A Canada Goose gilet is a sleeveless down jacket or vest made by Canada Goose. Canada Goose is known for making high-quality, warm winter jackets and parkas. Their signature jacket style features a fur-trimmed hood and their iconic patch logo.
Canada Goose gilets are designed to provide core warmth without the full coverage of a jacket. They are made with premium down fill and durable fabrics to protect against the cold. Many people wonder, with its shorter cut, if a Canada Goose gilet provides enough warmth for harsh winter weather.
What Is a Gilet?
A gilet is a sleeveless jacket or vest meant to be worn as an extra layer for warmth. Gilets are designed to add core body warmth without the bulk and restriction of long sleeves. They act as an insulation layer while still allowing freedom of movement.
Modern gilets emerged in the 1920s as part of fashionable hunting attire. Today, gilets are worn by both men and women as a stylish way to stay warm. They are commonly made from wool, down or synthetic insulations.
Popular gilet styles include waist-length vests, longer hip-length vests, and body-hugging sleeveless down jackets. Thicker puffer gilets provide maximum warmth, while streamlined wool vests work as a lighter insulation layer.
Canada Goose Gilet Features
Canada Goose gilets share many signature features with the brand’s full jackets:
– Premium down fill – The gilet contains high fill power Hutterite white duck down for lightweight, efficient warmth. The down fill percentage ranges from 80% to 90%.
– Durable water-resistant (DWR) outer fabric – The outer shell is made from polyester or nylon fabric with a DWR treatment to repel moisture while allowing breathability.
– Adjustable hem – The gilet often features an adjustable drawcord hem to seal in warmth. Some styles include ribbed hems or knit cuffs.
– Front zipper with storm flap – A heavy-duty front zipper closes the gilet, with an interior wind flap for added protection from the elements.
– Pockets – Canada Goose gilets have hand warmer pockets lined with fleece or brushed tricot for comfort and warmth. Some also have interior or side pockets.
– Fur trimmed hood (some styles) – Signature Canada Goose hood trim uses coyote fur ruff around the hood opening to protect the face from wind. Not all gilets have fur trim.
– Logo patch – The iconic circular Canada Goose logo patch adorns the left shoulder.
– Fit – Canada Goose gilets come in slim and regular fit options for a tailored silhouette.
How Warm Are Canada Goose Gilets?
The level of warmth provided by a Canada Goose gilet depends on several factors:
Insulation Type
All Canada Goose gilets use down insulation. The warmth of down depends on both fill power and fill weight:
– Fill power – This measures the quality and loft of the down. Canada Goose uses550 to 625 fill power down, considered high quality. The higher the number, the warmer the down.
– Fill weight – This refers to the total amount of down stuffed inside the gilet. More fill equals more insulation and warmth. Canada Goose gilets often have 140 grams or more of down fill.
Compared to synthetic insulation which can lose loft over time, down provides consistent long-lasting warmth when properly cared for. The premium down makes Canada Goose gilets warmer than low-quality down or synthetic vests.
Shell Fabric
The outer shell of Canada Goose gilets uses tightly woven, wind-resistant fabrics. Popular options include:
– Polyester – Durable, weather-resistant, and allows down loft.
– Nylon – Lightweight but tough nylon fabric repels moisture.
– Cotton/poly blends – Mixed fabric provides comfort with some weather protection.
The shell prevents cold air and moisture from penetrating inside, helping the down retain body heat longer. Windproof shell fabrics make a significant difference in real-world warmth.
Cut and Length
Canada Goose gilets come in different lengths from short to long, which affects coverage area:
– Hip-length gilets provide coverage of the core upper body including the torso, shoulders, and upper back.
– Waist-length and cropped gilets insulate just the core torso area and upper back. They offer less coverage overall.
– Extra long gilets extend down over the hips for greater coverage of the back and sides.
The longer the cut, the more body surface area is insulated from the cold. Shorter cropped gilets may feel inadequate on very cold days.
Fit
A good slim fit is important for a gilet to trap body heat efficiently. Canada Goose gilets are cut trim to contour the body shape.
A too-loose gilet can allow cold air to penetrate inside, while an overly tight fit restricts layering underneath. Canada Goose offers gilets in regular and slim/athletic fits to get the ideal snug wear.
The best use is over a base layer or light mid-layer to maintain core warmth. Oversized gilets are less effective when worn alone.
Features
Additional Canada Goose gilet features that boost warmth:
– Rib-knit hems help seal in heat and keep the vest in place.
– Front zipper wind flap and chin guard block cold air infiltration.
– High collar lined with fleece or microfiber provides neck warmth.
– Large hand pockets have fleece or quilted lining for warming hands.
– Interior shoulder side panels reduce heat loss from underarm areas.
– Cinch cord hem lets you adjust fit to seal out cold drafts.
– Hood with coyote fur ruff (on some styles) protects face and prevents heat loss.
How To Wear A Canada Goose Gilet
To get the most warmth from a Canada Goose gilet, follow these wearing tips:
Wear Over Layers
For subzero temperatures, wear the gilet over multiple layers to seal in heat:
– Base layer – Synthetic or wool long underwear tops transfer moisture away.
– Insulation layer – Fleece or down mid-layers provide additional warmth.
– Shell layer – Waterproof/breathable outer shell prevents wind and snow.
The gilet traps body heat emitted through these layers to create a larger insulation system.
Have Proper Fit
Size your gilet to maintain a trim fit for optimal heat retention:
– Order your normal jacket size or size down for a slimmer fit.
– The gilet should contour your body shape without compressing insulation.
– You should have room for a couple of thin layers underneath.
An oversized gilet can’t properly trap body heat while a too-tight gilet restricts movement.
Cinch Hems
Use adjustable hems and cuffs to seal out cold air:
– Tighten waist hem cords or elastic for a snug fit.
– Pull rib-knit hems over hips and cuffs over wrists.
– Tuck collar inside to cover neck and prevent heat loss.
Blocking drafts helps prevent body heat from escaping the core torso area that the gilet insulates.
Use a Scarf
Add a scarf or neck gaiter if the gilet lacks a hood or high collar:
– Wrap a cashmere scarf around neck and tuck inside the gilet.
– Fleece-lined neoprene neck gaiters also seal in warmth.
– A hoodie under the gilet can substitute for a missing hood.
Protecting your neck from exposure adds to the overall heat retention provided by the gilet.
Wear a Hat
Wear a warm winter hat to cover your head since gilets lack an attached hood:
– Insulated ski hats or fleece headbands cover the ears.
– Waterproof wool or felt fedoras protect from snow and wind.
– Lined baseball caps can work under helmets or for casual use.
Up to half your body heat can be lost through an uncovered head, so a warm hat is essential.
Are Canada Goose Gilets Warm Enough In Winter?
For most winter conditions, Canada Goose gilets provide sufficient core body warmth when worn properly over layers. The premium down fill and wind-resistant shell perform similarly to a full down jacket.
However, gilets do have some limitations in cold weather:
Not as Warm as Full Jacket
With no sleeves, gilets have less coverage area to retain heat. While fine for everyday winter wear, some extra insulation may be needed for subzero temperatures.
For arctic climates, it helps to layer the gilet under a heavier parka or shell jacket for full protection.
Can Feel Drafty
Without covering the arms and sides, gilets may feel breezy in windy conditions. The open silhouette leaves you more exposed than a regular jacket.
You’ll need to pay extra attention to sealing the neck, front zipper, waist, and armholes against drafts that steal warmth. Layering a shirt or hoodie under the arms helps too.
Limited Activity Use
Gilets lack sleeve cuffs so are not well-suited for skiing, snowboarding, or winter sports where you need more coverage. The open sides also make them colder for sedentary use like ice fishing.
For active winter pursuits, a full insulated jacket with athletic fit performs better at retaining warmth in motion.
Down Loses Insulation When Wet
Like all down insulation, Canada Goose gilets will lose warming ability if the down gets saturated in rain or heavy snow. The outer shell provides some protection but is not waterproof.
In wet climates, a synthetic core insulation gilet may be a better choice since synthetic insulation retains warmth when damp.
Not Designed for Extreme Cold
Canada Goose gilets utilize similar construction as the brand’s parkas but are intended for milder winter weather closer to freezing.
In places with average winter temperatures below 0°F/-18°C, gilets alone lack sufficient insulation and wind resistance. You would need to layer it under a heavier duty arctic parka.
How To Care For A Canada Goose Gilet
Follow these care instructions to maintain your Canada Goose gilet’s warmth, water resistance, and longevity:
Storage
– Store the gilet uncompressed in a breathable garment bag during the off-season. Never pack down tightly.
– Hang on a wide padded hanger. Down needs loft to maintain insulation.
– Keep in a cool, dry closet away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent damage.
Cleaning
– Spot clean spilled stains promptly using a damp cloth to prevent setting.
– Dry clean the gilet to sanitize the down and renew DWR treatment. Avoid washing machines.
– Use a professional down-specific dry cleaning detergent to prevent down clumping.
– Dry thoroughly on low heat then air fluff the down filling to restore loft.
Weatherproofing
– Apply a downproof spray regularly to replenish lost DWR protection from the shell fabric.
– Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets which can affect water repellency.
– Wetting the shell repeatedly in rain or snow can compromise the DWR over time.
– Re-proof with a DWR treatment to restore water beading to the surface.
Warmth
– Hand pick and fluff the baffles periodically to redistribute any down clumps.
– Air out the gilet after use to allow the interior and down to fully dry.
– Add an extra warming layer on extra cold days to supplement the gilet’s insulation.
Proper maintenance and layering will get the optimal warmth from your Canada Goose gilet for many winter seasons.
Popular Canada Goose Gilets
Canada Goose makes gilets for both men and women. Here are some of their bestselling models:
Chateau Gilet for Women
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Hip-length |
| Fill | 675 fill power white duck down |
| Fill Weight | 140g in body |
| Outer Fabric | 85% polyester, 15% cotton with DWR |
| Pockets | 2 outer, 2 inner pockets |
A figure-flattering women’s gilet with elegant diamond quilting and zippered side pockets. Provides lightweight warmth down to -15°C.
Freestyle Gilet Vest for Men
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Hip-length |
| Fill | 625 fill power white duck down |
| Fill Weight | 170g body, 80g sleeves |
| Outer Fabric | 100% nylon with DWR |
| Pockets | 2 outer zippered, 1 inner |
A technical gilet designed for outdoor pursuits with top-of-the-line insulation. Water-resistant shell and rib-knit hems seal out winter chill.
Chilliwack Bomber Gilet for Men
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Hip-length |
| Fill | 675 fill power white duck down |
| Fill Weight | 170g body |
| Outer Fabric | 85% polyester, 15% cotton with DWR |
| Pockets | 2 outer, 1 inner |
A rugged gilet version of their famous Chilliwack Bomber jacket. Features coyote fur hood trim, rib-knit cuffs and Canada Goose’s signature Arctic Tech fabric.
Conclusion
Canada Goose gilets provide exceptional core body warmth courtesy of premium down insulation and windproof outer fabrics. While not as warm as a full winter jacket, they work very well layered in cold and dry conditions of around 15°F/-10°C and above. Taking care to properly layer, size, and seal out drafts allows the vest to trap heat effectively. For wet or subzero extremes, a heavier parka may be needed on top for full coverage protection. With smart layering and care, a Canada Goose gilet serves as a stylish and practical cold weather asset.
