It鈥檚 easy to be swayed by the sex appeal of a shell jacket. Waterproof, expensive, colorful. I constantly find myself lusting after the new Gore-Tex whatever. But then I kit up for any high-output winter activity鈥� backcountry skiing, running, hiking, cycling, etc鈥攁nd am reminded that midlayers are the backbone of winter layering, get triple the use of other pieces, and warrant a bigger investment.

That鈥檚 because unless it鈥檚 pissing rain, dumping snow, or freezing cold, my shell stays in my bag. A shell, even the most breathable, is just a plastic bag and will not vent your heat, whereas a breathable midlayer creates just the right amount of warmth but sheds excess heat while you slog down pavement or up a mountain. Midlayers also get extra use on warmer winter days when worn by themselves without a base layer underneath.

Over my 10-plus years at 国产吃瓜黑料 I鈥檝e tested well over 100 midlayers, out of which I鈥檝e found a few favorites for each of my winter sports.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best for Backcountry Skiing and Hiking

Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody

This has become my number one skiing and hiking midlayer because it鈥檚 light鈥攋ust 14.2 ounces鈥攁nd provides the perfect balance of warmth and breathability. A medium-thick layer of migration-resistant Primaloft Gold Active insulation keeps me warm even when temps hover around 10 degrees, but is also capable of dumping heat faster than anything I鈥檝e ever tested. On the outside, there鈥檚 a 20-denier nylon ripstop face fabric that鈥檚 tough enough to resist a tree branch but allows plenty of hot air to escape. Even if I鈥檓 absolutely pinned, with a heart rate above 160, I never feel the need to throw off the jacket on a cold day. The synthetic materials will also dry in minutes if I get sweaty.

Those who prefer wool to synthetic materials will love the , which has a similar warmth/breathability ratio, an amazing high-collar hood, and, like all wool, stays warm when wet and resists odors.

Best For Running

Path Projects Lomond Hoodie

I recently joined the Dukes Track Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the group run I love the most starts at 6 a.m. on Friday mornings. Temps are usually around 25 degrees, so I need more than a long-sleeve shirt but nothing so heavy it will gather heat and slow me down. My go-to has become this hoodie. The secret to the hoodie鈥檚 versatility is in the 180 gsm (grams per square meter) grid fleece that鈥檚 heavy enough to add warmth in sub-freezing temps, but comes with lots of perforations (thus the grid moniker) that are designed to let all the heat and sweat generated on the run find an immediate way off my skin and into the air. I usually use the hood at the beginning of my runs but then it comes off and just serves as a neck warmer.

Those who live where it鈥檚 really cold should look at the that has a wind-resistant face fabric layered over 40 gsm Coreloft insulation around the shoulders and chest. The insulation is light, but combined with the fully wind-resistant outer and paired with a medium-thick long-sleeve base layer, it has been enough to keep me warm even when temps were below 10 degrees.

Best for Cycling

Velocio Alpha Long Sleeve

The first few minutes of a cold bike ride are the worst because you鈥檙e not producing heat yet but are moving at speed so the cold wind has more bite than when you鈥檙e running or standing. To fight back I wear a windproof cycling vest matched with this cozy midlayer that鈥檚 a high-loft Polartec Alpha fleece up front and a heavy-ish 210-gsm merino wool on the sides and back. The extra cozy Alpha keeps my core temp from dropping, while the arms and backs breathe enough that I鈥檓 not dripping sweat once I鈥檓 working hard. If I get too warm, it鈥檚 easy to shed the vest and unzip the collar of the jersey for more airflow. If my ride has a long descent, I also bring a full windproof jacket because the Alpha allows so much airflow I can get chilled.

The post The Midlayers You Need for Each Winter Sport appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Humans feel comfortable in a shockingly narrow temperature range鈥攚hich is what makes a terrific midlayer so valuable for cool- and cold-weather outings. As the mercury dips into the 50s, 30s, or (gasp!) below zero, insulated jackets let us achieve our preferred climate conditions while we venture beyond the HVAC-controlled indoors. One could even say that a midlayer is the most important single piece of gear for outdoor sports through fall, winter, and spring.

Except that when it comes to materials and construction, midlayers can vary as widely as the weather you鈥檙e seeking protection from. In other words, choose wisely based on your activity level, region, and material preference, among other things. After testing close to 50 women’s insulated midlayers, we recommend these six standouts.

At a Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice:
• Best Ultralight:
• Best Emergency Warmth:
• Best Stretch:
• Best Wind Protection:
• Best Sport/Casual Crossover:
• Best Fleece Midlayers
• How To Choose an Insulated Midlayer
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor鈥檚 Choice

Mountain Equipment Oreus

Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 12 oz.
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 8/10
Durability: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very warm
鈯� Excellent breathability
鈯� Compresses to a small size
鈯� Expensive

If I could custom design a midlayer, this would be it. I loved the Oreus for ski touring and winter hiking, finding it breathable enough to wear at the resort beneath a shell during pow laps at Steamboat. Checking boxes for warmth, ventilation, compressibility, and durability, the Oreus is made from 100 percent recycled polyester insulation fibers interlocked with a reflective material that traps body heat鈥攍ike a space blanket, but more breathable thanks to air pockets between the insulation fibers. That鈥檚 topped with a 10-denier, 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric treated with a fluorocarbon-free DWR, which repelled snow flurries during testing and prevented clamminess when worn during and after high-exertion ski-touring climbs. Silky and quiet, the fabric also proved durable enough to resist snags or rips over four months of steady wear while ski mountaineering. Cozy enough to serve as an emergency layer in all but the coldest conditions, the Oreus ably handled temps ranging from 5 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 35 degrees鈥攊n other words, most winter conditions.

The jacket squishes to basketball-size when packed, and abundant pockets hold climbing skins (in the interior drop pouch) and other essentials (in three zippered outer pockets). Testers even gave the hood rave reviews for its three-way adjustability and warmth. At $450, this layer costs more than many insulated ski jackets and shells, but its performance won鈥檛 disappoint.

Best Ultralight Layer

Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody

Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 4.8 oz.
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 7/10
Durability: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Light but warm
鈯� Packs small
鈯� So-so breathability
鈯� Fragile shell fabric

Behold the mighty warming power of 1,000-fill down. Made with a hood鈥攂ut without a full-length zipper鈥攖his pullover claims to be the world鈥檚 lightest down hoody. We believe it: The combination of high-loft insulation and tissue-thin, four-denier ripstop nylon packs so small that I was able to stuff it into the water bottle pocket of my hip pack. Unfurled, it delivered impressive warmth when testers paused while cross-country skiing or hiking. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all the warmth I needed in 15 to 32-degree conditions,鈥� one tester reported. That said, everyone agreed that colder temperatures warranted a heavier-weight emergency layer. Because down insulation鈥檚 Kryptonite is moisture, the Deploy isn鈥檛 ideal as the only layer for resort skiing, uphilling, or other sweat-producing activities (a PFC-free DWR does protect the down from light flurries). Instead, it鈥檚 best as a topper during game delays: Pull it on during a scenic snack break and savor its low-bulk warmth.

Best Emergency Warmth

奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Jones Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie

Sizes: XS-L
Weight: 14 oz.
Warmth: 9/10
Breathability: 7/10
Durability: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ethically and sustainably made
鈯� Reliable warmth
鈯� Very durable
鈯� Sometimes too warm and not super waterproof

Here鈥檚 the piece that kept our California-based tester comfy through all conditions鈥攊ncluding a shockingly cold April ascent of 14,179-foot Mt. Shasta. 鈥淭his jacket was great in blizzard conditions, for wearing over layers on a multi-pitch ice climb, and when transitioning from skis to crampons and back again during mountaineering objectives,鈥� she reported. Plenty of responsibly sourced, upcycled 750-fill down fattens the baffles, sewn in certified ethical factories using 100 percent recycled, 20-denier ripstop nylon. That fabric proved its durability over a season by remaining tear-free despite getting shoved into packs with sharp tools and sparring with hamburger grease during apr猫s (鈥淚t did great in the wash,鈥� reported a tester). Water-repellent coatings on both the plumes and fabric keep the jacket lofty through light precipitation or modest perspiration, but this piece is no standout in breathability or rain resistance. Emergency warmth is its calling and its Achilles heel: It鈥檚 too warm to wear while moving or in mild conditions.

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REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket – Women’s ($129)

Bundle up for chilly walks, crisp air and crunchy leaves in the REI Co-op women’s 650 Down jacket. This everyday jacket boasts recycled materials to help you feel good in more ways than one. Insulation is down and the weight of the jacket is 10.2 oz

Best Stretch

L茅 Bent Genepi Wool Insulated Hybrid Jacket

Sizes: XS-L
Weight: 14.8 oz.
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 9/10
Durability: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Unconfining fit
鈯� Odor-resistant
鈯� Spiffy enough for town
鈯� Not very compressible

First, a warning: The Genepi will make every other jacket in your closet feel like a restraining device. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 believe how free my arms feel,鈥� reports one tester, who wore it for nordic ski workouts, hiking, and resort skiing (when she topped it with a ski shell). Its modified raglan sleeves extend the underarms鈥� heat-dumping stretch panels (made of a synthetic/rayon/Merino wool blend) around the shoulder blade area to reduce constriction when pole-planting. More of that highly breathable fabric extends across the lower back. The chest and center back have baffled insulation containing recycled polyester and wool (30 percent), which results in a comfort zone that spans an impressively broad range of temperatures, from eight degrees Fahrenheit (during high-exertion skating) to mild spring days at the resort. Equally versatile is its styling: Testers wore it around town and for road trips.

Best Wind Protection

Arc鈥橳eryx Proton Hybrid Hoody

Sizes: XXS-XXL
Weight: 10.9 oz.
Warmth: 6/10
Breathability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Outstanding breathability
鈯� Buffers wind
鈯� Extended sizing
鈯� Not the warmest

A winter-weight wind shell, the Proton blocks knifelike gusts without trapping sweat. I was impressed with how regulated my temperature stayed in this jacket while ski-touring in 20-degree Fahrenheit conditions and skate-skiing at 12 degrees. Colder than that, and wearers reached for additional layers: Only this jacket鈥檚 chest panels are insulated, using a thin layer of 40-gram Coreloft polyester (recycled and Bluesign-approved). Windproof Gore-Tex Infinium fabric across the shoulders and hood shielded testers against storms, while the jacket鈥檚 back and arms used a proprietary air-permeable fabric. Its breathability is excellent, and that moisture control鈥攁long with the unfettered feel of four-way stretch fabric and articulated seams that allow the arms to move freely鈥攎ade the Proton Hybrid testers鈥� favorite midlayer for sweat-producing adventures. Three zippered pockets (two for hands and one on the chest) hold a phone and neck gaiter.

Best Sport/Casual Crossover

Strafe 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Highlands Shirt Jacket

Sizes: XS-XXL
Weight: 8.3 oz.
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 9/10
Durability: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great-feeling fabric
鈯� Breathable warmth
鈯� Functional pockets
鈯� Wind cuts through

With a banded collar, snap-front closure, and roomy hand pockets that invite slouchy lounging, this puffy became testers鈥� anytime pullover during road trips, shopping errands鈥攁nd yes, winter hikes and tours calling for technical insulation. Lightly insulated with synthetic PrimaLoft Active Evolve, it kept testers warm while moving in 22-degree Fahrenheit conditions, and the stretchy, air-permeable nylon face fabric virtually eliminates clamminess. 鈥淭his jacket actually feels better than it looks, which is saying something,鈥� noted one Colorado tester who praised the material鈥檚 unusually soft hand. 鈥淏alled up, it made the perfect airplane pillow,鈥� she added.

Its effectiveness at managing moisture made it perfect for backcountry climbs and resort downhills鈥攂ut donning a shell on top during the latter was imperative because wind penetrated the weave. Even the pockets proved useful during sport: Along with the two hand pockets and a snapped chest pouch, two interior drop pockets hold kicker skins or a spare pair of gloves.

How to Choose an Insulated Midlayer

Insulated midlayers come in as wide a range as the activities you鈥檒l use them for and the conditions you鈥檒l use them in. Their fabrics and insulation determine warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Synthetic-fill insulation, goose and duck down, hybrid designs that blend baffled panels with other fabrics; these fabrications and more all appear in the midlayers we tested last winter. Each has its benefits. But in general, a great midlayer should keep you warm鈥攂ut not so warm that you overheat and fill it with sweat. It should provide enough breathability for perspiration to move away from the body, and its protection against wind and water should be minimal (a waterproof shell worn over a midlayer does most of the weather-protection work).

Here are the questions to ask to decide will best serve your needs.

How Wet Will it Get?

Down-filled layers have the best warmth for the weight but can lose that advantage if the garment gets soaked from precipitation or an accidental dousing. If you expect especially wet conditions, a synthetic fiber (used in the ) or bio-based fiber fill (the ) will do better at keeping you warm when wet.

How Cold Will it Be?

The general rule of thumb is the thicker the layer, the warmer it is. That comes with tradeoffs like weight or size if you have limited space in your pack. If you know it鈥檚 going to be frigid, by all means, go for a thick puffy like the . But that piece could be a wasted layer if it proves too warm for the weather. Consider layering more than one piece, like the , to better handle changing temperature conditions.

How Much Weather Protection Do You Need?

If you plan to wear a wind-and waterproof shell over your midlayer, you won鈥檛 need to worry about the storm cutting right down to your base layers. If not, look for a piece that offers a light shell and/or a DWR chemical treatment for more wind and weather resistance, like the or the .

How Hard Are You Going to Hammer?

If you are planning to work up a sweat, look for a more breathable layer so you won鈥檛 trap too much moisture next to skin, which can turn into serious cold if you stop moving or encounter big winds. More porous fabrics used in the and jackets will allow that perspiration to move away from your body.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 10
• Number of products tested: 46
• Testers鈥� age range: 15-54
• States represented: 5 (California, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota, Maine)

Our testers don鈥檛 just spend a lot of time outdoors鈥攖hough they do qualify as obsessive skiers, mountaineers, ultrarunners, climbers, hikers, and view-admirers. They also possess the gift of gab. Our testers must be able to say much more about a piece of gear than 鈥渋t鈥檚 awesome鈥� or 鈥渋t sucks.鈥� They sweat details about鈥攚ell, sweat, and how apparel responds to their sweat or contributes to its production. They note what makes a jacket feel unconfining, how much wind protection it delivers, and whether it plays nice with a backpack.

For this test, we evaluated 46 of the most promising puffies and hybrid-style insulators on the market, including full-zip and pullover styles. We asked testers to consider the fit, the breathability, the warmth they enjoyed from each jacket, and its best application: Is the jacket best for ski-race spectation? Nordic skiing? Apr猫s at the resort? All of the above? Only the items that earned raves on performance and livability earned coverage among these reviews.

Meet Our Testers

Kelly Bastone moved to the Colorado Rockies in 1998 and has pursued outdoor sports ever since. A freelancer who writes about gear and other outdoor topics for publications such as Backpacker, AFAR, and The Red Bulletin, Bastone has contributed many gear reviews to 国产吃瓜黑料 over the years. An avid skier (resort, Nordic and backcountry), fly-fisher, mountain biker and mushroom forager, she gets the news she needs from the weather report.

The post The Best Insulated Midlayer Jackets for Women in 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The classic three-piece layering system consists of a baselayer to move moisture away from your skin, a shell to keep wind and water out, and an insulating layer to hold in warmth. That middle layer is where the magic is. It鈥檚 the one you swap out to match the conditions, and the one you rely on to keep you perfectly ventilated on warm spring days and toasty warm in deepest winter. Your midlayer can be anything from a thick down puffy to a stretchy synthetic piece designed to dump heat through special channels or pores. Some midlayers also do double-duty, sporting protective panels or water-resistant coatings so you can tag them in as outer layers in a pinch.

So, in finding the best insulation on the market for 2025 we looked at a full spectrum, including vests that save weight by targeting the core, and even hybrid pieces that strategically place insulation only where it鈥檚 needed. After a long season of testing everywhere from North Idaho to the mountains of New Hampshire, these are the midlayers that came out on top.

At a Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice:
• Best for Aerobic Pursuits:
• Most Packable:
• Best For Frigid Days:
• Most Stylish:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Fleece Midlayers
• How to Choose Midlayers
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor鈥檚 Choice

Stio Fernos Insulated Jacket

Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 17.8 oz
Warmth: 7
Breathability: 7
Durability: 10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great stretch
鈯� Super durable
鈯� Balance of warmth and breathability
鈯� Moderate compressibility

The Fernos Insulated Jacket is the sort of workhorse synthetic midlayer everyone should own. It鈥檚 got the perfect amount of insulation to keep you warm whether you鈥檙e pushing hard up the skin track or standing around in the snow staring up at your route. The face fabric stood up to the notorious west wind on Teton Pass鈥檚 Glory bootpack, but was still breathable enough to keep our tester from having to swap his base layer at the summit. Thinner panels under the arms and along the sides helped with the breathability score by venting heat where testers needed it most. The Fernos is surprisingly stretchy and durable enough we never worried about tears whether wrestling with a toothsome pup tailgating in the parking lot or bundling firewood back to camp.

Best for Aerobic Pursuits

Smartwool Smartloft Hybrid Jacket

Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 16 oz
Warmth: 6
Breathability: 10
Durability: 8

Pros and Cons
鈯� Exceptional stretch
鈯� Super breathable
鈯� Generous pockets
鈯� A little heavy

This mullet of a hybrid jacket is all business in the front and breathability in the back. The Smartloft Hybrid Jacket protects the chest with a panel of wind- and weather-resistant softshell and quilted insulation鈥� 50 percent recycled/reprocessed wool, 38 percent virgin wool (including trimmings from Smartwool鈥檚 cutting room floor), and 12 percent polyester. Meanwhile, the back, sides, and sleeves are cut from a stretchy, fleece-weight blend of merino, polyester, and elastane, which afforded testers exceptional movement and breathability while moving fast through the cold. Our New Hampshire trail runner and resident science teacher raved about 鈥渁chieving perfect thermal equilibrium.鈥� In Wyoming, our Nordic skier used the thumb loops in lieu of gloves on a warm spring day. A DWR finish kept the wintry mix at bay and a trio of zippered pockets handily secured things like keys, phone, and snacks.

Most Packable

Patagonia Das Light Hoody

Sizes: XS-XXL
Weight: 12.2 oz
Warmth: 9
Breathability: 6
Durability: 7

Pros and Cons
鈯� Water- and wind-resistant
鈯� Excellent warmth-to-weight
鈯� Packs down well
鈯� Expensive

The Das Light Hoody is the ultimate puffy layer for cold and wet conditions. Patagonia鈥檚 years-long quest to build a synthetic alternative to the loftiest goose down (which loses its insulating properties when wet) resulted in its proprietary Plumafill insulation. Imagine hundreds of feather boa-like strands draped throughout the jacket, providing very nearly the same warmth-to-weight ratio as the finest goose down, but with a much faster drying time and warming capabilities when wet. Stuff 65-gram Plumafill inside an ultralight, 10-denier wind- and-water-resistant shell, and you鈥檝e got a puffer that kept our testers toasty even while skiing in single digit temps in British Columbia鈥檚 Monashees, as well as on one unfortunately rainy ski tour in northern Idaho. It stuffs down to the size of grapefruit in the pack, and amenities like four pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, and a two-way zipper for use with a harness make this an expedition-ready piece.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY REI
础谤肠鈥檛别谤测虫 Atom Insulated Hoodie – Men’s ($300)

Alpine-proven as a mid layer or standalone jacket, the men’s Arc’teryx Atom insulated hoodie is your companion for backcountry skiing, climbing, snowshoeing or winter commuting. Insulation is synthetic. Weight for the product is 13.05 oz

Best For Frigid Days

Outdoor Vitals Nova Pro

Sizes: XS-XXL
Weight: 14.5 oz
Warmth: 10
Breathability: 7
Durability: 6

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great price
鈯� Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
鈯� Water resistant
鈯� Less compact than other down jackets

First and foremost, testers were wowed by the Nova Pro鈥檚 price tag. It鈥檚 remarkable to find an 850-fill down hoody for $250, much less one with such a full feature set. The bells and whistles on this jacket include three-point tensioning in the helmet-compatible hood and another drawstring at the waist to help keep out drafts, as well as thumb loops at the wrists. When those made the jacket too toasty, we used the pit zips to dump heat鈥攁 rare but welcome feature in a down puffy.

The Nova Pro鈥檚 real innovations come in the fill and fabric, though. Down offers two big advantages over other kinds of insulation: it鈥檚 remarkably warm for the weight and packs down very small. The disadvantage is that if it gets wet, the down clumps together, eliminating its insulating properties. To combat that, the Nova Pro employs a hybrid fill of water-repellent-treated down and synthetic fibers, which retains the majority of its loft when soaked.

Outdoor Vitals also applied a DWR coating to the jacket, making it water resistant; testers watched some unusual early-spring Wyoming rain bead up and roll off of the jacket鈥檚 fabric without soaking in. That made the Nova Pro great not only for marginal freezing temps but also in wet flurries or light drizzle. All that insulation is packed into baffles, which are woven instead of stitched into the jacket鈥檚 main fabric. That makes for fewer stitching holes through which the down can escape. The only downside to the Nova Pro is that all of those niceties add weight鈥攎aking it less packable than you might expect from an 850-fill down.

Most Stylish

Oyuki T艒ya Down Insulator Vest

Sizes: XS-XXL
Weight: 8.1 oz
Warmth: 5
Breathability: 9
Durability: 5

Pros and Cons
鈯� Unbeatable warmth-to-weight
鈯� Huge stash pockets
鈯� Exceptional breathability
鈯� Not much wind protection

It’s hard to beat the warmth-to-weight ratio of a down vest. It traps the bulk of your body heat by insulating your core and, without sleeves, vests are also exceptionally breathable. The Toya Insulator also employs Allied Down鈥檚 recycled, water-resistant 700-fill down, meaning it鈥檚 easier on the planet, more lofty when damp thanks to a hydrophobic coating, and quicker to dry. Testers loved this vest not just for all of that, but for its whimsical Japanese styling. There鈥檚 a plump, chin-height collar and a pair of massive drop pockets on the vest鈥檚 front. 鈥淚 think the pockets are a style hit, but they worked great for stashing a couple of PB&Js,鈥� commented one tester. There鈥檚 also a pair of zippered, fleece-lined hand pockets to warm up your digits or secure valuables.

Most Versatile

Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Warm Hoody

Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 13.4 oz
Warmth: 6
Breathability: 7
Durability: 9

Pros and Cons
鈯� Four-season insulation
鈯� Terrific moisture management
鈯� Super packable
鈯� Insufficient insulation for colder days

鈥淧acking for my next trip, it鈥檚 hard to imagine leaving this layer at home,鈥� said our Boulder-based tester. The Kor Airshell Warm Hoody perfectly straddles the knife-edge between a superlight windbreaker and an insulated midlayer, making it an essential piece in the mountains in any season. The 20-Denier stretch ripstop outer fabric was tough enough to withstand 30-mph gusts and a season鈥檚 worth of abuse from pack straps, a climbing rack, and shouldered skis鈥攁ll of which our tester employed during missions around the Front Range. The jacket鈥檚 eco-friendly main fabric is made of 59 percent recycled nylon and coated with a DWR that easily shed snow and drizzle. It鈥檚 insulated with a thin layer of AirMesh, a brushed-back mesh made with hollow core yarn that traps heat and provides exceptional warmth to weight. It was enough to keep us warm bootpacking and skinning in temps in the teens. In colder conditions, or at rest, we slapped a shell or puffy on top, and the supple mesh liner helped move moisture away from our base layers, keeping us dry and toasty. At 13 ounces, it鈥檚 super-light but still boasts four zippered pockets, an elastic drawcord at the hem, and a two-way zipper for compatibility with a harness and belay device.

How to Choose Midlayers

Insulated midlayers come in as wide a range as the activities you鈥檒l use them for and the conditions you鈥檒l use them in. The fabrics and insulation they use go a long way toward determining warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Here鈥檚 how to judge what will best serve your needs.

Water-Resistance

Down-filled layers offer the best warmth for their weight but can lose that advantage if the garment gets soaked from precipitation or an accidental dousing. Once wet, down clusters wilt and pack down鈥攚hich means they lose all their insulating ability. If you expect especially wet conditions, a synthetic insulation (like in the ) or a bio-based fill (like in the ) will do better at retaining its loft and therefore keeping you warm when wet.

Warmth

The general rule of thumb is the thicker the layer, the warmer it is. That comes with trade offs like weight or packed size if you have limited space in your pack. If you know it鈥檚 gonna be frigid, by all means, go for a thick puffy like the . But that piece could be overkill if the day heats up. Consider layering more than one less warm piece, like the and the , to give you more options to mix and match amid changing conditions.

Weather Protection

If you plan to wear a wind- and waterproof shell over your midlayer, you won鈥檛 need to worry about your midlayer鈥檚 weather-blocking ability. If you don鈥檛 intend to carry a shell, however, look for a piece that sports wind-blocking panels and/or a DWR chemical treatment for more wind and weather resistance. The and the are both good examples.

Activity Level

If you are going to amp up the cardio for extended periods of time, look for a more breathable layer. The better your midlayer vents water vapor, the less sweat you鈥檒l trap next to skin. That鈥檚 both a comfort advantage and a safety win: moisture can quickly sap your body heat if you stop moving or encounter strong winds. More porous fabrics, like on the or , will allow that perspiration to move away from your body, keeping you dry as well as warm.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 7
• Number of products tested: 50
• Mountain ranges represented: 14 (Whites, Greens, Front Range, Gore Range, Bitteroots, Selkirks, Monashees, Wasatch, Teton, Pioneers, Sawatch, Park, Mosquito, Gros Ventre)
• Toddlers towed in a chariot: 1

Last winter, we found that more than half of our test crew were teachers. You鈥檇 think we鈥檇 want a slightly more epic batch, but in reality these were our ideal evaluators. For one thing, their need to get out skiing, running, cycling, and climbing was uncompromising, if only to shake off the stress of teaching today鈥檚 youngsters. That meant that they went out no matter the conditions, pushing these garments to their limits. For another thing, they are used to grading stuff, and criticizing the fit of a hood or odor-fighting properties of a fabric was a welcome change from marking up another essay on Moby Dick.

For this test, we put insulated models of every stripe through the rigors of lift-accessed and backcountry skiing, climbing, snow biking, Nordic skiing, and tailgating. Conditions ranged from single digits in Wyoming to rain in North Idaho to 70-mph gusts on New Hampshire鈥檚 Mount Washington. Of the 50 layers we wore, there were shelled puffies, traditional down sweaters, synthetic hoodies, lightly-insulated windbreakers, and a couple of vests. Our testers graded warmth, breathability, fit, durability, sustainability, and price. Their verdicts led us to select only the best of the batch. Those are the reviews you鈥檒l find here.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Frederick Reimers

Reimers was raised on a canoe-tripping summer camp in Ontario, Canada, and had completed a trio of 40-day expeditions before he even shipped off to college. When his parents sold the camp and moved to Jackson Hole in the 1990s, he followed. He has made a career from scribbling about outdoor culture and gear ever since. In addition to 国产吃瓜黑料, his work has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Bloomberg Business, and Ski. While Wyoming鈥檚 long winter does feel a little long round about April, that makes it the perfect place to test layers. You鈥檒l find Reimers testing them on ski slopes, Nordic tracks, and godforsaken pre-dawn dog walks.

The post The Best 惭别苍鈥檚 Insulated Midlayer Jackets of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

A modern fleece jacket is essentially a better sweater. It performs the same role as those fisherman’s cable knit jobs of yore: you wear it over your baselayer to keep you warm when the elements turn nasty. But it is lighter and quicker drying, designed for backcountry travel when every ounce counts.

We tested thicker fleeces for colder temps, more breathable fleeces for high-intensity activities, wool-based fleeces that are naturally odor-fighting, and synthetic fleeces for better durability. Our test crew put these midlayers through the ringer while skiing, running, cycling, and climbing, wearing them with waterproof shells and without. We also kept an eye on the style, as, in our opinion, there鈥檚 truth to the notion that we perform better when we look and feel great.

At a Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice:
• Best for High-Intensity Exercise:
• Most Durable:
• Best for Frigid Temps:
• Most Breathable:
• Best for Spring Skiing:
• How to Choose a Fleece
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor鈥檚 Choice

L茅 Bent Sentinel Midweight Waffle Knit Zip Hoody

Weight: 14 oz
Sizes: S-XL
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 10/10
Durability: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super Stretchy
鈯� Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
鈯� Great breathability
鈯� Constructed out of natural fibers
鈯� No way to cinch the lower hem

For such a classy hoodie, the Sentinel has a lot going on. First and foremost, it鈥檚 knit using Nuyarn, a product from a New Zealand-based company that鈥檚 developed a way to spin merino wool fibers into a stretchier, loftier, and more durable, yarn. Nuyarn creates a custom yarn blend for each brand partner, and we love that L茅 Bent chose to integrate natural bamboo fibers鈥攔ather than synthetic polyethylene鈥攎aking for a more sustainable garment.

In our testing, no performance was sacrificed in the choice; the Sentinel was remarkably stretchy, tough, and warm for its weight. The Sentinel鈥檚 waffle knit structure adds further loft, and therefore warmth, and lends a chic texture that made the garment stand out from the rest of the fleeces we tested. Our test team agreed that it鈥檚 the quintessential four-season mountain layer: light, stretchy, and breathable enough for high-output activity in the cold, thin enough when temps are warmer, and roomy enough to layer under when temps turn brutal. Zip it on for a winter expedition, or for that first date at the bistro.

Best for High-Intensity Exercise

Rab Evolute Hoody

Weight: 12 oz.
Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 9/10
Durability: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Exceptional warmth to weight ratio
鈯� Very quick drying
鈯� More than 50 percent recycled materials
鈯� May need to size up

The Evolute pulls off a pretty impressive trick: it was one of the most breathable fleeces we tested while also offering some of the best weather protection. The secret lies in the Primaloft Active Evolve fleece鈥檚 construction鈥攕ilky polyester fibers woven to a mesh chassis with lots of space between them. That space makes for lots of trapped air for insulation, but it also provides room for breathability when things get too steamy. Because the fleece structure is too airy to stand alone, it鈥檚 paired with a thin outer fabric that brushes off wind and abrasion.

The Evolute became an everyday layer for one tester, our New Hampshire-based winter trail runner. 鈥淚t was crazy warm, but I never felt clammy no matter how hard I went,鈥� he said, 鈥渆ven if I was a little overdressed.鈥� Rab kept it super-light with elastic at the hem, rather than a draw cord, and just a pair of zippered hand pockets.

Most Durable

Houdini Power Houdi

Weight: 1.05 lbs
Sizes: XS-XXL
Warmth: 9/10
Breathability: 7/10
Durability: 10/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent warmth to weight ratio
鈯� Very soft and stretchy
鈯� Excellent durability
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Runs slim

The Power Houdi has been Houdini鈥檚 core product since 2003, with few changes. Customers report that the garment can last them up to 10 years, and many boast multiple, in different colors. When we got our hands on some, it became obvious why they are so beloved. One tester described the Power Houdi as 鈥渋nstant coziness,鈥� and all remarked on how bombproof it is. One tester said it easily shrugged off friction from shouldered skis while heading up Jackson Hole鈥檚 notorious White Spider boot pack, and from the sandstone on Boulder鈥檚 Flatirons during a spring climbing mission, reported another. That Flatirons scrambler loved the Houdi鈥檚 two-way zipper that allowed him to more easily access his climbing harness as well as the sturdy thumb loops on the sleeves that kept his hands warm despite clinging to the cold rock.

The secret is the very thick Power Stretch Pro fuzzy fleece fabric, the elasticity of which helps it ward off puncture and retain its snug fit. The only drawback we saw was that the Power Houdi, despite very good breathability, was simply too warm on milder days. It鈥檚 worth noting that the European-style fit is long and narrow.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY PUBLIC LANDS
Patagonia Men’s Synchilla Fleece Jacket ($149)

For a cozy and classic fleece, look no further than the Patagonia Men’s Synchilla Fleece Jacket. Made of 100% recycled polyester and Fair Trade Certified sewn, this full-zip jacket features double-sided fleece and an anti-pilling finish to keep it looking like new. The stand-up collar is designed for warmth, while the rugged outer collar is trimmed with recycled nylon plain weave. The left-chest pocket and two welted front pockets, all with webbing zipper pulls, provide plenty of space to stash your essentials. Durable, set-in sleeves ensure comfort while wearing a pack, and recycled nylon helps this classic hold its shape and resist abrasion鈥攎aking it a true essential for every cool-weather outing.

Best for Frigid Temps

Columbia Arctic Crest Sherpa Full Zip Fleece Jacket

Weight: 1.3 lbs
Sizes: XS-XXL; 1X-6X; LT-5XT
Warmth: 10/10
Breathability: 7/10
Durability: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Abrasion and weather resistant patches
鈯� Great value
鈯� A little heavy
鈯� No recycled content

The heat-capturing Omni-Heat Arctic tech in Columbia鈥檚 Arctic Crest Sherpa fleece was inspired by polar bears. Turns out that the arctic ursine鈥檚 fur isn鈥檛 white just for camouflage to sneak up on seals, it鈥檚 actually translucent to allow the scant winter sunlight to pass through to the black skin beneath, which absorbs the heat like a black T-shirt on a hot summer day. The dense fur then helps trap that heat next to the skin in a micro-greenhouse effect.

Similarly, the Arctic Crest fleece uses this solar-capture insulation trap warmth from the inside. Worn by itself without a shell on top, the Arctic Crest was a furnace on the ski track, leading one tester to joke that he felt hot enough to 鈥渞ip apart an igloo bare-handed.鈥� Testers also loved the Arctic Crest鈥檚 full feature set鈥攏ylon DWR-treated panels on high-wear areas like the hood, shoulders, and forearms, three zippered pockets for secure storage, and hidden elastic drawstrings at the hem to seal in heat. The only downside? Those niceties add weight.

Most Breathable

Paka PAKACLOUD

Weight: 14.5 oz
Sizes: XS-XXL
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 10/10
Durability: 5/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Exceptionally soft
鈯� Odor-resistant
鈯� Super breathable
鈯� Not wind resistant
鈯� Very small hand pockets

The term 鈥渇leece鈥� originally meant the pelt of a wooly animal. These days, it connotes a lightweight sweater made of petroleum-based yarn. Colorado-based B-corp Paka is bringing back fleece鈥檚 origin story with its PAKACLOUD midlayer. In Paka鈥檚 case, the pelt is that of the South American alpaca from whence it derives its name. Alpaca wool compares favorably to merino sheep鈥檚 wool in its warmth, wicking, and natural odor-fighting properties. It鈥檚 also lighter and softer, all while being arguably more sustainable鈥攕heep can be hard on the land where they graze whereas the alpaca is a critical part of the Peruvian highlands ecosystem where the company sources its wool. (They also support their indigenous women contractors by paying them a livable wage.)

In order to make a garment that will stand up to the rigors of outdoor adventure, as well as ring in for under $175, Paka created a fabric that鈥檚 a blend of 42 percent alpaca (traceable to the source) and14 percent merino wool, with the remainder made of recycled polyester and nylon. The result is incredibly light, extremely warm, and, in the words of one tester, 鈥渢he softest fleece I鈥檝e ever worn.鈥� It’s super breathable for high exertion鈥攖oo breathable for one tester who鈥檇 left his shell at home on a fat bike ride when a sudden squall kicked up. Everyone loved the quarter zip for weight savings, but quibbled with the oddly small hand pockets and wished the hem drawcords were a little more tucked away. Style note: If you鈥檙e cheering the return of the boxy fit, this is your fleece.

Best for Spring Skiing

Flylow Lassen Fleece Lined Flannel

Weight: 1.39 lbs
Sizes: S-XXL
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 5/10
Durability: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Street/slope crossover appeal
鈯� Good wind protection
鈯� On the heavier side
鈯� No recycled materials

Flannel button-downs never go out of style鈥攅specially not in ski country. If rocking a crinkly nylon shell at apr猫s or on the fat bike isn鈥檛 your jam, the Lassen Fleece Lined Flannel might be. Flylow clearly designed this shirt with outdoor rigors in mind. Along with a liner of fleece soft enough to wear next to skin, a zippered interior pocket can secure your RFID ski pass, car keys, or other valuables while the snug collar snaps extra high to seal in heat. The interior sleeves are lined with a slippery taffeta to ensure frictionless pole plants on the uphill skin track. With its double-layer construction, the Lassen provided our testers with enough wind protection to wear as an outer layer for sunny spring ski conditions, and garnered a few approving nods on the lodge deck after.

How to Choose a Fleece

Fleece jackets range in warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Here鈥檚 how to judge what will serve your needs.

Will You Pack It?

As a rule, fleece isn鈥檛 as compressible as, say, goose down. So it takes up considerable space in luggage or backpacks. If you need serious insulation but only occasionally, so that it remains packed most of the time, you might consider other, more space-saving insulated jackets. Amongst those we tested, the is the lightest and most compressible.

How Much Will You Sweat in This Fleece?

Some fleeces use a dense construction that traps in body heat but limits breathability. If you鈥檙e cross-country skiing, running, or logging outdoor workouts that involve constant exertion, look for lightweight fleeces or hybrid constructions that place breathable, less-insulated panels under the arms and in other hot spots. While all of these fleeces offered great breathability, was a bit of a unicorn, offering exceptional breathability with a decent dose of wind resistance for high aerobic output.

Will You Wear a Water- and Windproof Shell over This Fleece?

Most fleeces offer some water resistance, but that varies鈥攁nd no fleece can be counted on to deliver complete waterproof protection against rain or sustained snow. Most fleeces are also porous enough to let breezes in, which is great for sweat mitigation but bad for comfort amidst 30-mph winds. Consider whether you鈥檒l wear a shell sometimes, always, or never: Ski-tourers might choose a fleece with some weather-resistant panels, like Columbia鈥檚 , so they can skip a shell when it isn鈥檛 frigid. Resort skiers are better off with breathable fleece worn always under a shell jacket, like the .

Do You Run Cold?

If you鈥檒l wear the fleece in 0-10 degree temperatures, or if you鈥檙e always chilly no matter the conditions, choose a thicker, high-pile fleece like the .

How We Test

• Number of testers: 7
• Number of products tested: 25
• Mountain ranges represented: 14 (Whites, Greens, Front Range, Gore Range, Bitteroots, Selkirks, Monashees, Wasatch, Teton, Pioneers, Sawatch, Park, Mosquito, Gros Ventre)
• Moose successfully dodged on-slope: 2

Last winter we found that more than half of our test crew were teachers, and it turned out that these were our ideal evaluators. For one thing, their need to get out skiing, running, cycling, and climbing was uncompromising, if only to recharge for another week in the classroom. That meant that they went out no matter the conditions, pushing these garments to their limits. For another, they are used to grading stuff, and welcomed the opportunity to evaluate the performance of a midlayer instead of another middling essay on Moby Dick.

For this test, we put as many fleece models as we could get our hands on through the rigors of skiing, climbing, running, and snow biking in cold and uncomfortably wet conditions across North America. Of the 25 we evaluated, we wore full-zip models and pullovers, wool and synthetic pieces, heavy and lightweight layers. Our testers graded warmth, breathability, fit, durability, sustainability, and price. Their verdicts led us to select only the best of the batch.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Frederick Reimers was raised at a canoe-tripping summer camp in Ontario, Canada and had completed a trio of 40-day expeditions before he even shipped off to college. When his parents sold the camp and moved to Jackson Hole in the 1990s, he followed. He has made a career of scribbling about outdoor culture and gear ever since. In addition to 国产吃瓜黑料, his work has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Bloomberg Business, and SKI. While Wyoming鈥檚 long winters do feel a little drawn-out come April, that makes it the perfect place to test layers. Find Reimers testing them on ski slopes, Nordic tracks, and bitterly cold predawn dog walks around town.

The post The Best Fleece Jackets for Men (2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Fleece is the OG outdoor midlayer that continues to ace all manner of adventures鈥攆rom fall and winter hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowshoeing. Its fluffy texture feels cozy and comforting in cool to cold weather. And its airy structure delivers both warmth and ventilation: The pile provides insulation while also moving perspiration and excess heat away from your body. Contrary to popular belief, fleece comes in all different weights to offer a wide range of options in warmth and performance. We put more than 20 fleece jackets to the test last winter to narrow it down to these five top performers.

At a Glance

• Editor鈥檚 Choice:
• Best for Frigid Temps:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Wind Protection:
• Best for High-Intensity Activity:
• Products to Avoid
• How to Choose a Fleece Jacket
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editors鈥� Choice

Artilect W-Halfmoon Bio Pullover

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 6/10
Breathability: 7/10
Weather Protection: 5/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 shed microplastics
鈯� Ideal balance of warmth, ventilation and protection
鈯� Casual style
鈯� Pocket zippers can rub beneath backpack hipbelts

Here鈥檚 a do-it-all fleece for virtually every outing, year-round. Testers described the fabric thickness as a 鈥渓ight-midweight鈥� and said it delivered Goldilocks warmth and proved 鈥渏ust right鈥� for a huge range of pursuits. Over the testing season, we wore it under a shell when downhill skiing, over a T-shirt on summer peakbagging missions, at the climbing gym before a workout, and on its own around an evening campfire. Its moderate warmth and breathability make it ideal for mid-pace, stop-and-go activities (interval sprinters should consider the LaSportiva or Helly Hansen options below).

Testers also loved its sustainable construction. Made of 100-percent recycled content, the jacket鈥檚 Primaloft BIO fleece biodegrades in oceans and landfills. So, unlike other synthetic fabrics that shed plastic microparticles, this one doesn鈥檛 pollute the environment. The extra-long chest half-zipper let wearers dump heat on sunny resort afternoons or after hard-charging powder runs in Steamboat, Colo., and two zippered side pockets secured a phone or warm up chilly fingers. Most testers comfortably buckled a backpack over the streamlined kangaroo pouch, but some mentioned that the bulky side pocket zippers could rub beneath the straps.

Best For Frigid Temps

Ridge Merino 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Ediza Fleece Merino Jacket

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 10/10
Breathability: 5/10
Weather Protection: 8/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wind- and abrasion-resistant
鈯� Odor-resistant
鈯� Warmth without bulk
鈯� Runs long

Our always-cold tester found her bliss wearing this merino-based fleece, which combines a high-pile, brushed-wool interior with a lightweight nylon exterior that turned this unassuming piece into an all-weather jacket. Neither snow nor light precipitation soaked through the jacket thanks to the light nylon face fabric, which allowed testers to wear this instead of a waterproof shell in all but the stormiest conditions. The fabric showed no pilling or snags after months of wear beneath a backpack. And its warmth is tops: One wearer stayed comfortable in just a base layer beneath the Ediza while trail-running and cross-country skiing in 15-degree F conditions during a Steamboat, Colo., winter. It also won props for under-shell insulation on cold resort days. Ample warmth and merely moderate breathability makes it best for stop-and-go sports, winter camping, or people who run cold.

The Polartec Power Wool fabric鈥檚 four-way stretch feels unconfining, and testers reported that the two zippered hand pockets feel comfortable beneath a pack鈥檚 hip belt. Cut long through the chest and sleeves, the Ediza allowed even ape-armed testers to access the cuffs鈥� thumb holes, and the generous neck opening accommodates a gaiter. If you鈥檙e on the shorter side, though, be warned: the longer, slimmer silhouette might not be ideal for all body shapes.

Most Versatile

Alpine Revival W Granite Crew

Sizes: S-L
Warmth: 8/10
Breathability: 7/10
Weather Protection: 5/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ultrasoft
鈯� Retro aesthetic
鈯� Low-bulk warmth performs on and off-piste
鈯� Expensive

Skiing鈥檚 original midlayer was a crewneck sweater, and this one pairs old-school aesthetics with modern technical performance: One strand of Lycra woven throughout contributes durability and stretch to the 100 percent cashmere fabric, delivering warmth without bulk. Testers reported that the midweight knit kept them cozy on 25-degree F days when sandwiched between a base layer and shell (or sans shell when hiking in calm, dry weather).

鈥淣o odor accumulated over weeks of wear, making this an easy-care option for travel,鈥� reports our lead tester, who wore it daily in Steamboat and during a weeklong tour among h眉ttes in Austria. Testers appreciated the simple, sleek look, completely uncluttered by pockets or zippers. While they did note that the cashmere began to show signs of wear beneath abrasive backpack straps, testers felt that the Granite Crew鈥檚 breathability proved adequate enough to qualify as a technical layer, albeit a pricey one.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY PUBLIC LANDS
Varley Women’s Rhea 2.0 1/2 Zip Sweatshirt ($148)

Your new favorite sweatshirt is here. Perfect for wearing over leggings or pants, the Rhea 2.0 features a sleek, two-tone look that you鈥檒l want to wear every day. Designed with a high collar, drop shoulders, and signature panelled detailing, this longline pullover is cut for a relaxed, elegant fit. Ribbed Ottoman fabric ensures you stay cozy as the weather changes. You just might never take it off.

Best Wind Protection

Dynafit Tigard Alpha Direct Jacket

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 7/10
Breathability: 8/10
Weather Protection: 9/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very stretchy
鈯� Breathable yet wind-buffering
鈯� Efficient use of different fabrics
鈯� Sporty looks limit around-town use

Over the course of a frigid season in Gunnison, Colo., the Tigard became a constant companion for our ski-touring tester, who wore it in 15- to 30-degree F temperatures and only topped it with a shell for descents. 鈥淭he breathability is impressive,鈥� she said, 鈥渂ut it also blocks wind, which I appreciated when skinning up exposed ridgelines.鈥�

That balancing act comes courtesy of a hybrid construction: the jacket tops breathable Polartec Alpha Direct鈥攁 lightweight, temperature-regulating synthetic insulation鈥攚ith ultralight stretch nylon that鈥檚 coated in a PFC-free DWR. The coating shed light precipitation鈥攁 feature we were grateful for while hiking up Aspen鈥檚 Highland Bowl during flurries. The sides and underarms feature a gridded, woven fleece that鈥檚 also heat-dumping and stretchy. 鈥淚 love the freedom of movement I feel,鈥� gushed our tester. Three zippered pockets (one chest, two for hands) fit a smartphone and snacks, and the head-hugging hood seals in warmth and blocks wind better than most toques.

Best for High-Intensity Activity

Helly Hansen Versalite Hybrid Fleece Jacket

Sizes: XS-XL
Warmth: 5/10
Breathability: 7/10
Weather Protection: 7/10

Pros and Cons
鈯� Chest panels buffer wind
鈯� Minimal insulation
鈯� Good ventilation
鈯� Limited use of recycled content

Meet your new winter workout partner. Made of moderately thin, gridded polyester fleece topped with a thin polyester shell (94 recycled, with 6 percent elastane) across the chest, this hybrid construction appeals to skate skiers and other speedsters who need scant insulation and a smidge of wind protection. It鈥檚 soft enough for next-to-skin wear, so testers dispensed with any base layer and wore this on its own to maximize the fleece鈥檚 sweat-wicking performance while traversing the rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park through breezy, 15-degree Fahrenheit conditions.

Channels between the fleecy squares help dissipate moisture. A bit of stretch in the shell fabric let testers move without restriction. 鈥淢y pole plants felt free and unencumbered,鈥� reported one tester after a session on Crested Butte鈥檚 Nordic network. When zipped closed, the collar effectively sealed in warmth without feeling constricting. Finally, the hand pockets have openings near the center zipper so that when the pockets are opened, these mesh-lined pouches serve as functional air vents.

Products to Avoid

Synthetic Fleece That Lacks Recycled Content or Biodegradability

You might think that touting recycled content is mere greenwashing鈥攂ut as we near 2025, it should in fact be the standard among all apparel producers. Fabrics (including fleeces) made from recycled nylon and polyester are now so abundant that there鈥檚 virtually no excuse for manufacturers to roll out garments made from virgin materials. Multiple independent studies have confirmed that recycled synthetics impose less environmental impact, and some fleeces are even addressing the problematic end-of-life issues associated with synthetic fabrics (which shed micro-fibers that commonly pollute our streams and drinking water sources). Look for fleeces that are largely made from鈥�100-percent-recycled鈥� materials, and opt for 鈥減ost-consumer鈥� rather than 鈥減ost-industrial鈥� recycled goods when possible. Post-consumer recycling means the brand is actively keeping material out of the landfill, while post-industrial recycling sometimes just means the brand grabbed a bunch of factory-floor scraps that it would have re-used anyway.

How to Choose a Fleece Jacket

Fleece jackets range widely in warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Materials also vary. Synthetic fleece is quick-drying, making it a smart choice for damp conditions, and abrasion-resistant. Unlike wool or even cotton, synthetic fibers can hold their own against friction from backpack straps. But fleece made from merino wool is particularly warm and temperature-regulating (wearers avoid clamminess through a broad spectrum of temperatures). Hybrid constructions鈥攁 trend that continues to gain momentum in this category鈥攃ombine various fabrics in multi-paneled jackets that pair breathable fleece in the hot zones such as underarms with wind-resistant fleece in exposed areas like the shoulders.

Here鈥檚 how to judge what will serve your needs.

Will You Pack It?

As a rule, a fleece isn鈥檛 as compressible as, for example, a down jacket. So it takes up considerable space in luggage or backpacks. If you need heavyweight insulation but know it will remain packed most of the time, you might consider other, more space-saving insulated jackets.

How Much Will You Sweat in This Fleece?

Some fleeces use a dense construction that traps body heat but limits breathability. If you鈥檙e cross-country skiing, running, or logging other high-output outdoor workouts, look for lightweight fleeces or hybrid constructions that use body mapped insulation and place breathable panels under the arms and in other hot spots.

Will You Wear a Water- and Windproof Shell Over this Fleece?

Most fleeces offer some water-resistance, but that varies鈥攁nd no fleece can be counted on to deliver waterproof protection against serious rain or sustained snowfall. Most fleeces are also porous enough to let breezes in, which is great for sweat mitigation but bad for comfort amid 30-mph winds. Consider whether you鈥檒l wear a shell sometimes, always, or never: Ski-tourers might choose a fleece with some weather-resistant panels so they can skip a shell in milder conditions, while resort skiers are often better off with breathable fleece worn as a midlayer under a full shell jacket.

Do You Run Cold?

If you鈥檒l wear the fleece in 0- to 10-degree F temperatures, or if you鈥檙e always chilly no matter the conditions, choose a high-pile fleece with cozy insulation.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 9
• Number of products tested: 21
• Testers鈥� age range: 15 to 54
• States represented: 5 (California, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota, Maine)

Our testers don鈥檛 just spend a lot of time outdoors. Yes, they are gifted skiers, mountaineers, ultrarunners, climbers, hikers, and view-admirers. But they also possess the gift of gab. Our testers must be able to say much more about a piece of gear than 鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome鈥� or 鈥淚t sucks.鈥� Instead, we choose industry professionals, lifelong athletes, and fellow gear reviewers who can both identify a product鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses and talk at length about the nitty-gritty details that make a jacket shine in some areas鈥攁nd fall short in others. Over the course of each testing season, each tester keeps notes on their samples鈥� fit, how much wind protection each delivers, its ability to retain warmth, and whether it plays nice with a backpack. They geek out on the gear and its performance, and then deliver those notes to us for final analysis.

For this test, we evaluated 21 of the most promising fleeces on the market, including full-zip and pullover styles. We pored over our testers鈥� notes to nail down each jacket鈥檚 best application: Is the fleece best for dog-walking? Nordic skiing? Apr猫s at the resort? All of the above? Only the items that earned raves on both performance and livability earned coverage among these reviews.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Kelly Bastone moved to the Colorado Rockies in 1998 and has pursued outdoor sports ever since. A freelancer who writes about gear and other outdoor topics for publications such as Backpacker, AFAR, and The Red Bulletin, Bastone has contributed many gear reviews to 国产吃瓜黑料 over the years. An avid skier (resort, Nordic and backcountry), fly-fisher, mountain biker and mushroom forager, she gets the news she needs from the weather report.

Bastone鈥檚 backing band of gear testers includes ski bums across four resorts in California and Colorado: These women click into touring, downhill, or cross-country boards each and every day of the season. A wildlife researcher and ultrarunner punished jackets in Minnesota; another ultrarunner and backcountry rescuer tested insulation on all-weather runs and missions in northwest Colorado; a rancher wore test puffies while exercising her horses in Montana.

The post The Best 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Fleece Jackets of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If you search for 鈥渉ow to layer鈥� on 国产吃瓜黑料, you鈥檒l get back nearly 20 articles plus a handful of videos that cover everything from layering while backcountry skiing to layering in a sleeping bag. We take the art of layering seriously when it comes to playing outside.

But what about layering for the everyday? Does layering only matter if we鈥檙e trying to climb a mountain or camp in the snow? Most of us spend the vast majority of our time going to work, walking the dogs, picking kids up from school, and cleaning up around our houses鈥攁nd I鈥檝e found that smart layering helps immensely in these situations, too.

The absence of info on layers for quotidian tasks got me thinking about what the ideal everyday layering kit might be. I live in New Mexico where we have wild temperature swings through fall and winter鈥攆rom 20 degrees in the morning to 60 degrees in the afternoon鈥攎aking my home an excellent spot to test how layers can keep us regulated and happy as we get through our normal routine.

Here鈥檚 my suggested list.

Baselayers

By baselayers I don鈥檛 mean long underwear. Unless you live in a truly cold spot and spend a big chunk of your time working outside, long underwear will be too hot. But it is important to think about your underwear, socks, and first layer up top.

Merino wool is the obvious choice for both underwear and socks. These days sock manufacturers like Smartwool make blended with a little nylon (to make them tough as nails) and lycra (so they鈥檙e easy to get on). They鈥檙e tailored perfectly so they don鈥檛 take up too much room in your shoe and keep your feet warm but not too hot. One pair will run you $20 or $30, but I wear my merino socks at least a couple days in a row so I only need two or three pairs. is also becoming more popular, and I鈥檝e found it to be even softer, and maybe warmer, than merino.

I suggest because if you鈥檙e active at all during your day, your underwear is going to get sweaty, and you don鈥檛 want sweaty underwear when it鈥檚 cold. When I bike commute to work, as an example, my bottom is damp by the end of the commute but the wool still provides a touch of warmth so that my nether regions are not freezing when I walk into the office. That, and the merino dries super quickly so I don鈥檛 have to sit in my sweat for several hours.

In terms of a base layer shirt, my suggestion is to wear a short-sleeved shirt, no matter the material. It鈥檚 important to wear a short-sleeved shirt instead of a long-sleeved shirt, even if it鈥檚 brutally cold outside, because as you move between heated and outdoor spaces, you have more options. There鈥檚 nothing worse than being too hot in an overheated room, and you can strip down to a simple t-shirt, which is never a burden to wear. If you鈥檙e bike commuting or moving around, then go with merino. Everyone else can stick with cotton.

Midlayers

Midlayers are often the most used and abused layers when you鈥檙e out adventuring because you need some kind of warmth but nothing too thick. The same is true for everyday midlayers because they can stay on all throughout the day鈥攗nder a heavier coat in the morning while you鈥檙e walking the dogs, on their own over the aforementioned t-shirt at your home office to fight off the money-saving thermostat setting, or when you need a little warmth to dash out for lunch.

My go-to’s are a button-down or a tailored sweatshirt. A thick cotton button-down pulls double duty because it鈥檚 the right amount of warmth but also looks plenty professional. Instead of dressing in the 鈥渋nvestment banker bro鈥� uniform of a thin button-down and vest, you just need this one layer to feel comfortable and look good.

The same goes for the tailored . Something that fits well and is medium thick will keep you perfectly regulated and get you through any Zoom or in-person meeting. I sometimes like to go with a synthetic sweatshirt, instead of cotton, if I鈥檓 going to be active any time during the day鈥攍ike taking a longer walk to lunch, a stroll with my dogs, or a quick bike trip to get my kids from school.

Outer Layers

Waxed cotton, which is making a strong resurgence, is the perfect everyday outer layer. are stylish, waterproof (thanks to the wax), and insulated for warmth. If I layer an insulated waxed jacket over a thick cotton shirt and t-shirt base, I鈥檓 comfy all the way down to about freezing. Bonus: The more you wear your waxed jacket, the sharper it looks as you add a patina that鈥檚 uniquely yours.

On days below freezing, I鈥檒l wear a down jacket. I have two versions that I rotate between, depending on the day. As the temps drop, I鈥檒l start with a straightforward down jacket that I can layer over my waxed cotton. On days when I鈥檓 standing around and it鈥檚 truly bitter鈥攍ike 20 degrees or below鈥擨 grab a midlayer and a that鈥檚 poofy and as warm as it gets.

I always have a in my bag as well. A good wind layer packs up to the size of an orange so I just stuff it away until it’s needed. I won鈥檛 use a wind layer on deep winter days, but I find them perfect in the fall when the breeze kicks up and tears right through my sweatshirt. By cutting the wind I can immediately feel 10 degrees warmer but don鈥檛 have to deal with the bulk of a big jacket.

For pants, I usually prefer something that has a reinforcement because the extra material adds a little warmth and because these pants look okay even when they鈥檙e dirty. I find it鈥檚 much harder to stay clean in the winter with snow and mud around constantly.

Shoes

Unless you live in a really rainy place like the Pacific Northwest, I usually suggest most people avoid shoes with a waterproof membrane during the summer. The liner doesn’t breathe well enough to vent the sweat off your feet and can make your feet clammy and potentially cause blisters.

But during the winter I love shoes with for several reasons. Most importantly, it鈥檚 cold outside so the likelihood of your feet overheating is diminished. Second, unlike rain that comes and goes during the summer, winter snow will stick around and pile up, so you have many more opportunities to get your feet wet. That, and when the snow does melt, the ground turns to mud, which can also wet out your shoes.

I like a low-cut hiker or running shoe because it鈥檚 a one-and-done option. These shoes look fine at work, are great for when you have to stand at a desk for hours, easily slip on for early-morning dog walks, and are comfy for an after-work walk or run.

Hat and Gloves

Your hands and ears are often the most sensitive, so it鈥檚 worth investing in a quality beanie and pair of gloves. For a beanie, always choose something simple in terms of design. I love a that never clashes and can hold its shape even after hundreds of uses. For , I suggest you invest in a thin pair made of merino. You want something thin so you have as much dexterity as possible and don鈥檛 have to constantly pull the gloves off to get anything done. You鈥檇 also be surprised at how well a thin pair of wool gloves can fight off the worst of the cold and keep your finger temp nicely regulated.

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Less Is More

By Kelly Klein, associate gear editor

After a year as a gear editor, I鈥檝e tested countless layers. Base layers, midlayers, outer layers, you name it. Whenever I headed out on a ski trip last winter, I brought along at least half a dozen pieces to test out over the course of the day. As part of the review process, I wanted to do each one justice, and I needed to be sure I was using them for their intended purpose. But as time wore on鈥攖ime spent, it seemed, primarily thinking about what to put on or take off next鈥擨 found that I only wanted to wear one or two layers at most beneath my jacket. Whether I was spending the day resort skiing or skinning up in the backcountry, I really wasn鈥檛 concerned about regulating my body temperature to a tee. It was too exhausting, and it got in the way of my fun. If I was a little chilly or a tad warm, it didn鈥檛 bother me; I was more focused on the terrain and the experience. Plus, clothing technology has gotten so advanced that newer apparel is able to dump and retain heat to a degree that a decade ago could be accomplished only by switching out layers. These days a couple of versatile pieces are all you need. If I鈥檓 going on a full- or multiple-day backcountry mission鈥攐r if the weather forecast is dicey鈥擨鈥檒l hew to a better-safe-than-sorry approach and pack a few extra tops. But for ordinary adventures, life is too short to miss a beautiful sunrise or a friend getting the turns of their life because I鈥檓 busy fine-tuning my body temperature.

More Is More

By Abigail Barronian, senior editor

Almost every time I venture into the mountains, I grab the same lineup of apparel. For my upper body: next-to-skin wool, a lightweight midlayer, a puffy jacket, and a shell. Things are similarly simple on the lower half: lightweight pants, with wool long johns beneath if the situation calls for them. This arrangement retains its utility across activities and seasons鈥攁lthough, depending on my output and the conditions, some of these layers may shift in bulk and weatherproofness. When it鈥檚 really cold, I might double up on wool, add down knickers and a vest, and opt for a burlier shell or a heavier puffy. My outdoor wardrobe is almost entirely free of hybrid layers鈥擨 don鈥檛 own any insulated shells or fleece-lined pants, for example鈥攁nd I鈥檓 picky about things being trim enough to combine comfortably. Done right, I can mix and match to create the breathability and protection I need over the course of a long excursion in variable conditions. I can stay comfortable in a freak spring snowstorm at 12,000 feet and in 75-degree sunshine as I descend to the trailhead. It鈥檚 difficult to achieve that kind of versatility with a single do-it-all garment. It might do one thing really well, but I do lots of things in the mountains, and I want what I wear to facilitate each of those activities. And most important, I want to be prepared when I find myself in unpredictable environments. One or two layers can鈥檛 possibly provide the comfort and safety that a quiver of them will.

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Picture a kid on a snow day. They can barely wait to pull on their puffy pants and mittens鈥攐r their one-piece snowsuit鈥攁nd rush out into the frosty air. They鈥檒l sled and make snow angels until they鈥檙e soaking wet, wage snowball wars, build snowmen in the yard, and decorate them with sticks. Then they鈥檒l barrel inside, leave their clothes in a pile on the floor, and clutch mugs of steaming hot chocolate until their fingers thaw. It鈥檚 a dream; life doesn鈥檛 get better than that. While adults just pull their coats tight and hurry through the slush to work.

As a dogsledder, one of the things I love best about taking people mushing is that it turns adults into kids again. You put any grownup鈥攏o matter how serious鈥攊nto a dogsled, and they鈥檒l laugh for an hour straight. They glide through the wintry forest, looking around wild-eyed and smiling until their face hurts. Not everyone has a handy dog team nearby when they want to rediscover the magic of winter鈥攂ut you can get there without one, too.

Because when did we decide that winter fun is for kids? Think about it: snowball fights, snowmen, snow angels, sledding, even hot chocolate鈥攖hese are all things we associate with children. Even adequate winter clothing is seen as juvenile; teens and adults trade their puffies for sleek coats, trade their mittens for gloves. No wonder winter becomes less fun as we get older: we鈥檝e made it that way. But we can unmake it, too.

Wear More Clothes

The biggest myth of winter is that in order to enjoy it, you have to like being cold. You literally don鈥檛. I don鈥檛 like feeling cold, and I spend half my life outside in subzero temperatures. The trick鈥攁nd it really is this simple, for most people鈥攊s that if you feel cold, you should put on more clothing. Still cold? Put on even more clothing. And so on. I鈥檝e written about the basics of dressing for cold weather here, including how to trap warm air and keep your feet insulated from the cold ground. My favorite layer? A long down skirt, which you can wear over pants or long underwear, and which will make a huge difference in your ability to stay comfortable outside. (If you have circulation issues, it can be much harder to keep your extremities warm; I鈥檇 recommend using charcoal hand and toe warmers.)

If your winters are mostly snowless, gray, and rainy, clothing can still make the conditions comfortable for you. Otherwise you鈥檒l be trapped inside for months out of the year, and nothing is fun when you feel trapped. Walking in sleet may not seem pleasant, but with the right layers, it鈥檚 not unpleasant either; it鈥檚 fully possible to stay warm and dry, feeling like you鈥檙e in your own climate-controlled little world, even as you push through deeply gross weather. I鈥檇 recommend a good rain coat and rain pants (in sizes big enough to accommodate multiple layers), a hat with a brim to keep water off your face, gloves, and insulated waterproof boots (I like neoprene)鈥攁nd make sure you fully dry everything each time you come in.

Challenge Yourself to Try Something New

I dare you (yes, you personally) to do at least one completely new thing this winter. Bring a friend to the nearest sled hill and race to the bottom. (If you鈥檙e somewhere without snow, you can 鈥渟led鈥� down grassy hills by perching on blocks of ice. Bring a folded towel to sit on if you don鈥檛 want a wet butt!) Or rent a tube at a tubing hill鈥攎any even have rope lifts so you don鈥檛 have to hike back up. If you have the budget, take a beginner鈥檚 lesson in snowboarding, skiing, or even snowmobiling. Carve a snowbank into a sculpture, or fill balloons with water and food coloring, freeze them, peel off the balloons, and use the colorful orbs to decorate your porch. Go ice skating for an afternoon, even if you spend the whole time scooting around and clutching the boards. It鈥檚 OK to feel a little silly, and to laugh at yourself. And it鈥檚 even better to bring a friend so you can laugh at each other instead.

Make Your Home Cozier

Winter offers two great pleasures: going outside, and coming in again. The first will help you appreciate the second, but there鈥檚 a lot you can do to make your house cozier in its own right, too. I love electric candles, because they give a nice glow鈥攁 kind of living light, as flames are referred to in Norwegian鈥攚ithout the risk of burning anything down. Everyone knows that blankets, slippers, mugs, etc. are associated with winter, but if you haven鈥檛 gone all-in on cozy surroundings, you might be surprised by how much of a difference they make. Warm up a toddy or spiced cider on the stove to make your house smell amazing.

Eat and Drink Well

It takes a lot of energy to keep your body warm. You鈥檒l get hungry while you鈥檙e outside, and hungry when you get back in, and if you go outside without eating enough, you鈥檒l almost certainly feel cold and miserable. Plan to have hearty meals before and after you go out, and carry snacks in your pocket; eating little treats often will help your body to generate warmth. And if you鈥檙e even marginally inclined toward cooking, use a crock pot: there鈥檚 really nothing like coming inside and having a hot, fragrant stew just waiting for you.

Create Your Own Traditions

January and February can feel like the bleakest winter months, in part because they鈥檙e defined by lack: there鈥檚 none of the cheer and pomp of the holidays, which make even the coldest December festive, and there are still months to go before spring. But part of what makes seasons special is that the fun they offer is limited; there are things you can only do at certain times, so you look forward to them and savor them. What traditions can you develop for the depths of your own winters? Can you start a practice of taking a weekly hike (or snowshoe or cross-country ski jaunt) with friends, then watching movies and ordering a pizza? Make an annual trip to volunteer at a sled dog race? Arrange (or enter) a snow-sculpture competition? You can also commit to doing the things you rarely make time for, like reading books or baking. The more you create winter rituals that you enjoy, the more joy the season will hold for you, even if the things you do are as simple as lighting candles in the evening or savoring a special tea. And next fall, when the days get darker and the first frost appears, you鈥檒l know you鈥檙e leaving the warmth of summer behind鈥攂ut you have something wonderful to look forward to.

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We test a lot of jackets for our annual Winter Buyer鈥檚 Guide.聽Between splitboarding, alpine skiing and ski touring, winter camping, cross-country skiing, running, tough outdoor jobs, and apr茅s hanging, anywhere from 10 to 15 people from varied sport backgrounds help us put an array of shells, puffies, windbreakers, fleeces, and midlayers to the test. Here are the runner-up items that just missed the cut for print.

Mountain Hardware Stretchdown Light Pullover ($250)

Should you overheat wearing this piece as a mid-layer, ditch the shell. The jacket is stuffed with enough 700-fill down that it kept our tester warm even when the temperatures dropped into the low twenties. The pliable, 20-denier woven nylon-elastane outer fabric is coated in DWR, which held up to melting snow flurries and snotsicles, and was surprisingly durable. It emerged from a poorly ridden lap in tight trees without any rips. 聽鈥�Kyle Dickman, splitboarding tester

66 Degrees North Tindur Technical Shearling Jacket ($300)

The Tindur is mostly made from a thick, tightly woven fleece, but the elbows and sides are a stretchy nylon that won鈥檛 blow out after repeated hard use. The sewn cuffs feel as sturdy as the thick plastic zippers. It鈥檚 so warm that we used it as a primary jacket instead of a layer. The only downside: wood chips stuck and needed to be picked out of the fleece long after the job was done.聽 鈥�Charlie Ebbers, workwear tester

Patagonia R1 Hybrid Hoody ($139)

The R1 Hybrid Hoody is the sports car of the R1 family鈥攊t鈥檚 made for going fast without thinking. The layer features 3.8-ounce Polartec Power Grid everywhere but the chest and upper arms, where you have the same fabric but in a 6.9-ounce weight. It鈥檚 basically a base layer with a little more protection and warmth in key zones. We also love that it鈥檚 made of 90 percent recycled polyester, and is Bluesign certified and Fair Trade sewn. We felt like this was a welcome, but incremental, improvement on a classic line, so it didn鈥檛 make the cut for print. 鈥�Will Taylor (国产吃瓜黑料 gear director), men鈥檚 midlayers tester

ArchiTec Aysen Polartec Power Wool Hoodie ($188)

Testers loved the simplicity of this piece, which pairs a breathable, wind-resistant matte nylon face with a soft, tightly woven merino wool liner. The only real feature is a concealed zip pocket on the side, big enough to fit an iPhone. It鈥檚 mid-weight as far as layers go, so it鈥檚 a good piece to throw on in the morning and wear until night in a range of temperatures. We wore it for days and it didn鈥檛 smell. 鈥擶.T.

Strafe Tech Fleece Pullover ($129)

Your favorite hoody can now pull double-duty as a resort-skiing midlayer. Strafe鈥檚 newest pullover is made from teddy-bear-soft Polartec micro fleece that we never wanted to take off, whether we were riding the lifts, tailgating with friends, or watching movies at home. The built-in neck gaiter and kangaroo pocket max out the coziness, and the subtle stripe print and branded arm patch are stylish touches. 鈥�Maren Larsen (国产吃瓜黑料 associate podcast producer), women鈥檚 midlayers tester

Patagonia Nano Puff Vest ($149)

Filled with 60-gram synthetic insulation, this vest is highly compressible and packs neatly into its pocket. And, because it鈥檚 not as lofted as other puffy vests, it鈥檚 perfect for layering under a ski shell without adding too much thickness in the middle. The lightweight, wind-resistant outer fabric is constructed of 100 percent recycled polyester that鈥檚 Fair Trade Certified sewn. 鈥�James Edward Mills, vests tester

Ibex Shak Vest ($170)

This thin but densely woven wool vest provides a bit of warmth during cold-weather workouts or jaunts around town. The material is smooth, soft, and stretchy, and sewn with flat seems that look sleek and help avoid bulk when work under other layers. 鈥擩.E.M.

Forloh ThermoNeutral Down Vest ($289)

Sturdy and rugged, this piece provides heavy insulation for extreme conditions. It鈥檚 stuffed with water-repellent down that鈥檚 designed to resist moisture absorption. Even in the most adverse conditions, it will still keep you warm鈥攁nd won鈥檛 get heavy and soggy with water. We love the deep on-seam hand pockets and the interior stash pouches, perfect for a hat and gloves. Elastic trim at the arm opening offers a snug fit to keep warmth in and chilly drafts out. 鈥擩.E.M.

Flylow Patrol Jacket ($225)

Extended testing confirmed that this built-tough, waterproof hard shell delivers on the promise of affordable workwear. Its rugged 250 denier polyester dobby fabric (it has small raised bumps, like canvas) emerged abrasion-free after a season of wearing avy packs and skiing the trees. But the two-layer construction, which uses a hanging mesh liner instead of spendier fabric backers, lowers costs. Neither ultralight or ultra-breathable (pit zips help), it鈥檚 perfect for ski bums who ride lifts daily. The only downside: it鈥檚 men鈥檚 only. ($225). 1 lb. 6 oz. 鈥�Frederick Reimers and Kelly Bastone, jackets testers

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Your winter kit is only as good as the layers you build it with. While there have been capable options on the market for decades, brands pushed the bar even higher this year, making these crucial pieces lighter, more breathable, and better for the earth. In a sea of worthy choices鈥攆rom featherweight next-to-skin base layers to all-day midlayers鈥攖hese were the best.

Flylow Pierogi Hoodie ($140)

The Pierogi marries stretchy, fleecy comfort with technical mountain performance. The polyester fleece face kept out breezes, while the hood鈥檚 laminated brim protected against sun and snow. Tough taf颅feta elbow patches ward off abuse. (S鈥揦XL)

Maloja 颅BenedictM Pants ($69)

Stretchy is an understatement when describing the BenedictM. These pants are nylon with 5 percent spandex, so they鈥檙e formfitting yet boast four-way stretch for unconstricted movement. The seamless knit prevented chafing no matter how hard we were sweating. (XS鈥揦L)

Corbeaux Jackpot Joggers ($124)

These midweight bottoms are soft inside, ideal for cold days at the resort. Their slim jogger cut also looked good enough for us to wear them solo. Plus, the tightly woven face helps cut the wind when you鈥檙e sporting them without shell pants around town. To top it off, they鈥檙e made by hand in Minne颅sota with 94 percent recycled content that鈥檚 Bluesign approved. (S鈥揦XL)

Craft Pro Wool Extreme X LS M Shirt ($100)

This skintight layer disappears as soon as you put it on, which is the highest compliment we can give. Its gridded polyamide-wool fabric is soft against your skin, allows moisture to escape, and lends a surprising amount of warming loft for such a thin layer. This was the top that testers reached for to get aerobic in the snow. (S鈥揦XL)

The North Face Summit DotKnit Crew Top ($89)

Some testers were skeptical of this top鈥檚 ability to breathe because of its tightly woven face fabric. They needn鈥檛 have been. This 42 percent recycled-polyester shirt is knit with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns, which lends slight wind resistance but also facilitates moisture transfer without getting soggy. That鈥檚 bolstered by laser-cut holes, which provided excellent breathability even when we were pushing the pace. (S鈥揦XL)

Beyond Clothing K3-Dasche Jacket ($190)

For stop-and-go activities in the alpine, the K3-Dasche is your steadfast companion. Fully recycled synthetic insulation in the torso and arms keeps you warm where you need it, while thin four-way-stretch soft shell everywhere else dumps heat. The hood is made of the same lightweight nylon, and it packs discreetly into the collar when you鈥檙e not using it. (XS鈥�3XL)

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