New Patagonia Vests

The Patagonia ves that I like is the Micro Puff which has a full lenght zipper in this year's model (10oz).

The down vest looks fine to me, but I don't use down very much. I use a synthetic insulated vest as a primary insulation piece for hiking in warmer seasons.

A wind vest serves the same function as a wind shirt, minus the arms– to cut heat loss from wind. Vests like that have been popular with bicyclists for a long time. I have a couple I have picked up cheap. One is a Sugoi, a brand you see in cycling too. The other is a Banana Republic and it is a very nice lightweight item too (I don't recall the weight). I got it in a thrift store for a couple bucks and I'm sure the Banana Republic marketing folk had no idea what a nice bit of hiking gear they made.

Like many clothing items, a wind vest is nice for day hike or running errands, but it doesn't serve as well for multi-day hikes. A windshirt with arms would give more for the weight.