Too many alpine shiver-fests can leave you mumbling incoherently and sporting a thousand-yard stare. Worth more than its weight in gold for core warmth and cold-weather sanity, this high-loft vest provides such ultralight, compressible warmth, you won't think twice about throwing it in your pack. Its durable, high-quality synthetic insulation traps heat (even when wet), the double-ripstop polyester shell blocks wind and resists snow, and it's made with recycled (40-100%) polyester content throughout. Pockets: two handwarmers and one interior zippered chest that doubles as a stuff sack (with a carabiner clip-in loop).