• front view of men's full zip hooded jacket for backpacking
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • front view of black Vario Jacket for men
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • close view of water beading up on hood of ultralight synthetic jacket
  • front view of man hiking with red ultralight full zipper jacket near river
  • front view of hiker on top of mountain wearing red synthetic zippered jacket for backpacking
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • side view of man wearing blue Vario Jacket on mountain peak
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
  • Vario Jacket - Men's
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Vario Jacket - Men's

Maximum Comfort For Backcountry Adventures

$209.97
Membership Pricing: $188.97
  • 9 oz weight
  • Body-mapped breathability for comfort in wider temperature ranges
  • Packs to the size of a grapefruit for easy packing
  • 50% recycled 3DeFX insulation for max warmth & breathability
Style
Color: Black
Size
What's My Size?

Description

The Vario Jacket is built as a 3-season jacket with a lighter, more breathable insulation layer that performs better in real backcountry conditions. Using stretch 3DeFX® synthetic insulation and a wind-resistant nylon shell, the Vario provides reliable warmth without the bulk or moisture sensitivity of down. It’s warm enough for cold mornings and camp use, yet breathable enough to wear while hiking, climbing, or moving in changing weather.

Designed as part of a layering system, the Vario can be worn as an outer insulation layer in cool conditions or as a midlayer under a shell or heavier jacket when temperatures drop. The reactive warmth insulation and perforated underarm vents help regulate heat so you stay comfortable without constantly changing layers, making the Vario a versatile choice for backpacking, alpine travel, and everyday cold-weather use.
Specs
  • Insulation: 40 g/m2 3DeFX active stretch insulation, 50% recycled
  • Shell Fabric: 20D Ripstop Nylon DWR treated
  • Inner Fabric: 20D Ripstop Nylon
  • Color: Black, Blue, Mahogany
  • Gender: Male
  • Zippers: YKK
  • Fit: Efficiently Trim - the Vario should fit easily over a baselayer & an ultralight mid layer when needed, but there should not be a lot of loose fabric.
  • Tall Size Fit: tall sizes are approximately 2 inches longer in the sleeves & 2 inches taller in the torso.
  • Warranty: Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise
Key Features

2 zippered pockets help you keep items secure or your hands warm

Full YKK zipper makes it easy to put it on or take it off

3DeFX Insulation that stretches with you and creates maximum loft and warmth

20D Ripstop Nylon is durable and keeps the jacket ultralight

Body-Mapped Insulation Placement allows the jacket to vent more for the areas of your torso that are typically the hottest

Perforated Underarm Vents are one of the most breathable areas on the jacket, giving you max comfort

Drop Back Hem that keeps you covered whether you are sitting or on the move

Stretch Cuffs make sure the hoodie fits well while giving the hoodie a simple, sleek look

Insulated Hood moves with your head without blocking vision 

DWR treatments allow the Vario to be water resistant

Thumb Loops help you keep your sleeves from bunching when you are laying another jacket over the Vario

Athletic Cut gives the hoodie a sleek appearance

Subtle Branding is unobtrusive and gives the hoodie a sleek appearance

How Warm Is The Vario Compared To A Puffy?

What Makes This Different Than A Down Jacket?

Where Does The Vario Fit In My Layering System?

How Warm Is The Vario Compared To A Puffy?

The Vario is a 3-season level jacket with more versatility than comparable puffy jackets because of its ability to regulate your body temperature across a wider range of conditions & activity levels.

As an outer layer, the Vario works well between 25ºF-50ºF (using a layering system properly.)

In conditions below freezing, the Vario could also be used as an active mid layer.

How Warm Is The Vario Compared To A Puffy?

side view of man wearing blue Vario Jacket on mountain peak

The Vario is a 3-season level jacket with more versatility than comparable puffy jackets because of its ability to regulate your body temperature across a wider range of conditions & activity levels.

As an outer layer, the Vario works well between 25ºF-50ºF (using a layering system properly.)

In conditions below freezing, the Vario could also be used as an active mid layer.

What Makes This Different Than A Down Jacket?

The Vario offers exceptional warmth & body-mapped breathability compared to down jackets (which aren't breathable.) Innovative 3DeFX insulation stretches with you as you move, allowing heat to pass through when you need to vent.

When not in motion, this insulation optimizes loft for maximum warmth.

This is a synthetic insulation which will keep you warm even when wet.

What Makes This Different Than A Down Jacket?

The Vario offers exceptional warmth & body-mapped breathability compared to down jackets (which aren't breathable.) Innovative 3DeFX insulation stretches with you as you move, allowing heat to pass through when you need to vent.

When not in motion, this insulation optimizes loft for maximum warmth.

This is a synthetic insulation which will keep you warm even when wet.

Where Does The Vario Fit In My Layering System?

The Vario is designed to replace a traditional 3-season puffy when used as part of a proper layering system. It provides lightweight insulation, wind resistance, and light water resistance, but it is not a substitute for a rain shell in wet conditions. In mild to cool weather, the Vario can be worn as your outer insulation layer, while in colder temperatures it works well as a midlayer under a shell or heavier jacket.

Because the Vario uses breathable, reactive warmth insulation with perforated underarm vents, it stays comfortable while moving without overheating. This makes it ideal for backpacking, hiking, and alpine travel where you need warmth at camp but also need a jacket you can keep on while active.

Where Does The Vario Fit In My Layering System?

The Vario is designed to replace a traditional 3-season puffy when used as part of a proper layering system. It provides lightweight insulation, wind resistance, and light water resistance, but it is not a substitute for a rain shell in wet conditions. In mild to cool weather, the Vario can be worn as your outer insulation layer, while in colder temperatures it works well as a midlayer under a shell or heavier jacket.

Because the Vario uses breathable, reactive warmth insulation with perforated underarm vents, it stays comfortable while moving without overheating. This makes it ideal for backpacking, hiking, and alpine travel where you need warmth at camp but also need a jacket you can keep on while active.

Key Features

Sustainable 3DeFX Insulation

Engineered with innovative 3DeFX Insulation sourced and created by Toray, the Vario Jacket offers exceptional warmth and body-mapped breathability. Made from 50% recycled fibers, this insulation maintains performance and durability, ensuring lasting loft and warmth.

Ultralight and Mobile Design

Crafted from durable Ripstop Nylon fabric, the Vario Jacket stretches with your movements, allowing for optimal flexibility and full range of motion. At just a few oz, this jacket is half the weight of other comparable insulated jackets! It can do more for you while weighing less.

Sustainable 3DeFX Insulation

Engineered with innovative 3DeFX Insulation sourced and created by Toray, the Vario Jacket offers exceptional warmth and body-mapped breathability. Made from 50% recycled fibers, this insulation maintains performance and durability, ensuring lasting loft and warmth.

Ultralight and Mobile Design

Crafted from durable Ripstop Nylon fabric, the Vario Jacket stretches with your movements, allowing for optimal flexibility and full range of motion. At just a few oz, this jacket is half the weight of other comparable insulated jackets! It can do more for you while weighing less.

Body Mapped Breathability

The Vario has perforated armpit vents & targeted insulation placement to prevent overheating. Additionally, the 3DeFX insulation stretches with you as you move, allowing more heat to pass through when you need to vent. Or, while stationary, this innovative insulation keeps you incredibly warm while weighing next to nothing!

Compact and Packable

With its compressible design, the Vario Jacket can be packed down to the size of a grapefruit, making it easy to carry on any adventure. Whether you're backpacking through rugged terrain or exploring remote trails, you'll always have a warm layer within reach.

Body Mapped Breathability

The Vario has perforated armpit vents & targeted insulation placement to prevent overheating. Additionally, the 3DeFX insulation stretches with you as you move, allowing more heat to pass through when you need to vent. Or, while stationary, this innovative insulation keeps you incredibly warm while weighing next to nothing!

Compact and Packable

With its compressible design, the Vario Jacket can be packed down to the size of a grapefruit, making it easy to carry on any adventure. Whether you're backpacking through rugged terrain or exploring remote trails, you'll always have a warm layer within reach.

Ideal For

Experience the outdoors in comfort and style with the Vario Jacket, idea for:

  • thru hikers
  • ultralight backpackers
  • day hikers
  • snowshoers
  • travelers
  • adventurers on the go

Named for its adaptability, this jacket revolutionizes ultralight backpacking without compromising warmth or comfort.

Testimonials

OV Media Mentions OV Media Mentions OV Media Mentions

Design Story

front view of black Vario Jacket for men

Performance Metrics Relative To OV Products

Mid Layer

Warmth

Breathability

Water Resistance

Wind Resistance

Durability

Stretch

Packability

Vario Jacket - Men's

5/10

4/10

5/10

7/10

5/10

2/10

5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Product, Shipping, & Warranty Info

Full Description

Vario: from the root of the word 'variability'. Named for its adaptability, this jacket revolutionizes ultralight backpacking without compromising warmth or comfort. It has everything you know & love about the Ventus Active Hoodie, but also has pockets, a full zipper, & more insulation.

  • Sustainable 3DeFX Insulation: Engineered with innovative 3DeFX Insulation sourced and created by Toray, the Vario Jacket offers exceptional warmth and body-mapped breathability. Made from 50% recycled fibers, this insulation maintains performance and durability, ensuring lasting loft and warmth.

  • Ultralight and Mobile Design: Crafted from durable Ripstop Nylon fabric, the Vario Jacket stretches with your movements, allowing for optimal flexibility and full range of motion. At just a few oz, this jacket is half the weight of other comparable insulated jackets! It can do more for you while weighing less.

  • Body Mapped Breathability: The Vario has perforated armpit vents & targeted insulation placement to prevent overheating. Additionally, the 3DeFX insulation stretches with you as you move, allowing more heat to pass through when you need to vent. Or, while stationary, this innovative insulation keeps you incredibly warm while weighing next to nothing!

  • Compact and Packable: With its compressible design, the Vario Jacket can be packed down to the size of a grapefruit, making it easy to carry on any adventure. Whether you're backpacking through rugged terrain or exploring remote trails, you'll always have a warm layer within reach.

  • Soft and Comfortable: Unlike other ultralight fabrics, the Vario Jacket features a soft interior that feels comfortable against your skin. Say goodbye to sticky or clammy materials—this jacket is designed for maximum comfort, so you'll never want to take it off.

Experience the outdoors in comfort and style with the Vario Jacket. With its unbeatable warmth, durability, and versatility, it's the ultimate solution for adventurers who refuse to compromise. Stay warm, stay comfortable, and stay ready for any adventure with the Vario Jacket.

 

Specs:

  • Weight: 9 oz
  • Insulation: 40 g/m2 3DeFX active stretch insulation, 50% recycled
  • Shell Fabric: 20D Ripstop Nylon DWR treated
  • Inner Fabric: 20D Ripstop Nylon
  • Color: Black, Blue, Mahogany
  • Gender: Male, Female
  • Zippers: YKK
  • Fit: Efficiently Trim - the Vario should fit easily over a baselayer & an ultralight mid layer when needed, but there should not be a lot of loose fabric.
  • Tall Size Fit: tall sizes are approximately 2 inches longer in the sleeves & 2 inches taller in the torso.
  • Warranty: Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise

Features:

  • 2 zippered pockets help you keep items secure or your hands warm
  • Full YKK zipper makes it easy to put it on or take it off
  • 3DeFX Insulation that stretches with you and creates maximum loft and warmth
  • 20D Ripstop Nylon is durable and keeps the jacket ultralight
  • Body-Mapped Insulation Placement allows the jacket to vent more for the areas of your torso that are typically the hottest
  • Perforated Underarm Vents are one of the most breathable areas on the jacket, giving you max comfort
  • Drop Back Hem that keeps you covered whether you are sitting or on the move
  • Stretch Cuffs make sure the hoodie fits well while giving the hoodie a simple, sleek look
  • Insulated Hood moves with your head without blocking vision 
  • DWR treatments allow the Vario to be water resistant
  • Thumb Loops help you keep your sleeves from bunching when you are laying another jacket over the Vario
  • Athletic Cut gives the hoodie a sleek appearance
  • Subtle Branding is unobtrusive and gives the hoodie a sleek appearance
Product Care

Product Care

Your Vario Jacket is a high performance piece of gear. It needs some extra attention to keep it performing at the highest level.

Please read through the care instructions below to ensure that you care for it properly:

Before Washing

  • Never wash your jacket in a washing machine that has an agitator.
  • If you cannot follow either of these prior instructions you should hand wash your jacket using the detergent and drying process described below.


The Wash & Dry Process

  1. Use a mild detergent like Dreft (for babies) or Nikwax (for technical gear).
  2. Choose Low Spin or Delicate wash.
  3. Choose Cold Wash & Cold Rinse.
  4. Hang dry until the jacket is completely dry.


For more information on caring for your gear please visit https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/care-guide-faq
How long does shipping take?

Orders for in-stock items will begin processing 1-2 days after your online purchase is completed. Please note that business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays in the United States. Once processed, Priority shipping generally takes 1-3 days to arrive. Note that USPS Priority shipping is a time estimate and not guaranteed. You will receive an email notification once your package leaves our warehouse.

If you place an order that includes a backordered or pre-sale item, we will hold the entire order until the pre-sale item is in stock. If you would like to receive the in-stock items sooner and split your order into two shipments, please place two separate orders or pay an additional shipping fee to have the order divided into two shipments.
Do you ship to addresses outside the US?

Some countries may be excluded from our shipping options due to extremely high shipping costs, unsafe conditions for US carriers, or unreliable delivery services. To check if we can ship to your country, please go to the Checkout page and enter your shipping address.

Customers have the option to prepay duties and taxes for certain countries. If these fees are not prepaid, customers may be responsible for them upon delivery, depending on the import laws and regulations of their respective countries. We recommend checking with your local customs office to see if these apply in your area. APC Economy Shipping

Please note that the situation regarding duties and taxes is constantly changing. We are working to stay updated on the varying shipping costs as they evolve. Also, Live Ultralight Members and Peak tier members do no get free shipping to international addresses.
What is your returns/exchange policy?

Shop with Confidence: OV's Simple Returns Policy

  • Free First Exchange:* Enjoy your first exchange at no extra cost with each order (USA only).
  • 60-Day Return Window:** You have 60 days to return items; this is extended to 90 days for purchases made in November and December.
  • Easy Return Shipping:* We provide return labels or QR codes for your convenience (USA & Canada only). 

For more information, please visit our Warranty/Returns page. 

https://outdoor-vitals.loopreturns.com/#/

*Please note: Clearance items are final sales and are not eligible for returns or exchanges. Items such as soft flasks (included with our Skyline Fastpack) cannot be returned due to sanitary reasons. If you choose to return your fastpack, a $15 charge per bottle or flask will be deducted from your refund, unless the bottles or flasks are returned with their original packaging still intact.
Do you have a product warranty?

Our gear is made with the goal in mind of balancing ultralight weight, performance, comfort and durability. We believe in the “Live Ultralight” mantra so we focus on ultralight weight and performance while maintaining durability thresholds established for each product.

Our warranty covers manufacturing & workmanship defects for the Expected Lifespan of our products. Expected Product Lifespan is determined by OV Gear Specialists using the following criteria:

  • Product design intent & materials specifications
  • Intended use of the product
  • The specific issue encountered with the product
  • The age of the product (based on Manufacture date)

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  • Design Philosophy

    We don't just go for the lightest design. Find out what makes OV different & what "Performance-First" actually means.

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    Essentially a free savings account for gear that gives you year round discounts...

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