Men’s Gilet Buyer’s Guide Summer 2025

Our Verdict

The Arete LB is Berghaus doing what Berghaus does best:  functional, no-frills kit that just works. Built for climbers and mountain-goers who treat ounces like enemies. The Arete LB is lighter than trail mix and almost as crinkly. But don’t let the light rustle fool you; it punches above its weight, with surprisingly effective synthetic insulation that keeps your core comfortable well into the low single digits. A snug fit means it layers like a dream under a shell or over a baselayer. Also: the reversible option is nifty.

Best for: Fast and light layering without the guilt of goose

Our verdict

A slightly offbeat, slightly glossy down gilet with big puffy quilting and more pockets than you might know what to do with. The Helium Utility looks like it could walk straight off a Scandi fashion shoot and into an alpine hut. It’s warm — reassuringly so — thanks to responsibly sourced 700 fill duck down. The big win? Four pockets, including two Napoleon-style chest zips that make you feel very important indeed. But it’s slightly bulkier than the others on test making it ideal for low-output activities or casual layering.

Best for: stylish campfire creds with actual performance

Our Verdict

Rab’s Mythic range has long been a love letter to serious alpinists and ounce-counters. The Mythic Vest continues the theme with freakishly good warmth-to-weight and 900 fill goose down that’s been treated to resist damp. It’s warm enough for high-output winter use and cool mornings in the Alps,  but don’t expect it to stand up to heavy abrasion or beer garden sparks. It’s a specialist layer,  but to be fair an exceptional one. Be aware that it fits larger than the sizing chart suggests.

Best for: ultralight nerds who count calories (and grams)

Our Verdict

Arc’teryx’s Atom series is beloved by alpinists, gear nerds, Gen Z and cool dads alike. This vest sits firmly in the middle ground: not too warm, not too light, and ready for everything from morning hikes to pub gardens. The Atom Vest might not be the warmest or lightest here, but it’s the most versatile.. Synthetic Coreloft insulation handles sweat and damp like a champ, while the fit flatters most shapes. Stretch side panels improve breathability, and it slides under or over layers with the ease of a seasoned guide. It’s the kind of gilet that becomes a daily go-to, whether you’re in the Cairngorms or the car park at your local crag.

Best for: the all-rounder