An insulated hoodie or lightweight synthetic jacket can be used for hiking or backpacking as an outer layer or mid-layer during spring and autumn when mornings and nighttime temperatures stay cool. Our preference is to use jackets that have hoods because we think that’s a must-have layering feature for hikers and backpackers. This lets you use them in camp or for extra warmth at night under a quilt or sleeping bag. Here are synthetic jackets we recommend across a variety of price points. Be sure to check out our buyer’s guide and recommendations below, so you choose the right synthetic insulated jacket for your needs.
Make / Model | Insulation | Weight | Gender |
---|---|---|---|
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie | Primaloft Gold Insulation Eco | 12.8 oz | M | F |
Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie | Coreloft Compact | 13.2 oz | M | F |
Mountain Hardwear Ventano Insulated Hoodie | ThermaCLOud AF | 12.8 oz | M | F |
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket | Climashield Apex | 8.4 oz | M | F |
KUIU Kenai Hooded Jacket | 3DeFX+ | 15.5 oz | M | F |
Outdoor Research Superstrand LT Insulated Hoodie | VerticalX Superstrand | 10.9 oz | M | F |
The North Face Thermoball ECO Hoodie | Thermoball ECO | 15.9 oz | M | F |
Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka | Stretch Excelloft | 9.3 oz | M | F |
Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket | Primaloft Gold Active+ | 10.3 oz | M | F |
Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Jacket | Primaloft Gold | 24 oz | M | F |
1. Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie
2. Arc’teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie
3. Mountain Hardwear Ventano Insulated Hoody
4. Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket
5. KUIU Kenai Hooded Jacket
6. Outdoor Research Superstrand LT Insulated Hoodie
7. The North Face Thermoball ECO Hoodie
8. Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka
9. Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket
10. Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Jacket
Synthetic Insulated Hoodie and Jacket Buying Guide
Best Use: Mid-layer vs Outer-layer
As a hiker or backpacker, you’re likely to use a lightweight synthetic jacket while eating dinner in camp, at night as secondary insulation in a sleeping bag or under a quilt, or as a warm layer when you stop to take a hiking rest break during the day and feel a chill.
Many manufacturers will try to sell you on the idea that these jackets can be used as a mid-layer under a shell. That may be true if you’re standing around waiting for the ski gondola or belaying a climbing partner, but you’ll sweat too much, and soak your baselayers if you try to wear them under a rain jacket/shell while you’re hiking vigorously.
Compared to Fleece Jackets
Synthetic insulated jackets and hoodies tend to be warmer than fleece jackets and provide much better wind protection. They also tend to weigh slightly less. But fleece by itself is much more breathable. There are pros and cons to both garments for active use.
Polyester Insulation
Most of the synthetic insulation used in the jackets above is polyester, although it can differ in form. Some manufacturers try to mimic the compressibility of down with it by combining different lengths of polyester in a single garment while others simply sew bats of it between the outer fabric and jacket liner. In general synthetic insulation is less compressible than down, but it maintains its warmth better when it gets damp or wet. Still, synthetic insulation only has the equivalent of 550-650 down fill-power by weight, which is something to consider if warmth to weight is an issue. Synthetic insulation also does breaks down faster than down with repeated stuffing (compression), losing it ability to trap warmth.
Thermal Insulation Value
Unlike down insulation, it is difficult to compare two lightweight synthetic jackets in terms of warmth because most manufacturers use their own proprietary insulation and don’t tell you how much of it has been used to insulate the jacket. Manufacturers do tend to assign temperature ratings for their jackets, which can be somewhat helpful in determining their relative warmth although there is no standard method for assigning these either. When reading jacket specs, many manufacturers will list the weight of the insulation they use, as in 40 grams/sq meter and so forth. This reflects the weight of the insulation when sold in bulk, not the actual amount of insulation in the jacket, and is pretty meaningless from a consumer standpoint.
Sewn Thru vs Baffled Construction
With very few exceptions, lightweight synthetic jackets and hoodies have what is called a sewn-through construction where the front and back of the jacket are sewn together, mainly for appearance’s sake, although it can prevent certain types of polyester insulation from shifting. However, warm air can leak through the needle holes resulting in a slightly cooler jacket.
Shell Fabrics and DWR
Most of these jackets have nylon shells that have a DWR (durable water repellent) coating applied to them to repel mist and light rain. Where they differ is in the thickness of the external fabric, expressed in denier. Generally speaking, a 20D nylon fabric will be more durable than a jacket with a 10D shell fabric. While a 10D will be lighter weight and more compressible, it’s likely to hole more quickly or show wear and tear, particularly at the wrist cuffs than a jacket made with heavier fabric.
Hood Controls
The hoods on many lightweight or ultralight synthetic hoodies and jackets are quite rudimentary, with elasticized hood openings that may be too large to prevent cold drafts from entering around your ears. It really depends on the size of your head and the specific jacket. Hoods that are 1-way adjustable have volume controls in the back that let you shrink the size of the hood to provide a better fit. Hoods with 2-way adjustability go one step further and add neck cords that allow you to size the opening to just fit your face and block out any drafts. This level of function is pretty rare on lighter-weight synthetic jackets and hoodies, though.
Pockets
When shopping for lightweight insulated jackets, you’ll want a pair of zippered handwarmer pockets at a minimum for storing gloves and other items you want close-to-hand. A chest pocket is also desirable if you use a Smartphone for navigation. While it’s nice to have a pocket that you can stuff your jacket into, it really is a nice-to-have, that’s more useful for climbers to attach to a sit-harness than backpackers or hikers who have backpacks to carry stuff.
Hoodies, Jackets, Sweaters, Anoraks, and Parkas
Manufacturer product names are very inconsistently applied when it comes to lighter-weight down hoodies and jackets. In general hoodies, sweaters, anoraks, weigh close to one pound. Look for ones with hoods, as they provide the most head and neck insulation. When it comes to jackets, some are lightweight and some are heavier and meant for winter use in harsh conditions. You really have to look at the overall jacket weight to determine which is which. Anything up to or slightly over 16 oz will be good for transitional weather in spring or autumn down to freezing by itself or layered under a shell, while heavier jackets will be more appropriate for winter use. Parkas are almost always intended for very cold winter conditions.
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I ended up with a Swisswool insulation jacket by Ortovox and I’m super happy with it. Zebru jacket. I am still blown away at how thin it is, and how warm it is for its lack of thickness. No hand pockets, and one chest pocket, also packable into the chest pocket. It manages to wick sweat coming from my baselayers as well. Not cheap, but also wildly effective. Loved it as a mid layer under the shell for a Mt. Washington ascent last winter.
Layering is just one of those things that’s hard to make formulaic since everyone’s metabolism is so different. People like synthetic jackets and hoodies because they’re usually ligter weight than fleece or wool midlayers and because you don’t have to take them off and put them back on as much as more traditional multi-layer system because they combine a certain element of windproofness with insulation.
Me too, the Zebru jacket is an absolute gem! I also own the new iteration of Ibex’s Aire jacket and this is also lightweight, soft and very warm although not so stretchy. You have to wait for a sale though as super expensive. They also highlight IMO how poor Icebreaker insulated jackets are – they have a lot of work to do.
Thats awesome, Mark! I rarely see Ortovox out in the wild. Great stuff! My secondary/ alternative midlayer jacket is synthetic. The Keb Padded Hoodie, which isnt a sweatshirt “hoodie” but rather a jacket similar to all these featured here. Its intended to be under the Keb Eco Shell and works great together. Has a particular awesome fitting hood as well.
Also have the Zebru. Love it and I did have the Ibex as well but found that fit similar to Patagonia, very boxy with arm length which was too short – couldn’t fault the materials though.
I’ve had the OR Superstrand for a few months. I was impressed by the marketing I suppose, but also by the development of what seemed like the best new down alternative. I think it’s great for packing 1/2 of the year, thin but warm, and nice to stuff into a pillow-sack if the night doesn’t require it be worn. It’s basic/minimal, and I’d like to point out that it doesn’t have a drawcord waist, something that I noticed immediately but I see what the goal is. OR says “Low-Pro™ Elastic Binding Cuffs and Hem”.
It really is a very warm jacket – perfect for autumn layering and camp.
On maybe more budget side, many years ago I grabbed an Eddie Bauer Ignilite40 during one of their perpetual sales. Around 15oz and not the warmest but at probably less than half the price of these and I’ve been quite impressed by its versatility. From being soaked in the Anza-Borrego desert during their annual rain yet drying on me quite fast, to skiing in warmer weather and hiking, it’s an excellent jacket for active endeavors. Very breathable and with a DWR shell.
The North Face Thermoball that I gave away had quite a boxy fit for whatever it’s worth.
Often find EB works well and is good value…usually only buy there is a sale (often).
A superb review article. It would be nice though is women’s models were also up front rather than being a “woman’s models also available” afterthought give that women are as good at hiking as men and their monies are of same value. Imagine if it was in all reviews “men’s model also available”.
Just a constructive criticism.
Keep up the great work.
Philip…I’ve been reading your website religiously now for several years and really appreciate the female oriented content you put out, especially the female gear reviews and FAQs. I know it takes extra effort and probably cost, but I just wanted to say that I’ve noticed it and I know others have too!
My go to is increasingly my EE Torid Pullover. Lightweight and very comfortable. I have used it to get more range out of my MLD quilt
I agree almost 100%!
I have both the jacket and pullover and love both, although each has one serious flaw. On the jacket, the front zipper is tiny and not at all robust; it’s been a huge failure for me and now has finally died (the jacket’s been through the wringer but is holding up great!). If they haven’t updated the zipper (I got mine in ‘19 or’20) i probably wouldn’t but another.
As for the hoodie, I love everything about it except the kangaroo pocket: whatever you put in it other than your hands is almost sure to fall out, when you take it off if not sooner!
This from a huge EE fan; I love my quilt, too!
I have several synthetic fill jackets including the Thermoball and the Nano Puff but the EE Torid Pullover is my go-to backpacking jacket. It’s insanely warm for the weight. I actually really like the kangaroo pocket and it’s one of the reasons I got the pullover as opposed to the jacket version. That said, my biggest gripe is the sleeve cuffs. They’re so tight that I have to take my watch off to put the pullover on. On my list of winter projects is to modify the cuffs and take out the elastic and replace it with some shock cord, or just leave it without any cinching mechanism. It’s probably tight enough without anything to tighten around the wrist but I’ll make a determination once I have the overly restrictive elastic removed.
I’ve had and used the Outdoor Vitals’ Ultralight Lofttek Jacket for a while and it works great in all weather conditions. It is less expensive and lighter than several of the jackets in this article. I’d recommend to give it a try for anyone looking for a good lightweight insulation layer.
I’ve been eyeballing a torrid for some time but I own two Patagonia Micropuffs which I love. Curious why why the Micro puff wasn’t also listed with the Nanopuff as it’s quite lighter and uses a whole different insulation system. Have you had a chance to look into the micro puff?
Related, The reason I have two is I can layer both for deep winter camping and shed one layer when I don’t need to utilize it. The modular system is pretty fantastic and also means I don’t need to a very specific winter synthetic shell when I can layer both. Believe there’s a famous ice climber who turned me on to this couple years back. His philosophy was you should be able to wear everything you bring in the field.
Sadly, none of them fill my one and only criteria other than warmth and that is WATERPROOF.
Water Resistant and Water Repellant mean absolutely NOTHING AT ALL. As I have said for years, “A SPONGE is partly water Resistant and Repellent to some degree… So I would not buy any of these….
Why would you want a waterproof synthetic jacket? You’ll sweat to death if you wear it while hiking.
This is where layering is key. Throw a lightweight poncho or rain shell and voila it’s waterproof
Kudos for including the excellent KUIU hooded jacket. KUIU makes expensive gear that is so because it is of the highest quality with thoughtful design. I like all my KUIU garments.
Two years ago I asked KUIU to make more of their garments in solid colors (as opposed to just camo patterns) to appeal to non-hunters. To their credit they did so.
If I recall, you really liked the Rab Xenair Alpine Light didn’t you? I need to replace my old old Arc Teryx Atom LT – would you recommend the Rab? I use the FF EOS down for colder weather – would like something light, synthetic & versatile w a good hood. Thanks – hope you’re well.
I love that Rab jacket. I plan to wear it again this winter.
There’s a review on REI that complains that the inner fabric of that jacket is not breathable, standard wind resistant nylon. Do you think that is accurate?
Guess I don’t follow the logic here. It’s an insulated jacket and not a rain jacket. Moreover, the fact that the inner material is standard nylon means that it is infinitely more breathable than any membrane. Since I don’t understand the context of the remark or what they were trying to say, its hard for me to assess the accuracy of their review. All I can say is that its a very warm synthetic insulated jacket that will stay warm if you happen to sweat in it and the sweat is not captured by the other clothing layers you are wearing.
I love that Rab Xenair Light. Very wind resistant (dare I say proof?). Loved my Atom LT but never loved the side panels as they left me cold on windy days.
I have a Montbell thermawrap and wear it all the time. I like to move in this jacket when it is above freezing because I don’t overheat too much.
Pockets!
I have had this two years now and the insulation has stayed put.
Two thumbs up ???
Thanks for bringing the EE Torrid jacket to my attention. Just ordered one. If it works out well, I will consider adding the Torrid pants later Seems like good hypothermia prevention at a very low weight. They say don’t pack for your fears. I think a little fear is a good thing :)
Torrid Jacket just came in. Super impressed.
Synthetic has become my go-to for winter camping. I sweat in the best of weather, so now layer me up in winter and it is not fun with down. The advancements in synthetics have nearly matched down these days, so just seems like a slam dunk to go this way for more harsh, winter conditions.
Hate to break it to you but today’s synthetic fibers are equivalent to 550-600 fill power down. if you want to maximize compressability and warmth retention by weight, 850 or 900 fill power down is still much better.
love my rei flash jacket from 2012 wind proof to 40+ mph has a hood and plenty of zip up pockets also hem adjusters….cost $35 on sale good down to 32* and still going strong after thousands of miles of use!
No Patagonia micro puff Phillip ?
My wife and I love our DAS Light jackets – they are a bit of an investment but they are super warm and light. The fit was much better for us than the Torrid as wel.
Well none of these jackets are really all that warm, and they admit that to varying degrees. I recently became aware of a company called 32 degrees and they make various synthetic garments including a light weight synthetic jacket that is in the ball park of weight and performance of all of these at less than a tenth of the price of some of them. I picked one up just as a kick around thing to preserve my more expensive things but so far it seems pretty comparable to my Atom LT and maybe warmer than my Nano Puff. I’ve worn it at about freezing over just a warm base layer and it was warm enough when walking, and I’ve worn it over a base layer and warm fleece layer in low 20’s and was comfortable when not moving. They also make a heavier synthetic jacket that is considerably warmer though I don’t yet have a good sense of just how warm. Both are the sort of puffy style of synthetic rather than the flat mat style. I’ve worn the light one under a 40lb pack for a few days and no sign of problems so far.
I bought the Enlightened Equipment Torid jacket a few years ago and was very disappointed in how tight they made the forearm portion of the sleeves. I’m a thin guy (5’10” – 165lbs) and the forearms are uncomfortably tight and layering a 100 way fleece on a cold morning is a no go. I thought I had a defective jacket but Enlightened Equipment confirmed the tight fit is intentional. As a result, this jacket hangs in my closet and never gets worn. This sleeve cut is unfortunate as the insulation and the “no stitches sewn through” make it quite warm…..
The Montbell UL Thermawrap is excellent, I have the jacket and vest. Completely soaked the vest, breaking trail to Whaleback, it was still warm and dried quickly.
The new addition to the collection is the Paka Apu lightweight puffer. Great jacket for stops or super cold, still evaluating.
non adjustable hoods are worthless when walking into the wind-why o why do they make them?
They can be a better option when worn under a another jacket with a hood…and because people buy them.