What is the most durable down vest:

TNF, Rab or Alpkit 

Do you mean for fabric tear and abrasion resistance, or longevity of down performance?

The Rab has the best down in it, TNF tend to overfill which stops loft and although if looks good and fat it isn't as thermally efficient. Alpkit has a few more feathers amongst the down than some.

Outer fabric toughness wise TNF and Alpkit then Rab. Quantum is great but does have the tear resistance of wet tissue, well the UK stuff did anyway. The Mitsui stuff is probably better as I haven't torn any of it yet.

I'd still buy the Rab one.

Can I just add PHD to the list.

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/index.php?cPath=27

They do several down vests (I've got the Minimus) and their Drishell fabric has proved pretty tough - my stuff is 8 or 9 years old now and looks as good as new. Top quality down fill too. 

I have a gorgeous Marmot down vest, it's 12 years old and still beats alot of the new models/manufacturers for weight, durability, fabrics used, and fill etc!!!!

Recently saw one on ebay go for £45, and it must have been at least 8 years old.

If I had £75 burning a hole in my pocket i'd place an order with........................................ALPKIT and use the change to buy some diesel and get my arse upto the Lake district!!!!!

Drew

All,

Thanks for the responses.

My main concern was durability of the fabric.  The zip on my TNF has broken and I was looking to replace it.  The RAB appears to be the warmest but I tried one on yesterday and thought the outer material seemed a bit lightweight.  I tend to wear my vest as an outer layer unless it is really cold then it goes on under a jkt. 

I hadn't thought of PHD  but their Snowbird looks as if it may fit the bill.  HAs anyone any experience of this vest?

Cam