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For everything from winter hiking and running to skiing and snowboarding, we’ve found and tested the best midlayers out there for the 2024-2025 season. Check out our top picks from Patagonia, REI, The North Face, and more.
Written by Mary Murphy and Nick Belcaster
Midlayers are the insulation pieces that run between your baselayer and shell, and these are the best we've found to date; (photo/Honey McNaughton)
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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 the best midlayers is a must-read.
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, with all-around solid fleece options like the Patagonia R1 Thermal to budget-wise layers like the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch.
Our experts are a multi-sport bunch with layering needs that span the spectrum, and we aimed to cover the spread in our recommendations. We’ve climbed pitches of ice in these layers, worn them while commuting into town, and taken them along months-long thru-hikes. Take it from us: these layers will get you where you’re going.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Midlayers guide on November 20, 2024, to add a huge selection of new midlayers to consider as we head into the winter season, with options for everything from cross-country skiing to booting around town.
The Best Midlayers of 2024-2025
- Best Overall Midlayer: Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody
- Best Budget Midlayer: REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket
- Most Breathable High-Output Midlayer: The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie
- Best Synthetic Puffy Midlayer: Arc’teryx Proton Hoody
- Best Midlayer Vest: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest
- Best Alternative Insulation Midlayer: Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
Best Overall Midlayer
Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody
- Style: Fleece
- Material: 6.5 oz. 91% recycled polyester/9% spandex flat-faced Technostretch fleece
- Insulation: N/A, grid fleece
- Weight: 15.3 oz.
- Pockets: Two
Pros
- Warmest version of the R1 fleece
- Face fabric is smooth and tight-knit, shedding flurries well
- Microgrid fleece is warm and plush
- Nice snug hood
- Wide size range
Cons
- Not the most breathable option for high-output activities
- A bit heavy for a fleece
- Pricier than normal R1 fleece
Mary Murphy
The R1 has a storied history in the Patagonia lineage, and another sibling has been added to the set: the Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody ($219). This ‘thermal’ cut aims to be the warmest of the bunch, and having worn all four different styles, we can confirm that it nails the effort.
The main differences between the Thermal R1 and the rest of the fleeces include a tight-knit face fabric that cuts through the wind and a grid fleece arranged in a much closer-spaced configuration to really bump up the BTUs. We’ve used this piece as an active insulation layer while climbing 10,000-foot volcanos in the Pacific Northwest, and it has enough warmth to get us to the summit and back.
Besides the warmer fleece, we found the cut to be typical of Patagonia (a bit boxy in the torso but well-fitting), with sleeves at just the right length for tucking into the thumb loops from time to time. The hood can be run underneath a helmet, and you also get a second chest pocket in this R1 — very slick.
At higher outputs, the R1 Thermal will hit a breaking point where it’s just too toasty, which is when we reach for something with a looser weave like The North Face FUTUREFLEECE or R1 Air. The wind will cut through both of these midlayers, but if it’s just not that cold ambiently, they can balance the scale well.
You also won’t quite get as much static warmth out of the R1 Thermal as you will with a synthetic puffy like the Arc’teryx Proton or Patagonia Nano Puff, but the benefit of going with a slightly thicker fleece is that your insulation jacket can be lighter. For most of our winter layering systems, this fleece fits in perfectly.
- Weight: 11 oz.
- Fit: Athletic
- Fabric: 54% recycled polyester, 35% nylon, 11% spandex
- Density: Light to Midweight
- Special features: Zippered hand pockets, drawcord hem
Pros
- Stretchy
- Slightly longer length with drawcord hem
- Affordable
- Hood stays on while running
Cons
- No thumbholes
Mary Murphy
Read Review:Budget-Friendly and Flexible: REI Co-Op Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket Review
A good facsimile to the R1 Thermal — for a good bit less — the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket ($99) checks most of the boxes we’re looking for in a midlayer. Warm enough, breathable when you need it, and stretchy to move with you. For less than a Benjamin, the Flash Hyperstretch does it all on the cheap.
Unlike the R1, the Flash Hyperstretch tacks on a few hand-warming pockets, which makes this piece better suited as an outer facing layer. The longer torso length also aids in this effort, as well as the drawcord cinch at the hem, meaning you won’t have to rely on another jacket to keep errant breezes at bay.
The built-in stretch is also a notch above other fleeces we’ve tested, and that 11% spandex in the weave is put to good work when reaching high overhead. Unfortunately the budget cuts are apparent when you do this, as there are no thumbholes in the Hyperstretch. A small price to pay, we’d argue, as the fleece leans a bit more casual, and the absence makes sense here.
The hood, we found, is a bit too accommodating — almost like a sweatshirt hood, and won’t be quite as sportif as pieces like the FUTUREFLEECE from The North Face or Outdoor Research Deviator. Still, it’s forgiven for the ‘all-around’ bent on the Flash Hyperstretch. We enjoy wearing this jacket everywhere from bumping around town to winter runs, and for the money, that’s impressive versatility.
Most Breathable High-Output Midlayer
The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie
- Style: Fleece Hoodie
- Material: 124 g/m² FUTUREFLEECE — 55% polyester, 45% recycled polyester
- Insulation: N/A, fleece
- Weight: 6.2 oz.
- Pockets: One
Pros
- Octa fleece is highly breathable, but holds warmth well when under a layer
- Extremely lightweight
- Versatile layering option
- Stretchy material is easy to move in
Cons
- Not enough pockets
- No wind resistance
- Thumb loops are a little fragile
Mary Murphy
An entire sub-genre of loose-knit fleeces has sprung up in recent years, with notable tech in the form of Polartec Alpha Direct. The Octayarn fleece used in The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Full-Zip Hoodie ($170) is another take on the uber-breathable fleece, and when pushed to the limit on high-output ski tours or runs this winter, we found it well made the grade.
The FUTUREFLEECE fits more snugly than many fleeces, which helps to retain your hard-earned warmth between the uniquely bundled piles of yarn. The spaces between these bundles are quite thin, and allow for more air transfer when you really need to vent heat. While huffing up skin tracks in Colorado this spring, we found this hoodie to be the perfect weight.
Side-by-side, we found that the Octa fleece felt sturdier than Alpha Direct pieces, with an ultrathin outer face that helped keep the FUTUREFLEECE from being snagged on branches. All loose-knit fleeces are going to feel a bit fragile, but with the fleece yarns facing the interior of the jacket, there’s a good bit less to get caught on.
This fleece’s features are otherwise light, with a single chest pocket taking up slim real estate and thumb loops on the sleeves. The Summit Series from The North Face is all about high-alpine efficiency, so no love is lost here from us. Still, if a few dialed chest pockets are on your wish list, the Patagonia R1 Thermal is ready for action.
If you’re after a more summer-weight active fleece, consider the Senchi Alpha 90 Hoodie or Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Hoodie — both lighter weaves that work great at a hiking pace. For a wider range of conditions, however, the FUTUREFLEECE is our pick.
Best Synthetic Puffy Midlayer
Arc’teryx Proton Hoody
- Style: Synthetic hoody
- Material: Fortius Air 20 face fabric; 20D Toray liner
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold 80 gsm torso, 60 gsm hood
- Weight: 14.6 oz.
- Pockets: Three
Pros
- Exterior is highly abrasion-resistant
- PrimaLoft Gold is high-quality insulator, and is body mapped with different weights used in torso/arms
- Hand-warming pockets are placed higher to avoid climbing harnesses
- Helmet-compatible hood
Cons
- Has an upper limit for breathability
- Expensive
- No thumb loops
Mary Murphy
While the Atom line gets all the glory, we think that the Arc’teryx Proton Jacket ($350) is a slightly better synthetic midlayer from the brand. Styled as a more mountain-forward piece, the Proton is a bit warmer, uses a nicer synthetic fill, and cuts through the cold wind better. For a synthetic puffy, it’s tough to do better than this.
We’ve worn our Proton for more than five years now of constant use, and while it’s packed out some, it’s still going strong. The only other wear we’ve noticed has been the chest pocket zipper giving up the ghost and the logo wearing away. The price is undeniable here, but it pays out dividends in durability.
The 80 gsm PrimaLoft Gold used throughout the Proton makes it a notch warmer than the standard Atom (which uses 60 gsm), and compared to quilted synthetic jackets like the Patagonia Nano Puff, we tend to prefer sheet-style synthetic pieces like the Proton, as they retain more warmth without the losses associated with stitch lines.
Unlike the Atom (which uses underarm fleece panels to dump moisture), the Proton uses a more breathable Fortius Air 20 face fabric material to remain breathable. We found that in truly cold winds, the fleece panels on the Atom would let too much breeze through, while the Proton lets in just enough.
Ideal as a static warmth piece for shoulder season endeavors — or even an active piece for cold alpine climbing — the Proton has a dedicated spot in our closets.
Best Midlayer Vest
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest 2.0
- Style: Full-zip vest
- Material: 100% recycled nylon
- Insulation: 11 g/ft. recycled polyester ThermoBall Eco
- Weight: 14.6 oz.
- Pockets: Two
Pros
- Highly packable
- Synthetic fill will still insulate when wet
- 100% recycled insulation and face fabrics
- Stuffs into its own pocket
Cons
- A little heavy for a vest
- Not as warm as a true down vest
- A bit pricey
Mary Murphy
Versatile, packable, and with a great warmth-to-weight ratio, The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest ($180) is warm and durable enough to make the top of our list of vests for layering.
A good vest can provide the surge of warmth you need on your core, while leaving your arms exposed to radiate off any extra heat you might build up. Because of this, we find pieces like the ThermoBall perfect for working hard in cold conditions, such as during Nordic skiing. Vests can also be a good way to add just a bit more warmth to a layering system without the added weight and bulk of a full extra jacket.
The ThermoBall Eco Vest, as the name implies, is made with 100% recycled fabrics and insulation. The big story here, however, is the ThermoBall tech, which is a synthetic look-alike to goose down that provides equivalent warmth to 600-fill power down. We’re big proponents of going for synthetic fills when it comes to high-output activities, and ThermoBall is one of the more novel solutions we’ve tested to date.
The vest itself packs down small into itself, and has a quilted pattern and zippered hand pockets. Compared to the other vest we recommend, the Odlo S-Thermic Vest, the North Face has a much more city-savvy look to it, and we see just as many of them on the street as we do on trails. While not the lightest midlayer on our list, this vest is still a great option for compact warmth.
- Style: Synthetic hoodie
- Material: 20D nylon face fabric
- Insulation: 80 gsm merino wool
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
- Pockets: Three
Pros
- Surprisingly warm for the thickness
- Breathable
- Well-fitted hood
- Great for layering
Cons
- A few ounces heavy for the price
- Zipper feels undersized for the jacket
Mary Murphy
Read Review:Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie Review: A More Breathable, Versatile Down Puffy Rival
Pile fleeces and down/synthetic fills dominate the midlayer scene, but when we caught wind of the wool-filled Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285), we knew it had to be something special. Stuffed with premium merino wool (and we mean premium — Ibex knows its stuff), this hoody goes alt with its insulation.
We found that the Wool Aire wears a lot warmer than it looks like it should, and would place it just behind the Arc’teryx Proton. The 80 gsm merino wool insulation doesn’t quite have the loft of other synthetic fills, but it makes up for it in warmth-trapping air space between the fibers. The fine fit and trim on this hoodie is everything we’ve come to expect from Ibex, with a soft-brushed touch
Breathability, it turns out, is really where the Wool Aire shines, as it siphons dampness from within in ways that down-filled jackets can only dream of. There’s little to no loss of loft when really working in this hoodie, and that keeps it warm throughout the entire effort. When wearing this jacket during an early-season hike into the Grand Staircase-Escalante recently, it shouldered a wide range of temperature swings — from icy mornings to T-shirt weather afternoons.
Unfortunately, the zipper used on the Wool Aire is a bit undergunned for the purpose, in our opinion, and feels a little fidgety to get started. We haven’t had any issues yet with long-term durability, but we’re continuing to test the hoodie and keeping our eye on it. We’ll also note that the packability on this jacket isn’t quite the best.
Even still, we’re big fans of the Wool Aire Hoodie, and as an alternative solution to insulating a midlayer, its in rare company. We think this jacket excels as a town-to-trail piece in colder temps — and if you’re looking for a trimmer option, the Wool Aire is also available in a vest, which we’ve reviewed.
Other Midlayers We’ve Worn and Enjoyed
The six midlayers we’ve highlighted above are the ones that bulk out our closets, but there are literally hundreds of others out there that also make the grade. Below are six additional fleeces and synthetic jackets that we’ve extensively tested and can recommend as solid alternatives.
- Style: Puffy jacket
- Material: 100% recycled polyester with DWR
- Insulation: 60 g PrimaLoft Gold Eco
- Weight: 11.9 oz.
- Pockets: 3
Pros
- Stylish design looks good in the mountains and around town
- Highly compressible given how warm it is
- Slippery fabric makes layering easy
Cons
- Extensive stitching adds some breathability but also allows rain to soak insulation faster
- A little heavier than similar lightweight layers
- Loose-fitting cuffs often let some heat escape
Mary Murphy
Read Review:Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review: The Classic Still Stands Out
Over the years, the Patagonia Nano Puff ($229) 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 Nano Puff 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 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 60 gsm insulation, adjusts at the hem to seal in warmth, and has two zippered hand pockets. Compared to other midlayers we’ve worn, we’d say the warmth here is less than 80 gsm synth jackets like the Arc’teryx Proton, but warmer than grid fleeces like the Patagonia R1 or REI Flash Hyperstretch. In practice, that’s a great middle-ground.
We’ve used the Nano Puff extensively for summertime forays on its own, and during shoulder season and winter exploits when worn beneath a shell. Going with the hoodless jacket version means you’re saving space in your bag for jackets with them, and like the REI Flash Hyperstretch, the Nano Puff is also a bit more casual-conscious. We think this jacket looks great styled up for a cool night out on the town, or covered in patches — whatever floats your boat.
The Nano Puff can’t be talked about without mentioning Patagonia’s other primo synthetic midlayer, the Nano Air, which is rightfully popular as well. We think the Nano Air works better as a stretchy midlayer with a bit more warmth, but doesn’t look as chic as the Nano Puff. If you’re splitting time between the wilds and the sidewalks, we think this is the better layer.
- Style: Grid fleece hoody
- Material: 20D stretch woven nylon shell, VerticalX Octa insulation
- Insulation: N/A, grid fleece
- Weight: 12.5 oz.
- Pockets: Three
Pros
- High-cardio coverage
- Versatile temperature range
- Extended off-season use
- Enhanced durability in softshell covered areas
Cons
- Learning curve for layering underneath
- Drafty in tailwinds
Mary Murphy
Read Review:Mullet Hoodie Is Tough Up Front, Stretchy in Back: Outdoor Research Deviator Review
Another quick-paced option, the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie ($229), landed just behind The North Face FUTUREFLEECE in our testing and was made to run in. Using a very similar Octa fleece, the Deviator bucks tradition and leans into a body-mapped style to add wind-blocking panels where you need them.
These stretch-woven softshell panels cover the Deviator’s front, shoulders, sleeves, and hood and protect the areas where you’re likely to feel a headwind. Unlike the FUTUREFLEECE, which you’ll need to pop a softshell over to really trap warmth, this hoodie holds heat where you want it and sheds it where you don’t.
While testing on trail runs around Denver last winter, we found the breathability on this jacket to be unreal: “Perhaps the greatest testament tothis jacket’sthermal performance was that it kept me dry while running up a half-mile incline that averages 15% gradient,” M.T. Elliott says. “I got sweaty, sure, but I didn’t feel wet when I jogged farther out onto the windy plateau and managed to dry off without feeling cold.”
Tailwinds, it turns out, are the arch nemesis of the Deviator, and can surprise you when running in this hoodie and changing direction. While we’d typically toss a windbreaker on to negate this, we also found that doubling up the fabric over those softshell panels can lead to some sweat accumulation. All this is to say that the Deviator is much better as a solo act, and it’s for this reason we tend to recommend the FUTUREFLEECE more often.
In its lane, however, it’s tough to argue with the Deviator, and for chilly winter runs, it’s an excellent option.
- Style: Synthetic hoody
- Material: 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air
- Insulation: 83 gsm Vapor Rise Warm lining
- Weight: 12.4 oz.
- Pockets: 3
Pros
- Super-versatile midlayer
- PFAS-free DWR waterproofing
- Highly breathable
- Harness- and helmet-compatible
- Multiple pockets
- One-hand hem adjustment
Cons
- Limited sizing and colors
Mary Murphy
Read Review:The Layer I’ve Been Living In: Rab VaporRise Summit Jacket Review
The Brits know their pile fleece, and the Rab VaporRise Summit Jacket ($220) is proof-positive. But they didn’t stop there, and this jacket is tuned for high-mountain activities with a protective softshell face fabric, high-placed pockets to accommodate a harness, and a two-way front zipper.
The VaporRise takes what the Deviator has going on and applies it to the entirety of the jacket — swaddling the jacket in a 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air shell that aids in both trapping heat and protecting the interior fleece. This shell is treated with a PFC-free DWR finish, and while not totally waterproof, it’ll shed light precip and snow.
The beauty of a hybrid jacket like this is that, unlike sheet synthetic jackets like the Arc’teryx Proton, the VaporRise lacks any interior fabric to protect the fleece insulation, which greatly benefits breathability. This fleece is also no joke, and the 83 gsm ‘VR Warm’ lining has a super soft touch and kept us toasty while belaying on ice climbs.
All this extra protection means that the VaporRise won’t excel at high-output activities, where the shell fabric will trap extra heat and begin to sweat out the layer. For these types of uses, look to The North Face FUTUREFLEECE or Patagonia R1 Thermal. In practice, this jacket works best at lower-paced cold endeavors like the ice climbs we took it on.
- Style: Fleece hoodie
- Material: Polartec Alpha grid fleece
- Insulation: N/A, grid fleece
- Weight: 8.6 oz.
- Pockets: 3
Pros
- Dual fleece design combines warmth and stretch where you need it
- Lightweight
- High hand-warming pockets tuck out of way of harness or pack straps
Cons
- Trim fit might not be for everyone
- Bit too warm for high-paced activities
Mary Murphy
If you’re searching for an ultralight, breathable hybrid fleece, the Norrøna Falketind Alpha120 ($219) 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.
Norrøna 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.
- Style: Full-zip vest
- Material: Recycled polyamide and elastane
- Insulation: G-loft insulation
- Weight: Unavailable
- Pockets: Two
Pros
- Very compact packed size
- Pertex shell fabric is durable
- Adjustable hem
- Reflective details
Cons
- Not quite as warm as some vests
Mary Murphy
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 Pertex 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.
While this vest is the same price as The North Face ThermoBall we’ve recommended, we tend to think that vest is a bit warmer and more versatile in that it can be worn as equally at the office as it can in the ski track. The S-Thermic, on the other hand, is a bit more breathable, so if temps aren’t quite as chilly, it can be a great option.
- Style: Button-up
- Material: Varies; 30-denier nylon with DWR or 50-denier polyester with DWR
- Insulation: 60 g. synthetic down
- Pockets: 4 snap pockets
- Weight: 12-15 oz.
Pros
- Stylish midlayer that can be worn to the office or trail
- Four pockets that close with snaps
Cons
- Sizing isn't the most accommodating — some may want to size up
- Heavier
Mary Murphy
We’ve been testing the Stio Skycrest Insulated Snap Shirt ($189) — really, it’s a jacket — for over a year 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 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 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.
Midlayer Comparison Chart
| Midlayer | Price | Material | Insulation | Weight | Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia R1 Thermal | $219 | 6.5 oz. 91% recycled polyester/9% spandex flat-faced Technostretch fleece | N/A, grid fleece | 15.3 oz. | Two |
| REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch | $100 | 54% recycled polyester/35% nylon/11% spandex | N/A, grid fleece | 11 oz. | Two |
| The North Face FUTUREFLEECE | $170 | 124 gsm Octayarn — 55% polyester, 45% recycled polyester | N/A, grid fleece | 6.2 oz. | One |
| Arc’teryx Proton Hoody | $350 | Fortius Air 20 face fabric; 20D Toray liner | PrimaLoft Gold 80 gsm torso, 60 gsm hood | 14.6 oz. | Three |
| The North Face ThermoBall Eco Vest 2.0 | $180 | 100% recycled nylon | 11 g/ft. recycled polyester ThermoBall Eco | 14.6 oz. | Two |
| Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie | $285 | 20D nylon face fabric | 80 gsm Merino wool | 11.3 oz. | Three |
| Patagonia Nano Puff | $229 | 100% recycled polyester with DWR | 60 gsm PrimaLoft Gold Eco | 11.9 oz. | Three |
| Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie | $229 | 20D stretch woven nylon shell, VerticalX Octa insulation | N/A, grid fleece | 12.5 oz. | Three |
| Rab VaporRise Summit Jacket | $220 | 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air with DWR | 83 gsm Vapor Rise Warm lining | 12.4 oz. | Three |
| Norrøna Falketind Alpha120 | $219 | 120 gsm Polartec Alpha grid fleece | N/A, grid fleece | 8.6 oz. | Three |
| Odlo S-Thermic Vest | $180 | Recycled polyamide and elastane | G-loft insulation | N/A | Two |
| Stio Skycrest Insulated Snap Shirt | $189 | Varies; 30-denier nylon with DWR or 50-denier polyester with DWR | 60 gsm synthetic down | 12-15 oz. | Four |
How We Tested the Best Midlayers
Our Expert Testers
After testing hundreds — perhaps thousands — of puffies, fleeces, and vests, the GearJunkie staff knows a thing or two about layering. To create this guide, we dug through our dusty closets, scoured the web, and chatted with pros to find the most reliable, stalwart jackets out there.
Distilling the list down was no small task, but we feel comfortable recommending everything in this article for anything from a desperate ascent in the alpine to a casual stroll around town.
Editor Mary Murphy tested our initial slate of midlayers in late 2021 after wearing scores of layers and settling on a worthy 15. Her gear testing cred is deep, and she has tested a wide range of equipment for GearJunkie, including everything from camping stoves to hiking socks.
Since then, the entire roster of GearJunkie experts has contributed to our testing, including Editor Nick Belcaster, who resides between the mountains and the sea in western Washington. His range extends from thru-hiking to splitboard mountaineering, and all require a specific layering system to really nail the effort. He’s tested midlayers across entire seasons to ensure these options are as versatile as they claim to be.
Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds
Midlayers are an exceptional versatile layer, and we aimed to go as broad as we could in testing them. That meant layering up for cross-country skiing in the famed Methow Valley of Washington State, ice climbing in the refrigerated valleys of Colorado, and roaming the long trails of Iceland to gain the broadest possible understanding of where they excel and where they fall flat.
In order to do this, we aimed to test these layers in a minimum of three different specific sports, as well as across at least two seasons. Once we had a solid handle on a midlayer, we cycled it out to other testers to get a range of opinions from folks with different body types, temperature ranges, and styles.
This is a constantly evolving guide, and we are continually hauling layers into the backcountry to pit new models against the old to ensure our selection is fresh and relevant.
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.
Midlayer Insulation
There are a few types of insulation used in midlayers, but the most common ones we’ve seen are the man-made technologies used in synthetic insulated jackets. Brands like PrimaLoft make different types of synthetic insulation, from high-warmth blends to eco/recycled ones. Some brands will also have 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 60-100 grams per square meter (GSM) synthetic insulation. Many midlayers also don’t use added insulation — instead, they use a heavier fabric, like fleece jackets.
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.
Price & Value
Since midlayers can be made from a variety of insulations, they tend to range broadly in their prices. Also, consider that many are tailored to excel at different paces or temperature ranges and that simply going with the warmest layer you can afford might lead to overheating. Dial in on the sport-specific layering system you’re looking to perfect, and consider what aspects you need most from your midlayer.
Budget
The budget range of midlayers typically going to be grid fleeces and will run you around $100. These layers won’t pile on the features or fine trim, but instead will focus on providing reliable warmth when you need it. Fleece is reliable warmth once you build up some heat under it, and while it won’t hold it back from strong winds, a light windbreaker will protect you.
The $100 REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket has a lot in common with our top pick and even a few features that it lacks, including a drawstring hem and a touch more stretch. Most fleeces in this price range will use in-house pile fleeces to keep costs down and may skip out on niceties such as thumb holes in the sleeves.
Mid-Tier
Bumping up a bit in price also means more warmth, and this range is where you’ll be able to get into synthetic puffies like the Patagonia Nano Puff ($229). These midlayers can be warmer than fleeces and boast more features, such as hand-warming pockets, adjustable hoods, and different weights of insulation to adjust warmth and breathability.
Higher-end fleece technologies can also be used in midlayers in this range, with Polartec and Octayarn being notable. The $170 The North Face FUTUREFLEECE uses a techy eight-sided hollow yarn to weave its fleece and build in even more trapped air space, while the Norrøna Falketind Alpha120($219) uses two different types of Polartec in a body-mapped design.
Premium
High-end midlayers will often run you north of $300, but will be trimmed out in the nicest materials that are sure to pay dividends in durability. Look for name brands like Pertex fabrics and PrimaLoft synthetic materials to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
The merino wool insulation used in the Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285) assuredly explains the price of this jacket, but we argue it’s well worth it. The $350 Arc’teryx Proton Hoodywas the most expensive midlayer we’ve recommended, but now after 5 years of hard use, it’s still nearly as warm as it was on day one. You’ll pay up front, but the longevity can be worth the spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Proton Hoody and the Patagonia Nano Puff. Our other favorite midlayer that offers lots of warmth is the Ibex Wool Aire 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.
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Mary Murphy
1,435 articles
Mary Murphy has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for eight years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Prior to that, Mary wrote for 5280 Magazine in Denver while working as an outdoor instructor teaching climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and the love of nature to kids. Based in Denver, Colorado, Murphy is an avid hiker, runner, backpacker, skier, yogi, and pack-paddleboarder.
Nick Belcaster
57 articles
Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.
