Mountain Equipment Switch Men's Vest

A hybrid vest with an insulated front and low-profile grid fleece back for fast moving mountain sports. Worn over a base layer during cardio sessions above the tree line or as part of a layering system on long ski tours, the Switch Vest is a low-profile layer for fast-moving mountain sports. It can wick away moisture during strenuous uphill efforts and provide valuable core warmth and wind protection when the pace slows, allowing you to focus on the task at hand, not swapping layers.

Innovative Active Insulation

Using a combination of innovative Octayarn warp-knit lining, lightweight stretch-woven nylon outer and Pontetorto Tecnostretch fleece, the Switch Vest provides a versatile layer of active insulation for alpinists, climbers and ski mountaineers.

Under the microscope, the Octayarn lining is made from hollow, multidentate fibres, with each individual fibre having eight protruding cog-like teeth. This complex 3D structure increases surface area and traps warm air, improving warmth and moisture-wicking capability while reducing overall weight. Octayarn offers the thickness of an 80 denier fibre but for half the weight and considerably less bulk.

Woven in a highly breathable warp-knit and without an inner face fabric, the Octayarn across the front of the vest offers unparalleled moisture transfer, keeping you comfortable when working hard, particularly on technical or steep terrain where constantly switching layers is not convenient.

A lightweight, stretch-woven outer offers wind resistance and PFAS-free water repellency across the front of the vest, protecting you from light rain, spin drift and cold winds. Bluesign-approved Pontetorto Tecnostretch fleece across the back and sides ensures a low-profile, neat fit and prevents overheating. Crafted at a family-run fabric mill in Italy, this highly technical, low-bulk stretch fleece is Mountain Equipment's highest-performing fleece fabric.

Key Features

Materials

• Lightweight 20D RS Nylon outer fabric, wind resistant with mechanical stretch and PFAS-free DWR
• Octayarn warp-knit lining for exceptional insulation, breathability and comfort
• Pontetorto Tecnostretch 187 fleece in the back and side panels for increased breathability

Patterning and Design

• Active fit for complete freedom of movement with no excess fabric
• Flatlocked seams throughout for increased next-to-skin comfort

Pockets

• 2 zipped hand pockets, sit high enough for use with a harness or rucksack waistbelt
• 2 zipped chest pockets for essentials
• Packs into hand pocket with twin carabiner carry loops

Centre Front Zip

• YKK centre front zip

Armholes

• Elasticated armholes

Hem

• Low bulk elastane bound hem, sits comfortably under a harness or rucksack waistbelt

Specifications

Ideal For

• Alpine climbing and ski touring
• High-output mountain sports in cool conditions
• Use as an active mid-layer under hard or soft shell jackets
• Fast and light missions and multi-day objectives in cold conditions

Technology

	Octayarn Octayarn is a soft, wicking and warm fabric made from a unique cog-like fibre. It dries extremely fast and insulates superbly. Each fibre has eight protruding teeth that create a complex 3D structure, increasing surface area to trap warm air and wick moisture efficiently while keeping weight to a minimum.
	Pontetorto Pontetorto Tecnostretch is a range of exceptionally fast drying fleece fabrics with superb warmth and softness. Crafted at a family-run fabric mill in Italy, it is Mountain Equipment's highest-performing fleece fabric.
	Fair Wear Mountain Equipment is a proud member of the Fair Wear Foundation, committed to implementing the highest standards of working conditions in garment production. Designed and developed in the UK.