Costco Men’s Down Vests $25

I purchased one of these vests last summer and think it's an incredible value for what it is. 6oz vs my 14oz fleece vest is a no brainer.

i have one and love it.

just got the matching jacket for 49 bucks and love that one too…amazing values for the weight…
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=83945

would one of you fellows post a foto of the costco vest for the community?
any lining inside the collar?
any drawstring?

Photo from an old thread.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=79833

They run large.

http://costcocouple.com/hawke-co-mens-packable-down-vest/

I found they run a size big. I don't think it has a Drawcord or Neck liner. I gave mine away in September. My local store just sold out. I was going to get another but they didn't have my size left.

Can't post a pic here but glad to give details, I'm wearing mine now as I type.
No drawstring at bottom. Cuffs and bottom are elasticized and close well. Collar to both vest and jacket are lined with the same soft synthetic as the rest of the outer shell. Hand warmer pockets are lined with the same fabric. Compresses very flat/small.
I'd say yes, they run large by about a size. Cut boxy in the torso like a Patagonia in my opinion. Both are cut full enough to go over other layers. You may want to size one down on the vest especially; best is always try them on. My store had only L and XXL in stock but had all three colors. Workmanship on these looks just as good as Montbell or Patagonia (I'm talking visible stitching, not relative down quality/fill etc).

I'm very happy with mine and thinking about going back for another tomorrow. They sell out fast every year and once seasonals sell out thats it for Costco till next year.
Watch Costco online and you may find them there too. By all means get one. I mean, $25, how much hand holding do we need :-). Costco unconditional return guarantee applies also.

For some reason, the Hawke down vest I found at Costco (thanks to this thread) was $15. I generally run between M and L, and the M was a far better fit (no S to try). Weight 6.2 oz. Boxy fit, would accommodate a sizable potbelly, fanny-pack, or allow plenty of layering beneath. Only two colors: black and red. Most avail sizes were L-XXL. I carefully examined about a dozen vests, and noticed that on at least half of them, the down was very thin or sometimes virtually nonexistent in the baffles covering the upper back/shoulder blades. So take the time to find a vest that has an even distribution of down. One of the six (six!) labels attached to the vest, said 550 fill power measurement. Seems like an UL backpacking super-deal. Thanks, Hanger! ….

The fabric isn't down proof either. Not enough that I'm worried about losing loft but I do find the occasional feather.

It's a $25 (or$15) vest so it's not without some compromises but I think it's a great lightweight option for three season hiking.

+1 with Ian about the non-downproof fabric. After a couple of washes, my (different brand) cheapie down jacket would shed so much on the inside that I looked like a chicken plucker! For that reason, I bought a fancy-brand-name one (on sale), and no one asks me if I had chicken for dinner any more… ;~)

I wonder if over spraying it with a DWR would help to seal these up a bit more?

Is Anyone Willing & Able to…ahh 4get it

I typically wear a large, but this was a bit big and boxy, so I went with the Med.

Good so far

Glad this thread has been a hit.
I found a tag and yes these are 550 Fill. Price is dropping, was $25 now $20 at my Costco. Also I am 6'0, 185# and the large fit a little overly roomy so I returned it for a Medium which fits just right and without losing any length. They do run a size large and cut is boxy. Comes below the waist/ hits me just at the top of the rear pockets on my Levi's. Roomy pockets too. Inside pockets are ample for cap, gloves, etc.
Totally pleased. My store offers black, olive drab or royal blue. great vest. Loft seems about the same or just a bit thicker as a Nano Puff.
I'm wearing mine right now in high 30's-40' temps and the vest is keeping me much warmer than I would have expected from the specs.

Hmmm…These haven't shown up at the (south) St. Louis Costco yet.

Only down in the store, so far this season, are women's 'Calvin Klein' jackets.

-Mark in St. Louis

Mark – how about ask someone to purchase and mail one to you?

I'd offer, but I don't have a Costco near me and had to get my mom to get it for me.

@ Mark,

Same at my Costco, nothing for men except soft shell jackets and 3 in one jackets.

update,
as a down addict, self-confessed…
and motivated to find a layer thin enuf 2 wear indoors, half the year or more,
i was able to procure one.
WTWTW…WhereTheresAWillTheresAWay.

(i agree w/ sizing observations)

its funny 2 me…how it took so long to "downsize the down"
…and make down garments "thinner" and less-insulating,
cos in so many cases the garments, most designed for day 2 day wear [not alpine]
…are overkill [i.e. overfill] for day 2 day activity.
disclosure – i am a warm-body type.

further…cost…new ultralight down jackets/shirts etc…you could buy 8-10 of these vests for the same outlay!

anyhow this vest makes my All Time list for best CBR, cost benefit ratio.

I wasn't sweating it…if they show up, they show up.

I think by the time you have someone go out of their way, and plus shipping cost, it's not necessarily "worth it" (for me).

-Mark

I passed on those vests but a month ago they were selling packable down sweaters for $44. For that price I couldn't pass it up and the quality looks decent enough….should get the job done here in SoCal as part of the basic layering system.

Just picked up a black in Medium (the only Mediums I saw were in black), says 550fill now though.

If anyone wants one but isn't a member or their local Costco doesn't have, PM me.

Does the sizing seem about the same? I'd pick one up but if they run as big and boxy as people say, I would probably need a small. It doesn't seem like they come in anything lower than medium.

You can order online as well:
http://www.costco.com/mens-outerwear.html

I do not believe you have to be a member to order online.

A word of advice about Costco: For seasonal items, when you see them GET THEM. :)

Mrs Mags loved the down vests but decided she'd hold off and think about it (She likes to ponder things over!)

They were out two wks later at our local Costco.

I just ordered a the women's version in purple for her now.

Thanks for the reminder!

Nice…definitely getting me and my wife a pair.

Though, the specs on the women's down jacket says its 650…interesting. Though, it doesn't give a company name so it could be different…

"I do not believe you have to be a member to order online."

You don't, but $2 surcharge if you're not a member.