When hiking on chillier days, everyone knows the importance of layering. While most people understand how crucial it is to have proper base layers and solid outer layers, they still may not know much about the importance of having the best mid layer jacket. Worn between your base and outer layer, the best mid layer for hiking will help you feel more comfortable and keep you warm when you’re doing your favorite outdoor activity. That said, there’s such a large range of options out there, varying in price, breathability, warmth, and material that deciding which one to buy can be pretty confusing. To save your time and energy, why don’t you just read this buying guide? We’ll help you decide which item is the best mid layer for winter hiking for you!
Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to also check out the 13 best men’s hiking pants and the 13 best women’s hiking pants!
How To Choose The Best Mid Layers for Hiking
Before we show you our list, here’s what you need to look out for when searching for the best mid layer jacket:
Material
The majority of the mid layers available on the market usually are either fleece, synthetic, or down. Fleece, while usually bulkier and harder to pack down, can have a relatively good level of water resistance, especially when boosted by a DWR treatment. Meanwhile, synthetic offers strong overall performance and a friendly price tag. Lastly, real down offers incredible warmth but doesn’t stand up well at all when faced with moisture.
Breathability and warmth
The more breathable an article of clothing is, the less ability it’ll have to keep you warm. Of course, the opposite also tends to be true. The warmer an article is, the less breathable it’ll be. The good thing is, many companies have created materials that can adapt well to both conditions. But still, when choosing the best mid layer for winter hiking, you should know what you prioritize, as it’s usually tipped towards one side of the warmth-breathability scale.
Weight
Most mid layers for hiking are usually lightweight. However, depending on your needs, those extra ounces can add up, and it’s certainly worth keeping the weight of the product in mind. Plus, weight usually needs to be balanced against warmth in the same way that breathability does. So, decide carefully whether you want to prioritize weight or warmth when making your purchase.
Price
This one goes without saying. Personally, when buying the best mid layer for winter hiking, we think it’s always worth spending at least a little bit more than the absolute minimum. Obviously, we’re all buying within our means, but don’t disregard those expensive mid layers!
What is a mid layer?
A mid layer is a garment whose primary purpose is insulation. It’s usually worn on top of a base layer (like shirts and underwear for hiking), and when conditions dictate, beneath an outer layer. Unlike base and outer layers, you might wear more than one mid layer at a time if it’s freezing out there.
Is fleece a good mid layer?
Depending on your needs, fleece mid layer can be a great pick. They’re exceptionally breathable, quick-drying, and have excellent moisture management. However, note that they lack water and wind resistance.
Patagonia Nano Puff
13
Here comes Patagonia Nano Puff, a super lightweight mid layer that you can use for hiking. Weighing merely 0.75lbs, this best mid layer for hiking features PrimaLoft Gold insulation that’s highly compressible and can retain warmth even if it gets exposed to moisture or rain. That means even if it rains, there’s nothing for you to worry about. the insulation is covered by 22-denier nylon face fabric that’s DWR-treated.
As this jacket’s fabric is very stretchy, it allows you to move freely without any discomfort, which is crucial when you’re trying to reach the top. Apart from that, this best mid layer jacket is also equipped with elastic cuffs, an adjustable hem, 2 zippered hand pockets, and an internal zippered chest pocket. Speaking of which, the internal zippered chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack too!
What We Love
A high-quality mid layer that can withstand moderate temperatures.
Pros:
- Lightweight and packable
- Deceptively warm despite being lightweight
- Compressible
- DWR finish for water repellence
- Extremely versatile for outdoor activities
Cons:
- The fit is a little bit tight, especially in the armpit area
Arc’teryx Convert Cardigan
12
If you’re the type that pays attention to your style, you’ll definitely love the Arc’teryx Convert Cardigan. Unlike other mid layers on this list, this one is super stylish. Despite its clean lines and laid-back, casual style, this best mid layer jacket is also sneakily techy. This jacket is designed to provide the versatility, warmth, and comfort of a technical fleece with the elegant look of wool.
Personally, we think this jacket fits the bill for those looking for a mid layer for mild-weather hiking. Its 100% polyester does an incredible job of appearing like wool, but is much more lightweight, breathable, and can regulate temperature better than real wool. It doesn’t have a hood and thumb loops, but if used for less technical hiking, you likely won’t be missing those features and instead will really appreciate the clean look and stylish fit.
What We Love
Easily the most stylish mid layer for less technical hiking.
Pros:
- Super stylish
- Laminated pockets
- Highly breathable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Versatile
Cons:
- More stylish than technical
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
11
Many consider the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody the best mid layer jacket available on the market, and we fully understand why. This product is a really warm and highly functional winter jacket that has a face fabric made of DWR-treated 20-denier nylon, offering you good weather protection and abrasion resistance. There are also panels made of Polartec Power Stretch material on the sides for increased breathability and mobility that every hiker will like. For the best performance, the insulation layer uses Coreloft polyester fibers of different sizes.
Apart from that, this best mid layer for winter hiking is also equipped with a fully adjustable and helmet-compatible hood for increased protection in case the weather goes crazy. Additionally, this jacket features 2 hand pockets, an internal chest pocket, adjustable hem, and articulated elbows which allow great freedom of movement. For easy storage, this jacket can be stowed into its own pocket. Pretty cool, right?
What We Love
An exceptionally versatile hoody that not only excels as a mid layer but also standalone.
Pros:
- Highly functional
- Offer great weather protection and abrasion resistance
- Polartec Power Stretch for better breathability
- Fully adjustable hood
- Plenty of pockets
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket
10
While the Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket is a bit heavier than some of the options on this list, it also means that it’s warmer. The jacket comes with a face fabric made of 20 and 30-denier polyester which is windproof, water-resistant, and very durable. Between the face fabric and the lining, there’s the VerticalX insulation that features different types of yarns to ensure warmth and good breathability.
On top of that, this jacket also boasts ActiveTemp lining that keeps you dry and comfortable at all times. It’s equipped with a fully adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, adjustable hem, 2 zippered hand pockets, and a zippered chest pocket. Best of all, it can be compressed inside its own pocket for easier storage.
What We Love
A great pick for hikers who need the best mid layer for winter hiking with a versatile insulation garment.
Pros:
- Windproof and water-resistant
- Very durable material
- VerticalX insulation to ensure warmth and good breathability
- ActiveTemp lining to keep you dry
- Fully adjustable hoods
Cons:
- A bit heavy
Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hooded Jacket
9
Slightly heavier than some mid layers out there, the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hooded Jacket is super warm. This best mid layer for winter hiking layer features face fabric made of the well-known Schoeller softshell material that provides great tear-resistance and weather protection. It’s also DWR-treated, which additionally increases the protection against rain.
Apart from that, this jacket also uses PrimaLoft Silver insulation that’s designed with 2 different sizes of fibers for great loft and high thermal efficiency, making them the best mid layer for winter hiking. Similar to other options on the market, this model has a fully adjustable and helmet-compatible hood. Underarm gussets and 2 zippered hand pockets are present as well.
What We Love
A bit warmer and more tear-resistant than its competitors.
Pros:
- Schoeller softshell material for better weather protection
- PrimaLoft Silver insulation
- Fully adjustable and helmet-compatible hood
- Very durable
- Tear-resistant
Cons:
- Significantly heavier than other options
MONTANE Icarus Jacket
8
One of the biggest reasons why the MONTANE Icarus Jacket is very popular among hikers and seen by many as the best mid layer for winter hiking is because it’s very warm. But that’s not all, as this jacket also packs super small and provides great durability. It uses the PrimaLoft Thermo Plume insulation that has a superb warmth-to-weight ratio. Meanwhile, the Pertex Quantum ECO outer fabric is windproof, quick-drying, and water-resistant. This jacket’s lining is made of the PEAQ synthetic fabric that provides good breathability and is quick-drying.
Even better, this best mid layer for winter hiking has 2 large hand pockets that can help to make your hands warm, a large zippered chest pocket to store your small belongings, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hem. The hood is adjustable and helmet-compatible too. You should also note that it’s available in 4 models, which are Icarus, Icarus Stretch, Icarus Lite, and Icarus Micro. The Stretch model comes with stretchy fleece fabric on the sides, while the Lite model weighs only 0.93lbs. Lastly, the Micro model comes without the hood.
What We Love
A delightfully warm mid layer with a form-fitting cut.
Pros:
- Highly compressible
- PrimaLoft Thermo Plume insulation
- Pertex Quantum ECO outer fabric
- Great breathability
- Adjustable and helmet-compatible hood
Cons:
- Due to its fit, it’s a bit hard to pull it up
RAB Superflux Hoody
7
Let us show you the RAB Superflux Hoody, a versatile mid layer that’s designed for active use in the world’s wild places. This mid layer makes use of Thermic fleece material, which has a brushed back and is super comfortable. It’s warm, keep the worst of the wind out, and thanks to the full zip, you won’t overheat at any point. As the best mid layer for winter hiking, its garment has a decent amount of stretch too. Thus, you can move freely without any discomfort.
Of course, this mid layer also comes with a zippered chest pocket that’s big enough to fit an iPhone, thumb loops, and a close-fitting hood. We also like that the collar offers great protection against the wind. One area where this hoody excels is in its weight and pack size. It only weighs 0.8lbs and can fold down to the size of a small bottle! Just stuff it into your bag and you’re good to go!
What We Love
A reliable all-arounder that’s at home in a range of environments.
Pros:
- Comfortable Thermic fleece material
- Has a decent amount of stretch
- Big zippered chest pocket
- Very lightweight
- High-quality collar for wind protection
Cons:
- No hand-warmer pockets
Mountain Hardwear Monkey Fleece Jacket
6
Another popular pick among hikers is none other than the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Fleece Jacket. It’s a very warm mid layer that’s made of Polartech High Loft fleece fabric that has a highly lofted structure to trap the body-warmed air more efficiently. This fabric is also very breathable, moisture-wicking, and dries very fast.
This best mid layer for hiking also offers many other great features, such as an adjustable hem, 2 zippered hand pockets, one zippered chest pocket, and thumbholes. The hand pockets are placed higher to allow easy access when wearing a climbing harness or a camera backpack for hiking that has a hip belt. We also like that the thumb loops prevent the sleeves from riding up as you climb your way to the top.
What We Love
A comfortable and warm mid layer that doesn’t break your bank.
Pros:
- Highly breathable
- Super soft fabric
- Thumbholes
- Well-placed zippered pockets
- Stretchy panels
Cons:
- Too small for some people
Ortovox Swisswool Zebru Jacket
5
This slim-fitting Ortovox Swisswool Zebru Jacket is perhaps the lightest mid layer you could ever find on the market and. For its weight, this best mid layer for hiking is deceptively warm. The secret for that is none other than Ortovox’s proprietary Swisswool insulation. Made from a matrix of wool fibers, it acts as a synthetic loft with the moisture-wicking and odor-resistant benefits of wool.
Meanwhile, the outer fabric that’s made from 100% polyamide allows ample freedom of movement and breathability while still providing moderate wind and water resistance. It’s so breathable that even on fair-weather days when pumping hard uphill you won’t break a sweat. While not adjustable, the hood will definitely fit you perfectly. An elastic edge will seal around your face, hugs your head, and moves whichever way you look.
What We Love
One of the best mid layers for winter hiking and other winter activities where warmth and breathability are key.
Pros:
- Highly breathable
- Swisswool insulation to keep you warm
- Odor-resistant
- Great moisture-wicking capabilities
- Allows you to move freely
Cons:
- The elastic waist hem tends to ride up when you’re reaching overhead
Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket
4
For many hikers, Patagonia is the go-to brand when they’re looking for the best mid layer jacket or the best mid layer for hiking. Among its products, the Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket is a standout. For cold weather, it’s arguably the best option. This model combines 2 of Patagonia’s fleece types, its warmest on the chest area and a lighter style under the arms and along the sides. Because of this, it has a well-balanced sense of warmth while preventing you from overheating.
Yes, this jacket is more expensive than some items on this list, but it’s still very reasonable compared to other Patagonia products. Even if you feel it’s expensive, it’s totally worth every dollar considering its high quality and breathability. Of course, as with all fleeces, its ability to stand up to strong wind isn’t 5-star. But if you can overlook that, this warm, comfy, highly breathable mid layer is a great pick.
What We Love
A solid contender for those looking for a fleece mid layer that’s highly breathable and warm.
Pros:
- Good balance of warmth and breathability
- Zippered chest pocket
- Huge hand pockets
- Polygiene odor control
- Cheaper than Patagonia’s other synthetic jackets
Cons:
- No hood
Marmot Drop Line Fleece Jacket
3
The Marmot Drop Line Fleece Jacket is the perfect companion for your winter hiking and even casual days at the café after your hiking session. This lightweight fleece jacket in a smooth flatlock design will keep you warm and comfortable during winter, and it also has a DriClime collar that can wick moisture for that extra comfort.
As a product that’s worth your money, this best mid layer for hiking comes with 2 zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket, and elastic cuffs. What really impresses us is the zippered chest pocket that has a media port to help you rock out! Trust us, from its modern, slim-ish fit to the comfort that it offers, you’ll love everything about this jacket.
What We Love
A modern-looking and versatile fleece layer that will keep you warm and comfy.
Pros:
- Great fit for layering
- Lightweight but warm
- Zippered chest pocket with media port
- Moisture-wicking and anti-chafe
- Soft and comfortable
Cons:
- Not that good in protecting you against the wind
Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody
2
Here we have another super light hiking fleece jacket that will impress you. Say hi to the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody. This best mid layer jacket utilizes the advanced Polartec Alpha material as well as the more common Polartec Power Grid material. The latter is in the hood, sleeves, and on the back, while other areas are made of the former.
Thanks to those materials, this jacket that can act as a mid layer is breathable, packable, quick-drying, and very warm. Making this jacket even better are the 2 hand pockets, zippered chest pocket, and minimalistic balaclava-style hood. Since the hood is thin, it fits perfectly under a helmet. Overall, this is a great model for outdoor enthusiasts that needs a highly breathable fleece jacket for hiking.
What We Love
It’s the perfect pick for high exertion activities in the winter.
Pros:
- Polartech Alpha and Power Grid materials
- Huge hand pockets
- Highly breathable
- Versatile
- Form-fitting
Cons:
- Not the most affordable option
Arc’teryx Delta LT Jacket
1
The Arc’teryx Delta TL Jacket is extremely lightweight and thus considered by many hikers as the best mid layer for hiking. This high-quality insulation layer is made of Polartec Classic material that’s known for being comfortable, highly breathable, and quick-drying. In addition to that, the fabric also offers a great warmth-to-weight ratio due to the lofted fiber structure that creates thermal air pockets to retain body heat.
This best mid layer jacket not only boasts amazing material but also offers great functionality. It’s equipped with a full-length front zipper with a chin guard, drop-back hem, 2 zippered side pockets, and a sleeve pocket. We highly appreciate the fact that the sleeve pocket is equipped with a laminated zipper, making it super easy to find it at night.
What We Love
A high-quality, thin fleece jacket for high intensity outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Stretchy and lightweight
- Comfortable Polartec Classic material
- Retains body heat very well
- Sleeve pocket with a laminated zipper
Cons:
- The sleeve pocket is small
