What Is a Downgilet?

A downgilet - or body warmer - is a handy layering piece for cold weather travel and outdoor activities.downgilet downgilet Padded gilets are lightweight, easy to pack and work well over a heavy polar jumper or as an inner layer under a jacket. The best ones are designed with performance in mind, made from premium fabrics with features like hoods, vents and pockets that are designed to stand up to rugged use. A quality gilet will also pack down into a small stuff sack and conform to other more solid items in your backpack or suitcase for maximum space efficiency.

When paired with the right outfit, a gilet looks quite smart and sophisticated.downgilet The key is to choose one that matches your outfit and weather conditions.downgilet A gilet is very useful in the mountains for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding and hiking. It is a great way to layer up without getting too bulky, especially when climbing or scrambling. It's also ideal for walking, when it can be difficult to wear a full jacket as you'll only end up with rain-soaked arms and shoulders.

As the name suggests, a downgilet is filled with down, which is a type of fluffy, light and warm material made from the insulation of duck or goose feathers.downgilet downgilet Down has millions of tiny air pockets, which are heated by your body heat to keep you warm. It's also an incredibly efficient insulator as it traps more warm air than synthetic fills. It's used in many different types of clothing, including winter jackets, fleeces and sleeping bags. A gilet with high-quality down is often more expensive than an equivalent one made from synthetic materials, but it's worth it for the warmth and comfort.

The sleeveless gilet can have a bit of a reputation for being ugly, and it can be hard to avoid conjuring up images of Defender-driving, fox-hunting Country Club set types wearing Schoffel-brand gilets.downgilet The good news is that these days there are more than enough stylish options available.downgilet Patagonia, in particular, is leading the charge with a selection of highly technical yet sleek-looking gilets, as well as more demure-looking designs from the likes of Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana.

If you're heading off on a weekend trip and need to pack your gear efficiently, a gilet is the perfect choice.downgilet It packs down into a very small stuff sack (about the size of a water bottle) and will fit easily in your day bag, backpack or suitcase. It's a very useful addition to any wardrobe for travel and outdoorsy pursuits, and the design of contemporary brands such as Arpenteur's Lateral vest demonstrates how the design can look chic rather than just practical. It looks great over a simple brushed cotton shirt and with vintage Levis, worn here with boots from Edward Green. It would also work well with a thick striped thermal or a plain sweatshirt. It is also a great option for camping, walking and mountaineering in mid-season when the temperatures are a little milder.