$120 - Patagonia Women’s Down Vest
I never used to like it when gear manufacturers called their lightweight down jackets and vests “sweaters”. After all, they were really just less-warm versions of their normal down jackets, but were still too bulky to wear comfortably under a waterproof shell … but that was until Patagonia introduced their down sweaters and vests which are all super trim, extra light, and with enough 800-fill power down to still be really warm. They’re stylish and comfortable enough that after trying one on my wife almost demanded it as a Christmas gift.
The Patagonia women’s down vest that’s on sale now is one of those great pieces, the same one my wife wanted. It’s filled with 800-fill down, and the close-spaced baffles keep the loft down to just an inch or two. Always sweating the details, Patagonia also added extra stitching under the arms to keep the down to about a half-inch thick and make the vest really trim and comfortable - not to mention the rip-stop shell fabric that keeps the weight down to just 6 ounces. Per the reviews on Altrec.com this sweater vest is a bit shorter and trimmer-fitting than the average down jacket, so women in between sizes or with larger busts should size-up one size.
Currently it’s available in XS, S, M, & L sizes for just $119.99 at Altrec and it includes free shipping, like all backcountry gear orders of $45 and up.