Updated November 2, 2026 09:09AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
November 2026:<\/strong> After testing 63 midlayers while hiking, skiing, fat-biking and climbing in wintry weather, we named the Arc\u2019teryx Atom Hoody<\/a> our Best Overall pick for its do-it-all balance of warmth, breathability, and weather protection. The most durable option is Mountain Hardwear\u2019s Kor Alloy Jacket<\/a>. The best for ultra-cold conditions is the Marmot WarmCube Active Novus Hoody<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Midlayers have an outrageously demanding job description. Unlike the super-puffy parkas and belay jackets that we wear to stay warm while hunkering down, midlayers provide insulation during activity\u2014a role that calls for a true multi-tasker. Its duties include keeping us warm while venting excess heat, whisking away sweat, and shielding us from the elements. It\u2019s a tall order, yet our testing team found six insulated midlayer jackets that check all the boxes.<\/p>\n These breathable insulators successfully regulated testers\u2019 temperatures while they skied, hiked, biked, and ran in winter weather conditions. Testers typically sandwiched these jackets between a base layer and a waterproof shell. On climbs, or in dry weather when they ditched the shell, testers also evaluated these toppers for their ability to shed precipitation and buffer gusts.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> XS-XXXL (men\u2019s), XXS-XXL (women\u2019s) Pros and Cons<\/strong> The Atom has been one of our favorite midlayers since its debut in 2009, and its design has hardly changed over the years except for sustainability upgrades. With stretchy fleece side and underarm panels bridging generous helpings of synthetic insulation in the torso, hood, and arms, it strikes the ideal balance of warmth and breathability for cold weather conditions. We found the Atom\u2019s insulated panels\u2014packed with 60 grams of polyester loft\u2014plenty warm down to the teens without an outer layer while skinning and bootpacking in the Tetons. One tester, who wore his hoody ice climbing in Silverton, Colorado, called the Atom\u2019s mix of insulation and breathable fleece \u201cperfectly balanced.\u201d<\/p>\n The unconfining cut fits most bodies, small or large, and two hand pockets and one internal chest pocket secure valuables. The cinchable hood is big enough for a helmet, which came in handy when temps plummeted during one Idaho-based tester\u2019s fat-bike ride in the Tetons. The fabric\u2019s fluorocarbon-free DWR finish repelled drizzle during late-November training runs. But the Atom delivers too much insulation for mild conditions and shoulder seasons (at 35 degrees and above, consider the Atom SL.) And although the breathable fabric feels soft next to skin, it gets pilly after repeated encounters with pack straps and other abrasive tools.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> S-XL (men\u2019s), XS-XL (women\u2019s) Pros and Cons<\/strong> Proving that midlayers don\u2019t have to be thick and bulky to provide significant warmth, this Merino-stuffed puffy goes relatively light on the filling (80-percent wool with biodegradable, bio-based polyester). But even on a 5-degree day in the Tetons, one tester comfortably wore this midlayer while yo-yo-ing backcountry slopes. That wool\/synthetic blend stays warm when wet and doesn\u2019t accumulate body odor after a season of sweat. It also scores high marks for sustainability: Ortovox sources wool from sheep living in the German Alps for a shorter supply chain, and the jacket\u2019s shell and lining fabrics use 100-percent recycled polyamide.<\/p>\n Veering from the sausage-casing cut of most Ortovox apparel, this boxy jacket easily accommodates underlayers and pairs best with a loose, freeride-style shell. The matte shell fabric proved plenty abrasion-resistant when worn beneath a pack, and the fabric ably buffered gusts. Testers also liked it at the resort, when the airy fit and naturally regulating insulation (wool breathes better than synthetic fills) kept them comfortable through hard efforts and chilling lift rides. But the teeny zipper pull is tricky to operate with or without gloves, and packability isn\u2019t great, owing to the jacket\u2019s generous cut and less-compressible wool fill.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> S-XXL (men\u2019s), XS-XL (women\u2019s) Pros and Cons<\/strong> Here\u2019s an armor-tough jacket that actually breathes\u2014an uncommon combination that made it our Idaho tester\u2019s new go-to. \u201cI\u2019m tired of tearing and patching midlayers,\u201d he said. But this nylon ripstop is far more abrasion- and tear-resistant than anything else I\u2019ve used.\u201d That outer shell uses two versions of 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air: A coated variety on the front body and sleeves to repel precip, and an uncoated stretchy one for the underarms and back. Inside, a ventilating lining made of polyester Octa fibers (called AirMesh) and 40-gram PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation (60-percent recycled) deliver breathable warmth.<\/p>\n The combination creates a highly versatile layer. \u201cFrom resort skiing at Bogus Basin, wearing it under my shell, to skinning the backcountry at Mores Creek Summit, to climbing at Leslie Gulch and The Fins, this midlayer kept me comfortable, and it didn\u2019t tear while bushwacking or being brushed against rocks,\u201d reported one tester.<\/p>\n Four front pockets hold a satellite communicator and other essentials, and are placed out of the way for belaying and active climbing. Fit is just right\u2014accommodating underlayers without bagging\u2014and the lack of a hood trims unnecessary bulk. But it\u2019s not as warm as some other jackets in test; we found it best used in temperatures above 20 degrees.<\/p>\n When effort and conditions change, this is the breathable, ultralight midlayer that will keep you free and regulated all day long. The PrimaLoft Active Evolve fleece manages your temperature and keeps you dry without trapping heat. The stretch knit has an athletic fit that doesn\u2019t restrict mobility, so you can scramble, climb, and transition on the pitch with ease and comfort. It\u2019s also compact, stowing away into a hidden neck pocket with an elastic cinch and carry tab, so you can stash it away whenever you need to drop a layer.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Sizes:<\/strong> S-XXXL (men\u2019s), XS-XXL (women\u2019s) Pros and Cons<\/strong> The Dawner is basically a stretchy windbreaker with a fleece liner, making it an all-season midlayer for high-energy activities like cross-country skiing, running, summit-bagging, fat-biking, and more; this was one of our testers\u2019 most-worn pieces thanks to its versatility.<\/p>\n The supple, 20-denier stretch nylon shell (with nine percent Spandex) has a DWR finish that sheds light rain (but won\u2019t hold up in a storm), while 100-gram Octaknit insulation\u2014one of the lightest, most breathable polyester fleeces on the market\u2014lines the interior. It\u2019s exactly what testers wanted while moving fast: the fuzzy interior mopped up sweat as quickly as they produced it, and the lightweight insulation complemented high-output body heat.<\/p>\n The jacket\u2019s generous cut fits over thicker baselayers, yet it\u2019s slick enough to slip under heavier shells. A cinchable helmet-compatible hood and hem made it easy to batten down the hatches during cold starts on pre-dawn backcountry missions. And because it packs down to the size of a grapefruit, it migrated into our Teton tester\u2019s pack for summertime mountaineering adventures too. But this is no super-toaster: During light exertion or in cold temps below 15 degrees, testers wanted something warmer.<\/p>\n Sizes: <\/strong>S-XL (men\u2019s), XS-XL (women\u2019s) Pros and Cons<\/b> When breathability bests warmth in the Roshambo contest between jackets, this hybrid insulator wins. The First Light 1.0 Stretch Hoody is zoned for high-output activity, with most of its insulation (thin panels of PrimaLoft Gold Active) in the chest, hood and outer arms. The back and underarms are made of a Merino wool jersey (knit with 46 percent nylon) that\u2019s supremely stretchy and breathable. The 20-denier stretch-nylon shell fabric has a DWR finish to repel light snow.<\/p>\n \u201cIt works perfectly with a pack\u2014my back is where I usually get too hot and sweaty,\u201d said our Tahoe area tester, who wore it for a season of cross-country skiing, touring, and resort snowboarding (when he topped it with a shell). Testers felt that this jacket worked best in cool to cold temps above 20 degrees.<\/p>\n Packability earned praise, with the whole jacket tucking into the zippered chest pocket around the size of a liter bottle. Two zippered hand pockets and a helmet-sized hood round out the features. The hood lacks adjustability, but our ski-touring tester deemed it functional during above-treeline deployment. Downsides? Sizing tops out at XL, and the jacket fits snug, even on slim builds.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/b> S-XXL (men\u2019s), XS-XL (women\u2019s) Pros and Cons<\/b> This jacket\u2019s triumph is the way it pairs heavyweight insulation\u2014testers wore it in temperatures from 10 below zero to 15 degrees\u2014with outstanding breathability and mobility.<\/p>\n That\u2019s achieved by surrounding plump squares of \u201cfeatherless\u201d synthetic insulation (polyester flakes that imitate the soft, body-conforming feel of down) with uninsulated strips that promote mobility and ventilation. \u201cIt let me move around a lot in cold weather without overheating,\u201d reports our New Hampshire tester after wearing it while backcountry skiing near Zealand Falls Hut and hiking around Franconia Notch. \u201cThe gaps in the baffling allow for so much airflow, yet that maximized airflow somehow doesn\u2019t compromise heat retention,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n Those air channels are just as good at letting wind in, however, so our testers topped this jacket with a shell whenever conditions grew gusty or wet (the 100-percent preconsumer recycled nylon ripstop doesn\u2019t offer much protection beyond drizzle). \u201cThis jacket is surprisingly sleek for a puffy, so it doesn\u2019t feel bulky when I wear it under a shell,\u201d said one tester who stayed cozy in it while skiing Sugarloaf in 10-degree temperatures.<\/p>\n Two zippered hand pockets and two internal drop pouches secure handwarmers or a collapsible flask (our fat-biking tester loved this storage for keeping water from freezing). The fit, however, is universally roomy: Some shoppers may want to size down.<\/p>\n Selecting a midlayer is all about finding the sweet spot for your activity and weather conditions. Unlike heavy down hoodies and parkas meant for sitting around camp or belaying ice climbers, midlayers need to keep you warm while also offering breathability.<\/p>\n The warmth-to-breathability ratio is key: In general, a great midlayer should keep you warm, but not so warm that you overheat and soak it with sweat. Protection from wind and precipitation is a bonus, but midlayers are often paired with a waterproof shell in bad weather, so finding that magic warmth-breathability balance should be your priority.<\/p>\n Synthetic fabric and insulation are key to almost all midlayers. Fleece-backed jackets, with their porous fibers, offer the best breathability, but can often be too thin and permeable for very cold or windy conditions. Hybrid or \u201cbody-mapped\u201d designs that blend baffled panels with other fabrics are excellent when working up a sweat in colder conditions. Minimally vented synthetic insulated jackets provide the most warmth at the cost of breathability, although they are still a better choice than sweating it out in a down puffy.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to decide which midlayer is right for you:<\/p>\n If you are planning to work up a lather, look for breathable layers that will keep you from getting clammy, which can make you hypothermic if you stop moving or encounter big winds. Fleece-backed jackets, like the Stio Dawner (which uses loosely knit Octa fibers), are king when it comes to breathability. If conditions are too windy or frigid, however, ramping up to a midlayer with some synthetic fill, like the Arc\u2019teryx Atom, is a better choice.<\/p>\n Down-filled layers have the best warmth-to-weight ratio when it comes to outdoor gear, but quickly lose that advantage if you\u2019re sweating from the inside or getting soaked from the outside. Synthetic fill (used in most midlayers reviewed here) and fleece-backed jackets keep you warm when wet. So does wool (the Ortovox Ravine Metawool 90), though it does absorb water over time and becomes a soggier, heavier insulator.<\/p>\n If you know it\u2019s going to be frigid or you\u2019ll be moving slow, by all means, go for a thicker puffy like the Marmot WarmCube Active Novus. But if you\u2019re moving fast in typical winter temps, chances are that much insulation will be overkill. It\u2019s not a bad idea to pack two midlayers, or at least include a fleece in your kit, to be prepared for changing temperatures and exertion levels.<\/p>\n If you plan to wear a wind- and waterproof shell over your midlayer, you won\u2019t need to worry about the storm cutting right down to your base layers. If not, look for a piece that offers some wind and water resistance, like the Ortovox Ravine Metawool 90 or Arc\u2019teryx Atom.<\/p>\n Q: What\u2019s the best type of insulation for midlayers?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Moisture-resistant synthetic or wool insulation does the best job at maintaining warmth when exposed to sweat and light precipitation. Synthetics come in a range of fibers and constructions, including carpet-like fleeces, sheets of batting, and loose fibers that get sewn into baffles to imitate the warmth and appearance of down (but with superior moisture resistance).<\/p>\n Q: Should I get a midlayer with a hood or without?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Depends on how many other hooded jackets you\u2019ll layer with it. A hooded midlayer provides additional warmth and weather protection, but heavy snow can soak it unless you cover it with a shell\u2014which can add up to surplus headwear. A hoodless midlayer under a hooded shell is generally a better choice for stormy conditions.<\/p>\n Q: Why are there no down puffies among the midlayers in this review?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Down loses its insulating qualities when it gets damp (as it will when worn as a midlayer for sweaty pursuits). Looking for a technical down jacket? Read on.<\/p>\n Q: Why are midlayer jackets so expensive?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Making materials that are simultaneously warm, breathable, and protective is a technological feat that doesn\u2019t come cheap. These multi-tasking materials cost more than ones that do just one job well.<\/p>\n Our testers spend a lot of time outdoors\u2014they qualify as obsessive 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 \u201cit\u2019s awesome\u201d or \u201cit sucks.\u201d They sweat details about, well, 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.<\/p>\n For this test, we evaluated 46 of the most breathable midlayers on the market, including full-zip and pullover styles. We asked testers to consider the fit, the breathability, the warmth they enjoyed from each midlayer, and its best application: Is the jacket best for ski-race spectating? Nordic skiing? Apr\u00e8s at the resort? All of the above? Only the items that earned raves on performance and livability won coverage among these reviews.<\/p>\n 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<\/i>, AFAR<\/i>, and The Red Bulletin<\/i>, Bastone has contributed many gear reviews to Outside<\/i> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Insulating Midlayers for Men and Women: At a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best Overall<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Arc\u2019teryx Atom Hoody<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Weight:<\/strong> 12.5 oz. (men\u2019s), 11.3 oz. (women\u2019s)<\/p>\n
+ Balanced performance
+ Extended sizes
+ Lots of pockets
\u2013 Lacks abrasion resistance<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Smiling](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ArcTAtom.grgich.1_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
![\"Tester](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Ortovox-Ravine-Metawool-90-2_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Best Wool<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ortovox Ravine Metawool 90<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Weight:<\/strong> 18 oz. (men\u2019s), 15.6 oz. (women\u2019s)<\/p>\n
+ Attractive patterning
+ Warm
\u2013 Large packed size<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Hiker](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Ortovox_Ravine1_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
![\"Climber](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/MountainHardwear.Manko_.4_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Most Durable<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Mountain Hardwear Kor Alloy Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Weight:<\/strong> 11 oz. (men\u2019s), 9.5 oz. (women\u2019s)<\/p>\n
+ Abrasion-resistant
+ Warm for the weight
\u2013 Expensive<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Hiker](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/MountainHardwear.Manko_.1_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Paid Advertisement by Backcountry<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/BLA_Backcountry_Mid-Layers_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece Crew<\/h2>\n
![\"Hiker](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Stio_Dawner3_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Most Packable<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Stio Dawner Hooded Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Weight:<\/strong>\u00a012 oz. (men\u2019s), 10.4 oz. (women\u2019s)<\/p>\n
+ Sweat-wicking
+ Very compressible
\u2013 Minimal insulation<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Hiker](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Stio_Dawner2_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
![\"Snowboarder](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/BDfirstLight.grgich.1_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Most Breathable<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Black Diamond First Light 1.0 Stretch Hoody<\/b><\/h3>\n
Weight:<\/strong> 13 oz. (men\u2019s), 11 oz. (women\u2019s)<\/p>\n
+ Excellent breathability
+ Stretchy and unconfining
\u2013 Not for large bodies<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Snowboarder](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/BDfirstLight.grgich.2_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Marmot_WarmCube_Bastone_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
Best for Cold Conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Marmot WarmCube Active Novus Hoody<\/b><\/h3>\n
Weight:<\/b> 17 oz. (men\u2019s), 15 oz. (women\u2019s)<\/p>\n
+ Highly insulating
+ Doesn\u2019t feel bulky
\u2013 Not weather resistant<\/p>\n<\/section>\n![\"Tester](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Marmot_Warmcube2_Bastone_h-1024x576.jpg?width=2048&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover\"\/)
How To Choose an Insulated Midlayer Jacket\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
How Hard Are You Going to Hammer?<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Wet Will It Get?<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Cold Will It Be?<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Much Weather Protection Do You Need?<\/b><\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions about Midlayers<\/b><\/h2>\n
How We Test\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Meet Our Lead Tester<\/b><\/h2>\n