etc. He wears many similar vests but this one in black (that’s his favorite color) is something he would really appreciate.

Cadet Blue… lovely shade, plus love the idea of so many pockets! 🙂 Thanks for giveaway!

I would love to win this great prize. Thank you.

I would love to gift the Cadet Blue to someone special!

I would choose the black color vest.

I would love to win a cement vest for Phil.

Blue please

I would choose the black vest

Cadet Blue! I have a women’s Scottevest jacket and LOVE it! It is AMAZING for traveling – I hardly need a purse because the pockets are numerous and well-placed!

I would choose blue!

I love the black against the white shirt

I really like the black one!

This is a very professional vest that would even look good in an office setting.

What a great looking and versatile vest! I like the cadet blue.

What a great, innovative travel vest. I would love to give the black vest to my husband!

Love their apparel! Black please

I would pick the black vest. Thanks for the chance to win!

My husband would love the black vest for travel.

I’d love to win the black one! My hubby has an eVest jacket and absolutely loves it! I know he’d love the vest, too!

I would definitely want to win the black vest.

I would like black. These look great. I may have to buy one for my next trip.

I’d use one in black.

I would like the cadet blue one! Love that color!

Cadet Blue would be my first choice. I have a travel vest and I use it all the time! Great for amusement parks and anywhere else there are security checkpoints as I never have to carry a purse or worry about a purse on rides.

Would love a black vest. This is a really nice vest. What a blessing it would be to win! Thank you for sharing 🙂

I love the black color! best! A classic color and a classic vest!

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Fly Zest – Your Traveling Guide – Airport & Hotels

  • Destinations
  • Zest Energy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Best Travel Vest

Best Travel Vests for Comfortable and Secure Trips

Fly Zest is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page.

To make the most of your trip, you need to pack and dress as light as possible. Those heavy jackets or hoods from the past are not suitable for every trip.

Besides, they do not offer good enough space or pockets to organize your stuff most securely. Carrying them on your trip either in transit or while having a foot tour could be a very hectic program for the tourists. The modern travel vests have solved that problem by quite a margin.

They are more of an anti-theft jacket that beats the conventional style quotient by a god margin as well.

You will have several secure pockets to carefully organize your valuables, which could be easy to access as well, as and when needed.

On top of that, such a travel vest is extremely lightweight and hardly adds anything to the overall weight of your belongings.

Table of Contents

Best travel vest reviews

The modern travel vest today is available for both men and women. The specific styles and colors make them apt for a particular gender.

On top of that, there are some unisex travel vests as well that makes a great deal. Let us find the best available travel vests below:

SCOTTeVEST RFID Blocking Travel Vest for Men

This is the most exclusive and feature enriched travel vest that men travelers could think about. It comes with as many as 26 useful pockets. You may carry your entire backpack stuff by utilizing its pockets and willing to carry such a load. The vest itself is quite lightweight. It has the highly desirable Teflon-treated poly-fabric which is water and stain-resistant.

The stuff is also machine washable and this makes it ideal for your long trips. This vest is also coined as a gadget-friendly one as the pockets can be utilized to put your smartphone, portable charger, tablets, and the associated cables and wires in an organized manner.

The manufacturer has engineered this sensational vest with RFID blocking pockets to keep your credit card safe and secure. It can work to stop 13.56 MHz RFID frequencies which are quite sufficient for the practical needs one may have. It is suitable for all types of travels and here you get the best value for your money.

Here is a quick preview of our top 5:

#1, SCOTTeVEST RFID Blocking Travel Vest for Men #2, MIER Lightweight Vest Hood with 8 Pockets for Men #3, Rothco Undercover Travel Vest #4, SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest with 18 Pockets for Women #5, Allegra K Stand Collared Lightweight Quilted Zipped Vest for Women

SCOTTeVEST RFID Blocking Travel Vest for Men

  • You can walk through airport security by simply putting off this vest and not unloading your stuff.
  • This vest offers 26 pockets, which arguably are the maximum pockets to have in a vest.
  • You get this vest with a useful RFID blocking pocket as well.
  • The stuff of this vest is stain-resistant, water-resistant, and machine washable as well.
  • With so many pockets, it becomes more like a lumpy looking vest.

Check Latest Price MIER Lightweight Vest Hood with 8 Pockets for Men

MIER Lightweight Vest Hood with 8 Pockets for Men

If you are having a hard time finding a comfortable and reliable travel vest with pocket then this one might make your life easier. The stuff of the jacket is quite comfortable and durable and the manufacturer has made it to last for a long time. The brushed fleece of the vest comes with lightweight warmth while giving a very comfortable fit.

It also acts as a windbreaker which is a great advantage for travelers who are heading towards cool areas. You will also get with a hood that you can attach or detach as per your needs and requirements.

The 8 pockets are ideally designed and quite practical to suit the needs of the travelers. There are 2 secure-zip pockets on the sides, 3 internal zipper pockets, and a couple of internal storage pockets as well.

Moreover, a very useful hidden pocket is also there just by the left chest pocket for easy access. The travelers find it quite suitable for long journeys.

  • The vest comes with a useful attachable/ detachable hood.
  • It serves as a windbreaker as well with its lightweight fleece.
  • You will get this vest with 8 practical pockets along with a hidden pocket as well.
  • The vest is water-resistant as well which is suitable for tropical area trips.
  • There are some loose stitches identified at places that may require cleaning before using.

Check Latest Price

Rothco Undercover Travel Vest

Rothco Undercover Travel Vest

Travelers on a city tour need not have a vest as if you are out on safari. This special travel vest from Rothco is an all-rounder in all aspects. It is a unisex travel vest that brings equal value for both men and women. You can opt for this one whether you are on a city tour or hiking somewhere in the wilderness.

The product comes with 12 useful pockets and in a perfect discreet and sleekly designed vest. This does a perfect job to blend in well while keeping all your belongings safe.

A hidden inner pocket is there to carry the valuable stuff such as your wallet, mobile phone, and passport, etc. A table-sized pocket is also there that could be used for carrying your gadgets securely, such as your e-reader or tablet, etc. The vest is available in three neutral colors that could suit both men and women.

  • The vest is equally well suitable for both men and women as it is a unisex vest.
  • The vest comes with 12 highly productive pockets.
  • There is a special hidden inner pocket to store your wallet, passport, and mobile, etc.
  • It offers an excellent sleek and discreet design that matches with the needs of the travelers.
  • The vest is not waterproof and could be a problem if you are heading to a rainy area.

SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest with 18 Pockets for Women

SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest with 18 Pockets for Women

The ladies will find it hard to beat the quality and productivity of this travel vest. It comes with a total of 18 pockets and in varying sizes to give a customized fit. There are also hidden pockets to securely put your smartphone while it is getting charged through a portable charger.

You will also get this with an RFID blocking pocket on top of a clear touch pocket, which the active women travelers highly prefer. The vest has the lucrative Teflon-treated poly-fabric that puts it in the league of the best lightweight vest for female travelers.

They are setup up well by a convenient crotch strap. This crotch strap brings a supplementary webbing piece for the sake of preventing the equipment from getting riding up.

The stuff is machine washable, stain-resistant, and water-resistant as well. You are suggested to maximize the available pockets and keep all your most critical stuff close to you. You will be able to get through the airport security smoothly and accessing any stuff in any pocket will be convenient.

  • The women-specific vest comes with 18 useful pockets including hidden pockets as well.
  • The vest gives a perfect fit in varying sizes and you will highly enjoy its lightweight fabric.
  • There is a productive RFID pocket to securely place your wallet with credit and/ or debit cards.
  • The Teflon-treated poly-fabric of this lady’s vest is machine washable, stain, and water-resistant.
  • The zipper of the vest is a bit hard to put apart and back together.

Allegra K Stand Collared Lightweight Quilted Zipped Vest for Women

Allegra K Stand Collared Lightweight Quilted Zipped Vest for Women

This is one of the most popular choices among women travelers particularly because of its lightweight and a few other quality features. The manufacturer has given due importance to the aesthetics of the vest and made it an excellent fashion item as well. On the productive side, it is excellent to work against cold weather and a strong breeze.

The much-needed warmth comes from the fully lined inside of the vest that provides the comfort and warmth you need. The stuff of this vest is 100% polyester. The material is machine washable both from inside and outside, which is a good handy feature for such regular items on trips.

The vest offers a slim fit to women with reasonable zippered pockets to securely place your valuables and other belongings. It is also padded just to the point that you feel great comfort while wearing it on your trips and tours.

  • The polyester vest for women is quite warm to counter mid-level coldness.
  • The stuff of this jacket both from inside and outside is suitable for machine washing.
  • The gilet is ideally padded to make this slim-fit comfortable wear on all trips.
  • Ladies may get this stylish vest in a range of different colors of their choice.
  • The zipper of this vest is not super smooth and this could be a concern at times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Travel Vest

The following are the frequently asked questions with answers that will help you a great deal in the best usage of your travel vest:

Q: What is the maximum number of pockets I could get in a travel vest?

A: You can get a travel vest with as many as 26 pockets. However, the ones with 12 to 15 pockets are much more practical.

Q: Can I carry my iPad in the travel vest?

A: Yes, travel vests are offering dedicated table-sized pockets for carrying iPad, tablets, and smartphones, etc.

Q: How many types of vests I could choose from?

A: You may choose to buy either a zipper or Velcro closure vests. The zipper however is the most preferred one due to its secure pocket and helping in wet and cold conditions.

Q: Does a travel vest come with a hood?

A: Travel vest may or may not come with a hood. It is a supplementary feature that could be found mostly with the warmer vests suitable for cooler areas.

Best travel vest buying guide

The majority of the travel vests look quite similar at a glance but the stuff of these vests varies quite a lot. On top of that, some other features need to be evaluated to take your final decision about a specific vest to be purchased. The below factors would help a great deal in making that decision easy and favorable for you:

Travel vest versions you can find online

The travel vests for both men and women can be categorized into the following two types:

  • Zipper – The zippers are considered to be a good option for the safety and security of your belongings. The best zipper vests from the top manufacturers make it extremely hard for the pickpockets in the tourist areas to get hold of your belongings. If you are more concerned about theft then a zipper vest is the optimal option for you to consider.
  • Velcro – if theft is not the primary objective for you to wear a travel vest then Velcro vest can be a good option for you. You must note here that the Velcro vests are not as secure as the zippered vest. It is rather a type of travel vest that is much more suitable for those who are on hiking trails most of the day. On the flip side, rain and having a Velcro on could just ruin your water-sensitive stuff inside the pockets.

Travel vests can be purchased in a variety of different material types. Some of the most popular garment types to look here are cotton, polyester, and nylon. You can pick one based on your preference and the durability of the material, besides other features it has got to offer. You may also need to consider the type of weather that you would encounter at your travel destination. You can then choose the appropriate material.

For the tropical places, the travel vest with polyester and nylon stuff is considered the best option. It is because of their ability to dry muck quickly. However, if you are planning your trip to a very cold place such as Iceland then a woolen or cotton travel vest could be the best deal for you.

You also need to ensure here that the vest you are trying to shortlist for purchase is made from the best material and it is made to last long as well. You will be in safe hands if you pick any of the products that we have mentioned above in our top products section.

One of the major advantages of a travel vest over a conventional jacket is the number of things you can carry.  The travel vests are ideally designed to enhance comfort while carrying quite a few stuff along. A good number of pockets is pivotal for keeping all your things completely protected and safe.

If you are a traveler carrying multiple gadgets then there are some vests to accommodate such stuff in the pockets in a highly secure manner.

Some of the manufacturers offer as many as 26 pockets in a vest including some concealed conduits as well to carry your cables and wires. If you want a vest with lesser pockets to carry lesser stuff then there can be a god range with 10 pockets.

If you are traveling with your passport, credit cards, and debit cards in your pockets then consider the vests with RFID blocking technology. This is a technology-enriched feature to prevent any unauthorized wireless access of your cards from thieves.

Quick Drying

Just as mentioned above in the ‘Material’ section, the stuff like nylon and polyester tend to dry much quicker as compared to cotton or woolen type vest. If you are going out for a one day trip only, such as to hiking then the quick-dry material might not be a priority for you.

But, if you are on a multiple-day trip or overnight camping then it is required to have a quick dry vest. It is important as you need to wear the vest again the following day after it got wet earlier.

You may also have to wash it at night and want to wear it again tomorrow after it gets dried up. Therefore, you need to check here for the vest’s ability to dry quickly to suit your needs.

Water and Stain Resistant

If you are traveling to someplace with lots of rain then a water-resistant vest could be a good deal. Similarly, travelers on a hectic tour would also want their vest to stay clean where a stain-resistant vest is ideal. There are such vests available to prevent any liquid to soak into the material.

Travel vests can be quite deceiving and tricky to select. If you find a vest that is practical but not comfortable then just don’t go for it. You need to have a travel vest which is not only productive but also comfortable throughout your trip.

A travel vest can be a great thing to have on your trip. It is a lightweight vest with multiple pockets to keep your valuables in a very organized manner.

They are designed to securely carry your gadgets as well. The modern travel vests come with RFID technology as well as preventing thieves from getting unauthorized access to your credit or debit cards. You may choose the travel vest either in the zipper of Velcro form, just as per your preference, or maybe the type of tour you are on.

These vests add great value by coming in different materials that you could choose as per your preferences and needs.

You may choose travel vests in the material of cotton, polyester, nylon, and even woolen. On top of that, the vests are also available in water and stain-resistant stuff to make your life much easier on trips.

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  • Travel Essentials & Accessories

9 Amazing Men’s Travel Vests For 2024

Published: October 17, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Martina Thomson

  • Tech & Gear

9-amazing-mens-travel-vests-for-2023

Introducing the 9 Amazing Men’s Travel Vests for 2023! Are you an enthusiastic adventurer seeking the perfect travel companion? Look no further, as we present to you an extensive collection of travel vests that combine style, functionality, and practicality. These remarkable vests have been carefully curated to enhance your travel experience, providing ample storage space for essentials, secure pockets for valuables, and innovative features to ensure comfort and convenience on the go. With a keen eye on the latest fashion trends and cutting-edge technology, these men’s travel vests are set to become a must-have accessory for the modern globetrotter in 2023.

Jump to Review

SCOTTeVEST RFID Vest

SCOTTeVEST RFID Vest

This product has a rating of A. * What does this rating mean?

Overall Score : 8.5/10

The SCOTTeVEST RFID Vest for Men is a versatile and practical travel accessory. With its 26 hidden pockets, this low profile vest can hold all your essentials while traveling, working, hiking, fishing, golfing, or running errands. It features a built-in anti-theft RFID pocket for added security and protection for your passport and credit cards. The vest also allows you to breeze through airport security by storing all your electronics, documents, gadgets, and accessories in its lightweight and breathable design. The weight management system ensures all-day comfort without sacrificing storage space. With a 2-year warranty and durable polyester construction, this vest is a reliable travel companion.

Key Features

  • 26 Hidden Pockets For Travel
  • Built In Anti Theft RFID Pocket for Security & Protection
  • Breeze Through Airport Security
  • Weight Management System for All Day Comfort
  • 2 Year Warranty

Specifications

  • Color: Navy
  • Size: Large
  • Ample hidden pockets for storage
  • RFID pocket for passport and credit cards
  • Allows easy passage through airport security
  • Lightweight and comfortable design
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Sizes run smaller than usual
  • Outdated small metal zipper that may jam
  • Made in China (for those who prefer US-made products)

The SCOTTeVEST RFID Vest for Men is a highly functional and reliable travel accessory. Its multitude of hidden pockets and RFID protection make it a great choice for keeping your essentials secure and organized while on the go. The lightweight and comfortable design, along with the 2-year warranty, add to its appeal. However, the smaller sizing and outdated zipper may be minor drawbacks for some. Overall, this vest is a practical and convenient option for frequent travelers or anyone looking for a versatile utility vest.

Rothco Undercover Travel Vest – Your Essential Travel Companion

Rothco Undercover Travel Vest - Your Essential Travel Companion

The Rothco Undercover Travel Vest is the perfect accessory for your travels. With its numerous utility pockets, wire pass-through ports, and hidden passport pocket, this vest allows you to carry everything you need while keeping it secure and hidden. Made from soft cotton material, the vest is comfortable to wear and holds up well even in light rain. It has a tablet-sized pocket, making it ideal for carrying electronic devices. The black color stays wrinkle-free, even when stuffed in a suitcase. The vest has quality zippers and sturdy stitching. It is available in large size and comes in a stylish black color.

  • Undercover Travel Vest Can Carry Everything You Need On Your Person While Traveling
  • A Dozen Multi-Functional Utility Pockets
  • Wire Pass-Through Ports For Headphones
  • Tablet-Sized Pocket For Electronic Devices So That They Stay Secure And Hidden
  • Hidden Passport Pocket On The Inside Of The Jacket
  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 13.00Lx16.00Wx1.00H
  • Numerous utility pockets for convenient storage
  • Soft and comfortable cotton material
  • Secure hidden passport pocket
  • Quality zippers and sturdy stitching
  • Tablet-sized pocket for electronic devices
  • May not provide enough warmth in colder temperatures
  • Slightly large in the shoulders for some
  • Not water-resistant
  • May attract lint

The Rothco Undercover Travel Vest is a versatile and functional accessory for any traveler. With its multitude of utility pockets and secure hidden passport pocket, it keeps your belongings organized and safe. The vest is made of soft cotton material, ensuring comfort during your travels. While it may not provide sufficient warmth in colder climates and is not water-resistant, it is a reliable option for moderate weather conditions. The tablet-sized pocket is perfect for keeping electronic devices secure. Despite some minor cons such as its potential to attract lint, the overall quality of this vest is impressive. Whether you’re exploring the city streets or embarking on an adventurous journey, this travel vest is a valuable companion.

Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest

31yUhDDICPL. SL500  - 9 Amazing Men's Travel Vests For 2024

Overall Score : 8/10

The Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest is a versatile travel accessory that offers windproof and water-resistant protection. Made with 4-way stretch fabric, it allows freedom of movement and can be worn as a mid layer or outer layer in varying weather conditions. The vest features zip-up pockets for secure storage of essentials and a chin guard for added warmth. It is ideal for travel, hiking, running, golf, and other outdoor activities. Though some reviewers mentioned issues with sizing and pocket size, overall, the product is praised for its quality, comfort, and lightweight design. With a customer rating of 4.4/5, this vest is a reliable option for those in need of a functional and stylish travel accessory.

  • Windproof and water-resistant
  • Breathable with 4-way stretch fabric
  • Zip-up pockets for secure storage
  • Chin guard for added warmth
  • Versatile for various outdoor activities
  • Good quality and comfortable
  • Versatile for different weather conditions
  • Lightweight and easily packable
  • Provides freedom of movement
  • Issues with sizing
  • Small breast pocket
  • Some zipper positioning interference

The Little Donkey Andy Men’s Lightweight Softshell Vest is a reliable and functional travel accessory. Despite a few minor drawbacks such as sizing issues and small pocket size, it offers excellent windproof and water-resistant protection. The vest’s lightweight design and 4-way stretch fabric provide freedom of movement, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. With its versatile nature, it can be worn as a mid layer or outer layer depending on the weather. Overall, this vest offers good quality and comfort, making it a worthy addition to any traveler’s wardrobe.

SCOTTeVEST Men’s Travel Vest with 9 Pockets

SCOTTeVEST Men's Travel Vest with 9 Pockets

The SCOTTeVEST 101 Vest-Men’s is a versatile travel accessory that combines style and functionality. With 9 hidden pockets, this low-profile vest can hold all your essentials while traveling, working, hiking, fishing, golfing, or running errands. It features hidden conduits to keep your cell phones and most tablets charged without tangled wires. The vest also allows you to breeze through airport security by storing all your electronics, documents, gadgets, and accessories in its lightweight and breathable design. The weight management system ensures all-day comfort, replacing the need for heavy tactical jackets or flimsy money belts. Additionally, it comes with a 2-year warranty. The navy color and large size make it suitable for most men. Overall, the SCOTTeVEST 101 Vest-Men’s offers convenience, security, and style for travelers.

  • 9 Hidden Pockets For Travel
  • Stay Connected Within Hands Reach
  • Ample concealed storage space
  • Convenient access to essentials
  • Lightweight and breathable for all-day comfort
  • Silver zippers on pockets are noticeable
  • External pockets may not fit larger smartphones

The SCOTTeVEST 101 Vest-Men’s is a highly functional travel vest that offers ample storage space, convenience, and style. With its hidden pockets, it allows you to keep your essentials within reach while on the go. The vest’s lightweight and breathable design ensure all-day comfort, making it a great alternative to heavy jackets or awkward money belts. Despite some minor drawbacks like noticeable zippers and external pockets that may not fit larger smartphones, the vest provides excellent value for the money. Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and practical travel accessory, the SCOTTeVEST 101 Vest-Men’s is a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.

Beat The World Men’s 9 Pockets Work Utility Vest

Beat The World Men's 9 Pockets Work Utility Vest

The Beat The World Men’s 9 Pockets Work Utility Vest is a versatile and lightweight travel accessory that is perfect for any adventure. Made with a thin, breathable fabric, this vest features multiple pockets for convenient storage and organization. It is available in a US standard size and does not run small like some other vests. Whether you’re a photographer, fisherman, or traveler, this vest is designed to meet your needs. It even has a left-side zipper for added convenience. The vest is available in black and size large. With a rating of 4.0/5 based on customer reviews, this is a highly recommended travel accessory for both men and women.

  • Lightweight and thin fabric
  • Multiple pockets for storage
  • US standard size, does not run small
  • Left-side zipper for convenience
  • Suitable for various activities like photography, fishing, and travel
  • Versatile and lightweight
  • Plenty of pockets for storage
  • Convenient left-side zipper
  • Suitable for multiple activities
  • Thin material
  • Zipper on the left might feel awkward
  • Requires hand washing

The Beat The World Men’s 9 Pockets Work Utility Vest is a must-have travel accessory for anyone who needs convenient and organized storage while on the go. With its lightweight design and multiple pockets, it offers both style and functionality. The left-side zipper adds a touch of convenience, while the US standard size ensures a proper fit. Although the material is thin and requires hand washing, the vest is durable and suitable for various activities such as photography, fishing, and travel. It has received positive reviews from customers, who appreciate its practicality and value for money. Overall, this utility vest is a great investment for any traveler or adventurer.

SCOTTeVEST Featherweight Men’s Travel Vest

SCOTTeVEST Featherweight Men's Travel Vest

Overall Score : 8.2/10

The SCOTTeVEST Featherweight Vest for Men is a versatile and functional travel accessory. With 16 hidden pockets, this lightweight and water repellent vest is perfect for storing all your essentials while on the go. It features a built-in anti-theft RFID pocket for added security and protection. The vest also allows for easy passage through airport security, as you can simply remove it without emptying your pockets. The weight management system ensures all-day comfort, making it a convenient replacement for wallets and money belts. The vest comes with a 2-year warranty and is available in a sleek black color and size Large. Overall, it is highly rated by customers and offers a practical solution for travelers.

  • 16 Hidden Pockets For Travel
  • Versatile and functional
  • Lightweight and water repellent
  • Built-in anti-theft RFID pocket
  • Easy passage through airport security
  • All-day comfort with weight management system
  • Zippers can get stuck
  • Material near zippers needs reinforcement

The SCOTTeVEST Featherweight Vest for Men is a reliable and practical travel companion. With its numerous hidden pockets, it provides ample storage space for all your essential items. The built-in RFID pocket ensures the safety of your valuables, while the lightweight and breathable design offer comfort during long journeys. Although there are some minor issues with the zippers, overall, this vest is highly rated by users and offers a convenient alternative to traditional wallets and money belts. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply running errands, this vest is a stylish and functional choice.

Gihuo Men’s Lightweight Fishing Vest

Gihuo Men's Lightweight Fishing Vest

Overall Score : 7/10

The Gihuo Men’s Lightweight Quick Dry Outdoor Multi Pockets Fishing Vest is a versatile and functional accessory for outdoor enthusiasts. Made of lightweight material, this vest helps lighten your load while providing ample storage with its multi pockets. The zip-up closure and stand collar ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The mesh lining offers breathability, while the drawstring in the hem allows for easy adjustment of elasticity. Whether you’re going fishing, hunting, or on a safari, this vest is suitable for various outdoor activities. It is also mild waterproof, making it ideal for dealing with light rain. The vest is available in a stylish navy color and X-Large size. With its practical features and durability, it’s a great choice for outdoor adventurers.

  • Lightweight material, lighten your load
  • Zip up closure, Multi pockets, Stand collar
  • Mesh lining, lightweight and breathable
  • Drawstring in the hem, easy to adjust elasticity
  • Suitable for Summer, Spring, Autumn
  • Mild waterproof fabric: Easy to deal with drizzle rain, morning dew
  • Can be worn as a travel vest, safari vest, fishing vest, hunting vest, field vest…
  • Color: Style3-navy
  • Dimension: 12.00Lx12.00Wx1.00H
  • Size: X-Large
  • Lightweight and comfortable for summer wear
  • Ample storage with multi pockets
  • Mild waterproof fabric for light rain protection
  • Mesh lining for breathability
  • Not as durable as recognized outdoor brands
  • Inner liner of pockets may rip easily
  • Limited stretch and flexibility
  • Fewer pockets than expected by some users

The Gihuo Men’s Lightweight Quick Dry Outdoor Multi Pockets Fishing Vest offers a practical and versatile solution for outdoor enthusiasts. It provides comfort, functionality, and ample storage for all your essentials. While it may not match the durability of top outdoor brands, it still serves as a reliable option for everyday outdoor activities. The mesh lining and mild waterproof fabric enhance breathability and protect against light rain. The vest’s stylish design makes it suitable for various occasions, from fishing trips to casual outings. However, some users have expressed concerns about the durability of the inner pocket liner and the limited stretch. Overall, this vest offers great value for its affordable price.

Kedera Men’s Safari Travel Vest

Kedera Men's Safari Travel Vest

The Kedera Men’s Casual Outdoor Work Safari Fishing Travel Photo Cargo Vest Jacket is a versatile and practical accessory for outdoor enthusiasts. Made of a breathable and durable cotton-polyester blend fabric with mesh, this lightweight vest is suitable for spring, summer, and fall. It features a zippered closure, multiple pockets, and a regular fit. The vest is ideal for a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, traveling, and hunting. With its functional design and stylish appearance, this vest is perfect for both work and casual wear. Available in a khaki color and size large. Customer rating: 4.4/5.

  • Made of 90% cotton & 10% polyester fabric with mesh
  • Lightweight, multi-pocket design
  • Breathable and durable
  • Zipper closure
  • Suitable for spring, summer, and fall
  • Versatile and practical for outdoor activities
  • Color: W Khaki
  • Breathable and quick-dry fabric
  • Well-designed and secure pockets
  • Versatile and multifunctional use
  • Ideal for outdoor activities
  • Stylish and lightweight design
  • Zippers may be flimsy
  • Zipper placement may be inconvenient for some
  • Sizing runs small

The Kedera Men’s Casual Outdoor Work Safari Fishing Travel Photo Cargo Vest Jacket is a reliable and practical option for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its lightweight and breathable fabric, it ensures comfort throughout the day. The multi-pocket design allows for convenient storage, making it ideal for various activities. While some users found the zippers to be a bit flimsy and the sizing to run small, the overall quality and functionality of the vest are commendable. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or traveling, this vest offers versatility and style. Stay organized and comfortable with this must-have travel companion.

Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest

Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest

Overall Score : 9/10

The Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest is a versatile and stylish accessory for travelers. Made with deep pile fleece, this vest offers exceptional warmth and comfort during cold winter days. It features a collared neck and full zip closure, allowing for easy layering and a wide range of motion. The vest showcases college pride with its classic cut and is perfect for outdoor events. With two zippered side pockets, it provides convenient storage for small items. Crafted with high-quality materials and expert stitching, this vest is built to last. Available in black and size large, it combines functionality with timeless style.

  • Deep pile fleece for ultimate warmth and college flair
  • Collared neck and full zip closure for comfort and range of motion
  • Stylish cut to showcase college pride
  • Two zippered side pockets for storage
  • Built with high-quality materials for lasting durability
  • Dimension: 24.41Lx15.75Wx0.79H
  • Excellent sizing
  • Lightweight yet warm
  • Trusted brand with good investment
  • Versatile for work or leisure
  • Great fit and quality
  • Runs one size small
  • Flawed pocket design
  • Some received damaged product

The Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest offers the perfect combination of style, comfort, and functionality for travelers. Its deep pile fleece provides exceptional warmth, while the collared neck and full zip closure ensure ease of movement. With its classic cut and college pride, this vest is both fashionable and versatile. The two zippered side pockets offer convenience, although there have been some concerns about their durability. Overall, this vest is highly recommended for its excellent fit, lightweight warmth, and long-lasting quality. Whether you need it for outdoor events or working in fluctuating temperatures, the Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Vest is a reliable companion.

Buyer’s Guide: Men’s Travel Vests

Are you a man who loves to travel? Are you tired of carrying around bulky bags or struggling to find space for your essentials? Look no further! We have the perfect solution for you – the men’s travel vest. With its functional design and versatile pockets, a travel vest is an indispensable accessory for any man on-the-go. Read on to discover everything you need to know about men’s travel vests.

Here’s what to consider when buying a men’s travel vest:

  • Material: Opt for a travel vest made from lightweight and breathable materials like nylon, polyester, or a blend of these. These materials are not only comfortable to wear but also moisture-wicking, ensuring you stay cool and dry during your journey.
  • Pockets: Look for a travel vest with numerous pockets and compartments. These pockets should be of varying sizes and specifically designed to hold different types of essentials such as your passport, phone, wallet, sunglasses, and even a small camera. The more pockets, the better organized you’ll be!
  • Security features: Ensure the travel vest has secure zippers or velcro closures on its pockets. This will help keep your belongings safe and secure while you explore new destinations.
  • Fit and size: Choose a travel vest that fits you well and allows for easy movement. Look for adjustable straps or drawstrings at the waist and/or sides that allow you to customize the fit. It’s also essential to consider the length of the vest to ensure it complements your body type.
  • Weight: Since travel vests are meant to be worn for prolonged periods, opt for a lightweight vest that won’t weigh you down. Heavy vests can add unnecessary strain, particularly if you plan on wearing additional layers underneath.
  • Versatility: Consider a travel vest that can be worn in various climates and seasons. Look for options with removable or convertible sleeves, which allow you to adapt to changing weather conditions.
  • Durability: Ensure that the travel vest is well-made and constructed with durable materials. Reinforced stitching and strong zippers are indicators of a vest built to withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Easy to clean: Choose a travel vest that is easy to clean either by hand or machine-washing. Quick-drying materials are also a bonus, allowing you to wash and wear your vest in no time.
  • Style: While functionality is key, who says you can’t look good while traveling? Pick a travel vest that suits your personal style, whether it’s a classic safari-style vest or a sleek and modern design.
  • Budget: Set a budget before searching for a travel vest. There are options available at various price points, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Amazing Mens Travel Vest for 2023

Absolutely! In fact, a travel vest is an excellent garment to wear on a plane. It keeps your essentials within reach and eliminates the need for frequent trips to the overhead compartment or rummaging through your carry-on bag.

Men’s travel vests come in a variety of styles and materials to suit different climates. Look for vests with removable or zip-off sleeves for warmer areas, and opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics in hot climates. In colder regions, layer the vest with other clothing for added warmth.

Yes, travel vests are versatile and can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and photography. The pockets and compartments are perfect for storing essentials like maps, snacks, and small tools while keeping your hands free.

Many travel vests offer dedicated pockets or holders for water bottles. However, it’s crucial to check the specific product details as the capacity and size of these pockets may vary. Look for vests with adjustable straps to secure the bottle in place.

Most travel vests are machine washable, but it’s always recommended to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow these guidelines to ensure your travel vest stays clean and in good condition.

Travel vests come in a variety of styles and designs, including more formal options. Choose a vest in neutral colors, pair it with a collared shirt, and you’ll have a functional yet professional look for your business travels.

Yes, you can! A travel vest can act as an additional layer of insulation during colder temperatures. It can be worn comfortably under a jacket without hindering mobility or comfort.

Yes, there are travel vests that cater specifically to photographers, with pockets designed to hold camera accessories such as lenses, memory cards, and batteries. These vests provide easy access to equipment while keeping them secure and organized.

Yes, travel vests are compact and can easily be folded or rolled to fit into your carry-on luggage. Their lightweight nature makes them an ideal travel companion.

Yes, a travel vest can be a great option for cyclists since it provides convenient storage for your keys, wallet, phone, and other small items. Look for vests with reflective accents for added safety during nighttime rides.

Absolutely! The multiple pockets and compartments of a travel vest make it highly suitable for backpacking. It allows you to distribute the weight of your essentials evenly and keeps them easily accessible throughout your adventure.

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The 13 Best Travel Clothing Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From swimwear to walking shoes, we’ve got you covered.

travel vest reviews

In This Article

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  • Our top picks

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  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

A travel wardrobe is different from a regular wardrobe. How so? It should include comfy, breathable pieces made of stretchy, flexible fabrics while also being versatile, layerable, and suitable for different activities, climates, and occasions.

Finding items that check all the boxes can be challenging. To make it easy, we’ve rounded up the best travel clothing brands that carry casual, professional, weather-friendly, and active pieces alike.

The Travel + Leisure team not only trusts these featured brands but has also personally tried many of their best-selling, highly rated clothes, outerwear, and shoes firsthand. We used our extensive apparel and footwear testing process to come up with the best places to shop online for all types of travelers.

Best Overall

Unbound Merino

Unbound Merino's clothes are woven from ultra-soft, stretchy, non-wrinkling wool that wicks away sweat and promises to keep odors at bay.

The selection is somewhat limited, but it's great for basics.

When it comes to travel apparel, Unbound Merino is tough to beat. Crafted from premium merino wool boasting super-fine, silky fibers, the fabrics are not only not itchy but are also softer, stretchier, and more wrinkle-resistant than many cotton weaves. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and sweat-wicking, too, meaning it won't harbor odor-causing bacteria. So you can wear the garments multiple times on a trip without needing to wash them — the brand says you can wear its clothes for weeks without laundering them.

Unbound Merino carries lots of comfy basics that are excellent for travel, like plain tees, long-sleeves, and pants that feel like sweats but look like professional trousers. We're particularly fond of the Women's Merino Wool Travel Dress . This versatile frock can be dressed up or down, worn as-is or under a light jacket, and styled with sandals, heels, flats, or sneakers. We also like the Men's Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt , a perfect short-sleeve tee or undershirt for guys.

The Details: 90-day return policy

Best for Everyday

The brand's active-meets-casual pieces are just the thing for travel days, athleisure outfits, and sporty weekend looks.

You'll mostly find athleisure and loungewear clothing, but there are some good trousers and knitwear items, too.

Alo is technically a yoga apparel brand, but it makes some excellent athleisure and loungewear pieces for comfy everyday ensembles. The brand has also expanded its offerings to include things like work-ready trousers, knit sweaters, bodysuits, and sporty dresses.

We love Alo's 7/8 High-waist Airlift Legging on account of its extra-wide waistband and soft fabric that lifts and sculpts your curves. When going for a more laid-back look, we'd rock the slouchy Alcolade Sweatpant with a pair of sneakers.

The Details: 30-day return policy

Best for Business Travel

Madewell carries lots of professional-looking pieces, like blouses, bodysuits, button-ups, trousers, and midi dresses.

The men's collection isn't as extensive as the women's.

Madewell is known for its denim, and while we certainly love the jeans, it's also a great place to shop for a work trip. From sophisticated dresses and tailored pants to chic blouses, button-ups, and bodysuits, you'll find a range of high-quality, professional-looking pieces.

The Harlow Pant is one of our favorites for business-casual and business-professional outfits. This best-seller features a high-rise, wide-leg cut and a drapey, breathable blend of cotton and Tencel. (It's also available in a curvy fit , with a contoured waistband and extra room through the hips and thighs.)

Best Sustainable

Besides its impressive collection of classy, travel-ready clothes, we appreciate Everlane's commitment to reducing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The brand leans seasonless but has some cold- and warm-weather pieces available.

Everlane carries a mostly seasonless collection of travel-ready apparel, including jogger-trouser hybrid pants, jeans in on-trend yet versatile cuts, elegant sweaters, classy Oxford shirts, everyday crewnecks, cotton dresses, and jumpsuits. The brand is also dedicated to sustainability, with a waste-minimizing supply chain and a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by over 50 percent by 2030.

The Dream Pant is one of our go-tos for travel days. These pants look like tailored trousers but feel like stretchy joggers, plus the fabric is wrinkle-resistant and (according to Everlane) "comfortable enough to nap in."

Best Athleisure

Lululemon carries not only top-notch athleisure wear, but also pieces you can wear to work that feel like lounge clothes.

Though the sizes can run a little small, the Align collection stretches to fit even if you fluctuate sizes.

We pretty much always pack at least one Lululemon item when traveling. Originally a yoga apparel brand, it now offers an impressive range of loungewear and athleisure pieces, including leggings in virtually every cut, style, and color. You'll even find work-appropriate garments, like trousers, poplin shirts, and blazers that feel like athleisure wear. The prices can be steep, but you can often strike gold in the discounted " We Made Too Much " section.

Lululemon launched its uber-popular, borderline-famous Align Pant in 2015. While we certainly like the original, the pocketed version is ideal for travel — and it's made with the same buttery-soft fabric and super-wide, high-rise waistband. We also like the slightly looser-fitting Align High-rise Jogger , which has pockets big enough to hold a smartphone .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Capsule Wardrobes

This affordable luxury brand has pieces you can dress up or down and wear in multiple seasons.

While many cashmere and silk items are machine washable, the brand still recommends hand washing.

Quince is a relatively new clothing brand but has gained a loyal following since its 2020 launch. When you browse the site, you'll find affordable pieces made from premium materials, like cashmere, natural silk, and linen. There's even a chart on each product page that breaks down exactly how it gets the prices so low. Just the thing for building a capsule wardrobe, the high-quality, multi-season garments can be mixed and matched to create endless outfits. Quince also has an almost unheard-of 365-day return window.

We like the Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, which comes in women's and men's sizes. We're also big fans of the Washable Stretch Silk Blouse because it's not only machine washable, but it’s also versatile enough to wear with a skirt, jeans, shorts, or pants.

The Details: 365-day return policy

Best Budget

Amazon essentials.

Amazon's own clothing brand has accessibly priced travel basics, loungewear, professional attire, and swimsuits for men, women, and kids.

The "try before you buy" option is only available for Prime members.

If you're on a budget, look no further than Amazon. The mega-retailer has many private label brands, including a very accessibly priced clothing line, Amazon Essentials. There's tons of great stuff for men, women, and kids, including wardrobe basics, loungewear, dresses, sweaters, underwear, swimsuits, and even workwear. Prime members can get their items within a couple of days (sometimes even with same-day delivery) and take advantage of the "try before you buy" perk. This allows you to order items to try on and ship them back without being charged for anything if you decide you don't want them.

The Women's Short-sleeve Maxi is breathable, stretchy, lightweight, and versatile — everything you want in a travel dress. Amazon Essentials also has many affordable short-sleeve men's shirts, including henleys, V-necks, and crewnecks, like this two-pack of Regular-fit Short-sleeve Pocket T-shirts .

Best Size-inclusive

Girlfriend Collective

Many styles run from XXS to 6XL, plus they're made of stretchy, flexible fabrics that won't wrinkle in your suitcase.

The brand suggests using a wash bag or microfiber filter when washing and hanging items to dry.

Girlfriend Collective has one of the most inclusive size ranges out there — many of its styles come in 11 sizes, running from XXS to 6XL. The brand carries fitness apparel, athleisure, loungewear, bodysuits, dresses, and outerwear – all stretchy, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and packable. Most items are made of fabrics sourced from recycled plastic bottles, and you can even recycle the pieces you're done wearing through the ReGirlfriend program.

The brand's Compressive Pocket Legging is a stellar choice for travel. We like how the soft yet sturdy fabric holds you in without restricting movement, and the deep side pockets are big enough for a phone or passport.

Best for Shapewear

Spanx has shapewear for every outfit, along with thoughtfully designed clothing items you can wear while traveling, to work, and on weekends.

Many items come in limited colors, but the selection is getting broader.

Spanx is almost synonymous with shapewear. The brand carries a comprehensive selection of undergarments that hold you in, smooth certain areas, and enhance your curves — think bodysuits, high-rise underwear, compressive shorts, tanks, and camis. Besides that, you can now get chic, comfy apparel, including travel clothes, workwear, swimsuits, and even jeans with hidden shapewear features.

Made specifically for travel, the AirEssentials Collection has cozy yet classy jumpsuits, dresses, and wear-anywhere pants. We like the Suit Yourself Boat Neck Ribbed Bodysuit because it combines core-smoothing shapewear with a sleek long-sleeve shirt you can style many ways.

The Details: 60-day return policy

Best for Hiking

This outdoor apparel brand has all types of hiking clothes, from pocketed pants and shorts to layering pieces and weather-ready, stuffable outerwear.

Patagonia doesn't make hiking shoes or boots.

If you're planning a hiking trip, Patagonia likely has almost everything you need. We're talking layering pieces, pocketed trail pants and shorts, windbreakers, rain jackets, packable puffer coats, and thick, sweat-wicking socks. It doesn't carry hiking boots or shoes, but we can tell you which ones to buy from other retailers.

We tested the Women's Chambeau Rock Pants and loved the elastic waistband, adjustable cuffs, ample pockets, silky-soft fabric, and true-to-size fit. The material is also breathable and stretchy, preventing you from overheating while offering a full range of movement on the trail. These pants did a great job repelling water, too, so you can definitely wear them on a drizzly day.

The Details: Unlimited return policy

Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto

Best Outerwear

Columbia makes a myriad of weather-ready pieces, like vests, pullovers, stuffable puffers, rain jackets, and windbreakers.

The outerwear options are more for outdoor activities than professional or formal occasions.

Columbia has been making outdoor apparel for nearly a century. When you shop the collections, you'll find practical base layers, hiking clothes, snow gear, and lifestyle pieces you can wear for travel and other casual occasions. The brand really stands out for its outerwear offerings, which include fleece pullovers, insulated vests, down jackets, raincoats, and windbreakers. Some options feature Omni-Heat technology, a foil-like lining that essentially reflects your body heat back onto itself to keep you toasty-warm when the temperatures drop.

We tried the Women's Carson Pass Interchange Jacket firsthand and were thoroughly impressed. We found it very warm and liked how easy it was to layer over various shirts and even sweatshirts. What's more, this coat has fleece-lined pockets, sleeves with thumbholes, and a hood that actually stays in place when you put it on.

Travel + Leisure / Maria Rowella

Best Swimwear

Andie Swim 

This swimwear brand has well-made one-pieces and bikinis in multiple coverage options, cuts for long torsos, and an inclusive range of sizes.

Some styles may not be supportive enough for large chests, and the return window is pretty short.

Andie is a prime place to shop for swimsuits. The brand is known for its well-made one-pieces with flattering cuts and comfortable designs that don't require constant adjusting — including options for long torsos and plus-size bodies. You'll also find bikinis, cover-ups, and various accessories, like hats, sunglasses, and beach bags.

We tested The Amalfi One Piece and fell in love with the thick, durable ribbed fabric. It's exceptionally comfy, even when soaking-wet, and dries quickly, so you're never soaking-wet for long. Though the thin straps may not be supportive enough for those with large chests, we appreciate that you can choose from three coverage options on the bottom: medium, cheeky, or full.

The Details: 14-day return policy

Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

Best for Shoes

Nike's footwear selection goes far beyond trainers, with streetwear styles and walking shoes that'll keep your feet happy for hours.

The rocking outsoles might take some getting used to.

Nike has dominated the sportswear market for multiple decades. Over the years, its offerings have expanded to include athleisure clothes, streetwear, and travel-friendly lifestyle pieces. Beyond clothes, the brand has some of the best shoes not just for working out and playing sports but also for hanging out and taking a leisurely stroll.

We tried Nike's Motiva Walking Shoes , which have unique rocker-style bottoms. The shape of the outsoles took some getting used to, but it really seemed to optimize our stride in terms of stability, shock absorption, arch support, and overall comfort. We also adore the sporty-chic look.

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

Travel + Leisure / Donna Freydkin

Our in-depth testing process for clothing involves carefully inspecting the garments, assessing the materials, trying them on to evaluate the fit, and wearing them for various activities for multiple hours at a time. We rate apparel based on factors such as fit, comfort, breathability, moisture resistance, stretch, durability, care requirements, and overall value. The results for this article were compiled from multiple testers who used the products in real-life settings, often for ongoing, months-long periods.

Tips for Buying Travel Clothing

Choose versatile items.

When buying travel clothes, look for versatile pieces you can dress up or down, mix and match with different outfits, and wear on numerous occasions. Like a capsule wardrobe , this will allow you to pack fewer items and re-wear certain garments. The best apparel for travel is also suitable for multiple seasons, meaning you can layer pieces under or over it for cooler or warmer weather.

Look for travel-friendly features

We recommend prioritizing odor-resistant, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant materials, such as wool, cashmere, lyocell, performance fabrics, and cotton blends containing a stretchy fiber, like spandex or elastane. Some fabrics have built-in sun protection listed as UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).

You'll also be glad to have clothing with pockets. These will come in handy on travel days when you need to quickly stash your phone, boarding pass, ID, or cards. Strategically placed pockets can also allow you to forgo a purse or backpack (or at least bring a smaller one) on some outings.

On travel days (whether you're catching a flight, taking the train, or road-tripping), you want to avoid things that make it hard to sit comfortably for hours or quickly go to the bathroom. For some people, this includes bodysuits, jumpsuits, rompers, dresses, and overalls.

Lace-up shoes can also slow you down when going through airport security. Though some advise against wearing sandals (especially without socks), slip-on footwear such as slides or sneakers can be a good choice. Other things that can hold you back include belts, jewelry, hats, and other accessories.

The best material for travel clothing is stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking, meaning it'll draw sweat away from your body to prevent you from overheating. It should also be wrinkle-resistant, so you can pack it in your suitcase without worrying about creases. Fabrics that check all the boxes include wool, cashmere, lyocell, some cotton blends, and performance fabrics.

While you have lots of options for what to wear on a plane , it’s most important to be comfortable and able to move freely, with layers you can take off or throw on if you get hot or cold. You can't go wrong with stretchy jeans or trousers with a simple tee or long-sleeve and a crewneck sweater, half-zip sweatshirt, or button-down flannel. While you shouldn't wear pajamas, some people rock head-to-toe athleisure or loungewear sets, which we can totally get behind.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in travel, apparel, accessories, footwear, and consumer goods. She has worn multiple pieces from every brand on this list and is personally familiar with the fabrics, quality, comfort features, and wearability.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

travel vest reviews

Travel Car Seat Mom

Ride Safer Travel Vest review (2024)

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This review of the Ride Safer travel vest is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

We’re all about experiences over things, but sometimes things come along that makes the experiences a thousand times more enjoyable. That’s my overall impression of the Ride Safer travel vest car seat – for our family it has become an indispensable piece of travel gear as we’ve gallivanted around the globe with two young children. In this Ride Safer travel vest review, you’ll get my complete, honest opinions as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom.

We have now used two different generations of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, the Ride Safer Delight travel vest and the current Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 . Within the current generation we own three of the four sizes and in this review I’ll share photos on a variety of kids. We’ve spent many years with our vests, so I’ve had plenty of time to get acquainted with them!

You may have seen parents in Facebook groups refer to it by a range of almost-correct names: safe rider vest, rider safe vest, ride safe vest, rider safe travel vest, rider safety vest… I’ve seen pretty much every combination but the only correct one is Ride Safer Travel Vest.

Keep reading (and watching!) to learn how to use the Ride Safer travel vest, its pros and cons and how to decide if it’s right for your family. I’ll also share some information about the companion TravelSmarter booster seat.

DEAL ALERT! Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon ‘ VOYAGE ‘

Here’s a quick video review of the Ride Safer travel vest:

What is the Ride Safer travel vest?

travel vest reviews

The Ride Safer travel vest is a wearable booster seat alternative for young children up through tweens. It works by bringing the seatbelt down to your child’s level rather than boosting her up.

Your child puts the vest on (like a clothing vest) and then you secure it using the industrial-strength velcro panel and metal buckle on the front. Once you get in the car, you’d buckle the seatbelt as usual but then thread it through the seat belt guides that are included on the lap and shoulder portions of the vest. The Ride Safer Travel Vest has fairly rigid support through the body, unlike a traditional booster seat that has no body support.

It meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, meaning the Ride Safer travel vest is legal throughout the US. It is still considered a booster seat, allowing much more mobility than a harnessed seat. You’ll have to use your judgement regarding your young child’s maturity and ability to stay in the proper position for the whole car ride.

There’s also an optional top tether that should be used whenever possible to limit head movement in an accident. It also help to keep younger riders from reaching for a toy or slumping when asleep in this kids seat belt vest. Having forgotten the top tether piece on a recent trip, I can tell you that it’s an essential piece (even for kids who are old enough for a traditional booster seat).

Want to know all my best secrets? Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro!

Who should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

travel vest reviews

According to the manufacturer specifications, the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 will fit the following ages and sizes:

Ok, but what ages and sizes should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

As I mentioned in the introduction, we’re fortunate to have used two generations and several sizes of Ride Safer travel vest over the course of many years and many rides.

2023 update! In previous versions of this review I expressed frustration that the Gen 5 vest ran much larger than Gen 4 and didn’t fit kids as the size chart indicated. I’m thrilled to say that the manufacturer, Safe Traffic Systems, responded to sizing feedback and quietly change the design! The changes are significant enough that I wish they’d given it a new name or generation number. This is especially worth noting if you owned a previous vest or have been considering one for a while.

In the photo below, the original Gen 5 is on the left and the new Gen 5 vest is on the right. As you can see, the new version has a much wider range of length adjustability! The diamond-shaped panel can slide up and down along the harness and the velcro tab that determines the vest’s length can be affixed either to the diamond or basically anywhere along the back strap. On the old version we only had about 2″ of Velcro to work with, which translated to very little length difference.

Travel Car Seat Mom - Two black harnesses on a wooden table.

Here’s a comparison of the XS vest at its largest setting along with the new Gen 5 and old Gen 5 smalls at their smallest settings – don’t worry, you’ll see them on real kids in a minute! The XS Ride Safer Travel Vest has some additional considerations so look for that in the next section. In the middle you can see that I’ve also crossed the buckle over to the far side of the vest, which is now permitted to get a better fit on slim kids.

Travel Car Seat Mom - Three different types of harnesses on a wooden floor.

Here’s the updated Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest size small fit. My cute nephew is 5 years old and around 43″ with an average build, while my sweet niece is 7.5 years old, around 46″ and slim. With the improved adjustability, an average sized 4 year old should be able to use the size small. I tried the small on my 9 year old – around 48″ and 60lbs – but it was too small on her.

Travel Car Seat Mom - A young boy sitting in the back seat of a car.

Not ready for the Ride Safer yet? Here are some great travel car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds to consider instead.

Many parents ask if they should buy the small or large Ride Safer Travel Vest for their child (there is no medium vest). Here are updated pictures of my own kiddos using the size large vest. At 48″/60lbs (left) and 53″/75lbs (right), the large fits great! My son still has plenty of growing room as well.

Travel Car Seat Mom - A young girl wearing the Ride Safer Travel Vest sits comfortably in the back seat of a car.

Ride Safer Travel Vest X-Small review

In this section, I’m going to address the Ride Safer XS vest that was released in 2022. It’s a bit of a different product and there are a host of considerations that aren’t as important for kids old enough to use the small through XL sizes. Remember, it’s still safer for kids this age to be rear facing in a convertible car seat .

If your kiddo is already 4, scroll down to the next section.

Ride Safer Travel Vest small vs x-small comparison

First, let’s look at a comparison between the Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest XS (left) and the Small (right) and spot the differences:

travel vest reviews

The overall concept is the same, but there are some critical changes here! First, the XS is obviously smaller. This photo shows the XS on its largest setting and the small on its smallest setting, and there’s still a pretty big difference. There’s just isn’t a ton of room on the back of the XS for the velcro torso length adjustment, so it has a much narrower range than the small.

Second, the small has a metal buckle at the waist while the XS has a similar buckle attached at the chest pads and only velcro at the waist. If you’ve never had one of these vests in your hands, the velcro is incredibly strong so don’t be concerned that kids are going to mess with it, nor that it would open in a crash. But that metal buckle on the chest? Genius.

It remedies the biggest issue with size small for smaller kids, which is that the shoulder straps can easily slide off of slim shoulders. I’d love to see this change on the Ride Safer Gen 6 vests! Not only does that “chest clip” give a better fit but it also prevents kids from deliberately getting out. Could a determined child unfasten it? Surely. But it’s an important first line of defense!

Finally, you’ll see that the shoulder belt guides on the x-small travel vest are exposed while they’re covered with fabric on the small. While the velcro on those flaps is pretty flimsy, I miss them on the XS. In their absence, curious fingers may be more inclined to play with the shoulder belt and potentially remove it from the guide.

Ride Safer Travel Vest XS fit to child

I’m excited to have a tiny new model to show off the XS vest! This little lady is just over 2 and on the short side. You can see that the XS fits her nicely. If she had been more compliant I would have used the crotch strap as well (more on that later).

Travel Car Seat Mom - A toddler wearing a safety vest in front of a car.

On the topic of curious fingers, let’s meet our second adorable XS vest model: my 3.5yo nephew – these photos were taken a few years ago, and you’ll see above that he’s now comfortably modeling the size small. At 3 he was 37.5″ and 33.5lbs – exactly average for height and just a little above average for weight. In these photos he was probably around 39″ and 35lbs – nearing the top end of the size range for XS.

travel vest reviews

He juuuuust fit into the XS (right) and the crotch strap was very helpful for keeping the vest low with the lap panel on the tops of his thighs. By contrast, the small was so baggy through the shoulders that when he was fed up with modeling he slid his tiny shoulders through and pulled the whole thing down.

Is the extra-small Ride Safer Travel Vest right for your child?

travel vest reviews

And therein lies rub… a child doesn’t need to be 100% booster-ready to use the vest, but he still needs to basically be a calm and compliant child even if a vest or other car seat makes him grumpy.

The XS Ride Safer Vest is marketed for 2 and 3 year olds, but that’s precisely the age at which kids beginning pushing boundaries and asserting their independence. Some kids, like my daughter photographed above at the same age, are total rule followers and will just sit where you place them and how you place them. Others – perhaps the majority – at 2 or even 3 will wiggle and squirm, sometimes for discomfort and sometimes to get a rise out of their safety-minded parents.

While my little niece looked like the perfect model above, before getting that picture she spent about 30 minutes sitting on the ground saying “I don’t like it!” when I showed her the vest. She wasn’t willing to put it on at all until after both of her older siblings had modeled for me. If you’re considering using the vest for a trip with a young or sensitive child, give yourself plenty of extra time to get them comfortable and situated.

Travel Car Seat Mom - A little girl sitting on the sidewalk with her hands on her face.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the CPST community is split on whether or not the XS vest should exist. Yes, it passes Federal crash testing both with and without the top tether. However, crash test dummies don’t move . In deciding whether or not your child is ready for the vest, you have to be honest about her behavior and developmental level.

There aren’t many situations where I’m inclined to steer parents to the XS vest versus a traditional travel car seat or the WAYB Pico , but here they are:

  • You have a calm, compliant, petite 3-4 year old and will be doing the sort of travel that just doesn’t work with a traditional car seat (like full-time travel )
  • You’re taking a 2 year old on a car-free vacation that only requires a taxi / Uber from the airport and an adult or teen will be sitting next to the toddler in the car

While the crotch strap is optional for all ages, I strongly recommend its use with the XS vest. Kids this age are prone to wiggling and the strap ensures that the lap belt stays nice and low on the thighs. Between that and the “chest clip” it’ll also remind kids that they’re in a car seat and shouldn’t be frolicking around the car.

When possible, I also recommend using the top tether. With that piece the Ride Safer Travel Vest passes the same testing that’s required of a forward-facing harness. Furthermore, you’re really limiting how much your young child can squirm out of position. In some countries (generally in the developing world) there are no top tethers, so keep that in consideration as you decide whether or not to travel internationally with the XS RSTV.

Finally, if you have no alternative but to use the vest and you think your child will try to wiggle too much you do have the option of locking the seatbelt at the retractor like you would when installing a car seat. Many countries (like Mexico ) don’t have that “switchable” retractor as a standard unfortunately but it’s mandatory in the US and Canada.

XS Ride Safer Travel Vest in the car

travel vest reviews

So how does the vest do when you put an actual child in the car? It was actually pretty good for my little nephew at 3.5 and average height!

You can see that I managed to pull the vest down pretty far so that the lap panel is flat on his thighs. I’ve used the top tether and the crotch strap to limit the wiggles. If he had a little more room in the vest, sitting “criss-cross” would help the lap panel sit even flatter.

He’s right near the top of the size chart for the XS vest, and because he’s 3 he had no tolerance for trying the small in the car. It’s also worth nothing that in this vehicle he doesn’t have the appealing red button of the seatbelt buckle right next to him, but he would in a sedan or other bench seat. I’m confident that this little guy wouldn’t mess with it once told, but only you know how your child will handle that situation.

Travel Car Seat Mom - A little girl sitting in a car seat.

This is in a different vehicle, but you can see that the fit on his sister at age 2 is… less good. In theory this works: the lap belt is flat on her thighs and the shoulder belt crosses near her collar bone. But because she’s very small and the seatbelt is mounted high in this car, it hits her right in the face! There’s a good chance that she would (understandably) move the seatbelt out of position after a few minutes because that can’t be comfortable.

Travel Car Seat Mom - A child sitting in the back seat of a car.

Safe Traffic Systems offers the Travel Smarter backless booster seat that can be used with any size vest to improve the seatbelt fit. As you can see here, it does exactly that! There’s no chance of the lap belt riding up onto her “soft belly” and the shoulder belt is more appropriately positioned. She’s also able to benefit from the car’s advanced safety features like side curtain airbags since she’s higher up.

You can read my Travel Smarter booster seat review for more info. It’s incredibly light and comes with its own backpack that also fits the vest inside.

If you feel that the XS Ride Safer vest is right for your family, you can buy it here and save $11 with coupon ‘VOYAGE’.

How to put on the Ridesafer vest for kids

When you open the Ridesafer travel vest backpack, you’ll see a few different parts and you’ll need to make some adjustments. The great news is that you can fit it to your child before you need to use it in the car.

The components included in the box are the vest, a sometimes-optional crotch strap, the optional-but-highly-recommended top tether, the truly optional neck pillow and a convenient carry backpack. We ditched the pillow after just one use and the crotch strap once our kids got a little bigger.

Putting the vest on is pretty intuitive: open the buckle and the very sturdy Velcro panel in the front, then have your child slip his arms in. Tug the vest down, fasten the Velcro so that it’s snug but not uncomfortable and then fasten the metal buckle, adjusting the strap length as necessary – there’s no way that vest is coming undone on its own! To get the length right, turn your child around and open the Velcro on the crossing straps on his back. Adjust the vest until the bottom flap on the front is resting on top of his thighs (since it will hold the lap portion of the seatbelt in the proper position), then refasten the Velcro straps on his back.

The final (optional) step is to the thread the Y-shaped crotch strap through the two slots on the back of the vest on the bottom (one on each side), then pull between the legs and fasten snugly through the slot at the bottom of the front. While the crotch strap is technically optional, it’s important for preventing younger riders from “submarining” (sliding down and out of the vest).

We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. It’s not long enough to use all the way to the top of the size range, but it’s also not necessary at that point.

You can see a hands-on demo of putting on the Ride Safer vest below:

How to use the Ride Safer vest in the car

The Ride Safer travel vest is very easy to use once you get it on your child.

Here are the basic steps to use the Ridesafer vest:

  • Put the vest on the child, making sure that the lower panel is over the tops of the thighs. It can help to “fan out” the two sides of the lap panel so that it sits flat.
  • Have child sit in the car and fasten seatbelt as normal.
  • Feed the lap belt through both metal guides in the lap panel of the vest, then pull snug across the lap. Don’t over-tighten the lap belt or it may start to bunch in the guide on the side away from the buckle.
  • Open the Velcro shoulder pad on the side where the should belt crosses and feed the shoulder belt through that metal guide, then pull snug and close the shoulder pad.
  • Attach the optional but highly recommended top tether to the shoulder straps using the two metal hooks (above the pads), then attach the other end to the car’s top tether point and pull the tail to remove slack .

If you’ll be using the Ride Safe travel vest in your own car or a rental car, you can leave it attached to the car when you get out! Just unbuckle the seatbelt and remove it from the lap belt guide on the buckle side before you unbuckle the waist strap. You can leave the tether attached at the shoulders and even leave the seatbelt threaded through the shoulder and the other side of the lap! As you become more experienced with the vest, it’s a real time saver.

Ride Safer travel vest FAQs

Yes, as long as it’s used in accordance with the directions the Ride Safer travel vest is legal in the United States. Please see more information on Europe , Australia and Costa Rica for additional guidance if you’re traveling to those places.

Yes, it passes FMVSS 213 testing just like all other car seats in the United States.

No. If your child is under 40lbs, the CARES harness ( full review here ) is an excellent complement that can be used on planes.

The RSTV is permitted in Canada as a medical device with prescription.

The Ride Safer Travel Vest has only been crash tested an approved with the Travel Smarter backless booster seat . Using it with any other booster seat (inflatable or otherwise) may be unsafe and in some cases illegal.

RideSafer Travel Vest Review Impressions

travel vest reviews

Bottom-line upfront: we liked it enough to take it with us for a full year of travel. Yes, its that much of a game-changer. Now having returned, I have no regrets about that choice.

Now for my full thoughts: The Ride Safer vest is an awesome product that really delivers on its promise to make traveling with preschoolers and older kids easier without compromising safety. We took it to Europe without ever testing it at home, which was a risk for sure, but I figured it out pretty quickly. Our son barely complained during any of our car rides, though he’s generally pretty easygoing about car seat safety and is accustomed to riding in a forward-facing harness most of the time at home.

When we used it during our gap year trip, it was perfect for taxi rides in the cities because I could just roll it up and put it in our day bag. We also used it for some very long road trip stretches, and found it to be solid overall. There were times when our daughter slumped more than we would have liked when sleeping, and early in the trip the shoulder straps seemed a hair too long for her; however, a little gap at the shoulders isn’t necessarily a concern. In our long-term testing, she never complained about comfort despite some drives of 6 hours in a single day.

travel vest reviews

Overall we’re very satisfied with our decision to bring the Ride Safer rather than our usual travel car seat. For kids who are mature enough and big enough to fit, we whole-heartedly recommend it in situations like ours where traveling light is the only practical solution .

It’s also a great alternative to a booster seat for taxi or Uber riders living in major cities or families on extended trips at age 4+, especially when many families would otherwise allow their children to ride unrestrained. Just throw it in the included backpack and let your kid carry it around! We’ve also found it indispensable for fitting 3-across in our small car when Grandma comes to visit.

Bubblebum (left) compared with Ride Safer travel vest (right)

If your child is younger or smaller, take a look at the WAYB Pico , which is an excellent folding car seat with a 5-point harness. If you travel infrequently and will just be taking a single flight and then renting a car, one of these travel car seats might be a good fit for your needs.

The RideSafer travel vest is also sometimes prescribed for children with special needs, especially now that there’s a size Extra Large available. It can be a great choice for older children and even teens who have outgrown the tallest harnessed car seat and still need more support than a traditional booster seat can offer.

What we like:

-Feels very well made

-Design has multiple fail-safe mechanisms

-Extremely compact (takes up less than half of a preschool-sized backpack)

-Easy to use, takes less than 3min to put on the vest and get the seatbelt in place (assuming your kid is a willing participant)

-More torso support than a backless booster, avoids booster rider slumping when asleep

-Adjustable sizing so it can last for several years

-Wide range of sizes now available, from XS to XL

What we don’t love:

-Can take some practice and tweaking to get the fit of the car seat vest  just right

-Crotch strap is almost too short for many kids, though its use is not required

-Getting the vest on the kid and then the kid in the car can get to be tiresome if you’re doing it several times per day, every day, for a whole year

-Lots of parts to keep track of (for a city family using the vest in a taxi, you can leave the headrest at home and save tons of space)

-The optional headrest is more trouble than it’s worth

-Not permitted to use on an airplane, so for a child under 40lbs you’d need to buy a CARES harness to make the airplane seatbelt safe

-Kids can’t see out the window (can be used with the Travel Smarter booster seat to give them a lift)

-The 2023 version now has a 5 year expiration, while earlier versions had a 10 year expiration

Final Thoughts on the Ride Safer car seat vest

portable car seat for travel

As you can see from my impressions above, there is room for small changes or additional features; however, our impression is overwhelmingly positive. I was especially pleased that, when used with the top tether, the car seat travel vest prevented slumping out of position while sleeping. If we had just brought a booster seat, our daughter would have been in an unsafe position. Moving from two bulky car seats to none on our gap year was absolutely epic (we use this one for our son since he was 6 years old by then – full review here ). I honestly don’t know how we could have managed without the Ride Safer travel vest .

While the Ride Safer vest is a little pricey for an item most families will use only occasionally, if your family travels often with older preschoolers or young school age children I can’t recommend it enough. It would be a fantastic choice for car-free families with kids ages 4 and up as well, as you can easily shove it in your purse or backpack for unexpected taxi rides.

We feel confident that the Ride Safer offers a safe alternative to either lugging a huge car seat around a city or relying on an unfamiliar car/driver to maybe offer car seats. Ready to buy your own Ride Safer vest? Get it directly from Safe Ride 4 Kids for amazing customer service and fast, free shipping! Use coupon ‘VOYAGE’ to save $11 on your order.

Key stats: -Weight 2lbs -Size small: minimum age 3, fits best for 30+ lbs and 35-47″ -Size large: minimum age 4, fits best for 50+ lbs and 45-57″

Pros: ✔ Rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle ✔ Perfect for taxi rides ✔ Lowers seat belt to provide an appropriate fit for young children ✔ Keeps kids properly seated better than a traditional booster seat – even when sleeping ✔ Easy to fit 3-across since it’s only as wide as the child ✔ 5 year expiration

Cons: ✘ No side impact protection like a highback booster seat ✘ Takes practice to get belt fit right ✘ NOT permitted for use on planes

Still not sure? Pin this for later to come back to it!

travel vest reviews

Not sure what car seat to bring for travel? Find the best travel car seats by age

Our friends at Safe Traffic Systems and Safe Ride 4 Kids sent me several Ride Safer travel vest for kids to review; all opinions are my own. 

24 thoughts on “Ride Safer Travel Vest review (2024)”

Hello! What are your thoughts on this for a tall 7 year old who is complaining that cat seats are getting uncomfortable, but has ADHD and needs something to help him stay in his belt? He also falls asleep in the car and tips over so I am not anywhere close to a booster for him. Thanks.

The Ride Safer is a wonderful solution in that situation as long as he won’t unbuckle the seatbelt. Just be sure to use the top tether for extra support. I suggest size large given his age and height (the length and width are adjustable). Right now you can grab the vest for 20% off with coupon HOLIDAYTRIP20 .

Best, Melissa

You mention the RideSafer Delight when discussing the size of the vest as an option for smaller children. As I search for the Ride Safer Delight, I find options that say things like RideSafer Delight (Gen 5) and they look exactly like the Gen 5. Do you have any advice for finding the Delight or know what the distinguishing features are? I can’t find the Delight on the Ride Safer website.

Thanks for stopping by! The Ride Safer Delight was the official name for the Gen 4 vest – I don’t know why they moved away from the numbers for that one and then moved right back! Unfortunately the Delight is discontinued now and not available to purchase. Only the Gen 5 is available. Since most reviews on the internet still reflect the Delight, I wanted to make sure everyone understands the sizing difference. The easiest ways to tell the difference are: -Gen 5 has fabric covered loops on the tops of the shoulders rather than metal on the Delight -Gen 5 has a buckle that slides closed from the top rather than hooking across on the Delight

I hope this helps!

What are your thoughts, in terms of convenience and comfort, of using this INSTEAD of a booster?

My oldest (7) will outgrow his 5pt harness car seat soon and so I’ve started researching boosters etc when I stumbled on your review. I LOVE the idea of no more bulky boosters etc to deal with…just wondering if this is easy for kids to get in and out of on their own and if they’re more comfortable or as comfortable as boosters?

*not asking about safety differences! Just ease of use and comfort for every day use*

Thanks for stopping by! It’s an important question. While I love having the Ride Safer in my toolkit when I need it (travel, tight 3-across etc), it’s not something I’d choose for every day use if I could realistically use a different option. Getting a perfect fit can be tricky and requires fine-tuning.

I’m not sure if you know this, but there’s no evidence that a highback booster is safer than a backless booster. There are some crashes in which one is (theoretically) better and other crashes in which the other option may perform better. If your child is at least 50 pound (and can sit properly for the duration of the ride), the Graco RightGuide is the most minimalist option out there. I’m actually about to buy one myself to review, but I’ve heard excellent feedback from my colleagues. One downside is that shorter kids may not be able to see out the window in some cars. My son has also liked the Chicco GoFit , Graco Turbo GO and Bubblebum over the years.

Super helpful! Thank you so much for your reply.

Your review is so very helpful. I have a situation where on 2 days of the week I have 2 different nannies doing pick ups and drop offs making the car seat situation difficult. Would you recommend the safe rider travel vest for these 3 times per week 20 min rides? I have a 3.5 and 5 yr old (40 and 44 lbs respectively). I am just so worried about the lack of side impact protection, though I have read that many cars have high standards for side impact protect in the car itself. Would love to know your thoughts on this.

Thanks, Brandy

That’s a great question. The Ride Safer can be a little finicky to fit properly on the lap – it needs to be lower than most people think, with the lower flap sitting flat on the thighs. It would really depend on how confident you are in the nannies’ abilities to get the fit right and their attention to detail. When we had a nanny for our kids back in the day, I made sure to get the absolute simplest seats I possibly could for the kids to reduce the chance of installation or usage mistakes – remember, most parents don’t even get everything right with their car seats!

Can you tell me the kids’ heights? And do you feel like your 5yo is mature enough to ride in a booster seat on those trips? I’m happy to try to come up with some additional ideas if you don’t feel that the nannies could properly use the vest.

Safe travels, Melissa

Thank you for this great review! We are Americans living in the EU, car-free so we only need car seat for taxis and rental cars. My large 3-year-old (37 lbs, 39”) is THIS close to outgrowing her Cosco Scenera NEXT so we are trying to find our next seat. Hoping this will work. We looked at Wayb Pico but I don’t think it’s technically approved in the EU like Ride Safer is, and we have never gotten good at the locking clip (we try to use LATCH/Isofix now). Do you think this will work? Am I overthinking given she hasn’t been in a car in months? 😂

Thanks for stopping by! Unfortunately the current version of the Ride Safer isn’t approved for Europe either 🙁 That said, in your situation I might still opt for it. We know that it is a *safe* choice. Since you’re rarely in cars it does seem like the best option. I suspect that many European parents in your situation might choose to use nothing other than the adult seatbelt, which of course is not a safe choice, or a booster seat (also not a safe choice). Some of the details will also depend on which country you live in, whether you’re there on US government orders, etc.

Safe travels,

Hello, Thanks for this review. Is it mendatory to use the “TravelSmarter Delight Booster Seat” or can we use in any booster such as “bubble bum”? Thanks again.

Thanks for stopping by! Using the TravelSmarter Delight booster seat (thanks for pointing out the name change) isn’t required, but the Ride Safer travel vest HAS NOT been crash tested with the Bubblebum. They are not approved for use together.

Good morning

I have an 8yr old who had down syndrome. He is around 3ft 54ish pounds I ordered the small. Is that the correct size? I was also curious as to how you would use it in the winter time with the heavy jacket. I will be sending him to and from school with this Amy suggestions on how to make sure the teacher is comfortable putting him in the vest for the ride home from school. I do pick up and drop off only 5mins down the road.

Thanks for stopping by! If he’s truly 3′, it’s possible that you may not get a great fit even with the size small vest. It’s a little more “fiddly” to get right than a traditional harnessed car seat so anyone who is going to put him in needs specific training on how to get the lap panel FLAT on the tops of his thighs.

Is there a reason you opted for the vest rather than a traditional harnessed car seat? What sort of vehicle will he be riding in? It will probably be easier for a teacher to buckle him properly in a combination car seat.

As to the jacket, it’s very important that he (and you!) choose outerwear that’s not overly bulky for use in the car. In very cold climates I recommend having kiddo wear a fleece and then another jacket, and take the outer shell off in the car. Alternatively you can look at various “car seat safe” winter jackets. Here are tips for riding safely in the winter .

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Drive safely, Melissa

Thanks so much for this thorough review! I have a 4.5 yo who is quite tall (46″), would be an average 5.5-6 yo. any thoughts on whether he needs to be in small or large? we would be using it for Uber/Lyft in the town we live. thanks!

The large is quite large. I recently evaluated it on a skinny 49″ 6yo and it was like a circus tent. Can you have him sit straight against a wall with his legs in front and measure from the top of his thigh to his shoulder? That’ll be the best way to determine the correct size.

Hi, My child is 5 years old but only 30 pounds, 40 inches which fall within the size recommendations for the XS and S. Which one would you recommend? Seems the chest strap and crotch strap on the XS are great, but since she’s 5, maybe there is not much room to grow, or it may be too cumbersome.

Thanks for stopping by! I would go with the S, as I fear the XS would already be outgrown by height. However, I’m not confident that your child will get a great fit with being so slender. I would strongly recommend using the top tether, which should help keep the vest up on her shoulders. Just be sure not to over-tighten!

Hi, I’m looking at this as the next step after a Clek Foonf in forward-facing mode/other forward-facing car seats for every day use instead of a traditional booster seat. I’m thinking a couple years ahead here. LO is currently 3yo (38mo), 38.75 inches tall and 36.8 pounds (82nd percentile for height). Extrapolating, LO should be about 41 inches by age 4 and 45 inches by age 5.

I’m thinking of this for when LO is 5yo or when they grow out of any of the three (yes three!!) car seats we are forced to own. (We have two nannies who each need a car seat their car, plus the Clek Foonf in our family car.) I’d like to quit having a herd of car seats, its associated costs, the necessity of knowing how to install three different car seats, and the need to remember three different heights for when LO will outgrow each car seat. I’d also like to not have to buy yet a fourth car seat for LO to ride in Grandma’s car.

The Ride Safer vest appears to be the only option available.

What are you thoughts here? I see you mentioned maturity of rider as a factor, but didn’t go into great detail about it. What age/maturity level is necessary for this? How do I know if my kid meets those standards? I also see you mentioned in a comment above that you wouldn’t choose this for every day use. What is the reasoning there? If this is really not indicated for daily use in regular, non-travelling life, what other options are there for having one restraint for multiple cars?

(I feel like I’ve asked you to write another blog post here! Apologies. I feel like there is a huge gap in information available about restraint options beyond forward-facing 5 point harness type seats.)

Hi Adrienne,

Thanks for stopping by! These are great questions. I’ll start from the bottom, as in some ways that’ll be easier.

We used it daily for over a year. It’s a fine and safe choice BUT you really have to make sure that the fit is correct each and every time – in particular that the lap belt is sitting basically flat on the tops of the thighs. As a mom and CPST, it’s no problem. But it’s not an option that I would casually send with other caregivers who may struggle or be in a hurry.

As for maturity, it’s really about sitting basically still (not like a statue, but always in position) despite the additional “freedom” the vest offers. A basic pre-condition for using the vest is that your kiddo would never ever ever consider touching the tempting red button that unfastens the seatbelt!

We had a nanny when our kids were little, so we had three seats for each of them (plus travel seats!). I get it. The good news is that booster seats are generally inexpensive and very easy to use correctly. They don’t even *have* to be installed, though attaching with lower anchors prevents them from becoming projectiles when empty so it’s recommended. We’ll have to see what options are available and what your family’s situation is when your child reaches booster age, but you should be able to grab $16 backless boosters for nanny cars (or travel) and they’ll just require a few minutes of instruction for safe use. Then you can pick up one nicer booster seat for your family car and call it a day!

Hi Melissa,

Yes, this helps immensely. Thank you for the thoughtful response. My main concern now is LO growing out of the car seats we have before being developmentally ready to sit without the five point harness. Tall child problems.

Many thanks!

We have a laid-back, patient 2 year old who is 38.5″ and 31 lbs. We’re planning a family reunion for August, when she will be 2.5 and SizeCast predicts she will be 40.5″ and 33 lbs. She’s almost outgrown her Cosco Scenera NEXT, and we are older and have health issues making it hard for us to move heavier car seats. She’s already gone through a “no to everything” phase and that seems over now (though could always return). She’s always been very good about obeying safety warnings so far.

We’re taking the train to our destination, and we’ll need to take a taxi or Uber to the airport to pick up a rental car. (BTW we’ve never used Uber, so we’d have to hope the app even installs on our ancient phones, figure out how to use it etc…or we could just use a taxi.) We can rent a car seat with the rental car (I think–need to confirm that), but we’re unsure what to do about the ride to the airport. We could

* hope the Scenera still fits by then (it “officially should,” but it really doesn’t seem like it will) * try to drag along the new car seat we got before this trip was planned, even though it weighs almost as much as she does * try a Ride Safer vest

Might a Ride Safer vest work for this? If so, what size? (I know at her age it should be XS, but I saw in the comments that the XS might be too small for 40.5″?) (The Wayb Pico seems cool, but we can’t afford it, especially not for just one trip. The Safety 1st Go Hybrid seems like it would’ve been what we need, but it’s long gone…)

What are your thoughts here? Thanks!

I’m really glad you stopped by! While the vest is technically approved, it’s not ideal at this age. I recommend that you take a look at the Evenflo Chase . It’s not a seat I typically recommend since it only harnesses to 40lbs and the booster mode isn’t great, but it does have a 50″ standing limit with high top harness slots. It’s also very budget-friendly and lightweight! You should get several years of use out of it given her build.

Let me know what you think or if you need another recommendation 🙂

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Our Adventure Journal

Our Adventure Journal

RideSafer Travel Vest Review

Our Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest

Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Kelly

If you’re planning a trip with young children, you might be wondering how to best travel with a car seat. We were recently gifted the RideSafer Travel Vest to use for our trip to Europe, and it was an absolute game-changer .

The RideSafer Travel Vest was portable, lightweight, and easy-to-use. Instead of lugging around a clunky car seat, we were able to easily pack the RideSafer Travel Vest in our carry-on luggage. We primary used public transportation in Europe, but we used the RideSafer Travel Vest for short taxi rides. It was really easy to use on-the-go. In this post, we’re sharing our full review of the RideSafer Travel Vest .

Disclosure: I was gifted the RideSafer Travel Vest in exchange for an honest review. I am not a certified child passenger safety technician and I cannot make claims about the safety of this product. This post is for informational purposes only and reflects our personal experience using the product. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

About the RideSafer Travel Vest

The RideSafer Travel Vest is a crash-tested and safety-certified travel car seat . It meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints (FMVSS213). The travel vest works by bringing the seatbelt down around the child, instead of boosting a child up as you’d see in a traditional car seat. 

The RideSafer Travel Vest is available in a variety of sizes . You’ll want to pay careful attention to the product specifications to choose the right vest for your child. Based on our daughter’s age, weight, and height, we used the size Small vest . 

The size Small vest weighs just 2 pounds, 12 ounces . The large vest weighs 2 pounds, 15 ounces.

The RideSafer Travel Vest is legal in the United States. Be sure to check your state requirements. Prior to travel, you should make sure that it meets legal specifications in other countries.

We personally used the RideSafer Travel Vest in Europe, although it has not been certified in Europe. We found this review helpful when we were deciding if we should take it to Europe. Please be sure to use your own discretion. 

travel vest reviews

Where to Buy the RideSafer Travel Vest

You can purchase the RideSafer Travel Vest on their RideSafer website .

You can also purchase the RideSafer Travel Vest on Amazon . 

We took the RideSafer Travel Vest with us for our trip to Europe. We traveled to France and Spain, and the travel vest was extremely easy to use.

Before we left on our trip, we first practiced using the travel seat at home. One thing I really liked about the RideSafer Travel Vest was the fact that we could email the company and receive feedback on the correct use of the travel car seat. I sent the company some photos of our daughter buckled in our car with the RideSafer Travel Vest, and they were very kind in giving me feedback about how to make sure she was properly restrained. This gave us confidence before our trip, because we knew how to correctly position the RideSafer Travel Vest. I really appreciated the company going the extra mile to make sure that we were correctly using the vest!

Once we were in Europe, we were able to use taxis with the knowledge that our daughter was properly restrained. The RideSafer Travel Vest was very easy to use on the go. While we were waiting in the taxi line, we would place our daughter in the RideSafer Travel Vest. Once the taxi arrived, all we had to do was properly buckle her in the car. It took us just a few minutes to get her in the car, which was great!

Using the RideSafer Travel Vest in France (travel product for toddlers)

Pros of Using the RideSafer Travel Vest

(These are our personal opinions.)

  • One of the major benefits of using the RideSafer Travel Vest is that it is lightweight and easy to pack . We were able to easily place the travel car seat in our backpack. Instead of lugging around a heavy car seat, we were able to easily roam across Europe without it taking up too much space in our very limited carry-on allowance. We also packed it on our day backpack. If our legs were feeling tired and we wanted to take a taxi back to the hotel, we had the RideSafer Travel Vest conveniently with us.
  • I also really liked that we could put on the RideSafer Travel Vest while waiting for a taxi . Instead of spending a lot of time installing a car seat every time we took a taxi, we could do half the work while waiting in line. Each time we needed a taxi, we would put the vest on our daughter. Once the taxi arrived, it didn’t take too long to safely secure the vest. Using the RideSafer Travel Vest was super time-efficient!
  • Finally, the RideSafer Travel Vest was fairly easy to use . We watched videos on how to use it correctly, and once we had it down, it was very straight-forward.

Using the RideSafer Travel Vest in France

Cons of Using the RideSafer Travel Vest

  • Purchasing the RideSafer Travel Vest is an additional expense . At the time of this writing, the RideSafer Travel Vest costs $169 (not including shipping). You probably already have a regular car seat for your child, so you’re really paying for the convenience of having a smaller car seat. In my opinion, I think it’s worth the cost if you plan to use it multiple times.
  • You’re probably used to a traditional car seat, and the RideSafer Travel Vest will require you to learn how to properly use it . We found it pretty straight-forward to use, but you’ll want to take the time to learn how to properly use it.
  • Even though it meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, it may take some time to get adjusted to the idea of a vest.
  • The RideSafer Travel Vest has minimal head support, so we didn’t think it was a great option for kids that like to take naps in the car. 

Our Verdict

Here’s our personal thoughts about the RideSafer Travel Vest:

The RideSafer Travel Vest is a travel “car seat” that is legal to use in the United States. At under 3 pounds, the RideSafer Travel Vest is lightweight and easy to pack for travel. The RideSafer Travel Vest can be easily stowed in carry-on luggage, and the RideSafer Travel Vest is easy to use. 

We are so glad that the RideSafer Travel Vest exists! It made traveling to Europe with a 3-year-old so much easier. Safety is definitely a priority when we travel, so we were happy to know that we always had a harness restraint with us should we need one. (We never had to depend on renting a car seat or ordering a taxi ahead of time that had one installed, only to find out that there were none available.)

We would definitely recommend the RideSafer Travel Vest to others based on our experience!

If you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to check out our complete list of our favorite products for traveling with babies and young children . We’ve personally tested all of the products on this list!

For babies, we highly recommend the Doona Car Seat/Stroller Combo . For toddlers, we also really liked the WAYB Pico Car Seat .

Pinterest pin for RideSafer Travel Vest

Disclaimer :  We always strive for content accuracy.   Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

travel vest reviews

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

Tossa de Mar Travel Guide

travel vest reviews

SCOTTeVEST Travel Vest for Men (S, Khaki) › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

SCOTTeVEST Travel Vest for Men (S, Khaki)

SCOTTeVEST Travel Vest for Men (S, Khaki)

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

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Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest for Children

The RideSafer travel vest for kids

Safe Traffic Systems RideSafer Vest: 

The wearable car seat alternative for children 3 years and older riding in motor vehicles.

How many times have I been asked if I think a family should take their car seat on vacation when they’ll “only need it a couple of times”? Particularly in a taxi when they know they’ll be legal without one? ANSWER: Plenty.

But for those who will be traveling mostly by train or public transportation during their trips–when the ability to travel light makes a great difference in their travel plans and bottom line, it’s an understandable question.

Well, guess what? For those who will be traveling with a child 3 years old and 30 lbs. on up, I say yes, leave that car seat behind. Take this instead.

Because I’ve been recommending the Ride Safer travel vest since before the first edition Travels with Baby was published, I was delighted when Safe Traffic System offered me one of their first new & improved models released to the public.

I tested ours out with each of my children to see how it worked at different sizes. Here’s what I found.

how the two safety belt lap guides work on the RideSafer travel vest

The RideSafer children’s travel vest at a glance:

  • A safe alternative to car seats or boosters for children over 3 years and 30 lbs.
  • Small fits children 34″ to 52″ tall, 30 to 60 lbs.
  • Large fits children 45″ to 57″ tall, 50 to 80 lbs.
  • Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) for use in cars
  • The Deluxe / RS2 models can be used with either shoulder seatbelts or lap belts in conjunction with a top tether anchor point (tether is included).
  • The RS3 model (less expensive) does not include the tether and must be used with shoulder safety belts only.
  • An optional crotch strap is included.

Headrest and tether for RideSafer travel vest

Find it online at:       SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

What’s changed? You might still see some old copy around assuming all that’s changed are the colors. However, the new version offers a better range of fit, with small accommodating smaller children (it used to fit from 38″ tall and 35 lbs.).

Also, the newer models have one belt buckle rather than two. The new belt paths are also a little easier / faster to use, and the optional / removable top tether strap enables you to use it quite securely in a center seating position where applicable (more comments on this below).

Favorite features of the RideSafer travel vest:

Your child can actually wear just the RideSafer travel vest (minus the head rest and optional crotch strap) and buckle into a taxi, rental, or relative’s car safely, allowing you to travel with little more than a padded vest in the side of your carry-on bag.

It weighs only 3 lbs.

The removable padded head rest adds comfort for long drives.

Kids can actually recline in back seats that offer the option.

For bigger families requiring multiple car seats or a combination of car seats and boosters, this also makes it much easier to fit three children across the back seat even if two are still in proper car seats.

That alone could save you some money on rental car upgrades or having to request a minivan taxi rather than a standard cab.

If you plan to use the CARES flight harness for a child 3 years or older, this is your perfect on-the-ground companion and car seat replacement. Zip it into the side pocket of your checked suitcase or carry-on and it will be handy on arrival.

No expiration date: I can’t pass up this opportunity to point out that, unlike other car seats, the RideSafer has no expiration date. Which means it doesn’t become gradually less safe through years of use, and it doesn’t need to end up in a land fill a few years from now.

Carpooling with kids: If you carpool with other people’s children, you can use this as a space-saving back-up to an extra high-back booster seat you can simply stuff under your seat. And as mentioned above, you can fit three kids across smaller back seats when at least one is wearing the travel vest.

How to use the RideSafer travel vest for children:

how the shoulder seat belt guide for the RideSafer Travel Vest

1. Slip the RideSafer travel vest onto your child.  

Then close the heavy Velcro front panel, then click the belt and adjust, as you would do with a safety belt.

Optional: Add the height-adjustable head rest for comfort (it’s not there for safety).

2a. With shoulder belts:

Have your child sit in the seat and open the appropriate shoulder belt cover (as shown), then route the shoulder belt through the metal guide.

Then route the lap portion through the two slots on your child’s lap (as shown below). Buckle the seat belt, pull up the shoulder belt to tighten as needed.

2b. With lap-only belt and tether:

Hook the tether strap (included) to the two metal latch loops on the shoulders of the travel vest. Have your child sit and route the lap belt through the two guides on the lower portion of the vest, then tighten the belt. Attach the other end of the tether belt to the corresponding anchor point in the car and tighten the strap.

Why you  might not want the RideSafer travel vest:

While it sounds great that you can use this with lap-only belts as well as shoulder belts (unlike safety boosters), you are only supposed to use it with lap belts when a top tether may also be used. In the wider world of travel, many lap-only belts you encounter will be in older vehicles that pre-date car seat tethers.

Depending on the vehicle and your child’s size, he may have trouble seeing out the windows. For kids that get car sick, this could be a problem.

On the flip side, kids who get car sick riding in side position seats may have the advantage when able to use the RideSafer vest in the center position (with a shoulder or lap-only belt and tether) and enjoy a better view out the front window.

Find the RideSafer travel vest online at:  SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

Other considerations of the RideSafer travel vest:

Also, on my 40″ tall child the back straps had some slack, and there is no way I see to shorten the straps.

However, she seemed plenty secure when belted in with both shoulder belt and lap + tether strap configurations.

The design doesn’t allow for “slack” in the front of the vest where the safety belt guides are, so I don’t think this is a safety concern.

As far as fit is concerned overall, many parents have reported that the large was REALLY large on their children.

Considering that the small overlaps in size up to 60 lbs. or 52″ tall, you might go with the small unless your child is already well into the second size range.

As you can see, it’s also a great fit for my lanky 6-year-old.

child wearing Ride Safer Travel Vest  with seat belt.

Bottom line and my suggestions

Yes, kids, my own included, continue to surprise us with their love of the “astronaut vest.” In fact, I was in hysterics watching as my oldest daughter insisted on wearing our vest with the head rest attached even as she did her homework at the kitchen table.

As a grown-up traveler, however, I feel a little silly about the double dose of American flags printed on the shoulder belt covers.

Still, both kids love it enough to fight over who gets to wear it. I love it enough to wrestle with getting a second for our family for upcoming travels.

Since I always like to include a few suggestions to the manufacturer for future enhancements–and in case anyone wants to jump on board with a “Travels with Baby edition.” Here’s how I would improve upon this already great travel product:

Reverse the openings of the Velcro shoulder strap covers. This will make it much easier for the older children to thread the seat belt through by themselves.

Create an adjustment to shorten the back straps a little for the smallest children (now available in the newest model per my suggestion!). 😉

Find the RideSafer travel vest online at:   SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

Others you might consider:

travel vest reviews

The Diono RadianRXT is a folding car seat , which can be used from birth, and later converts to a belt-positioning booster seat. With its narrow width and FAA-approval, it is airplane-cabin friendly when used forward-facing (seat height makes it tricky to recline rear-facing in narrow seat rows). When not needed it folds and can be carried by a shoulder strap. Read all about it in Best Convertible Car Seats for travel.

You might also like:

Review of the WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat

Best Safety Booster Seats for Travel

Review of the Bubble Bum inflatable safety booster

Car Seats in Taxis and What You Need to Know

Car Seat Alternatives

Car Seat Travel Bags & Carriers

Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals

American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

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Sophie Diego

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Sophie Diego is a Toronto-based writer who loves all things related to beauty, skincare, and fashion. If she isn't on her computer, she's probably sewing, looking at Vogue Runway collections, or spending time at her local Sephora.

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About SCOTTeVEST

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Not in the mood for frills and fuss? SCOTTeVest only provides the essentials when it comes to outerwear. Offering designs for both men and women, this online clothing brand carries jackets, hoodies, vests, and t-shirts.

They’re best known for their unique pocket designs, as they are intended to accommodate phones, tablets, and any other electronic devices found on the modern person.

With a steady following of over 16.7k on Twitter, SCOTTeVest seams (pun intended) to be the talk of the town across several media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. 

For those curious about learning more about this brand, look no further than this SCOTTeVEST jacket review. We’ll take an in-depth look at the company, their products, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if they’re worth checking out. 

Overview of SCOTTeVEST

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Sometimes the greatest of ideas spawn from pure misery. Founder Scott Jordan hated his job as a corporate lawyer, as it was relentless, tiring, and hectic for most of his life. The one thing that gave him sanctuary in moments of stress was technology. 

With a passion for computers, phones, and tablets, Jordan was met with a mess of portable gadgets he had to carry daily. 

After months of dealing with heavy electronics, Jordan’s wife called it quits while carrying his boatload of gadgets. Coupled with a traumatic airport accident that nearly sent him to the hospital, he decided to come up with his own solution. 

Launched in 2000, SCOTTeVEST made their official internet debut. Headquartered in Ketchum, Idaho, this clothing brand specializes in making smart-tech jackets and vests. 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Ever since their establishment, Jordan’s collection has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative designs . This includes being featured in the SCOTTeVest Shark Tank episode in 2012. Their philanthropic program, PocketChange, has also won them some admiration.

“Give SCOTTeVEST garments a try, then let us know about your adventures, as you begin living with a new sense of security and freedom. Who says you can’t have it all? After all, it’s not rocket science, it’s pocket science,” via a statement made by SCOTTeVest.com. 

Before we really get into this SCOTTeVEST jacket review, let’s go over some of the brand’s pros and cons: 

  • A variety of clothing pieces to choose from, including jackets, vests, hoodies, pants, and even pajamas and dresses
  • Most of the SCOTTeVEST garments come with their iconic ‘pocket science’ technology 
  • The brand donates a portion of their proceeds to philanthropic organizations 
  • Provides designs for both men and women
  • Offers international shipping 
  • Varied customer reviews 
  • Pricier than other retailers 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Sometimes a regular satchel or purse isn’t going to cut it. The straps keep falling off, and then there’s the nuisance of carrying that extra weight. Designed for go-getters and busy bees, SCOTTeVEST offers a unique clothing collection that’s meant to hold your devices in place. 

Styled with ‘pocket science’ technology, wearers can keep their phones, wallets, and valuables secure and locked in. 

From jackets to hoodies, this SCOTTeVest jacket review will highlight a few of their best-selling pieces for readers to compare. 

SCOTTeVEST Vest Jacket Review

Step aside, Prada, there’s no need for fancy purses when it comes to the great outdoors. Built with extra pockets for extra storage, we’ll spotlight a few of their most popular garments, from featherweights to travel designs. 

SCOTTeVEST Q.U.E.S.T. Vest for Women Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Is it just me, or is the Q.U.E.S.T. Vest for Women giving off major Pokémon Go vibes? Whether you’re team Mystic, Instinct, or Valor, make sure that each adventure is well-equipped with a handy set of compartments. 

Made out of a cotton and nylon fabric blend, this outerwear piece features a whopping total of 42 pockets . 

This SCOTTeVEST vest jacket can fit a 9.7” tablet, a medium-sized laptop, and an iPhone XS all at the same time. As a cherry on top, this layer-on is meant to be entirely seasonless , meaning that it can be worn through winter and summer.  

Ideal for adventurers and explorers, the Q.U.E.S.T. Vest for Women costs $199 . 

SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest for Men Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

While it’s not bullet-proof, the RFID Travel Vest for Men can prevent those unwanted ‘hits’ from nearby hackers. Designed with special protective technology, this outerwear piece keep your valuables safe and secure – physically and electronically. 

Built with 26 pockets , wearers can easily fit their tablets, phones, and any other small devices with ease. You know what that means: no more Tetris-style sorting when it comes to backpack management. 

This SCOTTeVEST vest with pockets is designed to be breathable and super lightweight thanks to its polyester fabric blend. Offered in black, beige, navy blue, and green, you can safely and securely geek out in style with the RFID Travel Vest for Men for $149 . 

SCOTTeVEST The 101 Vest-Men’s Review

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Ideal for road trips, camping, or a quick jog around the neighborhood, the 101 Vest-Men’s prototype can help keep your necessities locked away and secure. 

Featuring a set of 9 pockets, this layer-on only holds the essentials – that is, your phone, wallet, and keys, but it can also accommodate larger devices such as tablets. 

This SCOTTeVest multi pocket vest is perfect for on-the-go errands, as it keeps you obstacle-free compared to those swinging satchels and heavyweight backpacks. Ideally paired with a fleece jacket underneath for warmth, the 101 Vest-Men’s coat costs a cool $109 . 

SCOTTeVEST Travel Clothes Review

If you’re one to favor function over fashion, this online clothing brand only offers the essentials without the glitz and glam (while still looking good). 

Featuring t-shirts, coats, and pants, this SCOTTeVEST jacket review will go over a few of the customer favorites that may make a future appearance in your wardrobe. 

SCOTTeVEST Chloe Glow Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Perfect for gym enthusiasts, athletes, or outdoor explorers, the Chloe Glow keeps those valuables tucked away discreetly. Designed with 18 pockets, this handy outerpiece can hold a variety of items including tablets and phones. 

Honestly, you could store an entire breakfast sandwich in this coat too. We aren’t here to judge, life happens, and sometimes you just need a jacket sandwich.  

Offered with ribbed cuffs , a zipper enclosure, and a comfy hood at the back, you may find yourself continuously reaching for this piece before heading out the door. 

This SCOTTeVEST hoodie vest can also be worn through every season thanks to its breathable fit. Available in white, blue, red, or black, the Chloe Glow jacket is priced at $134 . 

SCOTTeVEST Margaux Cargaux Everyday Pant Review  

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Ladies, it’s time to give those leggings a break. Instead, opt for the Margaux Cargaux Everyday Pant as a better alternative. Offered in a mid-rise cut, these joggers are set with a comfy elasticated waistband, 7 different pockets, and a loose fit. 

It’s made out of a cotton and spandex blend , helping to keep these sweats breathable and flexible for on-the-go moments. 

Designed to be worn through spring and winter, these bottoms can be easily paired with a breezy tank top or a comfy sweater when things get cold. Available in black, brown, and cream, the Margaux Cargaux Everyday Pant costs $99 at checkout. 

SCOTTeVEST Madeline Cardigan Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Need a dressier way of covering up those shoulders? The Madeline Cardigan keeps you warm and comfy against those chilly, windy nights. 

Draped with a soft jersey knit , this stunning piece features a loose, lounge-like fit that’s ideal for off-days or office work. Not only is this throw-over stylish, but it comes with 4 different pockets. 

In terms of styling tips, this SCOTTeVEST travel clothes coat is best paired with a silk button-up blouse, cigarette pants, and office-appropriate heels. Offered in black, burgundy, gray, and cream, the Madeline Cardigan can be your newest luxury piece for only $89 . 

SCOTTeVEST Performance T-Shirt Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

For when it’s too hot to wear a jacket, the Performance T-Shirt offers a more breathable fit. Featuring the same level of versatility as a SCOTTeVEST designer vest, this top comes with 3 built-in pockets. 

There’s no need to worry about extra-bulk, as each compartment is made to be discreet . 

Ideal for warm summer evenings or chilly afternoons, this layering piece keeps things light and sweat-free. It also comes in a cropped sleeve version in case of those especially hot days. Available in 7 different colors, make the Performance T-Shirt a closet essential for $39 . 

SCOTTeVEST Pack Windbreaker Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Don’t just opt for any flimsy raincoat. The Pack Windbreaker can help protect you from nail-biting winds and pelting storms. Once the clouds have cleared, users can simply fold this jacket onto its own back pocket for easy storage. 

Featuring a set of 19 hidden compartments , this coat is great for hikers, adventurers, and even field reporters. 

This SCOTTeVEST Scott’s travel jacket can hold up to 3 different devices, including a water bottle, a camera, and a pair of stylish sunglasses. Perfect for unpredictable weather, the Pack Windbreaker costs $124 . 

SCOTTeVEST Travel Boxers Review 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

The SCOTTeVEST Travel Boxers feature two sets of compartments. And no, we don’t mean ‘that’ kind of pocket. Designed to be comfortable and fast-drying, this pair of knickers keeps you comfortable and flexible throughout the day. 

In terms of storage, users can hold their phone and wallet without the worry of sag. 

Offered in 5 different sizes, customers can choose from either gray or black. Designed to be machine washable and seasonless, the Travel Boxers from SCOTTeVEST cost $26 . 

How do you clean SCOTTeVEST?

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

This SCOTTeVEST jacket review hasn’t found any information on cleaning tips on their website. Some online sources, such as Mikepasini.com, advise people to wash their clothing in cold water on a delicate cycle. 

It’s important to not use bleach or any harmful detergents, as it may affect the quality of the garment. Customers should then tumble dry their SCOTTeVEST travel clothing on the lowest setting. 

SCOTTeVEST Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Hold onto your wallet. This SCOTTeVEST jacket review found mixed customer responses towards this online clothing label. For the time being, let’s focus on the positives first. 

Their company website hosts an impressive list of positive comments. Customers found their coats and vest to be versatile, seasonless , and great for holding several different devices. 

“Ever since I got my eVEST, I have been interested in just how many of my gadgets can be hidden in it. We’re up to 32 so far and it just keeps getting more and more convenient! Thanks SCOTTeVEST,” one reviewer wrote on their website. 

Most SCOTTeVEST products have positive ratings on their official website:

  • RFID Travel Vest for Men: 5/5 stars out of 433 ratings
  • The 101 Vest-Men’s: 5/5 stars out of 269 ratings
  • Chloe Glow: 5/5 stars out of 242 ratings
  • Travel Boxers: 5/5 stars out of 68 ratings

Trustpilot holds over 1,347 reviews with an impressive score of 4.2/5 stars . 75% of buyers rated this company 2 thumbs up. 

This is largely due to their helpful customer service team and the usefulness of their products. Several users were quick to comment on the jacket’s functionality and comfort.

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

With that being said, this SCOTTeVEST jacket review did uncover some negative comments attributed to their coats. 

Independent blogs like PlanetD and Rachel’s Ruminations found a few faulty areas within the construction of their clothing pieces. This included the heaviness of their garments and how unfashionable it looked when compared to other brands. 

PlanetD writes, The clothes seemed to fit in all the wrong places. Instead of giving a nice tailored feel, he looked frumpy. We thought we would be getting lightweight clothing fit for travellers, but instead they were heavy and bulky.”

Amazon showcases a mixed rating of 3/5 stars based on 29 reviews. A few customers noted issues with defunct zippers and the coat’s overall fit. 

“The main zipper closure kept jamming in material between teeth and slider. I called in to customer service at the time who told me that they could not help…  have not used it since,” one Amazon reviewer wrote for the SCOTTeVEST Mens Vest Jacket . 

Maybe tech chic isn’t for everyone. While there are many satisfied customers, there are still some complaints floating around that leave room for the brand to improve.

Is SCOTTeVEST Worth It?

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Tech junkies, we think it’s worth giving SCOTTeVEST a shot. It’s quite unheard of for a clothing brand to primarily focus on pockets. 

While most fashion brands opt for the exclusion of storage compartments within their garments, this online company seems to prioritize function over fashion . 

If you find yourself lugging around phone, tablets, or other portable devices, SCOTTeVEST can save you the headache of strap burn or that dreaded shoulder indent after continuous use. 

With that being said, SCOTTeVEST isn’t made for everybody. Their designs lean towards the ‘dad’ aesthetic and won’t win any style points in the fashion industry. 

If you just carry a standard phone or wallet, the inclusion of 7 different pockets may seem unnecessary in the long run. Overall, we recommend checking out this brand, but only if you find yourself running out of space. 

SCOTTeVEST Promotions & Discounts 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

This SCOTTeVEST jacket review found out that they have a sale outlet where customers can find select items for a discounted price. 

You can also save 15% on your final order by inputting the SCOTTeVEST coupon code: PKT15 at checkout. They also have a loyalty program to help buyers accumulate points and gain access to exclusive deals and perks. 

Where to Buy SCOTTeVEST

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Looking to snatch a SCOTTeVEST travel vest for yourself? Head over to scottevest.com . You can also find them at select retailers:

  • Amazon 

SCOTTeVEST Jacket Review

Where is SCOTTeVEST manufactured?

We haven’t found any information as to where their garments are made, but we do know that their headquarters are located in Ketchum, Idaho. 

How much is a SCOTTeVEST?

This answer depends on the design you’ve chosen. For instance, the Q.U.E.S.T SCOTTeVest vest for men costs $139 . 

What sizes does SCOTTeVEST have? 

The brand carries sizes XS-XXXL for men. For women, this ranges from XS-M4. We recommend reading their charts for more specific measurements. 

Does SCOTTeVEST ship to Canada?  

This SCOTTeVEST jacket review is happy to report that they offer international shipping in select countries. To view delivery costs and estimated arrival times, customers must simply proceed to checkout to view all the relevant details. 

You’ll also receive a tracking number via a confirmation email to help locate their purchase. 

What is SCOTTeVEST’s Return Policy?

Need to return your SCOTTeVEST Scotty Vest ? No worries, you have 30 days to do so. Items must be in new condition to be considered eligible. It’s worth noting that discounted products are viewed as final sale and cannot be refunded. 

Unfortunately, the brand does not cover any affiliated shipping costs under their policy. To initiate this process, buyers must contact their customer service team for further instructions. 

How to Contact SCOTTeVEST

For inquiries unrelated to this SCOTTeVEST jacket review, you reach out to the company through 4 methods of contact:

  • Phone number: 1-866-909-8378 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm MT)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Using their live chat function on their website
  • Direct messaging them on their social media platforms 

Want more options? Check out these great outwear brands:

Angel Jackets

Free Country Jackets

Canada Goose Jackets

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Mommy And Me Travels

Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest Review: Best Toddler Travel Car Seat / Booster Seat Alternative

by Mommy And Me Travels | Product Review | 12 comments

Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest Review: It will change the way your kids travel

Having kids means that at one time or another you will be on the hunt for a portable car seat for travel that is easily used for taxi rides, uber travel, and shuttle transports that will keep your children safe while at home or traveling around the globe .  

(This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this article.   Click here to see my disclaimer . )

RIDE SAFER DELIGHT TRAVEL VEST OVERVIEW

Ride Safer Travel Vest Overview

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is an alternative to booster seats because it is a portable car seat for 3 year olds + and over 30lbs (this is the small ride safer vest).  This car seat vest comes in 2 sizes, small and large.  The RideSafer is a unique childrens safety vest that makes sure the seat belt for kids is properly aligned by having design elements that are optimized for vehicle seat belts to ensure correct fit and protection for your child.

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Using the Ride Safer Car Seat Harness

The small delight travel vest is a travel car seat for 3 year olds and older that is also over 30lbs.  Before using this car seat harness you need to ensure that your young child will sit properly in their seat for the entire ride.  I was able to accomplish this with my youngest by using the optional (also highly recommended by us) top tether strap.  The tether strap kept my little man from being able to lean forward and play while in the ride safe vest. 

This travel toddler car seat is so comfortable that my little man fell asleep on our most recent 45 minute Uber ride from the airport to our cruise ship. (Grab your 7 day cruise family packing check list here for your next trip).  The tether strap kept him upright and ensured he was still in the proper position in case something unexpected happened during our ride.

Getting Ready for Your First Trip with the RideSafer Travel Vest

Since we only use the ride safer delight travel vest while traveling, we like to ensure that the vest is properly fitted the night before our flight (no the vest is not certified for air travel).

We pull out this lightweight toddler car seat and place it on our little one.  I adjust all the straps to ensure that the lower panel is over the tops of his thighs.  We also choose to use the optional crotch strap so that the back doesn’t ride up while in use (this is purely for our little ones comfort).  After adjusting the travel car seat vest we head out to our car and have him sit in a regular seat to make sure everything is positioned correctly before our trip.  Once you get all the kids seat belt vest straps properly configured you can now remove the vest (don’t move any straps) and store in your carryon luggage for use when you land at your destination.

How to use the Ride Safer Vest

We like to use Uber/Lift when available at our destination and when not available then taxi’s.  If you have a traditional car seat you will have to wait for the vehicle to arrive before you can have your child ready to go.  That is not the case with the ride safer delight travel car seat vest .  Once we order our Uber/Lift or taxi, we then pull out the lightweight travel vest and get our son into it.  Since we have already pre-adjusted all straps it is easy to have him slip it on and get buckled up. 

How to install the Best Travel Car Seat for Toddlers Once the Car Arrives 

  • Place your little one in the seat (our preference is on the side with a shoulder strap) and buckle the seatbelt as normal.  
  • Feed the seatbelt through the vest leg and shoulder metal clasp.  
  • Finally, secure the tether strap to the anchor point and the hooks above the shoulders. Pull tight to remove an excess slack.  (This is optional but as stated above, highly recommended by us)

Now your little one is secure and you are ready to go.

Are you ready to purchase your own Ride Safer Travel Vest yet?  Buy here on Amazon as it cost you nothing but helps Mommy And Me Travels keep providing free content.   Safe Rider Delight Travel Vest

Also don’t forget to check out all of our must have family travel items before your next trip.  Or get your kids excited to travel with the best travel boxes for kids here .  

Pros and Cons of the Safe Rider Delight Travel Vest

  • Material is well made and built to last
  • Perfect for a family on the go as a travel car seat
  • Compact and takes up very little carryon space
  • Lightest toddler car seat
  • Feels more secure than a regular booster and provides more support for your kiddos
  • Adjustable sizing allows for multiple year use 
  • Optional Tether makes this mommy feel like Josh is  extremely secure
  • Maintains proper seatbelt positioning 
  • Available in 2 sizes to ensure proper fit
  • I know of nothing else that is as light, secure, and compact as this travel car seat vest
  • Can take some practice to get the hang of adjusting just right
  • The optional headrest takes up a lot of space that we don’t see as a required piece (as you see we didn’t mention it anywhere else on the review)
  • Not permitted to use on airlines
  • I don’t care for the travel bag provided, I recommend using something more compact like a medium packing cube
  • If your child is not a willing participant in getting the vest on it becomes a tiresome task
  • Not certified for European travel without regular booster seat

LIGHTEST TODDLER CARSEAT: RIDE SAFER DELIGHT TRAVEL VEST

Final thoughts on the Lightest Toddler Carseat: Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest

I’m sure you can tell by now that we love the Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest and find it to be the best travel car seat for toddlers.  We are so happy that we found this product and have used it several times as our go to portable travel car seat.  We feel this to be the safest and most convenient alternative to using a heavy traditional car seat or hoping that one we rent at our destination is clean, accident free, and properly installed. 

We understand that is might seem a little pricy at first, but if you like to travel or even if you just need one for occasional carpooling I cannot recommend this travel vest car seat enough.  It is a perfect choice as something to keep in your purse or backpack while you are out exploring and need to have something on hand that you can easily secure your child with. 

If you live in a place like New York City where many families don’t keep a car, it is perfect for those pop up times when you need to hail a cab.  Want to check out other options that are a little cheaper?  Explore and shop the range of mifold compact, safe and portable car booster seats. Ideal for travel .

Need other travel advice?  Check out our articles on:  20 Ultimate Packing Tips and Tricks for Family’s ,   12 Tips for Road Trips With Toddlers

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Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest Review: It will change the way your kids travel

12 Comments

What a great product. Thanks for sharing such a great review

Oh this is so interesting. I have many nieces and nephews and am always stressing about how to transport them. This would be so handy, instead of figuring out carseats!

Always safety first. super important that kids are save no matter where and what vehicle they are in xx

With a toddler and a baby coming soon this is so helpful! I love knowing reviews of products like this

We love our new travel vest. If you have a new baby on the way and your oldest will be 3 it will definitely help you manage when traveling and need to take car seats. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

When I saw the photo of the little one in the travel vest, I thought of my nephew. Looks like an interesting gift for kids!

Definitely a perfect gift for parents that travel. I was hoping to help those people needing Christmas ideas for friends or family as the holidays approach.

I remember those days when I used to travel with my children. Now my younger is 14. I will share that post with my sister in law as she traveled with my baby niece.

Thanks for the detailed review and the installation steps. Since we travel a lot in New York, as you said the vest will be definitely helpful when we use the cab.

This is perfect for those that travel and want to ensure that their kids are secure in taxis. Completely agree it would be great for your travels in New York City.

I’ve traveled with the car seats before, many times through the airports. It’s not easy. I had no idea this was even a thing. It says certified for use in motor vehicles in the USA which surprises me with how particular car seat safety is here. My boys are both in boosters now, so they are pretty easy to take with us. But I wish I would have known about this when they were younger!

There is a large size version on this vest if you are traveling and don’t have an inflatable booster. I have found that even my eldest prefers this over his travel booster as he states it is more comfortable than the travel booster we have for him.

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COMMENTS

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    Best Travel Vest Reviews. Without further ado, here are some of the best travel vests for men and women. Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Vest. With solid pocket space, Omni-Wick moisture technology, and UPF 50 blocking power, this men's travel vest is a great option when you're adventuring through mild weather.

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    Lacks Many Pockets. Quality. Many outdoor and travel enthusiasts associate Columbia's name with quality and decent value. Columbia's Women's Benton Springs vest is one of the most affordable on the market, priced at less than $50. The fleece vest is full-zip and features two zippered front pockets to warm your hands.

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    RFID Travel Vest. This is one of their best-selling vests with 18 pockets, including a built-in RFID-blocking pocket to ward off hackers. This breathable, lightweight vest ensures functionality and security. Pocket Count: 18 Pockets. Material: 100% Polyester, treated for water and stain repellency.

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  8. 11 BEST Travel Vests [2023 Guide!]

    Best women's travel vest. ExOfficio Flyq Lite is our pick for the best women's travel vest. Matching the men's Silver Ridge in the style stakes is the Flyq Lite by ExOfficio (which also comes as a men's version). But the Flyq Lite is also a vest that is lightweight and packs down very easily into a bag when you don't need it.

  9. 7 Top Travel Vests with Pockets for Men & Women

    4. BALEAF. Weight: Unknown, but reviews state it is lightweight. One of the newest travel vests is the BALEAF US / UK for women. Its sleek design offers a neat, slim-fit look over a shirt or long-sleeved top. Similar to the 30,000ft vest, the material is 100% polyester and machine washable.

  10. The Best Lightweight Travel Vest For Men

    Really light: Comfortable and easy to wear. Weighing in at 0.6 pounds, this easy-to-wear, featherweight travel vest adds minimal heft or weight on your back or in your suitcase. The breathable fabric is comfortable enough to wear in warm weather and light enough to be worn under a medium or heavier weight jacket.

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  14. Ride Safer Travel Vest review (2024)

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  15. Our Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest

    At under 3 pounds, the RideSafer Travel Vest is lightweight and easy to pack for travel. The RideSafer Travel Vest can be easily stowed in carry-on luggage, and the RideSafer Travel Vest is easy to use. We are so glad that the RideSafer Travel Vest exists! It made traveling to Europe with a 3-year-old so much easier.

  16. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Ride Safer Travel Vest with Zipped

    Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Ride Safer Travel Vest with Zipped Backpack-Wearable, Lightweight, Compact, and Portable Car Seat. Perfect for Everyday use or Rideshare, Travel, and Rental Car. (Large/Blue) at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users.

  17. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: SCOTTeVEST Travel Vest for Men (S, Khaki)

    Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for SCOTTeVEST Travel Vest for Men (S, Khaki) at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. ... 5.0 out of 5 stars great travel vest. Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2013. Verified Purchase.

  18. SCOTTeVEST: a review (revised and updated)

    Now, if you're still interested in the original review, published in 2015, here it is. I updated it a bit in December 2020 (in italics). My original review of the SCOTTeVEST travel vest. SCOTTeVEST 's unique selling point is pockets. They produce jackets, vests, trousers and shirts with lots and lots of pockets. I love this idea.

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