The stretchiness and breathability make it a favorite among backcountry skiers and climbers, and the soft feel is great for everyday use. It isnt very warm with insulation only in the torso and a minimalist Patagonias synthetic Micro Puff made headlines when it was first released a few years ago, touted for its down-like weight and packability. As you're trying on midlayers, be aware of the normal pinch areas: around the waist, in the shoulders, and under the arm pits. The 650-fill down is a lower quality than the Cerium Jackets 850-fill above, and its non-ripstop nylon is more vulnerable to tears. But the importance of a mid-layer cannot be overstated. Based in Denver, Colorado, Murphy is an avid hiker, runner, backpacker, skier, yogi, and pack-paddleboarder. The Rab Xenon 2.0 offers an excellent value with its notable price point. | Home Mens Men's Mid-Layers Filter 471 products MEN'S MID-LAYERS Find the perfect mid-layer for your next adventure from our expansive hand-picked range at Snow + Rock. In this guide, you will learn what you need to look for in a mid-layer, plus we've recommended some of the best. Compared to the Patagonia Nano-Air above, the Atom LT is less breathable due to its burlier shell and Coreloft Compact synthetic fill (although its stretchy fleece side panels ventilate pretty well). Though difficult to stuff away, this jacket has the ability to stow into its own pocket, making it easy to carry on long hikes or up climbing routes. We tested it backpacking, hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, and more. Climbers will certainly appreciate the pockets positioned high enough to still use while wearing a harness. The clusters of feathers offer unmatched warmth relative to the weight of the garment. The grid fleece is double-weave Fair Trade-sewn, Bluesign-approved fabric. As far as warmth is concerned, fleece jackets are most often measured in terms of fleece weight. But as a lightweight insulator thats ideal for mild-weather use or high-output activities, the Falkentind Alpha120 deserves a look. But the Picture Lixi Tech Sweater ($110) also has 50% recycled content and uses recycled PrimaLoft Eco insulation. Snow and Wet-Weather Protection $160 $81.97. Want a warm insulating layer without the cost and care of down? Nice zipper pulls, pockets in the right places, convenient hood adjustments, and other features contribute to higher comfort scores. Like the Nano Puff, it's not a cheap garment but then, you are getting a lot in return. On positively frigid days, an option like the venerable Patagonia Down Sweater remains a go-to choice. However, its competitive in terms of weight at only 11.2 ounces, and the built-in freedom of movementvia stretch fabrics and an articulated designis hard to beat. In warmer month, you may not need one, but in winter, your mid-layer will be crucial to keeping you warm. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. And keep an eye out for BDs Coefficient LT Hybrid, which features an insulated front panel for more warmth at a lighter weight Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond Coefficient See the Women's Black Diamond Coefficient. In testing, we found the most popular midlayers among GearJunkie staff were full-zip and hoodie styles. Our testers loved the fit of the Atom LT Hoody with its cuffs, the stretch fabric on the side, and the well-fitted hood. One of the appeals in moving to synthetic, fleece, or wool insulation is the fact that they are still able to retain some insulating properties when wet (as a downside, wool can grow very heavy when saturated). ), keep in mind that most midlayer hoods are not helmet compatible. Best Women's Mid Layer for Hiking. Knowing your needs will help you find the best jacket for the job. The Nuclei FL also comes with a small stuff sack (which you can keep stashed in the internal pocket) for easy packing. Theyll pill up over time and its possible to put a hole in a fleece by snagging it on a sharp object or catching a wayward campfire spark, but theyre typically abrasion-resistant and long-lasting in general. The best mid-layers for hiking 1. Some are also water-repellent, and some arent. . These are two independent measurements, but taken together they will give you an indication of how warm the jacket will be. Not only do they breathe well and dry quickly, but many performance varieties manage to pack a lot of warmth into a fairly minimal build. But for a versatile midlayer for a wide variety of people and uses, the Down Sweater is well worth a look Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater. Editor's Note: We updated this article with a new fleet of jackets on February 2, 2023. Tack on integrated hand gaiters, harness- and hipbelt-friendly pockets, and a trim, body-hugging fit, and you have a high-quality and cozy technical piece for heart-pumping winter adventures. But theyre extra versatile if they have added features. It's lightweight, highly packable, and has a very effective DWR treatment in case you get stuck in a rain or snow squall. It also serves as a lightweight jacket for chilly mountain evenings and mornings during the summer or shoulder seasons (spring and fall), when a heavier jacket would be overkill. Too much extra fabric and you will have bunching and general discomfort underneath your shell, and a jacket thats too trim will restrict your mobility. In this category, we assessed each piece's mobility as well as little details that increased comfort. As a result, youll need to be especially careful to stay dry in wet conditions and should plan to pair it with a waterproof hardshell or ski jacket. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. That said, many users employ these products as their outer layer in milder conditions. We also assessed how well we could move our arms and our heads in the hood. The DWR treatments on some of the other lightweight jackets are far less effective. Columbia's Peakfreak Mid OutDry Boots offer good cushioning and grip, are waterproof and breathable, and can be picked up for 70. Vests also keep your arms free and unencumbered, which is great news for climbers, cross-country skiers, and even daily wearers. Mid-layers trap body heat beneath their material, forming a heat band to keep you warm. When the wind started blowing and the afternoon thunderstorms changed from rain to hail, we pulled on this jacket for instant warmth and weather protection. Most notably, this version features soft-touch recycled nylon and reworked boxed baffling that gives it a distinctive look. Within Arcteryxs popular Atom synthetic jacket series, the SL slots in as the lightest and most focused of the bunch. Designed for the mountains, our testers liked how the Mountain Hardwear Compressor Hoody performed in snowy, cold conditions. Popular mid-layers include fleeces, gilets, and bodywarmers. The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody weighs a mere 10.37 ounces for a size medium. Like a lot of US brands, Black Diamond kit is sized generously, so you may want to drop down a size. Over the years, this puffy jacket has garnered nothing but praise. A full-length zip with inner stormflap and two zipped napoleon-style chest pockets complete the streamlined feature set, resulting in a highly impressive technical mid layer. Jackets will have different amounts of insulation, too weve found the sweet spot is to look for a midlayer with 60-100 gram synthetic insulation. And it packs down small into its pocket. All else being equal, we'll choose the lighter, more compressible model almost every time for outdoor pursuits. The Columbia Pike Lake ranked as the warmest jacket in this review with its Thermarator polyester insulation and Omni-Heat Reflective liner. 5 women's mid-layers for 2021 reviewed BEST BUY: Haglfs Women's Heron Hood (RRP: 130) Rating: 5/5 The Arc'teryx Atom LT takes this hybrid approach. Its a great midlayer, whether youre walking to the store or hiking up a mountain. But where the Patagonia prioritizes breathability, the Black Diamond boosts protection and durability with its brushed fleece shell. Traditionally, insulated jackets have been designed to be warm and present a less expensive and more water-resistant option compared to down insulation. Many new models are made of plastics such as recycled bottles, and through a rather impressive process, out spits a cozy and soft fleece. Fleece Mid-Layers. The vest has a quilted pattern and zippered hand pockets, and its 100% recommended by reviewers online. Norrna says this breathable fleece midlayer is great for ski touring, mountaineering, hiking and backpacking, climbing, and general outdoor activities. It adds that depth and versatility to your layering system, just like adding Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavour to a casserole. The best cold-weather running clothes and gear for men and women including base layers, jackets, tights, and socks from brands like Smartwool, Lululemon, Nike, Craft . All of the models tested are meant to have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment applied to the face fabric. The Agner provides a touch of warmth, but doesn't maximise warmth. If you arent buying an insulated layer, pay attention to the warmth level of the fabrics used. The layer is an essential component in remaining comfortable throughout the hike. Insulated jackets are usually not designed to be fully waterproof or windproof. Down vs Synthetic Fill Jackets All Recommended Mid-layers for Men The Best Down Vests for Hiking in 2023 updated on January 10, 2023 It is very likely that you will encounter challenging weather conditions while you are hiking, trekking or mountaineering. The Rab Xenon 2.0 has long been one of the top performers in our comparative testing and one of our favorite synthetic insulated jackets. The Patagonia Das Light proved to be one of the warmer jackets for its weight. Choose midlayers with full zips to maximize venting and make for easy on/off, as this layer comes and goes more than any other. Weather resistance accounts for 20% of a product's final score. We assigned weight and compressibility 20% of a product's final score. Other components that make a midlayer like the ones on our list stand out from the rest include insulated hoods, zippered pockets with good placement, adjustable hems, and compatibility with other layers. Some brands will also have their own in-house insulation technologies. But for a wildly comfortable and premium fleece thats one of our go-to jackets for both skiing and casual use, were big fans of the AR. Or hiking? All in all, we really like what Smartwool has done with this design, which includes a soft merino wool liner and Smartloft 120-gram recycled wool insulation at the front, covered by a nylon shell. We've put a variety of apparel for men through the wringer and have thoroughly analyzed clothing, including the best down jackets, coziest fleece layers, and our best rain jacket picks. Weve tested a slew of midlayer styles: full-zip jackets, hoodies, vests, puffies, and lightweight and ultralight midlayers as well. After you know which kind you want, compare like types to like types. Mid-layers . There are three main types of hiking mid-layers: fleece, synthetic, and down. Layering is the best way to stay at a comfortable temperature when out on your adventures. How can we improve GearLab? And we love the versatility: You can ski, hike, bike, and even hit the town in this jacket. Their Alpha120 Zip Hood jacket here is no exception, combining premium materials and a performance-ready feature set in a thoughtfully built package. It has 120-gram Coreloft insulation in the core, 80-gram Coreloft in the arms and underarm gusset panels, and 60-gram Coreloft in the insulated hood. It also tipped the scales as the heaviest jacket in the review. Insulated synthetic, down, and wool jackets vary from super-thin ultralight shells that are vulnerable to tears to tough jackets that you can throw on and forget about. Snow+Rock is the place to find the best women's fleeces and mid-layers. This hybrid jacket is part of Mammuts Eiger Extreme collection, the Swiss brands showcase range of technical performance layers. Patagonia's soft, stretchy Nano-Air Hoody is for you if you're seeking comfort and breathability. Also, be sure to check out our handy comparison chart, buyers guide, or FAQ sections at the bottom of this article. It has Polartecs PowerGrid mapped on the hood, sides, underarms, hem, and cuffs. With our Core Spun technology, we've wrapped lightweight Merino around a nylon core for added durability, while still keeping the comfort of ultra-soft, responsibly-sourced Merino next to skin. Then a lightweight fleece or synthetic jacket might do the trick. Types of Hiking Mid-Layers. They are designed to be worn all the time, can be layered over, and thrive on winter days when you are working up a sweat. The Rab Nebula Pro should also be considered for its low cost. And while previous versions of the jacket havent aged remarkably well (the face fabric has been prone to staining and piling), weve been impressed with the latest update, which features a more durable shell that is comprised mostly of recycled materials. We found the best down jackets of 2023. But for mild conditions and spring skiing with a baselayer underneath, the Steens Mountain 2.0 should get the job done.See the Men's Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 See the Women's Columbia Benton Springs. This eliminates the mesh liner, saving weight and improving permeability and breathability. Also, the feel and fit of this fleece are amazing. Need a layer to throw on to shovel the pavement? As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. No matter which option you choose, pair them with good socks . Over the last 13 years, we've bought, tested, and reviewed over 60 of the best synthetic insulated jackets. The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody, our favorite overall jacket, tips the scales 12.31 ounces for a size medium. If your down jacket is poking out the bottom of your shell and you plant yourself in some wet snow (the Pacific Northwest variety comes to mind), the jackets ability to insulate will be compromised. Its also a bit heavier than other midlayers we tested. The result is a high-performance midlayer ideal for weight-conscious pursuits like backcountry skiing and climbing. Overall, this is an excellent outer layer with an approachable price. Best Overall Midlayer: Patagonia Nano-Air A Close Second (With More Weather Resistance): Arc'teryx Atom LT Best Budget Midlayer: Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Best Down Midlayer: Arc'teryx Cerium Jacket Most Ultralight and Packable Midlayer: Patagonia Micro Puff Best Breathable Midlayer: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody Best Overall Midlayer 1. The long-standing approach to making a Primaloft or Coreloft product better suited to exertion is to incorporate low-bulk, breathable panels under the jacket's arms and on the sides. Its a consummate all-rounder for the hills and mountains, being warm, packable, and more weatherproof than most down puffers. The best base layers for yoga balance enough stretch to adapt to any pose, with a compressive fit for a supportive, body-hugging feel. The Rab Xenon 2.0 also provides warmth at a light weight. GearLab is reader-supported. We love Polartecs Alpha insulation for its mix of comfort and breathability, but weve found its more prone to pilling over time than smoother fleece varieties (like what you get with the Arcteryx Kyanite AR Hoody above or Black Diamond Coefficient below). Can You Use Merino Wool and Alpaca as Mid Layer Material? Synthetic jackets like Arc'teryx's Atom LT offer great breathability for active use, but the category as a whole can be hit or miss (we often overheat in the Patagonia Micro Puff, for example). The main function of a mid-layer is thus to provide thermal insulation, although it in some cases can offer some basic weather protection as well. If you want something durable but on the lighter side and arent looking for tons of insulation, this fleece hoodie is a great midlayer choice. This lightweight jacket combines 65g of warm PlumaFill insulation with a 10D nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum outer with a DWR finish to protect us from the elements. The Norrnas technical fit and feature set also limit its appeal for everyday useits a decidedly technical piece, and the breathable fabrics wont keep you warm during sedentary activities. The soft microfleece inner offers good comfort levels, with vertical channels to aid breathability. These jackets tend to be much lighter, with less insulation and excellent breathability, and are typically made of stretchy fabrics to allow for the largest range of motion. Their original 650 Down Jacket was an undeniable value, and the 2.0 is even more impressive. If there is such a thing as a modern classic in outdoor kit, Rabs Microlight jackets have a good claim to the title. They can range from a typical fleece or merino to a lightweight down jacket or thicker softshell. In fact, outdoor walks during the winter are gre M. CATEGORIES; Quick Ship 3. GearJunkie Copyright 2013 2023. The materials on the Steens Mountain 2.0 are very basic and the jacket has few features to speak of. What is the best cold weather jacket? Predictably, it's a relatively slim fit, using Patagonia's FullRange insulation rather than fake plumage. Sure, you can spend $300 or more on a midlayer and get some of the fluffiest down or techiest synthetic insulation on the market, but that doesnt mean you have to. Fleece is top of the class in terms of warmth when wet (due in part to the naturally hydrophobic nature of the polyester construction) and can also dry faster than synthetic fibers. The Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody, Rab Xenon 2.0, and the Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody also fell on the lighter side with their outstanding warmth-to-weight ratios when used as a mid-layer. Our favorite midlayers will run $150-200. She has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for seven years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Synthetic insulated jackets insulate when wet, offer excellent breathability, and generally cost less than down competitors. Plus, it has two zippered hand pockets and a high collar. To create this guide we dug threw our dusty closets, scoured the web, and chatted with pros to find the most reliable, stalwart jackets out there. This causes light rain to bead off the shell and keeps insulation dry, as long as it is effective (and not all are). Few jackets have stood the test of time like the Patagonia Down Sweater. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This is particularly important for more upper-body-intensive activities such as scrambling and climbing. Read more about us. Invest in good rain gear, but know that nothing is truly infallible against the East Coast rainy season. Warmer, more insulated mid-layers may feel overly restrictive once a snug-fitting shell is pulled on over the top. Like a good cheese, you could say the Nano Puff only gets better with age. vs 8.3 oz. Slightly thicker and more durable than our other Arcteryx hoodie pick, the Atom AR Hoodie ($299) is still another great midlayer choice that can also work as a standalone jacket. Lastly, youll want to consider price.
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