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Looking for a synthetic insulating layer without the cost and maintenance of down insulation? We have tested over 60 of the best synthetic insulated jackets in an extensive side-by-side comparison to find out which ones will hit the mark for your specific needs. We've got recommendations on the warmest, the most weather-resistant, the lightest-weight, most breathable active layers for working up a sweat, and more.
The best insulated jacket for most people is the Rab Nebitron Pro Insulated. Our testing team was impressed with this jacket's warmth and comfort. If you want the warmest insulated jacket we tested, this is it.
If you're looking for a great deal on an acceptably performing jacket, the REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie might just be the one for the job. With sensible features and no extra frills, this jacket is great in cooler temperatures and is a delight to wear. It may not be the best on its own against below-freezing temperatures, but when temps dip, it's slim enough to wear as a mid-layer.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's insulated jacket review on November 20, 2025, to include some new jackets from Fjallraven and Patagonia to our lineup.
The Rab Nebitron Pro Insulated Jacket was subjected to frigid temperatures from Minnesota to Montana with high winds and snowy conditions. When the cold weather was moving in, the Nebitron Pro was the go-to jacket to keep us warm and protected when temperatures were below zero. We appreciate that this synthetic insulated jacket provides 279 grams of PrimaLoft® Silver RISE insulation combined with a recycled Pertex Quantum Pro outer shell with DWR treatment to keep us comfortable throughout the day. This feature-rich jacket boasts an internal storage pocket, helmet-compatible adjustable hood, and adjustable hem and cuffs. The inner lining is super soft against the skin, and the regular to athletic cut of the jacket allows for an unimpeded range of motion during activities. The longer hem protects your rear end, and the jacket works well as a stand-alone piece or with an added mid-layer or outer layer for additional warmth.
30D Recycled Pertex Quantum Pro outer (52gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
Lining
20D Recycled Pertex Quantum lining (38gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
Number of Pockets
2 zippered hand and one inside chest
While the Nebitron Pro provides plenty of warmth and wind resistance, it leaves a little to be desired when it comes to water protection. The outer shell is coated with a fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment that repels light water exposure, but heavy rain soaks into the fabric and insulation. “Thankfully, the synthetic insulation provides warmth when wet, though not an ideal situation for the long term,” one tester notes. If you need an insulated jacket that provides water resistance, we suggest checking out the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody or the Carhartt Rain Defender, which were the most water-resistant in our group. If you are searching for a solid performer without needing supreme warmth, the REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie has a lot of great features for a reasonable price.
The Nebitron Pro was previously called the Nebula Pro, but Rab states that the design remains the same.
We put the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody to the test high above the talus in Rocky Mountain National Park. When the wind picked up and the afternoon thunderstorms changed from rain to hail, we pulled on this jacket for instant warmth and weather protection. This lightweight jacket combines 65 grams of warm PlumaFill insulation with a Pertex Quantum shell with a DWR finish that performed super well in our tests at protecting us from the elements. Though a bit difficult to fit inside, the jacket can be stowed into the left-hand pocket, making it easy to carry on long hikes or up climbing routes. “The fabric tends to be noisy, which I didn't like, but the fit was quite comfortable,” one tester said. The large and loose cut allowed for easy layering underneath, and there is ample room in the shoulders and back for unimpeded overhead movement. The longer hem kept the jacket from riding up, and the fabric felt smooth against the skin.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (size S/M)
12.31 oz
Insulation
PlumaFill 100% recycled polyester
Outer Fabric
10D Pertex Quantum Pro 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Lining
10D Pertex Quantum 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Number of Pockets
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
While it works great as an outer layer, the DAS Light performed better when protecting us from the elements than it did when we were performing high-output activities. Our testers noted that sweat built up quickly, necessitating the use of the dual zipper to ventilate or simply removing the jacket altogether to avoid being cold and sweaty. If it's a more breathable insulated jacket you're seeking, check out the Arc'teryx Atom Hoody, which was one of the most breathable jackets in our test and can work as a functional mid-layer. While it's possible to use the DAS Light as a mid-layer, we found it's better suited as an outer layer to protect against the elements on slightly rainy days.
The REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie was another favorite in the insulated jacket lineup, providing good warmth and weather protection at a reasonable price. This no-frills jacket has the features you want without all the extras to double the price. Synthetic insulation with a water-repellant polyester shell works well in cooler temperatures or when activities will keep the body heat elevated. A simple adjustable hem and elastic cuffs on the arms keep the wind away, and the insulated hood adds another layer of protection. “I absolutely loved the decision to buy this jacket, as it ended up performing similarly to high-end models in more casual environments,” one of our main jacket testers shared.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (size S/M)
17.07 oz
Insulation
80 g polyester (98% recycled; bluesign approved) synthetic
Outer Fabric
Recycled polyester taffeta (bluesign approved)
Lining
Recycled polyester taffeta (bluesign approved)
Number of Pockets
2 zippered hand
The Trailmade Hoodie is designed to be a three-season insulated jacket and is not meant for freezing January temps like those we experienced in Minnesota. With only 80 grams of insulation and a shell that only repels water, this jacket ends up being a mid-layer when the weather gets nasty. If retaining body heat is the goal, the Rab Nebitron Pro provides all the warmth and more. If a lighter weight breathable option is desired, the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Hooded provides a nice balance of light insulation with great ventilation.
When it comes to insulated jackets, the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Full Zip Hoody is one of the most breathable models we've ever seen. In a men's small, this version of the Nano Air weighs a staggeringly low 8.1 ounces and packs down smaller than many softshell or fleece layers, which is unheard of for a jacket that offers insulation. Lead tester Zach Lovell said, “The Nano-Air Ultralight is the perfect choice if you need breathable insulation when working up a sweat.” There are breathable panels (and no insulation) in the underarm area, allowing you to shed heat in cooler temps when you still want to wear long sleeves.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (size S/M)
8.1 oz
Insulation
FullRange 100% recycled polyester
Outer Fabric
30D 100% recycled polyester
Lining
30D 100% recycled polyester
Number of Pockets
1 zippered chest
"While the Nano-Air Ultralight is easy to carry or wear on the go, it offers very little warmth," Zach shared. It's not what you want to be wearing when sedentary in the cold for long periods. And as much as we loved the packability of this layer, its lightweight, thinner construction wasn't quite as robust for heavy field use. While trail hikes and casual backpacking were fine, climbing and scrambling in more abrasive environments caused fraying/tearing of its modest shell fabric. Its more minimalist construction also made it quite a bit less weather resistant, especially compared to jackets like the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody, which offered decent protection from the elements when considering its jacket class.
The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is an active insulated layer that was a tester favorite. It's great for climbing, running, snow sports, and just about any outdoor activity in cool to cold weather. The jacket offers an athletic cut that fits close to the body but still offers maneuverability and freedom. The arms are long enough that they don't pull up when stretching, and the low hem keeps your waist protected. The Atom Hoody offers Coreloft insulation to keep your torso warm and stretch fleece side panels that keep it lightweight and breathable when you are exerting yourself. As one of our jacket experts put it, “This is a premium jacket that'll cost you a premium price. If it's in your budget, this is an incredible choice if you're a high-activity adventurer in colder weather.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (size S/M)
12.70 oz
Insulation
Coreloft 100% recycled polyester
Outer Fabric
Tyono 20D shell with FC0 DWR treatment - 100% nylon
Lining
Dope Permeair 20D - 100% nylon
Number of Pockets
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
Active layers are meant to be worn during active endeavors, protecting you from the wind and elements, while still being breathable enough to keep you from getting too sweaty or overheating. Since these layers tend to be thinner, they aren't meant to protect you from ultra-cold temps if you're inactive and standing still. If you're looking for straight-up warmth, check out a lofty, toasty jacket like the Rab Nebitron Pro. During testing, we found the Atom Hoody worked great as a stand-alone layer for outdoor activities in cool weather and equally perfect as a mid-layer when things got colder. Testers loved this jacket for winter running, skinning uphill, winter bouldering, snowboarding, and even high-output Nordic skiing. It also serves as a lightweight jacket for chilly mountain evenings and mornings during the summer, or spring and fall when a heavier jacket would be overkill. If you are interested in a slightly less expensive option, we also like the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody as a casual cool-weather jacket or mid-layer.
The Patagonia Nano Puff has become a classic synthetic jacket in the outdoor world, a bestseller from Patagonia for over a decade, and for good reason. This layer uses PrimaLoft insulation throughout to offer warmth that isn't as dependent on staying dry, as it stays lofted even when damp. The Nano Puff still needs a hard shell over for serious precipitation events, but it'll retain body heat if snow or rain sneak through, making it ideal for extended backpacking trips or alpine climbing. “While it isn't an ultralight model, the Nano Puff offers decent warmth relative to its weight,” one of our testers commented, “and it's got a nice style for more urban gatherings.” If you are looking for something a little friendlier on the scale, consider the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight, especially if you want something more breathable.
If you need a layer that packs down super small, the Nano Puff wouldn't be our first choice. As is common with any synthetic insulation, it just doesn't compress nearly as well as down. Look into the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody if you're looking for something a little more pack-friendly, which otherwise is very similar in construction to the Nano Puff. “As much as I loved the cut of the Nano Puff, it doesn't have as much stretch, so sizing is crucial,” our tester noted. Outside of its stretch and packability, the Patagonia Nano Puff is a phenomenal jacket that's great for shoppers who don't want to worry about warmth even if their insulation gets damp.
A warm jacket meant to protect you from the elements, the Rab Xenair Alpine is one of the most cozy and comfortable insulated jackets we have yet tested. Rab designed this breathable and versatile jacket for activities like climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. Our testers found the Xenair to be breathable while still protective from the elements. With two chest and two hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, hem, hood, and two-way zipper, you have plenty of ways to adapt the jacket to your activities while allowing for mobility and warmth. The long hem in the back keeps your rear protected, and the inner 20D recycled nylon with insulation throughout makes it feel like you're wrapped in your favorite sleeping bag. With the combined warmth and wind resistance, our testers found this jacket great for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and everyday use when temps drop.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (size S/M)
18.30 oz
Insulation
PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active+
Outer Fabric
20D Pertex Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR
Lining
20D recycled nylon
Number of Pockets
2 zippered hand, 2 zippered chest
As you may expect, you sometimes sacrifice water resistance when using breathable fabric. The shell of the Xenair Alpine sheds light water but begins to soak through the fabric to the insulation if exposed to heavier rain. Thankfully, it didn't soak through to the inner layer, and since it is filled with synthetic insulation, it still keeps you warm. (If you want the most water-resistant jacket in our test, look to the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody.) The Xenair works well as an outer layer for most activities, but functions great as an insulating mid-layer when you add a waterproof shell over top.
Style is, of course, subjective, but the Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie boasts both fashion and outdoors performance for shoppers needing warmth that can seamlessly transition from a ski day to a dinner out. The X-Latt also offers a slightly baggier fit that our entire testing team loved, finding the right balance that minimizes bunching while still having a full range of motion. “I don't always fit squarely in one jacket size,” gear writer Zach Lovell shared, “but the X-Latt fit me very well, allowing for easy layering and mobility.” We think this jacket is, in a way, Fjallraven's answer to Patagonia's Nano Puff.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight (size S/M)
12.3 oz
Insulation
100% recycled polyester
Outer Fabric
100% recycled polyamide
Lining
100% recycled polyamide
Number of Pockets
2 zippered hand 1 inner chest
As much as we appreciated the looks of the Fjallraven X-Latt, its polyamide fabric wasn't the most breathable, causing us to shed this jacket in warmer temperatures when we were on the go. In cold conditions or for casual strolls, the X-Latt could stay on, but consider a layer like the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight if you want a jacket you can wear all day in a variety of conditions and activities. The X-Latt is also a bit tougher to pack, as one of our jacket experts shared, “This is not meant to be the lightest nor the most compressible jacket out there, but I did find it to be fairly durable compared to featherweight competition.” Outside of a few asterisks, the Fjallraven X-Latt is a great choice if you want functional, yet fashionable, insulation that'll handle social hangs and mountain adventures without flinching.
The Expedition X-Latt offers fashion and function, making for a decently versatile jacket.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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The Patagonia Das Light has great fit, feel, and breathability for long hikes.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
How We Tested
Choosing which jackets to include in this review starts with lots of digging into the newest technologies and upgrades in the market. We then purchase the most promising and interesting options and put these jackets to the test, using them in real world scenarios. We wear them while backcountry skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, hiking, climbing, Nordic skiing, shoveling snow, sitting around the campfire, and all the moments in between. We also test and rate each product more objectively and base recommendations on several metrics, including warmth, comfort, portability, weather resistance, and breathability. For more on our testing process, check out our How We Test article.
Our insulated jacket tests are divided into five different metrics:
Warmth (25% of score weighting)
Comfort (25% weighting)
Weather Resistance (20% weighting)
Portability (15% weighting)
Breathability (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing team is led by Zach Lovell, James Lucas and Travis Reddinger. Zach is an IFMGA Mountain Guide who lives in synthetic jackets for over half the year in the name of alpine/rock climbing and skiing. He pays careful attention to every detail in each layer of clothing he wears, sometimes wearing a single layer for days on end during an expedition. James works as a freelance photographer and writer, has written a Yosemite Valley bouldering guidebook, worked as an editor for Climbing Magazine, and traveled the world exploring the outdoors and climbing. Travis has spent much of his life in Minnesota, and wanting to remain active through the winter months, he has to endure harsh temperatures in the quest to be outdoors.
We put these insulated jackets to the test, wearing them on our hikes, errand runs, and ski trips. We even tested their weatherproofing by spraying them with water.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The jackets tested in this category all use a variety of synthetic insulation but tend to be either active insulating layers or insulated jackets for warmth. Active jackets are generally thinner layers made with stretch fabrics and are highly breathable. They are designed to be worn all the time, can be layered over, and thrive on winter days when you may work up a sweat. Traditional insulated jackets have been designed to be warm and present a less expensive and more water-resistant option compared to down insulation.
We have tested both varieties in this review, and while we grade each choice on the metrics described below, be sure to identify which type of jacket — active or warmth — is likely to serve you well and aid in determining the best jacket for your needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
A good insulated jacket doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but you should plan on spending a decent chunk of change for excellent quality. Synthetic jackets have historically been less spendy than down competitors, but with their rise in popularity, the field (at least price-wise) has evened out. If you are investing in a jacket for cold-weather activities, you want a good balance of performance and longevity.
For around $100, the REI Trailmade Hoodie is a great midlayer jacket at a decent price. It offers solid scores across all of our test metrics and is a great shoulder season layer. The Carhartt Rain Defender is another value buy offering decent weather protection. It's much bulkier than many of the jackets we tested, but if you're just wearing it around town and not trying to stash it away in your ultralight kit, you may not mind. The Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer is another budget buy that will do the trick for those seeking an insulated jacket on a tight budget. One GearLab staff member bought this jacket for her partner a few years back, and it's still going strong.
The Amazon Essentials jacket is a lightweight synthetic puffy that won't drain your bank account.
Credit: Jenni Snead
Though not a budget-priced jacket, the Rab Nebitron Pro still offers excellent value and warmth for its price. It was one of the warmest jackets we tested and great for frigid weather, which is not something we can say about every jacket in our tests. The Nebitron Pro is a useful three-season jacket.
The Rab Nebitron Pro, though not really a “budget” buy, still offers great warmth and utility for your buck.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Warmth
A jacket, first and foremost, needs to provide warmth. Naturally, we paid close attention to each model's performance in this metric and took detailed notes along the way to ensure we documented all of our findings.
The Rab Nebitron Pro ranked as the warmest jacket in this review with its Primaloft Silver RISE insulation and Pertex Quantum Pro shell material. With warmth comes weight, and the Nebitron Pro was the heaviest jacket in our review (but half its weight comes from that warm insulation!) The Rab Xenair Apine also gets high marks for warmth with its solid features and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active+.
The Nebitron Pro (formerly the Nebula Pro) holding its own in some cold winter temps.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Comparing warmth between lightly insulated models proved challenging as the jackets allow some wind to blow through them to help with breathability, while others block wind. To pick a comparison point, we rated their warmth as an outer layer when worn over base layers in various temperatures.
Insulation type, hood option, and hem length all impact the warmth of a jacket.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Among the lighter-weight models tested, the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody, Arc'teryx Atom Hoody, and the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ranked well in terms of warmth. Some very light jackets can still be impressively warm. For instance, the Micro Puff uses Patagonia's lightweight PlumaFill insulation, resulting in extraordinary warmth despite being one of the lightest jackets in the review. Unfortunately, its super lightweight shell makes it vulnerable to abrasion from rocks and sharp objects. Additionally, the PlumaFill tends to leak out in long strands once there is a tear in the shell.
Blowing winds and snow are perfect times to judge warmth and wind resistance.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Lighter weight models like the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight are more versatile for layering, but by worn by itself when stationary, you're much more likely to get cold. Its slimmer fit worked well as a near-base layer jacket, and we easily fit big parkas/puffies over it.
If you need more warmth, the minimalist Nano-Air Ultralight layers well under larger jackets.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
In this category, we assessed each piece's mobility as well as little details that increased comfort. We found that some moved better than others, and some had features like a soft inner shell or fleece-lined hand pockets that delivered tactile happiness for minimal weight. We also noted the fit and mobility characteristics of each jacket. Since you aren't likely to use a jacket that doesn't fit well, comfort is key.
The Rab Xenair Alpine quickly stood out as one of the most comfortable jackets we tested. It fits nicely to the body without being too restrictive for activities. It has soft elastic cuffs with additional Velcro closure, dual front zipper, soft inner fabric, and adjustable hood and hem to snug up to your body. If you are looking for a thinner option, the Arc'teryx jackets stand out for comfort due to a combination of unobstructed mobility, perfect fit, and soft, comfy fabrics. The Atom Hoody received high comfort scores with low-bulk cuffs, well-shaped zipper pulls, very comfortable inner fabrics, and excellent mobility. We also cannot forget Patagonia, which had multiple jackets with high comfort scores in our tests, including the stretchy Nano-Air Ultralight, the DAS Light, and Nano Puff.
Our testers loved the wind protection and warmth from the Rab Xenair's soft fabric and well-fitted hood.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie uses a classic build that leans on a relaxed fit for its comfort. Its shell fabric is soft enough, and the hem can be adjusted on both the right and left sides to get the waist area to fit it just how you want it. The Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight boasts a stretchy and very comfortable against-skin fabric, making for a stand-out layer, even when only wearing a t-shirt underneath.
The Nano-Air Ultralight offers excellent mobility and a comfortable fit.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weather Resistance
We've all found ourselves in torrential downpours and fierce winds despite a bluebird forecast. In these situations, the right insulated jacket can significantly reduce the suffering factor. Most of the products we tested are designed to be worn primarily as a mid-layer with a rain jacket or hardshell on top for foul weather. That said, many users employ these products as their outer layer in milder conditions. We've worn all of these jackets as outer layers in all sorts of weather while climbing, skiing, and simply hiking and have found some that provide significantly better protection than others. All the models tested are meant to have a Durable Water-repellent (DWR) treatment applied to the face fabric that causes light rain to bead and keeps insulation dry as long as it is effective (and not all are). The DWR treatments on some of the other lightweight jackets are far less effective and they all require reapplication of repellent with frequent use.
Insulated jackets are usually not designed to be fully waterproof or windproof. If you're looking for a jacket that combines the warmth of an insulated jacket with the weather protection of a hardshell, consider one of the insulated coats from our men's ski jacket review.
Models with a continuous or nearly continuous outer fabric do a better job of stopping the wind and rain. The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody provides the most weather resistance of the products tested. It features a slippery nylon ripstop fabric with a durable water-repellent coating that works in light rain/snow and has a design that minimizes seams where air can leak making it practically windproof. The Carhartt Rain Defender lived up to its name as the jacket repelled water very well and had no intrusion to the insulation. Other jackets like the Rab Nebitron Pro, Arc'teryx Atom Hoody, and Rab Xenair Alpine have a DWR coating that beaded water during a light misting, but soaked through to the insulation with longer exposures.
The DAS Light kept our tester dry while rappelling through a virtual waterfall. We tested the jackets by spraying them with water and by wearing them in real-life outdoor situations.
Credit: James Lucas
The classic Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody has 60-g PrimaLoft insulation that noticeably kept us warmer when things got wet. Its shell fabric was not overly weather-resistant, though the DWR treatment worked well in brief spells of rain before things got bad enough to warrant a shell. During alpine climbing missions, we still wore a shell as our outermost layer, but when snow or water inevitably snuck its way through the neck, arms, or hem areas during a storm, the Nano Puff kept doing its job of providing insulation.
While we wouldn't suggest relying too heavily on the DWR treatment of the Nano Puff, it's warmth was unwavering in damp conditions.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Baffle insulation means more stitching and panels in the jacket and potential weak spots for water or wind to get through. Jackets like the REI Trailmade Hoodie, Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer Hooded, and Columbia Powder Lite II initially beaded water from the shell but then soaked through at the seams.
The Rab, Patagonia, and Arc'teryx behave differently when subjected to water but didn't soak through to the inside layer.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Hood or No Hood?
We enjoy having hoods since they provide a warmth upgrade for little weight, are impossible to misplace, and can be worn over or under helmets. Our favorite hood designs feature cinch cords that tighten the hood around the head and not the face. Although more and more hoods are being designed with only elastic to secure the facial opening, they cannot adjust depending on your head shape or the weather. A hood can sometimes get in the way if you're planning to wear your layer primarily under a shell, but many hooded models tested are also available in hoodless versions. If you are looking for a solid insulated jacket without a hood, the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is worth a look.
A variety of hood options that include insulation, helmet compatibility, or a stiffened brim for added eye protection.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Lighter weight models like the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight have to keep the weather-resistant fabrics to a minimum, and only rely on DWR treatment to very slightly repel a drizzle or mist. Luckily, jackets like this are easy to fit shells over if the forecast turns sour.
Portability
Since we pack our insulated jackets everywhere we go, lightweight and compressible options are ideal for outdoor pursuits. When weight and packability are the priority above all else, the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight is the clear choice: it only weighs 8.1 ounces in a men's small. It can be effortlessly packed into even the most overstuffed bags, and it even fits inside its own pocket and can be clipped to your harness or hip belt.
There are few insulated jackets that can pack down to the size of the Patagonia Nano Air Ultralight.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody weighs a mere 10.37 ounces for a size medium and was one of the lightest in the lineup. The Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Hooded and Arc'teryx Atom Hoody weigh just a few ounces more and are very comfortable, lightweight options for travel.
Durability
While synthetic insulation has become more compressible, long-term durability is still an issue. The fiber's ability to rebound to full loft decreases with repeated compression, and the more tightly compacted they are, the more wear the fiber matrices incur. Therefore, for storage purposes, we recommend keeping your jackets in their uncompressed state.
If you are looking for the perfect balance between warmth and weight, it's hard to beat the Arc'teryx Atom Hoody. While it is a top scorer, the Atom Hoody doesn't include a stuff sack or a stuff pocket option. The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody and the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody can be stuffed down into their pockets, except that it's so challenging to get the jacket to fit that we didn't find this feature very useful. Using a different design, the affordable Amazon Essentials tips the scales at 14.85 ounces for a medium and includes a stuff sack for portability. This jacket is easy enough to compress into the sack, provided you don't misplace it when not in use.
Storage pockets and stuff sacks are convenient ways to carry jackets when not in use.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The 12.3-ounce Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie is decently lightweight, and its interior chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack. With a bulkier packed size, it actually doubles as a great camping pillow. The similarly built Patagonia Nano Puff weighs almost the same (12.4 ounces), and is slightly more packable, but not by much. The Nano Puff can also be packed into its pocket, and has a carabiner loop that makes it easy to attach outside of your backpack or to stay organized while traveling.
Breathability
Designed to regulate temperature by wicking away moisture during high-energy activities, breathable insulated jackets revolutionized the outerwear scene. The long-standing approach to making a Primaloft or Coreloft product better suited to exertion is to incorporate wind-resistant fabric to protect your core, while breathable stretchy panels under the arms or on the sides dump excess heat.
The Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Full Zip Hoody is one of the most breathable layers we've ever seen in this jacket class. Its weight rivals even the lightest of fleece jackets and keeps the insulation to a minimum, only using 20 grams of insulation for warmth and breathable underarm panels that help it ventilate very well. In colder weather, this is simply a layer you don't have to take off, even if you're on a grueling alpine climb, and it's our strongest recommendation for those seeking “active insulation”. The bigger sibling to the Ultralight, the classic Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody, is more insulating, heavier, and less breathable than the Ultralight.
The Patagonia Nano air Ultralight is a layer that came off far less than the competition during activity.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody takes this hybrid approach and earned top breathability scores by using a Tyono 20D nylon shell, Dope Permeair lining, and performance stretch fleece side panels. Cotopaxi takes a similar approach with the Capa Hybrid Hooded by using Primaloft Gold insulation in the main torso and stretch knit fabric in the hood, sleeves, and side panels for ventilation. Other companies have begun imitating this style of jacket, and they have changed the game for high-energy activities like backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and winter running or climbing. Pair this type of jacket with a lightweight windbreaker or Gore-Tex shell if you need more protection.
The Rab Xenair Alpine also received a high score for breathability when moving about. The jacket is designed to keep you warm during activities like climbing, skiing, and mountaineering and has breathable Pertex Quantum Air fabric, a dual zipper, and adjustable cuffs to aid in ventilation. The Patagonia DAS Light also shone brightly for breathability, with two-way zippers, which can help dump heat if needed and double as harness-compatible.
Elastic is the standard on all cuffs, but additional velcro adjustment improves temperature regulation and comfort.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Another feature to consider on these jackets for breathability is the hem option. A hem that has a single or double-cinch system allows it to be raised higher when overheating and lowered down again when cold. Jackets like the Columbia Powder Lite II and Carhartt Rain Defender incorporate dual cinch adjustments, while the North Face ThermoBall 2.0 and REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie use a single cinch adjustment.
The Atom Hoody gives you mobility and breathability in a lightweight package.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
The Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie has a thicker face fabric that can prevent body-generated moisture from exiting the layer. Fortunately, it has a relaxed fit, encouraging at least some airflow to make its way through the layer. In colder temperatures, as we reached the heart of winter, we were able to keep the X-Latt on for the entire day. The Patagonia Nano Puff has a similar construction, but we found its 20-denier polyester shell to be slightly more breathable than the polyamide fabric used in the X-Latt. The Nano Puff has a more precise fit, but our testers felt its overall construction lent itself better to a higher heart rate.
How to Pick the Best Insulated Jacket for You
The world of warmth-providing jackets is truly vast. There are so many sub-classes of jackets that it sometimes even makes our heads spin, but there are a few quick and easy things to learn that'll offer some purchasing guidance so you find the right layer for you.
We're in a golden era of jacket design, with a variety of insulation weights and features to choose from.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Synthetic vs. Down
The most substantial decision you'll make when deciding which jacket is right for you is determining whether you want synthetic insulation or a layer that uses animal down. Every year we see new technology emerge that blurs the performance lines between these classes of layers. In general, synthetic insulation is heavier and less packable, yet it performs much better than down when it gets wet.
Synthetic insulation performs better in wet weather - just remember it isn't as packable as down.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Traditional down layers offer better warmth-to-weight ratios and are more packable, but may not retain loft if they get wet. It is crucial to bear in mind that none of these jackets should be worn as your outermost layer in a rain storm — keep a rain layer handy if wet weather is in the forecast. All of the layers in this review have synthetic insulation, but take a look at our down jacket review if that jacket type sounds like a better fit.
Intended Uses
If you're living and recreating in a damper climate, a synthetic jacket might be a better choice, as it'll still retain its insulating properties when wet. Some activities, such as stormy alpine climbing or extended thru-hikes in wetter climates, can inherently cause clothing to get damp, and we might gently nudge you towards a synthetic layer instead. If you're a fair-weather recreationalist and are more weight/space conscious, a down option might be a better fit.
Make sure you're considering where and when you'll be using your insulated jackets.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability Considerations
Often, the warmer your prospective jacket is, the less breathable it'll be. Another common trade-off is weather resistance: if a layer has a better shell fabric, it's more likely to trap body heat. We've created a metric dedicated to breathability so that you can navigate your purchasing decision more easily, but all of these layers were able to be worn mid-activity when the weather was colder. A quick and simple way to hone in on the most ventilated jackets is to look for something with lower weight, less weather resistance, and less warmth. Conversely, if you're looking for the warmest jacket, you likely don't want one that's super breathable.
Average Cost of a Synthetic Layer
We often strongly encourage shoppers to consider synthetic layers as opposed to traditional down if trying to save some money. Synthetic materials don't have the same sourcing challenges as quality down, which is frequently found at a premium by manufacturers.
Synthetic jackets might be heavier, but they'll likely save your wallet when compared to a layer using down for insulation.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Down is labor-intensive and more expensive to clean and process, while synthetic fibers are less expensive and can be produced in large quantities using straightforward manufacturing methods. As a result, high-quality or ethically sourced down layers often cost between 1.5 to 3 times more than comparable synthetic layers, making synthetics far more budget-friendly for most consumers. However, the higher cost of down is partly justified by its superior warmth-to-weight ratio, durability, and compressibility, so it all depends on your intended uses and budget.
Layering Advice
The way one layers their insulating jacket varies wildly person to person, and can also be very dependent on the activity or weather. For lightweight and more breathable models, we liked to fit these closer to the body as a “close to base layer” jacket that is easy to layer over. For heavier jackets that have more warmth/weather resistance, we generally aim to have a roomier fit to accommodate layers underneath, while still being able to fit a heavyweight puffy or a rain shell over it.
Keep in mind where you're intending to fit your next insulated jacket in your layering system.
Credit: Zach Lovell
What Else is Synthetic Insulation Used For?
Last, but not least, you might be looking at the rest of your outdoor gear, thinking about using more synthetic materials. We strongly encourage you to consider looking at winter gloves, which are almost guaranteed to get wet, making synthetic insulation an excellent choice. As long as weight and packability isn't too big of a concern, synthetic sleeping bags can be a great addition to the camping gear bin, and often cost much less relative to traditional down. There are also several synthetic options out there for heavier-weight layers in the winter jacket category. If you're looking for insulated pants, some of our testers live in them during cold-weather spells or during expeditions, and love using synthetic materials so that slushy snow or storms don't impact warmth.
From jackets to down pants to gloves, there are many ways synthetic insulation is used in key outdoors equipment.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Conclusion
There are many classes of jacket available on the market today. While every sub-niche has its merits, we love insulated jackets for their moisture-resiliency, especially compared to down layers. We've tested and scored layers across a wide variety of intended uses and price points so you can hone in on the best model for your needs. From ultra-light breathable insulation to heavy-duty jackets that provide warmth, rest easy knowing there's a perfect fit- you just have to make a final decision.
We wish you well on your journey to find your first, or next, insulated jacket.
