12 Best Travel Vests Deals for Fall

Oct 15, 2024

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Shop these deals from brands like Patagonia, Everlane, Columbia, and more.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

I never understood the appeal of vests until I left my packable down jacket behind on a park bench one balmy fall day. I spend most of my time in Mexico City, where the weather can switch from sunny and warm to cold and drizzly in an instant. It was one of my go-to jackets for transitional weather, but I always found myself taking it off and carrying it. So I decided to replace it with a lightweight puffer vest, and I finally get it.

Wearing a vest when it’s just a little too warm for a jacket keeps your core cozy but your arms free and clear, and it strikes a great balance for those in-between days. Plus, you never feel the need to take it off and carry it. A waterproof one with a hood can do the trick when bouts of rain seemingly come out of nowhere. Beyond that, puffers and other types of insulated vests are perfect for cool-weather activities, like hiking, biking, and fishing, where freedom of movement for your arms is paramount. And some vests are frankly a look.

Right now is a great time for scoring deals. Plenty of vests from brands that really nail the combo of performance and style are on sale for up to 50 percent. Activewear brands like Patagonia and Columbia, casual looks by Everlane and J. Crew. and even a faux-mink vest from Nordstrom make appearances on the list below. Keep scrolling for sale-priced, travel-friendly fall vests that are simply staple-worthy.

Nordstrom

This reversible vest by Gallery is pretty genius. It has a faux-fur shell, but if you start to feel a drizzle, flip it inside out to reveal a water-resistant, quilted side. It even has a removable hood, so it’s an MVP for days when scattered showers are in the forecast. Right now, it’s on sale in cream, and customers say it fits true to size and “it feels so good on.”

Everlane

Everlane is an iconic brand that prioritizes the planet, and I can get on board with that. Its puffer vest is the pinnacle of an eco-friendly packable vest, made completely of post-consumer recycled materials, including the down fill. It’s water-resistant and on the warmer side, so it can definitely take the bite out of a winter day, too. “Because of the down fill, it squishes nicely for packing and then puffs right up again,” noted one traveler.

Columbia

A bit of added length makes this Columbia vest the perfect piece to match with leggings. It’s medium weight and water-repellent, and cinches at the waist to help retain body heat. Fall excursions have met their match with this piece — it even has zippered pockets, rendering a purse unnecessary on outdoor adventures. Grab it in one of five colors including black and autumnal shades like copper and olive green.

Old Navy

The master of fleece, Old Navy has achieved the perfect cozy fall vest in this fitted option — and right now it’s on sale in multiple colors and available in petite, regular, and tall sizes. It’s even made with partially recycled materials. If ever there were a packing essential for unpredictable climates, it’s this vest, which can be worn over a shirt or as an insulating layer under a jacket. According to one shopper, it’s “the most comfortable and warm and not bulky vest I have ever worn.”

J.Crew

A quilted vest with a corduroy collar is the packing list item you never knew you needed. With gold hardware and a cropped hem, this J. Crew number has a smart silhouette that manages to go beyond just activewear. It’s made with lightweight PrimaLoft, an eco-friendly down alternative that makes excellent use of recycled plastic bottles. The vest strikes the perfect balance between lightweight construction and cozy warmth. “It's perfect!” wrote one fan. “I have gotten so many [compliments].”

REI

Patagonia is one of the most iconic names in outdoor gear and activewear, and its puffer vests are particularly beloved, but rarely on sale. And when they are, they sell out in a heartbeat. That’s why I suggest pouncing on this one, which is on sale and fully stocked in a fun green color. It has all the features the brand is known for: it’s water-repellent, filled with down, made with post-consumer recycled material, and outfitted with lots of pockets. “It packs up super light and compact — so perfect for travel,” noted a shopper.

Amazon

This sleek and streamlined vest is a perfect layer for chilly fall activities. Designed with a down alternative that offers warmth, this vest keeps chilly weather at bay while leaving room for movement and breathability. Ideal for cycling or hiking, it has a split rounded hem on either side that offers enough room for movement. Features like zippered pockets add functional flair and the stand collar provide extra coziness. “This Baleaf vest is well-made and provides a lot of warmth for such a lightweight layer,” said one happy customer. Get a double discount with the on-site coupon.

Amazon

The trendiest fall piece, the “shacket” (a shirt and jacket combo) gets the sleeveless treatment with this flannel vest. This one is less adventure friendly and more of a piece to pack if you want to elevate an outfit when exploring a new city or heading out to a brunch date. It comes in slightly weathered-looking plaids and an intentionally oversized silhouette. “The length is perfect — not too long but covers the goods. Warm and comfortable,” wrote a shopper.

Nordstrom

I’ve been a fan of faux fur vests for years, and thankfully they never go out of style. This faux-mink hooded vest comes in beige or gray, and has a nice cropped fit, so it’s right on trend and helps prevent you from showing up with a windblown coif. Frankly, any outfit would get a major style upgrade with this fall piece. “Fits perfectly and will look awesome with jeans, leggings, or joggers,” said one fashionista. “I will even wear this over my sweater dresses for an extra fun accessory.”

Amazon

This fall vest is made of a warm, durable material and its water-resistant shell cuts the wind. And with six pockets, it’s a runner’s, hiker’s, or golfer’s dream. The drawcord at the bottom helps you seal out the chill when the temperature drops, and it comes in 10 versatile colors. One reviewer, who used this as their main layer for a four-day canoe camping trip, wrote, “Fits well, looks good, waterproof, and warm. … It sheds stains and spills and, [to be honest], looks pretty-darn sleek out in the wilds.”

Old Navy

Get retro in this colorblocked fall puffer vest by Old Navy. It’s a revival of an exact style sold by the store 30 years ago, just in time to level up the style of a new generation. Definitely don’t hide this one under any other layers; it was born to shine all on its own, and it’s insulated for all the warmth you need to stay toasty on all your fall excursions.

Nordstrom

Kind of fur, kind of fleece, and full-on cozy, this hooded vest from Nordstrom is beautiful on its own but would also be great for layering. Its oversized fit makes it a safe bet for most body types, and its attached hood makes it so you likely won’t need a hat on chillier days. Get snug and stylish in this Nordstrom pick.

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