Value
For $260 you get a jacket that can work as a down sweater or a warmer weather expedition parka. That’s the kind of versatile value we love.

Warmth
While not warm enough for frigid days in the Rockies or high alpine expeditions, the 600-fill down was perfect for quick climbing rest stops. After working up a sweat winter alpine climbing, testers found it the perfect prescription for staying comfortable, even in shady stances. And true to its claim, the DriDown—feathers with a water repellent treatment—held its loft even after multiple pitches of climbing and plenty of sweat. With just a T-shirt underneath it was comfortable down to freezing.

Fit
The trimmer, body hugging fit meant there was less room under it for other layers, but also less air to warm, which translated to efficiency. For the same reason, this is a jacket you will want to personally try on. Barrel-chested users may find it doesn’t fit well. At chilly belay stances, the hood fit nicely over a climbing helmet, and with a little fiddling with the toggles, can be fit snug and out of peripheral vision.

Compressibility
One of the testers was disappointed in the compressibility, especially considering the jacket’s low bulk. It packs down to the size of soccer ball—not terrible, but not as small as warmer jackets we tested, like the Brooks Range, Westcomb or Helly Hansen.

Weight
At 21 ounces, the Sierra Designs TOV weighs less than some down sweaters. With 600-fill down, four pockets and a liner, that’s pretty impressive

Features
Three exterior pockets provide plenty of room for stashing everything you need close at hand. Inside is a larger mesh pocket for drying and storing gloves and hats. The generous hood easily fit over a climbing helmet.