Down and Insulated Jackets

Vaude Men’s Freney Hybrid Vest II | Review

For something so lightweight, the Freney Hybrid Vest II will keep you surprisingly warm

Why We Chose The Vaude Men’s Freney Hybrid Vest II: Lightweight, efficient and environmentally friendly.

When you’re halfway up a mountain, the last thing you want to be thinking is “Oh man. I wish my kit wasn’t so heavy.” Thankfully for hikers and climbers serious about cutting weight, Vaude have cooked up a solution in the form of the Freney Hybrid Vest II; an incredibly lightweight item that, despite its light-as-a-feather nature, somehow still helps to keep you warm in cold conditions.

The Freney Hybrid Vest is padded, and we use ‘padded’ lightly here as it really is a remarkably thin bit of kit, with water-repellent synthetic fibres made from recycled polyester (PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Eco). Weighing in at just 220g, you’ll be amazed at how small this thing packs down. It’s absolutely ideal for scrunching up and shoving in your pack if you get too warm – the warmth to bulk ratio here is genuinely excellent.

“Weighing in at just 220g, you’ll be amazed at how small this thing packs down.”

Because of where you’re going to be wearing it (the mountains) and because of how active you’re going to be in it (mountaineering, climbing, Via Ferrata etc), you’ll be pleased to know that the Freney Hybrid Vest II has been optimised with high tempos very much in mind. The impressive stretch of the lycra-bound armholes down the vest’s sides, in particular, enhance freedom of movement and general comfort nicely. This stretch material, it’s worth pointing out, is made of recycled polyamide; something that is obtained from materials such as used fishing nets via a process of up-cycling. The sound you can hear? Mother Nature cheering.

On the subject of environmentalism, we also like that this product uses a water repellent treatment which is manufactured without the use of any environmentally-hazardous fluorocarbons (PFCs). The Vaude Green Shape label this product has, which you’ll see across much of the brand’s collection now, represents environmentally-friendly, functional, products that have been made in a sustainable way.

The gilet has been made with eco-friendly, water repellent Eco Finish, and is manufactured without the use of fluorocarbons (PFC). Photo: Chris Johnson

The additional stretch down the vest’s sides enhance freedom of movement and general comfort. Photo: Chris Johnson

There are three spacious pockets found on the Freney Hybrid II. Photo: Chris Johnson

With the Freney Hybrid Vest II home to three surprisingly spacious pockets, there’s plenty of room to store snacks, maps, phones or whatever it is you like to keep on hand when you’re up in the mountains.

As it’s so lightweight, you might question whether this insulated vest has the beans to handle the rough and rocky nature of mountain terrain. Because of the product’s quality nylon outer material however, the abrasion resistance here is definitely reliable. Just like the product in general.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“I’ve found plenty of use for this. It’s been that little bit of insulation on sunny days with a slight bit of nip to them, and that extra bit of insulation on those freezing hikes where I need plenty of layers. The best thing about lightweight gilets like this are that they don’t get in the way; they fit so comfortably under another layer without being any hindrance, and slot into any pocket in your backpack ready to be forgotten about until they’re needed.

“I’ve been using this for runs on cold evenings and for blustery hikes on warm spring days, and I’ve been impressed. I always get on well with PrimaLoft insulated garments to be honest, I love the fact you still get warmth even when the material gets damp. Oh and I also like that this has a bunch of zipped pockets – always useful.”

The Vaude Men’s Freney Hybrid Vest II offers lightweight, packable insulation. Photo: Chris Johnson

Trade Secrets

Uwe Gottschalk, Vaude Head of Product

“For me personally, a vest is best! This is the most versatile garment… whether you’re on a bike, out hiking or spotting new climbing routes, this is a great mid-layer or thermal outer shell in dry conditions. We use recycled materials in the PrimaLoft filling and the nylon outer fabric. The stretch inserts on the side ensure a perfect fit for when you’re on the move. This is a very multi-talented piece of kit for restless outdoor lovers.”