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Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

An Arizona snow day with the Marmot Alpha 60 Vest...what a day!

By: Kevin Kaminski + Save to a List


Sometimes it's just too warm for a jacket, but chilly enough that a base layer alone just won't cut it. The Marmot Alpha 60 Vest has been my favorite piece to bridge that gap. It's lightweight, packable, and perfect for those in-between days. Despite the fact that I live in the supposedly hot desert, I've been surprised by some crazy weather in Arizona: sunny days that beckon me to play in the fresh snow, and rainy days filled with mist and moody clouds. The Alpha 60 Vest has been my go-to item because it's the best of both worlds. I get breathability while on the move and regulation of my core temps while staking out the perfect sunset photograph or stopping to re-fuel. When the temps start to drop, I just throw my jacket over the vest and I'm good to go. 

I love that the Alpha 60 Vest is practical. Engineered with Pertex Quantum Air Fabric with 4-way stretch, I almost forget I'm wearing it. In the meantime, the built-in wind resistance keeps me comfortable from the elements. Part of the excitement of adventuring in the outdoors is the unpredictability of what you might encounter, such as a freak rainstorm or windy gusts. The durable water repellent finish and Polartec insulation provide protection to the most important part of my body, my core. 


The hood is an added bonus, especially for those who notoriously forget to pack a beanie (THIS GUY). I also discovered the zippered hand warmer pockets and chest pocket, which have come in handy for my lip gloss (just kidding, my lips are naturally this sparkly). If there's one thing I'm sure of when it comes to outdoor gear, it's that you can never have too many pockets!

Even when I'm stuck indoors shuffling about our drafty historic home, or waiting at the airport for my next flight, I've found the Alpha 60 vest useful. Not only does it keep me comfortable, it makes me look much cooler than the average weekend warrior. I might need to invest in a second one because I haven't removed this one in a week, and apparently you're supposed to wash clothes after wearing them repeatedly on adventures?! 

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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