On any given outing, body temperature changes frequently during and after movement, so I like to wear layers. Outdoor Research’s Shadow Insulated Vest is one of my favorite layers.
Sustainable Threads
Made out of bluesign® approved fabric that is 90% nylon and 10% Spandex and insulated with VerticalX ECO SR™ Insulation (a synthetic insulation containing recycled polyester), this lightweight vest is exactly what I need to stay warm on 45-55 degree F walks. I most often wear it over a merino tee base layer and long-sleeve cotton top.
Shoulder Season Comfort
It’s ideal for this almost-Spring weather, providing both wind and water resistance. I go on a lot of late afternoon hikes and early evening walks, and the Shadow Insulated Vest is the perfect layer. In addition to being breathable because it doesn’t have sleeves, the fabric is also breathable. It’s got a tiny bit of stretch to it, too, so it moves when and where I move. Nice.
Cold Weather Warmth
On colder, blustery days the Shadow Insulated Vest is the perfect mid layer under a rain shell for hiking and walks or just wearing around town. It adds core warmth with breathability so I don’t overheat. The Shadow Insulated Vest also provides good neck coverage when fully zipped (there’s a little zipper garage on the end hem of the collar.) The vest is on the thin side, so it easily fits under all of my shells. I love the generous front zip pockets; they’re lined with a super soft material that feels fuzzy warm when I need to park my hands for a bit. The pockets also hold a lot: my inhaler and spacer on one side, my wallet and phone on the other, with room left over for lightweight gloves (when I remember). There’s also a stretchy pouch pocket on the inside of the jacket; that’s usually where I stash a small beanie.
Details
The bottom of the vest has a drawstring I can cinch tighter with a small toggle if I want it to hug my body.
I tested a men’s vest since I’m six feet tall and wanted the extra torso length. Had I checked with Outdoor Research first, I would have found out that the women’s vest is the same length through the torso, 27.5”, with the bonus of princess seams on the front of the vest for a more contoured fit and a very slightly rounded hems on front and back. It would have looked much more flattering on me.
Either way, the Shadow Insulated Vest is one of my favorite pieces of outerwear. As long as my core is warm and I have a hat, a vest is all I need.
Available in men’s sizes S-XXL in Naval Blue, Loden, and black and in women’s sizes XS-XL in Black and Elk.
$149 shop men’s, shop women’s at outdoorresearch.com
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