Patagonia Downdrift Vest(Backcountry)
If you know me, you know I love to travel and I love the cold. My first trip to Iceland was in mid-September. I left a sunny, humid 80-degree day behind in New York and beheld a much, much different scene when I stepped off the plan in Reykjavik six hours later. It would be six days before I saw the sun again and the temperatures barely broke 40 degrees the entire time I was there. Yet, it was still one of the best trips of my life.
One of the reasons I wasn't miserable? This Patagonia vest. Filled with 600-fill power down and featuring a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that keeps light rain away, I wore this vest every day that it wasn't pouring. If you're looking for a middle ground between a heavy winter parka and a light fall coat, a vest like this is where it's at. Not to mention it's half off right now at Backcountry — you can snag it for just $108. Not bad at all for a Patagonia piece.
These large pockets will have no problem swallowing up your phone.
Sales on Patagonia gear are few and far between, and usually end up being 30-40% off at most. This vest is a whopping 55% off the original price. The technical term for this kind of markdown is: a steal.
When it comes to outerwear, I'm a bit of a nerd. (How many people do you know who have a YouTube channel dedicated to reviewing outdoor gear? I rest my case.) Historically, I was never a big vest fan. A jacket without sleeves? What's the point? But after spending enough time wearing one outdoors — hiking, skiing, just trying to stay comfortable in unpredictable weather — I came around. Whether I'm wearing one over a long-sleeve base layer on a brisk morning walk or over a flannel or hoody for a more casual look, I've realized that a good vest is one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. And now? I own more of them than I care to admit.
A good vest, like the Downdrift, keeps your core toasty without turning you into an overheated mess. And since it’s Patagonia, you know they didn’t skimp on sustainability. The outer shell? Made entirely from recycled fishing nets. So while you're staying warm, you're also keeping plastic out of the ocean.
As for insulation, this thing is stuffed with 600-fill recycled down, bringing that signature Patagonia coziness without the environmental guilt. A PFC-free finish helps fend off light rain and snow, and the two hand pockets? Perfect for keeping your fingers from freezing — or just stashing your phone, a couple of energy bars or a small fly box.
A whopping 90% of the reviews of this vest have been five-star ratings, giving it an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.
"I now am the happy owner of three of these vests in different colors. I have looked for many years for this style with the features it provides. It has a roomy telephone pocket, it fits well and its warm. The double outer pockets are both useful and inspired. Patagonia has truly nailed this design," praised one reviewer.
"I own two of them. This vest can handle single digit temperatures in Colorado with a thick flannel underneath. Also love the snaps that I use without the zipper while driving so the bottom doesn’t bunch up," said another repeat customer.
"This is an awesome vest," summed up this shopper. "I have looked for a vest of this design and quality for years (and wasted a lot of money in the process). These vests are beautifully designed and constructed. [They're] so warm and fit beautifully. Well done, Patagonia!"
"It definitely runs large," noted this tall drink of water. "I’m 6’2” 195 lbs. and always wear a large or extra large but in this vest I’m in a medium. I’m thrilled with it and it will be a staple in my winter wear, but be aware of the sizing."
"It is a little boxy," groused this guy, "but overall, it is a really warm and nice-looking vest."
Not a fan of the brown? No one is perfect. Other colors are on sale as well, including dark blue, green and black.
Not sure if you want to make this in-vest-ment (sorry)? Here are plenty of other deals to be had. Grab them before they're Pata-gone-ia (again...sorry).
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.