Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest Review

I’m not going to lie, you guys, the Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest is the first vest I have ever owned. However, I have had enough experience with Bluffworks that I basically allow them to dictate my entire wardrobe at this point (I have even taken to hiking in their Meridian Dress Shirt).

I never really got vests, but I think it’s because I either 1) have zero style or 2) have never been in a position where a vest would be the most suitable piece of clothing (I never imagined that people wouldn’t want to shove the puffy sleeves of their jackets into their suits or that there would be a need to keep warm while also looking professional – i.e. don’t wear your huge puffy jacket over your suit). I guess you could say that the Horizon Quilted Vest has really…expanded my horizons – eh? EH? You like that one?

The latest addition to the Bluffworks lineup does not disappoint, and as an introduction to the world of jacket tank tops, the Horizon Quilted has done well in trying to convert me to the vest side.

The Good

THE POCKETS | My favorite thing above the sleeveless jacket aka the Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest? All the pockets. The amount of storage space in this vest rivals the entire thing’s surface area. There are seven pockets total – three exterior and four interior. The exterior pockets are all zippered while there are three more zippered pockets inside along with one (huge) unzippered pocket (this is where I keep my power bank). If you’re thinking about flying and are bringing just enough baggage that you may be over the carry-on weight limit, then this vest is for you (because what’s carried on your person doesn’t count toward your bag’s weight, right?).

THE MATERIAL | The polyester shell feel pretty tough and with a water-repellant coating you can wear it in light rain without worrying about having forgotten your umbrella (or rain jacket). But the highlight is the soft interior of the vest (and interior of the pockets). I would sleep with blankets made of the stuff if I could.

The Okay

THE WEIGHT | The Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest definitely has some bulk to it and it’s a fair bit heavier than something I would usually pack in my travel bag. I am definitely wearing the vest when in transit (and not just because I’ve filled my pockets with things to keep my carry-on bag under the weight limit).

THE BUTTONS | As I said above, this is my first vest, so please excuse me if this is a customary vest thing, but I’m uncomfortable with both the zipper and buttons. It just seems like a lot. I guess only having buttons wouldn’t trap heat as well, but you’ve already got the armholes and hem for heat to escape – would removing the zipper make that much a difference? I guess only having a zipper wouldn’t be as aesthetically pleasing? I just know that it takes a bit of effort to transition the vest from open to closed (or vice versa).

The Bad

THE HAND-WARMER POCKETS | Of the seven pockets on the vest, the hand-warmer pockets are my least favorite. Why? For me, they are a bit small. If I want my hands to be all the way inside of the pockets I have to fold my fingers (I guess you could say, “Make a fist”?), and if I don’t put my hands all the way into the pockets, the zippers rub on my sensitive hand skin which gets irritated after a bit (am I supposed to be wearing gloves if I’m wearing a vest?). And good luck fitting anything in the pockets if you also want your hands in there.

Who is it for?

TRAVELERS: If you’re traveling with a single bag and are going to be heading anywhere that a vest would be appropriate (temperature-wise), then consider adding the Horizon Quilted Vest to your ensemble. The pockets are a life saver when it comes to getting my bag weight down and making it through airport security.

HIKERS: I can’t imagine taking this on any serious backpacking trips, but if you enjoy tranquil day walks in the woods, then this vest could be handy to bring along all of your things in lieu of carrying a small pack. Would certainly make running from bears easier.

Conclusion

Bluffworks has proven to me in the past that their products are awesome, and despite not being huge on the sleeveless jackets also known as vests, I decided to give the Horizon Quilted a shot. The verdict? I don’t think I’ve ready to run out and replace my limited wardrobe with vests, but I’m certainly hanging onto this one.

Check out the Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest here.

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