THE BEST Vests

A smart alternative to the “bug-out” bags, the R72 vest is a wearable survival pack you can grab in a hurry when disaster strikes. It not only works as a floatation vest, it has lots of gear loops and MOLLE webbing for carrying whatever you need, along with a system of eight modular bags, and an emergency tube tent.

It may look a bit like a bulletproof vest, but the FlexiFreeze vest is designed to protect you from the heat, not gunfire. Its three mesh pockets come with removable, water-filled ice packets to help keep you cool on searing hot days. The Pro version has large outer pockets, and comes in high-visibility colors.

“Built to hold your life, for the rest of your life.” Vollebak’s 100 Year Vest “repels fire, wind, rain and time.” With two large zipped side pockets, nine other smaller pockets, and three military tapes for carabiners, it can carry as much gear as a backpack. Also available in khaki.

Neckpacker’s vest and jacket are designed for travelers. They have eight spacious pockets, an inflatable neck cushion and a hood large enough to cover your face while you rest. They’re made of water-repellent, breathable fabric.

Nike’s Advanced Apparel Exploration 1.0 collection was designed using the company’s decades of motion and heat-map research. The water-repellent A.A.E. vest features a three-way adjustable hood, zipped ventilated seams, and an adjustable rear hem.

Patagonia’s new Worn Wear program offers used but well-maintained Patagonia merchandise at greatly discounted prices. Customers can trade in their Patagonia clothes and bags at stores in exchange for credit.

Snowpiercer. Designer Greg Lauren brought an edge to luxury brand Moncler’s clean and shiny apparel by replacing all or part of them with his brand’s washed and weathered clothing and fabric. Lauren called his approach “destroyed elegance and imperfect perfection.”

Light and load. Engineered Garments’ US military-inspired cotton twill vest has lots of asymmetrical pockets – including two at the back – and has three adjustable cords at the rear instead of a solid back to keep things breezy.

Tactical daddage. Add a dose of manly humor to your baby duties with Mission Critical’s over-the-top carrier. It has MOLLE webbing at the front and the back, a packable hood and a detachable and washable liner. Available in gray, olive and black.

The goose down insulated Aeroloft Zip Off jacket was made for cold weather running. But it’ll also keep you comfortable when you start heating up, thanks to its easily removable sleeves and quick-drying panels. Part of the new Gyakusou running collection.

The Phishing Hoody by Japanese brand Mountain Research is a modular hooded jacket. Wear it as a vest, or customize it further with extensions that give you different pocket styles. Despite its name, it won’t steal your personal information.

A sleeveless hoodie that looks like Old Glory, SpiritCape is made from the same nylon used to make premium American flags. There’s also a variant that features collegiate colors instead of the stars and stripes. SpiritCape! F yeah!

Designed by master-piece and P01, the Freeride-V is a vest with a fleece-lined compartment and straps at the back, perfect for carrying a snowboard and other items. It also has four front pockets and is waterproof.

ISAORA makes variants of their hooded down jackets and down vests that are made with highly reflective Italian fabric, going from matte gray to shiny silver white when fully illuminated.

We don’t know what his problem is but boy does he have an awesome vest. It’s Penfield’s Outback vest, made from 100% calf leather outer and padded with 210g of premium 80/20 goose down.