What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I run this vest on touring days when a jacket feels like too much. It adds instant warmth at transitions, packs down small, and the merino insulation stays comfortable even when I'm damp from the climb."When we're balancing effort and exposure in the mountains, we want insulation that adds warmth without slowing us down. The Arete Merino Insulation Vest from Mons Royale is built for those in-between moments-early starts, breezy ridgelines, and quick transitions where core warmth makes all the difference. Using 100% merino wool insulation, the vest regulates temperature naturally and continues to insulate even when wet. Stretch merino fleece side panels allow unrestricted movement while improving breathability, and the recycled Pertex Quantum shell blocks wind and sheds light snow. With a streamlined fit designed to layer under a shell, this vest stashes easily in a pack and deploys fast when conditions turn cold.