The Nia Vest pairs a water-repellent shell with synthetic insulation quilted through the chest and upper back, holding off light rain and wind without adding bulk everywhere else. PFC-free DWR treatment keeps the shell weather-ready in variable conditions. What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"Climbing a steep switchback with the vest zipped up, I never overheated the way a fully insulated layer would have. The bare arms let heat escape while the quilted chest and back kept my core warm the whole way up."