Advnture Verdict
A handy, well-priced body warmer with the bonus of a great removable hood – a brilliant quiver-of-one gilet, especially if you’re after something affordable.
Pros
- +
Water resistant
- +
Good value for money
- +
Hooded
- +
Recycled insulation
Cons
- -
Limited warmth
- -
Lack of color options
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Sundried Women’s Recycled Quilted Vest: first impressions
If you want just one handy gilet for more relaxed outings in rain or shine, the Sundried Women’s Recycled Quilted Vest is a really good contender.
The outer fabric is water resistant enough that rain will bead on the surface and drip off, while the satin-esque inner fabric is soft and cosy to wear.
Hooded gilets aren’t usually very easy to layer, but Sundried get around that with a well-designed detachable and adjustable hood – pop it on if you’re wearing the gilet over a base layer, or zip it off if you want to add a waterproof jacket over the top. (See also: why is layering important?)
• RRP: $82 (US) / £60 (UK)
• Fill: Recycled synthetic
• Sizes: S / M / L / XL
• Waterproofing: Water resistant
• Colors: Black
• Compatibility: Casual wear in dry or wet conditions
Sundried Women’s Recycled Quilted Vest: on the trail
The Sundried Women’s Recycled Quilted Vest isn’t as warm as some bulkier models we tested for our best women’s gilets buying guide, but for warmer days when you don’t need a super-insulated layer it’s useful to sling on.
The hood was one of the best on all the hiking vests we tested – it sits snugly in place even in windy conditions, adding welcome extra warmth and wind protection around the face and neck.
We also like the two zipped pockets and the fact that you can cinch in the neck of the gilet using the hood toggles.
On test we did think the outer material for this body warmer felt rather flimsy – it’s best to keep well away from thorns or anything else that could rip it. That said, we think this gilet sits at a good price point at well under $100/£100 – a fuss-free, versatile pick to wear in fall and spring.
