Gear Hub: Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket
Photos by Kim Fuller.
Not every jacket is made to wear during movement, but thanks to a balanced combination of insulation and ventilation, the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket is the ultimate layer for endurance activities in colder temperatures.
The “Vario” name reflects the jacket’s variability in a range of conditions. I tested the jacket in Vail, Colorado in the winter months and in a range of weather. For snowy trail running and mountain hiking on really cold mornings, the lofty but light insulation kept me warm while the body-mapped ventilation meant my heat could escape.
As a sustainability bonus, the Vario Jacket’s insulation is called 3DeFX and is made from 50% recycled materials. The recycled fibers are both warm and lofty, while being extra light. The jacket works great as a mid-layer under an alpine skiing shell, or would be ideal for high-country backpacking under a rain shell, but on it’s own the ripstop nylon exterior fabric is treated with a light DWR finish so it repels light moisture and wind.
One of my favorite qualities of the Vario Jacket is the perforated underarm vents. They almost seem drastically light in coverage compared to the rest of the jacket, but this feature is essential in not overheating during intense activity. Sweat still happens when it’s cold, and this helps to regulate body temperature so you don’t get really wet and then uncomfortably cold.
I did test the insulated hood on a particularly snowy morning, and it’s nice that is has some stretch and aligns with head movements. The fit of the jacket is slim and athletic but not tight, so it’s flattering on its own and also sits nicely underneath a top layer if needed.
With all its technical qualities, the Vario Jacket also conveniently packs down to be about the size of a grapefruit, so you can truly bring it along anywhere. It’s the ideal outdoor companion in every season for endurance activities like running, ski touring, hiking and backpacking when you need a lightweight layer of insulation.
The Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket is available in men’s and women’s sizing, with several earth-inspired color options. Shop here!