A vest is (a) not as hot as a jacket made from similar materials, (b) easier to add layers over the top of, (c) less restrictive of arm movement, (d) cheaper, (

A vest is (a) not as hot as a jacket made from similar materials, (b) easier to add layers over the top of, (c) less restrictive of arm movement, (d) cheaper, (e) packs smaller. If a jacket leaves the wearer feeling too hot (e.g. because they are doing something active like hiking up a hill), but just a shirt leaves him/her feeling too cold, then a vest would be a natural middle option. I don’t wear vests, but if I spent a lot of time outdoors in medium-cold climates, I can certainly imagine using one. Have you worn this type of vest before? You might be surprised how much warmer it is vs. just a shirt.