Whether you call it a vest, bodywarmer or gilet, these sleeveless jackets protect your upper body from cold, wind and rain. They’re mostly made from light and robust materials, have a small pack size and offer a lot of freedom of movement for the arms. This makes them especially perfect for sports that require a lot of arm use; like trail running, climbing or fishing. Top layer designs are often made of down or a mix of polyester and wool, whilst slimmer midlayer versions come in a thinner polyester material. In addition to down vests, you’ll also find softshell, fleece and padded vests (synthetic down ).