A synthetic insulated jacket can be one of the most versatile layers in your closet. They offer reliable warmth for everything from everyday winter wear, to cold weather travel and activities. Modern synthetic insulation is lighter, warmer, and more breathable than the bulky options of the past, giving these jackets a wide range of utility. Synthetic insulation usually can't quite match down for warmth-to-weight or compressibility, but it continues to insulate when damp, is often more affordable, and durable. That makes synthetic insulation particularly practical for wet, snowy, or unpredictable weather. Synthetic jackets also work well as part of a layering system, adding extra warmth beneath a hardshell when conditions take a turn for cold and stormy.
Why Choose Synthetic Insulation?
When choosing an insulated jacket, the first consideration is: Synthetic or down? In this review, all products are made with synthetic insulation, meaning they are insulated with manufactured materials, like polyester fibers. But, we have also tested the best down jackets for women, too. Down (typically goose and duck down and feathers) is traditionally lighter, more packable, slightly more thermoregulating, and more expensive.
While there are trade-offs for both down and synthetic insulation, the biggest difference is performance in wet conditions. Synthetic insulation will keep you warm when wet, and down will not (unless it's hydrophobic down, which costs a premium). Down insulation typically features a better warmth-to-weight and compression ratio, but doesn't insulate well when damp. That said, new technological advances in synthetic insulation technology are closing the gap, offering lighter and more packable options. Synthetic is lower maintenance than down, but the loft of a well-cared-for down jacket can last longer than synthetic.
Budget
A quick and easy way to filter your options is to set a budget. A premium, technical synthetic jacket will cost you several hundred dollars; a mid-range jacket that isn't as specialized will perform almost as well for most days, and cost less. Typically, less expensive jackets in this review are less breathable, heavier, and often don't have as comfortable of a fit. Consider what you'll be using your jacket for most. You'll have different priorities if you're looking for warmth around town versus something ideal for traveling, or for backpacking, or for backcountry skiing. From there, you'll get a better sense of what you need versus what marketing will tell you that you need. Every jacket in this review delivers solid performance and earns its place as a worthwhile option. That said, some offer more versatility across the board, while others are designed with specialized uses, conditions, or activities in mind.
Types of Insulated Jackets
Insulated jackets typically fall into three categories: Quilted or baffled, continuous shell, and soft-fabric (mobile) insulated options.
Quilted and Baffled Jackets
These designs have varying types, and amounts of insulation stitched into baffles or “pods” throughout the jacket. These jackets typically are quite packable, based on the types of insulation used. If the jacket is thin, the stitching can be a weak place for wind to sneak through the fabric. Look for one of these if you seek a jacket that'll compress well, and the more loft in the baffles, the more warmth it will offer.
Continuous Shell
These jackets often feature a water-resistant material that does not have any stitching, and is continuous throughout the arms and body of the jacket. The shells are typically composed of nylon or a hybrid between nylon and rip-stop material. In addition, this design typically features multiple layers. These jackets are typically a bit less breathable, but based on the type of insulation used, they can be great for both weather protection and compression.
Mobile Soft-Fabric Jackets
These jackets have a more breathable exterior fabric that is softer, more malleable, and more porous. These are typically constructed with a continuous construction design with multiple layers in some cases, and often include stretchy fleece panels in strategic places. These jackets are great for high-paced activities, where you might find yourself sweating. The fabric is more breathable, which allows moisture to escape more rapidly. These are often not as wind or waterproof as continuous-shell or baffled jackets, and typically aren't as warm either.
Jacket Weight
There are three different jacket weights to consider when purchasing an insulated jacket. Here we outline key differences between the three: lightweight, midweight, heavyweight.
Lightweight
The lightest jackets offer less insulation, often strategically placed around areas that lose the most heat (like the core). These are great to wear during the summer, fall, or spring when light weather is in the forecast, or for specific activities where a small amount of packable warmth may be needed for a short portion of the day, or you're constantly moving.
Midweight
Most insulated jackets in this review fall into the midweight category. These typically feature a medium amount of insulation and loft (their total weight ranges from 8 to 16 ounces). These are the most versatile jackets that can function through all seasons, depending on their performance and type of insulation. In the winter, these are great jackets to add underneath a shell. They are often a great option to wear as a standalone jacket over your base layers on milder days.
Heavyweight
These bomber warmth options are stacked with multiple liner layers and ample insulation. Functioning best as a winter jacket or warm option for standing around in cold weather, they are not a great option for warmer weather. If you're looking for a stand-alone option, a belay parka, or an insulated jacket for extreme weather, down is often more packable and offers a better warmth-to-weight ratio.
Types of Synthetic Insulation
What kind of insulation should you consider purchasing? With so many options out there, it's hard to say what's the best. Some insulation is lighter and more compressible, while others might be warmer and more durable, but not as light. New technology has allowed synthetic insulation to be lighter and warmer than ever.
PrimaLoft
This is the most common type of insulation found in insulated jackets today. PrimaLoft is categorized on Gold, Silver, and Bronze ratings that differ in levels of warmth, weight, and compression. This is related to the type of filamentous fiber used.
ThermoBall
Developed by The North Face and PrimaLoft, ThermoBall insulation offers a new spin on the typical long filaments that have dominated the synthetic insulation market. This technology uses small spheres of insulation instead of long fibers; instead of stacking on top of each other, they articulate together to create more air spaces, which provides more opportunity to pack in warmth.
PlumaFill
Revolutionizing the insulated industry is PlumaFill, a new type of insulation that features an amazing compression to warmth ratio. While it mimics the structure of down, it's still warmer than down when wet. The insulation is a combination of strands (not filaments) that are connected to lock in warmth. Because of its design, the jacket does not need traditional baffles and manages to stay warmer than other quilted contenders.
Wool Insulation
Several of the jackets we have tested through the years feature wool insulation. Technically, wool is not synthetic as it is all organic materials. Like other wool garments, wool insulation provides a high amount of thermo-regulation, and jackets with wool insulation typically score highly in the breathability metric.
Other Proprietary Insulation Technologies
We could write an entire book about synthetic insulation. Many companies offer proprietary synthetic insulation technology, and it is constantly evolving. For example, Arc'teryx uses Coreloft while Columbia uses Omni-Heat. All are designed to keep you warm even when wet but have different warmth-to-weight-to-compression ratios. That said, refer to the warmth section in the comparison chart to see how different forms of insulation stack up. As with down, it's important to consider both the loft of the jacket, or how puffy it is, and the fill, how much insulation is packed into it, in addition to the type.
Shell Fabrics and Weather Protection
When looking at a jacket, consider if you want wet weather protection “built-in” or if you prefer layering your coat under or over a shell. An insulated jacket with better weather protection will typically have a stiffer, often plasticky-feeling and less breathable shell. We would recommend also purchasing a shell for when the weather turns for the worst, which offers more versatility.
Water Resistance
While none of the jackets in this review are rated as truly “waterproof”, many outdoors-women look for an option that might stand up to unsuspected rain. Many products in this review come with a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating, which will repel water in light rain or drizzle. However, over time, the DWR coating needs to be maintained, and it will not keep you dry in a downpour.
In our testing, soft-shelled face fabrics are less water-resistant then continuous face-fabric or quilted contenders. The most water-resistant fabrics in this review are those with the Pertex Quantum, a continuous non-porous shell, and those featuring any form of rip-stop technology. If you want the ultimate level of water resistance, look for these fabrics and design.
Wind Resistance
If caught in a blizzard, a jacket that provides wind resistance is key. Typically jackets with a continuous face fabric that is non-porous are the best for these situations. Breathable face fabrics provide some level of wind-resistance but are far less wind resistant than a continuous shell. Consider the Pertex Quantum shell or a polyester option if you want the best in wind resistance.
Is Compression Important?
For some people, a jacket that packs into its own pocket is key, while it's irrelevant for others. For long multi-pitch rock or ice climbs, it is ideal to stuff or clip a jacket to the harness for additional warmth at belays. If you are using your jacket for hiking or camping, the clip feature might not be important, and the compressibility is more of a consideration. If you head out on a backpacking trip, it's important to stuff your jacket into your pack without to much extra bulk. Many jackets also have a stowaway system; this nifty feature is one that many don't know about. In this case, a jacket will stuff into its hand or chest pocket, which is especially wonderful when you need to put the jacket away neatly into a backpack. Loftier and quilted competitors are the most lightweight and compressible options for this purpose.
The stowaway area may be either the breast or hand pockets. Most stowaway systems have an additional accessory tag and a double-sided, or upside-down zipper, so the first step would be to look for those features. If you find them in one of the pockets, then all you need to do is flip that pocket inside out and begin stuffing the body inside.
Hood or No Hood?
While everybody has their own opinion here, consider whether or not you want a jacket with a hood. A jacket with a hood provides additional quick warmth and protection in bad weather.
Most hoods in this review are helmet-compatible, making them a decent option for sports that require them. That said, some people prefer not to have a hood because it adds extra bulk. A person that plans to use their jacket more as a mid-layer, might want a jacket without a hood to eliminate this additional material. Overall, hoods are all about personal opinion and the needs of the user. Decide what you will use your jacket for and consider which is best for you.
Caring for Your Insulated Jacket
Even though insulated jackets are workhorse pieces that we tend to stash and thrash, they do require specific care to perform at their best. Most shell fabrics are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that eventually will wear off. This happens as you use it, wear it, and wash it. It's important to wash your jacket regularly; when dirt accumulates in the insulation, this can decrease the amount of space for air pockets. As a result, a dirty jacket will be less lofty and less warm. Regular washing will help keep your jacket the warmest it can be.
Conclusion
The best insulated jacket is the one that fits naturally into the way you spend your winter. Think about where and when you'll wear it, what you'll be doing, and what kind of weather you're likely to encounter. Maybe you need a lightweight layer that disappears into your pack or suitcase until the temperature drops, or a warm jacket for keeping cozy on cold morning commutes. With such a wide range of features, fits, and designs available, there's a jacket out there that feels like it was made exactly for what you have in mind.
