The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2025-2026

Looking to upgrade your layering game? The Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket ($180) blends mobility, breathability, and warmth in all the right places. Stretchy knit panels along the sides and sleeves keep you moving freely, while PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. insulation at the core locks in warmth where you need it most.

We wear this jacket nonstop in the Tetons, from fall trail runs and bike rides to stormy winter ski tours and spring snowshoe days. Over a baselayer, it handles temps in the teens to the 40s, letting us push hard without constant stops to adjust. On frigid outings, it layers seamlessly under a down puffy or shell, and in shoulder season, it works just as well tossed over a T-shirt.

Features are dialed: a snug scuba hood that fits under helmets, thumbholes, and elastic trim to seal out drafts, a PFC-free DWR for light moisture, and excellent packability. It’s light, comfortable, and moves with us no matter the mission. Sustainability cred adds bonus points with recycled nylon, Bluesign-approved fabrics, and reduced-emissions insulation.

The only real drawback is that it’s not fully windproof, though its breathability is exactly what makes it shine during high-output activities. If you want more wind protection at a similar price point, look at the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850.

With its versatility, sharp fit, and playful color options, the Capa Hybrid quickly became our go-to jacket for mountain adventures, travel, and daily wear.

The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody ($349) quickly became one of our go-to layers when we needed reliable warmth without much bulk. It feels technical and streamlined, yet comfortable enough to keep on from the trailhead to the summit.

We wore it ski touring in the Tetons and on windy fall hikes in Colorado, and it struck a great balance between insulation and mobility. The synthetic fill kept us warm even when conditions got damp, and the shell fabric offered stellar weather resistance to shed moderate amounts of snow and drizzle.

When stacked against the Black Diamond Solution Hoody, the DAS Light is warmer and more protective in gusty conditions, while the Solution is lighter and more breathable for aerobic pushes. And compared to the Patagonia DAS Parka, which is built as a full-on belay piece for frigid alpine climbs, the DAS Light is the more versatile choice we can take just about anywhere.

What stood out for such a protective piece is how easily it disappears into a pack. It compresses small but still has the loft and heat to make a real difference when temperatures drop. That mix of warmth, packability, and comfort is what makes the DAS Light one of our favorite synthetic puffies for mountain missions.

The Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoody ($235) is a light, airy, adaptable jacket that effortlessly fits in your pack while providing down-like warmth and solid weather resistance.

We took this sleek performance hoody straight to the wild, putting it to the test in various conditions — from sunrise ski tours to mellow nordic adventures. It truly shines during active pursuits, providing the perfect amount of warmth during below-zero, fast-paced dawn patrols.

This lightweight layer is versatile enough to wear over a baselayer on dry days or under a shell to protect against the elements when the weather turns snowy and wet. During late summer and early fall mountain bike rides, it became our go-to for chilly descents, providing just the right amount of wind resistance.

The weight-to-warmth ratio is simply outstanding, and its ability to compress to the size of your hand makes it extra versatile. Plus, with two inside stuff pockets and two secure outside pockets, it’s designed to keep your essentials close at hand.

The Super Strand LT Hoody is undeniably a standout item; however, it’s not the most breathable synthetic jacket available, so you’ll want a piece like the ultralight Patagonia Nano Air Hybrid Light Hoody for warmer days or light and fast missions. We were also disappointed with the zipper quality — after a few months of use, the teeth of the main zipper separated, rendering it unusable. We sent it in for repair, and Outdoor Research remedied the situation, but we hope they’ll improve the zipper quality moving forward.

This versatile hoody, with ample storage and an exceptional weight-to-warmth ratio, deserves a place in every outdoor adventurer’s collection. The protection it offers for its size is invaluable, and it can keep up with your high-energy adventures, no matter the season. You’ll be amazed at how often you find yourself reaching for it year-round.

We loved the original First Light Stretch Hoody ($349), so we were nervous when Black Diamond announced a full redesign for 2023. After a season of El Cap ascents, alpine pushes in the Cascades, and countless days at the local crag, we can say it’s better than ever.

This active midlayer thrives on start-stop missions—alpine climbing, ski touring, winter cragging—thanks to breathable PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation and a stretchy fit. It traps surprising warmth at belays yet dumps heat when you’re moving. Body-mapped insulation adds warmth where you need it most and breathability where you don’t. The update trims a few ounces, packs into its own pocket, and clips to a harness.

Not everything is perfect. We notice pilling, fraying, and less durability than older versions. It also struggles in strong winds unless paired with a shell. But for technical missions that demand breathability, mobility, and comfort across shifting intensity levels, the First Light Stretch is one of the best active insulation pieces we’ve worn. For even more airflow, check out the First Light Hybrid adds Merino back and sleeve panels—lighter, cooler, and ideal for backpacking or fickle shoulder-season days.

The Patagonia Nano-Air Hybrid Light Hoody ($299) is a go-to on cool mornings when we want a bit of warmth but plan to stay in motion. It acts more like an active layer than a traditional puffy, with stretchy panels that breathe well during climbs and ski tours.

We tested it trail running, skinning uphill, and fast hiking in the Tetons, and it always struck the right balance between insulation and ventilation. The front kept our core warm, while the lighter side and back panels let heat escape instead of trapping it. The athletic fit hugged close to the body while still allowing full mobility.

Compared to the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody, the Nano-Air Hybrid Light is lighter and more breathable, though the First Light offers a bit more warmth and protection when the weather turns. It’s not a jacket for sitting still in cold weather, but when we need something light, breathable, and comfortable that can handle sweat, the Nano-Air Hybrid Light Hoody delivers. It packs easily, layers well, and has become a staple for high-output missions.

The North Face’s Casaval Hybrid Hoodie ($260) is a redesigned technical layer that’s perfect for your next mountain adventure. Summit Series apparel is specially designed to prove functional and formidable in extreme conditions, and the Casaval truly exceeds our expectations when put to the test.

The Ventrix insulation is extremely lightweight yet warm, and the stretchy fabric allows you the freedom to take on just about whatever the mountains throw at you. Whether you’re climbing in sendy temps or taking on a cold summit, the Casaval really does excel when you’re mobile.

The helmet-compatible hood is stretchy and snug without impeding peripheral vision, and the jacket is breathable enough not to heat up when the sun pierces the clouds.

Other than a lack of internal storage, we couldn’t really find anything bad to say about this jacket. We took it on several trips to Tuolumne Meadows in unseasonably cold temperatures and hiked, bouldered, sport climbed, and scrambled up a dome. Perhaps the only downside to the jacket is that it’s so nice we were afraid to get too close to the rock.

The Casaval not only excels in the wild, though. When hanging out in Mammoth Lakes, we received numerous compliments on the Cave Blue color scheme. The near-matte finish tones down the bold colorway, making the purple-leaning hue a daring win for The North Face’s men’s line. The style, functionality, versatility, and light weight made the Casaval Hybrid Hoodie an easy challenger to the Best Overall award.

It’s a bit heavier than our top pick, and while this may be subjective, the color and feel just don’t look quite as adventure-ready. It performed otherwise in our testing but didn’t quite outshine the Arc’teryx Atom jacket.

Perhaps this has to do with brand identity; The North Face trends toward more fashion-forward ventures while Arc’teryx to its formidable roots. Either way, you look at it, the Casaval is one of the best insulated jackets of the season.

Patagonia’s warmest synthetic jacket, the DAS Parka ($449), has been a staple with alpinists and outdoor enthusiasts for years. From freezing belays to snowy mountaintop ascents, it has kept adventurers warm and protected since its debut in 1992, with its newest model carrying on the torch, offering even greater warmth and packability.

“DAS” stands for “Dead Air Space,” referring to the way in which the jacket traps air in two different densities of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation (top-notch stuff), which has been fused with aerogel technology to boost softness and warmth. Its 133g insulation runs throughout the jacket, with an extra layer of 40g insulation placed along areas that require more warmth.

We immediately noticed and appreciated the DAS Parka’s stellar weather resistance in light precipitation and heavy winds. Its 10-denier Pertex Quantum Pro shell is treated with a polyurethane dry coating and a hefty DWR finish. It’s not a rain jacket by any means, but moisture beads up and runs off the jacket well, and you feel kind of invincible in wild gusts of wind.

Negatives? It’s quite heavy, at 19.6 ounces, and doesn’t pack as small as we would like into the large included stuff sack. One of our tester’s friends thought it was actually their sleeping bag while unpacking from a particular trip. The DAS Parka is built for maximum warmth in brutal alpine conditions, while the DAS Light trims bulk for a more versatile, weather-resistant layer that works better for fast-and-light missions.

We also found the front pockets to be somewhat annoying. They are quite shallow and don’t extend to the bottom of the jacket like the internal dump pockets do. This could be for easier use while wearing a harness, but we thought it was harder than usual to warm our hands in them when the temps plummeted or store a bunch of stuff while on the go.

All in all, this is still one of the best synthetic insulated jackets you can buy for epics in the alpine or nippy winter temps around the campfire. It’s a legacy piece from a quality brand that just keeps delivering.

An absolute classic, the Patagonia Nano Puff ($239) is probably the most recognizable synthetic jacket on the market. As one of the first jackets to offer premium synthetic insulation with a lightweight but durable design, it has a heritage unlike many in its category.

It features a stylish design that looks good around town, yet boasts surprising warmth and durability, making it a reliable layer for the backcountry. The versatility of this piece contributes to its reputation, and the newest model definitely stays true to its legacy.

The Nano Puff delivered middle-of-the-road results and proves to be a solid do-it-all jacket despite not being the lightest, warmest, or most breathable option out there. It has a pretty competitive warmth-to-weight ratio, though if you need a super warm puffy for winter pursuits, this isn’t the one for you.

This model performs well in shoulder-season adventures, or as part of your layering system for colder forays in the mountains. The PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation used in the current model does deliver impressive warmth for how thin it feels and does a great job of retaining its insulating properties when wet.

The Nano Puff is somewhat breathable, given the amount of stitching it has, but the solid sheet lining limits airflow, and feels pretty clammy when sweat builds up. This reduces ventilation, but does help with wind resistance when temps start to drop. Its slim design and premium insulation make it one of the more compressible synthetic jackets out there, which is one of the areas it shines the most.

If you need maximum warmth for chilly adventures or lightweight breathability for fast and light missions, this probably isn’t the jacket you want. However, as a functional yet stylish crossover layer for use around town, or deep in the mountains, the Nano Puff remains one of the best synthetic insulated jackets out there.

The new Solution Hoody ($299) from Black Diamond is an excellent addition to any cold-weather adventurer’s closet. The Primaloft Gold Eco insulation is warm when you need it and breathable when you’re too lazy (or busy) to take it off in more moderate temperatures.

A protective hood performs well over a helmet, and the DWR treatment was confidence-inspiring when the weather looked like it could turn at any moment. The two zippered hand pockets are large enough for just about whatever you need to cram in for a long day, and the addition of a zippered chest pocket allows for easy access to items if you happen to be wearing a harness.

As former residents of the Pacific Northwest, we’ve always been big fans of Primaloft Gold insulation. It recovers well if the DWR treatment gets overwhelmed and soggy, and doesn’t get stinky when you stretch the time between washes. For that reason, the Solution Hoody is a great choice for long-distance ventures when it might get overused and then st￭ in a pack for a while.

At just 12.8 ounces, the Solution Hoody disappears inside a pack (although we wouldn’t recommend cramming it up in long-term storage). While it didn’t quite reach our superlatives list, it’s up there with all of the best insulated jackets available today.

Rab has done it again! Ticking all the boxes of a solid active insulator, the Xenair Alpine Light Jacket ($225) is breathable yet warm, and crazy comfortable, per Rab’s long-standing reputation. For start-stop activities in mixed conditions where stellar breathability is needed, but warmth is also a concern, this jacket stands out as a quality layer for the dedicated outdoor athlete.

The jacket has thoughtful features, but retains a sleek, stylish look. Raised zippered handwarmer pockets accommodate backpack hipbelts, and an internal zippered pocket doubles as a stuff sack. Soft elastic cuffs and a single hem adjustment help maintain warmth and reduce cold spots.

The hood is elasticated on the front and back, ensuring a snug fit, but did give us some issues when worn under a climbing helmet (as it isn’t quite big enough to fit over one). When wearing it under a helmet, the elastic banding, flat front brim, and slippery fabric caused the hood to often cover our eyes and obscure our vision when looking up or side to side.

One of the most notable features of the Xenair is its breathability. It regulates temperature and deals with moisture buildup with ease. Rab has thrown a good deal of cutting-edge technology into this jacket, including two densities of PrimaLoft Gold Active+ synthetic insulation, some of the warmest, most breathable insulation on the market, combined with a weather-resistant, permeable Pertex Quantum Air outer fabric.

This allows for maximum warmth, while greatly reducing moisture and vapor buildup. Additionally, two weights of insulation are strategically mapped around the body, with lighter, more breathable insulation placed on areas of the body, such as the underarm and center back, that require more ventilation.

For the active mountain athlete looking for a lightweight, breathable midlayer for colder climates, or a standalone outer jacket for summer pursuits, the Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket may just be the perfect option.

Read Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review: First Look

Patagonia’s Micro Puff Hoodie ($329) has drawn accolades and awards from users and media since its release in September 2017. Though the price point is on the higher end, the Micro Puff Hoodie is the perfect just-in-case insulating layer that’s barely noticeable in the pack.

With just a base layer, the 10-ounce Micro Puff Hoodie kept us warm during moderate-level activities down into the 30s. It was surprisingly wind-resistant for such a light garment. Consequently, though, breathability is on the lower side.

The DWR treatment is exceptional and continues to bead water after a few wash cycles. The fit is snug, and the sleeves keep our wrists covered — except when our 34.5-inch arms are overhead.

A lack of stretch and the just-to-the-waist torso length allow a little gapping during long reaches. The jacket is very compact, and the slick outer surface makes it ideal for layering underneath shells or heavier layers.

Stuffing down to about the size of a cantaloupe, the Micro Puff Hoodie fits into a handwarmer pocket with a clipping point. This ability, combined with the best-in-class warmth-to-weight ratio of Patagonia’s PlumaFill, makes it a great insulator we are always throwing in our packs.

The Pertex Quantum GL face fabric proved durable during the test period but does require care, as the wispy fabric is prone to tearing on sharp objects. Compared to some of the others, this shell may not hold up well to brutal bushwhacking or scrambling over sharp rocks in the alpine. The Nano Puff is the more durable everyday insulated jacket, with a slightly roomier fit and tougher face fabric, while the Micro Puff shaves weight with ultralight materials and offers the best warmth-to-weight and packability in Patagonia’s synthetic lineup.

The Micro Puff’s lightweight, wind-resistant versatility makes it ideal for adventurers who need reliable warmth without sacrificing space or weight in their packs. It’s one of the best synthetic insulated jackets out there.

The Rime Light IN Flex ($249) has a very snug fit when still, but class-leading elasticity allows free movement. The sleeves and lower hem are a tad short for overhead reaches, but the fit around the shoulders feels ample regardless of arm movements.

The Rime Flex is on the warmer and bulkier side of the active insulation category. The Pertex Quantum Air shell and OTI Stretch insulation provide breathability and warmth that works well for loaded hiking down to the upper 20s.

It keeps you warm during breaks, even in moderate winds. As long as the main zip was vented, the jacket performed well into the 30s. We found it excellent for lounging into the lower 50s.

The Rime Flex has two handwarmer pockets in the high position, an adjustable lower hem, dual-zipper pulls, and an insulated helmet-compatible hood.

For the space-conscious hiker focused on an ultralight setup, this may not be the best choice, but if you are looking for maximum warmth without sacrificing breathability, the Rime Flex is a solid pick.

If it’s going to be named after the Norse god of war, it had better be a stalwart layer. After a season of putting a number of Helly Hansen’s Odin collection through technical mountaineering trips, long multipitch climbs, and extended backpacking trips, we’d say these pieces truly live up to their name.

The Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 ($260) is one of the models we had the pleasure of testing, and for full-on backcountry missions in brutal conditions, it’s up there with the best of the best.

For a jacket specced out with so many pro features, it boasts a surprisingly approachable price point. Performance-oriented details like a flat-brimmed contoured hood, articulated elbows, wide elastic cuffs, and ventilated underarms make this a power player in the mountains, without the sticker shock of other high-end jackets.

Helly Hansen’s Odin collection was tested by Search and Rescue and mountain guides from around the world, and was built to handle demanding mountain terrain in the most gnarly conditions possible. These pieces are vetted and trusted by professionals on a global scale — and it shows.

The Stretch Hood Insulator is a bit warmer and thicker than Black Diamond’s First Light Stretch Hoody, our top pick for breathability, but still regulates temperature fine, and responds well when you pick up the pace.

The ventilated pits, permeable polyamide shell, and inherently breathable nature of PrimaLoft Gold Active+ join forces to keep you cozy in moderate activity, but appropriately warm when you slow down.

The fit is slightly athletic, without being too form-fitting to limit layering underneath. As a bulkier/warmer jacket than others on this list, we like to pair this with a thin fleece underneath, and a windbreaker, softshell, or hardshell overtop to form a truly formidable barrier against rain or heavy wind.

Our favorite feature? The silky smooth, stretchy lining fabric has the best next-to-skin comfort we’ve tested in a while. Though we usually have a base layer underneath, the almost fleece-like lining had us throwing this on over our T-shirts around camp, and even sleeping in it without a shirt on. It’s that cozy.

We wish the weight was a bit lower, that it had an over-the-helmet hood, and that it packed into one of its pockets for convenient transport on a harness, but aside from a few grumbles, this jacket is one of the very best synthetic pieces we tested.

It moves and breathes with you as you contort your body on desperate winter rock climbs or parkour over boulder-strewn river beds, but hunkers down and keeps you surprisingly warm when static. For the active mountain athlete needing a premium, mega-comfy insulating layer at a respectable price — look no further.

Here it is — the gold standard of lightweight warmth and what seems like every ultralight thru-hiker’s jacket of choice for their pilgrimage on long trails. The Torrid Jacket ($200) is a king in the world of synthetic insulation. Starting at just 6 ounces, most elements of the Torrid are customizable and can be altered to fit each person’s unique style and goal.

Who would have thought that down jackets would slowly be knocked off the backpacking pedestal by a synthetic piece from a small (though not so much anymore) company in Minnesota? Made with premium CLIMASHIELD APEX insulation, the jacket is almost see-through but somehow traps heat like a beast. No sewn-through seams eliminate cold spots, and a shock cord adjustment at the hem and elastic cuffs seal in warmth.

One of the authors of this guide wore a single Torrid for the duration of an 8-month thru-hike of the CDT and AT, and it retained its loft, warmth, and stitching the entire time. While it’s designed as a three-season layer, it was put through its paces in freezing whiteouts in the San Juans and winter squalls through the Smoky Mountains.

Often paired with a fleece midlayer or rain shell, it kept him plenty toasty. Since it’s synthetic, it also retained its warmth during weeks of dreary rain when nothing stayed dry.

Can there be cons to such a jacket? Well, the 8.2-ounce weight (7-denier outer and inner fabric with hood) of the Torrid we tested comes with a pretty steep cut in durability. You don’t want to battle off-trail with this thing. It also isn’t form-fitting at all (designed to be layered underneath), with a basic, boxy design. It’s not the stylish Arc’teryx jacket you love wearing around town.

Regardless, if you are looking to minimize base weight without sacrificing warmth for an epic journey across the country, or occasional fast and light forays in the woods, it’s one of the best synthetic insulated jackets you’ll find.

The Rab Cirrus Insulated Jacket ($200) quickly proved itself as a solid synthetic option for unpredictable mountain weather. It has a simple, straightforward design that feels reliable whether we are layering under a shell or wearing it on its own around camp.

We took it on shoulder-season hikes in Colorado and a few chilly mornings in the Tetons, and the PrimaLoft insulation kept us warm even when the air was damp. The recycled fabrics are soft and comfortable, and while it’s not the lightest or most technical piece in Rab’s line, it strikes a nice balance between warmth, durability, and price. The regular fit runs a little roomier, making it easy to throw over a fleece or under a shell without feeling tight.

Compared to the Patagonia DAS Light, the Cirrus isn’t nearly as weather-resistant, with less wind protection and a DWR that wets out faster in sustained moisture. Still, it offers dependable performance at a lower cost, making it a versatile choice for casual outings and backcountry trips alike.