December 15, 2021 | By Mary Murphy
A midlayer is an essential piece of gear. From winter hiking and running, to skiing and snowboarding, and everyday cold-weather use, we’ve found and tested the best midlayers out there.
Whether you live somewhere that has four defined seasons (and heavy winters), or somewhere more temperate, you should have a midlayer. Midlayers are some of the most versatile layers out there, and come in all sorts of shapes and styles. If you feel that layering for the cold is tricky, or if you need an insulated jacket, our list of best midlayers is a must-read.
Before we dive into this review, it’s important to provide a definition of a midlayer. Midlayers are just what they sound like — layers that can be worn with others, over a base layer or shirt, and also under an outerwear coat or shell.
Depending on the style, midlayers can even be worn on their own. They usually have features seen in jackets, like a front zip, maybe a hood, and always provide some sort of insulation.
In essence, midlayers are the epitome of necessity and versatility when it comes to layering.
We’ve tested a slew of midlayer styles: full-zip jackets, hoodies, vests, puffies, and lightweight and ultralight midlayers as well. Below are our best midlayer picks for winter.
Anytime you may need to layer — downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, or just trudging through a storm — reach for one of these and you won’t be disappointed.
Read on for the full list, or jump to a favorite below: Best Full-Zip Midlayer — Overall Best Full-Zip Midlayer — Budget Best Hoodie Midlayer — Overall Best Hoodie Midlayer — Budget Best Puffy Midlayer — Overall Best Puffy Midlayer — Budget Best Fleece Midlayer — Overall Best Fleece Midlayer — Budget Best Vest Midlayer — Men’s Best Vest Midlayer — Women’s Most Sustainable Best of the Rest The Best Midlayers of 2021-2022
Best Full Zip Midlayer — Overall: Smartwool Women’s 60 & Men’s 120 Smartloft Jackets
Fairly lightweight but also well-insulated and warm (and thanks to a merino-lined interior, odor-resistant as well), this jacket from Smartwool has a lot going for it. The men’s ($200) and women’s Smartloft jackets ($180) have 120g and 60g synthetic insulation, respectively, sewn into baffles for warmth from the top of the collar to the bottom of the core.
Aside from the insulation, the back panel and sleeves are 100% merino wool. A wind-resistant nylon shell with a DWR coating provides a final layer of comfort and insulation from the cold.
Both men’s and women’s jackets also have thumbholes at the cuffs, two zippered hand pockets, and interior pockets for stashing small items as well. The men’s jacket has an added zippered chest pocket.
Because of its materials and design, this zip-up layer works great for running, hiking, skiing, commuting, and more. The insulation and shell material on the front provide great protection — and if any more is needed, you’ll probably want a burlier or more waterproof outer shell anyway. Specs: Style: full-zip jacket Material: merino wool, nylon, recycled wool Insulation: 60-120g synthetic insulation Weight: 11.8-13 oz. Pockets: 3-5 Recycled components: yes, 45-50% recycled wool
Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at REI
Best Full-Zip Midlayer — Budget: REI Flash Insulated Jackets — Men’s & Women’s
A lightweight, insulated, and eco-friendly jacket for under 150 bucks? Yes, please. REI’s Insulated Flash Jacket ($150-160) ticked all our boxes for a fantastic midlayer, with its 60g PrimaLoft insulation, recycled components, warmth level, and packable nature.
We field-tested it from about 25-55 degrees in overcast, windy, and damp weather, and the Insulated Flash performed great in all cases. This insulated jacket and versatile midlayer also happens to be the most lightweight on our list.
One note: the women’s and plus-size versions of this jacket are hooded, while the men’s version is not. (This does contribute to a slight weight difference.) Specs: Style: full-zip jacket Material: 100% polyester Insulation: 60g synthetic Weight: 11.3 oz. (men’s), 12.7 oz.(women’s) Pockets: 3 Recycled components: yes; 70% post-consumer recycled content insulation
Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REICheck Women’s Plus Size Price at REI
Best Hoodie Midlayer — Overall: Arc’teryx Nuclei FL Hoodie — Men’s & Women’s
I’ve worn the Arc’teryx Nuclei FL Hoodie ($299) so many times across seasons, and it’s never failed me. It’s on the warmer side, which I appreciate (especially that one time when I was hiking and winds got up to 40 mph). My favorite features are the insulation, insulated hood, and this jacket’s overall powers to deter wind and cold.
Arc’teryx describes it as a fast and light layer for alpine and climbing pursuits, but it works for plenty of other activities outside as well. It has a 10-denier exterior shell, synthetic insulation, and helmet-compatible hood and pockets (and the hood adjusts to find the right fit).
The exterior fabric is fairly durable, and it’s amazingly light and packable. It comes with a small stuff sack (which you can keep stashed in the internal pocket) for easy packing. Specs: Style: hoodie jacket Material: 10-denier ripstop 100% nylon shell Insulation: 65g synthetic Coreloft Weight: 10-11 oz./285 g Pockets: 3 Recycled components: none
Check Men’s Price at Arc’teryxCheck Women’s Price at Arc’teryx The Best Fleece Jackets for Women in 2022 We review the best fleece jackets for women for 2022. Top picks include Patagonia, Mammut, REI, Voormi, and more. Read more…
Best Hoodie Midlayer — Budget: Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody — Men’s & Women’s
This technical fleece hoodie ($179) from Patagonia is one of the most popular on the market and a staff favorite. We think that’s mainly due to its lightweight and soft yet insulating fleece construction — plus a DWR treatment for light rain, damp, and cold. Like the Patagonia Nano Puff and Arc’teryx AR hoodie, it also works great as a midlayer or standalone jacket.
The grid fleece is double-weave Fair Trade-sewn, Bluesign-approved fabric. Two hand pockets with zip closures and an internal chest pocket with a zipper and fleece hood round out this layer.
If you want something durable but on the lighter side and aren’t looking for tons of insulation, this fleece hoodie is a great midlayer choice. Specs: Style: hoodie jacket Material: polyester and spandex with DWR Insulation: N/A, grid fleece Weight: 11.9-13.7 oz./337-390 g Pockets: 3 (all zippered) Recycled components: yes, 69% recycled
Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at Patagonia Best Puffy Midlayer — Overall: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket — Men’s & Women’s
Over the years, this puffy jacket has garnered nothing but praise. The size, style, and color options are varied, the insulation is warm, and the jacket itself is packable and lightweight. And unlike with down puffy jackets, you won’t be leaving feathers in your wake.
There’s a reason the Patagonia Nano Puff ($199) has been in stores since 2010. And while it’s always been a bestseller and a staple in our wardrobe, there have been improvements such as the new 100% post-consumer recycled insulation. Like a good cheese, you could say the Nano Puff only gets better with age.
The lightweight and synthetic-insulated Nano Puff is windproof, and water-repellent, boasts a standard 60g insulation, adjusts at the hem to seal in warmth, and has two zippered hand pockets. It’s a great midlayer, whether you’re walking to the store or hiking up a mountain. Specs: Style: puffy jacket Material: 100% recycled polyester with DWR Insulation: 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco Weight: 11.9 oz./337 g Pockets: 3 Recycled components: yes, 100% recycled
Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at evo Best Puffy Midlayer — Budget: Helly Hansen LifaLoft Insulator Jacket — Men’s
This hybrid puffy midlayer ($200) offers a great balance of light weight, good breathability, and warmth. It has a puffy-style, synthetic LifaLoft insulation-filled core, stretchy fleece paneling in the sides and arms, and a PFC-free DWR coating.
And while the actual fill weight of the insulation in this midlayer is unknown, it does keep you fairly warm and does the job for active pursuits. Specs: Style: full-zip jacket Material: 100% polyamide shell Insulation: PrimaLoft LifaLoft insulation (polyester and polypropylene blend) Weight: 12 oz./340 g Pockets: 2 Recycled components: none
Check Price at REICheck Price at Helly Hansen
Best Fleece Midlayer — Overall: Norrona Falketind Alpha120 — Men’s & Women’s
If you’re searching for an ultralight, breathable hybrid fleece, the Norrona Falketind Alpha120 ($189) is a great one. The full-zip design is paneled with Polartec Alpha fleece, which acts as an air-permeable layer, provides insulation for warmth, and offers next-to-skin comfort. It has Polartec’s PowerGrid mapped on the hood, sides, underarms, hem, and cuffs.
The combination of two materials, designed for warmth and breathability, means this midlayer jacket is the ultimate choice for higher-output activities. Also, the feel and fit of this fleece are amazing. (Don’t believe us? This jacket is a two-time Best Fleece Jacket winner — read the full review.)
Norrona says this breathable fleece midlayer is great for ski touring, mountaineering, hiking and backpacking, climbing, and general outdoor activities. We tested it backpacking, hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, and more. Specs: Style: fleece hoodie Material: Polartec Alpha grid fleece Insulation: N/A, grid fleece Weight: 8.6 oz./244 g Pockets: 3 Recycled components: yes; 50% recycled contents
Check Men’s Price at NorronaCheck Women’s Price at Campsaver Best Fleece Midlayer — Budget: Montane Protium Fleece Jacket — Men’s & Women’s
Featuring a brushed grid-back construction, the Montane Protium Fleece Jacket ($75) regulates heat, wicks away moisture, and does a great job adapting to changing weather. It falls right between light and heavy (also known as midweight), is soft and, even without any weatherproofing on the exterior fabric, is pretty durable too.
Montane uses its THERMO GRID fleece with a brushed back for a softer feel. A full-length YKK front zipper can be good for both venting and ease of layering.
But what we loved most about this fleece jacket was its simplicity — for just $75, it provides warmth, coziness, and a bit of breathability, too. Plus, it has two zippered hand pockets and a high collar. Specs: Style: fleece Material: brushed grid fleece Insulation: N/A, grid fleece Weight: 380 g Pockets: 2 Recycled components: none
Check Men’s Price at MontaneCheck Women’s Price at Montane
Best Vest Midlayer — Men’s: Odlo S-Thermic Vest
While a bit pricey for a vest, the Odlo S-Thermic Vest ($180) will get the job done. Under Odlo’s “why we made it” explanation, they only offered three words: “Cross Country Skiing.” That’s it — an active-fit, stretchy-yet-warm layer that’s perfect for when you’re on the move.
The main polyamide shell fabric is a ripstop fabric, which ups the vest’s durability. And the zippered side pockets and reflective details make this one of the best midlayers on this whole list for early evening to nighttime activities outside (think running or walking the dog). Odlo finished up this layer with laser-cut ventilation and an adjustable hem. Specs: Style: full-zip vest Material: recycled polyamide and elastane Insulation: G-loft insulation Weight: unknown Pockets: 2 Recycled components: recycled main fabric and insulation
Check Men’s Price at Odlo Best Vest Midlayer — Women’s: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest 2.0
Ah, the wonderful world of vests. Versatile, packable, and with a great warmth-to-weight ratio, The North Face’s ThermoBall Eco Vest ($149) is warm enough and durable enough that it made the top of our list for vests for layering.
The ThermoBall Eco Vest, as the name implies, is made with 100% recycled fabrics and insulation. And it packs down small into its pocket. The vest has a quilted pattern and zippered hand pockets, and it’s 100% recommended by reviewers online.
While not the lightest midlayer on our list, it’s still a great option and is packable enough for those who like to travel light. Specs: Style: full-zip vest Material: 100% recycled nylon Insulation: 11 g/ft. recycled polyester ThermoBall Eco Weight: 14.6 oz./416 g Pockets: 2 Recycled components: yes, 100% recycled polyester, 100% recycled insulation
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at REI Most Sustainable: Picture Lixi Tech Sweater
With a unique design and great versatility, this insulated sweater midlayer already has a lot going for it. But the Picture Lixi Tech Sweater ($110) also has 50% recycled content and uses recycled PrimaLoft Eco insulation. In fact, it’s one of the warmest midlayers on our list — with 100g PrimaLoft Black Eco synthetic fill.
The front is baffled and insulated, the back is brushed bonded fleece (also for warmth), and the clever, long side zipper allows you to vent as needed.
Part insulated puffy, part pullover, part jacket, the Picture Lixi Tech Sweater does give off some pretty techy outdoor vibes. Need a layer to throw on to shovel the pavement? How about driving up the mountain? Or hiking? Or ski touring? This Picture Tech Sweater can do it all. Specs: Style: pullover Material: 50% recycled polyester, 50% polyester, 100% recycled insulation Insulation: 100g PrimaLoft Eco Weight: 11.2 oz./320 g Pockets: 1 Recycled components: yes; 75% recycled
Check Price at Picture Best of the Rest Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoodie — Men’s & Women’s
Slightly thicker and more durable than our other Arc’teryx hoodie pick, the Atom AR Hoodie ($299) is still another great midlayer choice that can also work as a standalone jacket. While it can work in any environment, it shines in single-digit cold and at higher elevations.
First, the Atom AR has a good and durable DWR coating. Add to that plenty of insulation, articulated sleeves, and elastic cuffs with good stretch, and we’ve got a winner.
The insulation in this hoodie is also body mapped on the jacket in different weights, which keeps you warm but the layer light. It has 120g Coreloft insulation in the core, 80g Coreloft in the arms and underarm gusset panels, and 60g Coreloft in the insulated hood.
And as one of our editors noted in our full review, the 1-pound (men’s medium) Atom AR compresses to the size of a volleyball. In short, if you want something more durable, more insulated, and with a bit more coverage, the Atom AR Hoodie should be high on your list. Specs: Style: hoodie jacket Material: 100% polyester with DWR Insulation: 60-120g polyester synthetic insulation Pockets: 2 Weight: 14 oz. Recycled components: none
Check Men’s Price at AmazonCheck Women’s Price at Amazon Icebreaker Helix Hooded Jacket — Men’s
Similar to one of our favorite insulated layers, the Helly Hansen LifaLoft Insulator, is this DWR-treated synthetic hoodie from Icebreaker. And just like other Icebreaker apparel, it uses merino wool for both warmth and to wick away moisture.
The Helix Hooded Jacket ($300) has a paneled design with zoned quilting, 70g merino insulation, a 100% polyester shell, zippered hand pockets, and a snug hood (not helmet-compatible).
For activities like cross-country or downhill skiing where you maybe want extra wicking powers, this merino-insulated midlayer jacket is worth consideration. Specs: Style: hoodie jacket Material: 100% polyester shell with DWR, nylon Insulation: 70g merino wool Weight: unknown Pockets: 2 Recycled components: none
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry Stio Skycrest Insulated Snap Shirt — Men’s & Women’s
We’ve been testing this new insulated snap shirt (really, it’s a jacket) for over a month now and absolutely love it. You can layer with a T-shirt and wear it open, or you can snap it up when the temp drops. Or, you can wear it all the way closed over a base layer and under a shell while hiking, commuting, and more.
The Skycrest Insulated Snap Shirt ($179) has a little bit of styling that really makes a difference — things like a drop hem and double-snap pockets. This insulated shirt is great for warmth during activity but is also appropriate for wearing in and around town. We loved this layer for its bright camo color choices.
Because of its insulation and versatility, we had to include the Stio Skycrest Snap Shirt on our shortlist. That being said, our female tester found the layer can be a bit tight in the chest and shoulders — so if you’re in between sizes or want a roomier fit, be sure to size up. It’s also a bit heavier than other midlayers we tested. Specs: Style: button-up Material: varies; 30-denier nylon with DWR or 50-denier polyester with DWR Insulation: 60g synthetic down Pockets: 4 snap pockets Weight: 12-15 oz. Recycled components: yes; 100% recycled polyester insulation
Check Men’s Price at StioCheck Women’s Price at Stio The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2022 We tested the best synthetic insulated jackets of 2022 with options for every budget. Top picks include Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and more. Read more… The Best Ski Jackets of 2022 Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding in sunny or stormy conditions, here are our top picks for the longest-lasting, protective, comfortable jackets to keep you outside longer. Read more… Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Midlayer Which Midlayer Is Best: Jacket or Vest?
The first thing you should decide when browsing for a midlayer is whether you want a full jacket, hooded jacket, or an insulated vest. Some midlayers are a hybrid of both — insulated in the core, with just a face fabric for the arms (like merino).
Some are also water-repellent, and some aren’t. Our advice is to look at the big differentiators up top, and then look later at specific features. (Photo/Mary Murphy) Midlayer Insulation
There are a few types of insulation used in midlayers, but the most common one we’ve seen is synthetic fill. Brands like PrimaLoft make different types of synthetic insulation, from high-warmth blends to eco/recycled ones. Some brands will also have their own in-house insulation technologies.
Jackets will have different amounts of insulation, too — we’ve found the sweet spot is to look for a midlayer with 60-100g insulation. Many midlayers also don’t use added insulation — instead, they use a heavier fabric, like fleece.
If you aren’t buying an insulated layer, pay attention to the warmth level of the fabrics used. For example, a midlayer hoodie with merino construction or a merino liner can still provide lots of warmth and versatility, even if it isn’t stuffed with insulation. Features and Price
Midlayers are already versatile. But they’re extra versatile if they have added features. Things like a high collar or hood, as well as interior and exterior pockets, can help bring a midlayer from good to great.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider price. Our favorite midlayers will run $150-200. The Best Down Jackets of 2022 We found the best down jackets of 2022. From ultralight backpacking jackets to budget-friendly everyday puffy jackets, we've got you covered. Read more… FAQ A handful of midlayers we tested throughout fall. What Makes a Good Midlayer? You can think of a good midlayer like the Goldilocks of jackets: not too small, not too big, not too bulky, not too thin — just right in terms of fit, versatility and, above all, warmth. Other components that make a midlayer like the ones on our list stand out from the rest include insulated hoods, zippered pockets with good placement, adjustable hems, and compatibility with other layers. What's the Warmest Midlayer? The warmest midlayers on this list in terms of insulation were the Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoodie and Smartwool 120 Jacket. Our other favorite midlayer that offers lots of warmth is the Arc’teryx Nuclei FL Hoodie. What Is the Best Midlayer Material? The best midlayers, in our opinion, are the ones with added insulation and other features that make it easy and comfortable to layer. This tends to be a synthetic fill insulation, sewn into baffles or in between two layers of fabric to provide that insulation. Depending on the style and what activities you’ll be using the midlayer for, materials like fleece or PrimaLoft synthetic insulation are always great choices. In testing, we found the most popular midlayers among GearJunkie staff were full-zip and hoodie styles. The Best Ski Jackets of 2022 Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding in sunny or stormy conditions, here are our top picks for the longest-lasting, protective, comfortable jackets to keep you outside longer. Read more…
You can think of a good midlayer like the Goldilocks of jackets: not too small, not too big, not too bulky, not too thin — just right in terms of fit, versatility and, above all, warmth.
Other components that make a midlayer like the ones on our list stand out from the rest include insulated hoods, zippered pockets with good placement, adjustable hems, and compatibility with other layers.
The warmest midlayers on this list in terms of insulation were the Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoodie and Smartwool 120 Jacket. Our other favorite midlayer that offers lots of warmth is the Arc’teryx Nuclei FL Hoodie.
The best midlayers, in our opinion, are the ones with added insulation and other features that make it easy and comfortable to layer. This tends to be a synthetic fill insulation, sewn into baffles or in between two layers of fabric to provide that insulation.
Depending on the style and what activities you’ll be using the midlayer for, materials like fleece or PrimaLoft synthetic insulation are always great choices.
In testing, we found the most popular midlayers among GearJunkie staff were full-zip and hoodie styles.
Mary is based out of GearJunkie's Denver, Colo. office. She has a degree in English and journalism, and has a background in both newspaper and magazine writing. Her outdoor interests span from running to sport climbing, from landscape photography to skiing to pack-paddleboarding. If she's not writing, you can most likely find her at the top of a fourteener, or in a local bakery.
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