Kate Agathon
Level up your winter style this season with the Smartwool Smartloft Vest.
Every winter, Smartwool’s perennial favorite insulated vest is seemingly worn everywhere in the mountain ski community where I live- on nordic skiers, dog walkers, in the lodge for apres ski, etc.
This season, I was determined to see for myself what the hype is about and why the Smartwool Smartloft Vest returns year after year (especially spotted at nordic ski areas). Is it the look? Is it the function? After having an opportunity to finally wear the Smartwool Smartloft Vest, I can confidently say it is both.
Look and Fit
First of all, I really liked its elevated look.
The Smartwool Smartloft Vest is appropriate for travel, outdoor recreation, and just looking good.
As soon as I tried it on, my partner remarked how fancy and stylish it looked and asked if I was going to wear it when we went on our next dinner date. It was a nice departure from the more technical-looking down vests I usually wear.
Even though I wore the black color, the Smartloft Vest offered just a little bit of stylish flair to break the monotony. I also like how virtually every piece of Smartwool can be mixed and matched with other pieces (e.g. Smartloft pants, Smartloft skirt, Run Legging).
The stitching’s pattern adds feminine detail and gives the illusion of elongating the torso and a fitted look.
The fit is advertised as regular, but I did have to wear a size M. While I typically wear a size S, it was simply too tight across the chest once I zipped it. In contrast, the size M fit perfectly.
Functionality
Constructed from wind-resistant recycled nylon with DWR to protect from the elements, the Smartwool Smartloft Vest’s insulation is lined with merino wool to keep your core warm without the bulk.
The addition of stretchy merino-blend fleece panels provided extra comfort and moveability that was especially appreciated while nordic skiing. I have worn other insulated vests in the past and there is a noticeable difference in mobility with the Smartwool Smartloft Vest.
Because of the superior insulating properties of the vest, I often paired it with just a merino wool baselayer underneath and it was enough to keep me warm while I was walking the dogs or nordic skiing, despite the cold temperatures.
Also, I can see why the Smartwool Smartloft Vest is so popular among my fellow nordic skiers, because it allows for a full range of motion and frees my arms while keeping my core warm. Vests are great to wear on days when it is too cold to wear just a baselayer, but a jacket might be too much.
The Smartwool Smartloft Vest features an attached hood and two zippered hand pockets and one zippered internal chest pocket to stash keys, ID, and chapstick safely.
My only suggestion is that I would have liked a longer back to keep my backside warmer whenever I sat down.
Eco-Conscious Materials
Smartwool is all about reducing its carbon footprint. The vest’s materials use 60g proprietary 50 percent recycled wool insulation and a recycled nylon exterior.
Overall Impression
The elevated Smartwool Smartloft Vest is a stylish and functional piece that can be worn throughout the winter and is perfect for mountain living.
In most cases, the merino wool lining provides just the right amount of insulation for the high altitude environment where I live and the types of activities I do. The outer shell and hood kept me protected from the winter wind and other harsh elements.
I have received compliments every time I’ve worn it. I like the Smartwool Smartloft Vest for the stylish way it looks and how it can be paired with practically anything (i.e. leggings, pants, skirts) and is appropriate for almost any setting.
The Smartwool Smartloft Vest is available in sizes XS to XL and six color options.
Kate Agathon
Dr. Of Stoke
Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.
A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.
Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.
The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.
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