The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024-2025

We’ve always been fans of this brand’s ability to repurpose a mish-mash of materials into solid, backcountry-ready products, and its “Gear for Good” slogan sums it up pretty well. While it’s not the most performance-oriented design on our list, the Cálido is by far the best bang for your buck of the jackets we tested and accompanied us on many travels during our evaluation period.

Across most color choices, you have a bright, multi-paneled design on one side and a subtle, muted quilt silhouette on the other. When you want to make a statement, you’ve got it — but a quick flip and you’ll blend in with the crowd.

This is consequently one of our favorite crossover pieces for style and function in a variety of different urban and outdoor scenarios. Though we gravitate to more technical models for serious objectives, the Cálido feels right at home on casual hikes, chill days at the crag, or long road trips. Its bulky nature, lack of stretch, and minimal breathability limit its useability, though.

We appreciate the well-designed pockets on either side of the jacket and the fact that a discrete zippered chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack — though it’s a bit of a battle to get it in there and close the zipper.

A DWR finish on the shell fends off light precipitation, but the sheer amount of stitching around the multitude of different panels means rain seeps in fast and quickly soaks the insulation. The 100% recycled polyester fill keeps us adequately warm in mild temps but isn’t the most premium insulation we tested. The lack of stretch in the polyester taffeta face fabric does give it a noticeable boost in wind resistance, though.

These qualms aside, at this price point, it’d be difficult to find a jacket that offers a better value. For mild adventuring or unique style around town, the Teca Cálido Hooded Jacket is definitely an affordable force to be reckoned with.

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 colorway. The near-matte finish tones down the bold colorway, making the purple-leaning hue a daring win for 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.

“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.

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.

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.

This active midlayer has been a staple for backcountry alpine climbs, winter cragging, and blustery ski touring with its breathable four-season insulation and stretchy silhouette. Black Diamond describes this jacket as the ideal “start-stop” piece, providing warmth when you need it and airy breathability when you don’t.

This sounded just about perfect for Senior Editor Chris Carter, who wore this layer more than anything else on a recent fall ascent of El Cap. Whether huddling with his partner in frigid squalls at uncomfortable hanging belays or pulling hard on endless hand jams, the First Light kept him at a cozy homeostasis through all manner of chilly conditions and activity levels. He’s convinced this is the crème de la crème of active insulation comfort.

A few notable upgrades from this jacket’s previous iteration make it an even more potent tool for the active adventurer than before. Where once was silver, there now is gold — and PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation is hard to beat. It breathes efficiently and stretches with each movement but somehow traps an absurd amount of heat when static. Body-mapped insulation along the body, shoulders, and arms packs more heat in targeted zones and allows greater breathability in areas that need it most.

The update also culls a few ounces from the last model, but seems to be a warmer layer than before. It also packs up small into a zippered hand pocket and easily clips to your harness. A cherished feature that is often eschewed on synthetic jackets.

While we were pleasantly surprised with this new design in most areas, a few cons did surface. Durability was a standout feature of prior models, but we noticed some premature pilling with this iteration, and a good number of picks and frays after just a handful of trips, and we’re scared a bit of tenacity was sacrificed when cutting weight.

Now granted, these trips included shoving our bodies up sharp granite chimneys, bushwhacking through briers, and taking a few spicy lead falls on rough slabs — so there’s a chance we’re being too critical. But, for a jacket that’s designed for technical mountain terrain, we would like to get several seasons out of it at least.

Also, if you’re looking for a jacket that offers the greatest weather/wind resistance, this isn’t the one for you. It insulates fine, but heavy gusts cut through it easier than others. Pair it with a light windbreaker, though, and it’s a power combo in heinous wind.

For start-stop activities where ventilation is needed while cranking hard, and warmth is required when static, the First Light Stretch Hoody is about as good as it gets. It won’t keep you as warm as others on this list but is a phenomenal technical layer for missions that have you constantly on the move.

Need even more breathability? Check out the similar First Light Hybrid (also reswizzled in 2023), which features breathable Merino insulation on the back panel and sleeves. While this won’t keep you near as warm, it boosts the A/C during those awkward shoulder-season temps where the weather just can’t make up its mind. And, the soft breathable back panel makes it a prime pick for backpacking.

REI pulled out all the stops while keeping the Stormhenge at a reasonable price point, which is a feat in itself. We tested it in extreme conditions, and this jacket lived up to its name.

With 850-fill goose down insulating the vital organs and synthetic fill rounding out the corners, the Stormhenge packs the heat where it matters the most and sheds it where it tends to naturally escape. Internal and external pockets provide plenty of space for gadgets and snacks, making the Stormhenge ideal for resort skiers and anyone who commutes in frigid climates.

We wouldn’t recommend it for aggressive downhill riders or backcountry skiers who spend hours on the uphill (although the pit zippers help release some heat). However, if you snowmobile into the backcountry or are lapping runs on a storm day, the Stormhenge is burly enough to work as a single layer over a t-shirt.

We’ll have to do a side-by-side test this winter with the Das Parka to see if it’s the warmest jacket on this list. Still, the price and technical features make it one of our favorite insulated jackets available today.

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.

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 stuffed 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.

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.

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.

However, 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.

For more, check out our full Patagonia Micro Puff review.

When the winter mountain forecast is just short of arctic, the 1-pound (men’s medium) Atom Heavyweight (formerly known as the Atom AR or All Round) goes into the pack, and — surprisingly for Arc’teryx — the pricing is competitive. Given its stellar warmth-to-weight ratio, durability, and value, we think it’s one of the best options for low-output activities.

While testing this jacket, we found the fit to be comfortably close, which makes it layer well under shells while still allowing layers underneath. The articulated sleeves, underarm gussets, and elastic-paneled cuffs keep our wrists covered in all arm positions and reaches. The torso length is on the shorter side, however, which makes the lower hem rise above our waist during reaches overhead.

The cuff dimensions are on the smaller side, which seals tiny wrists well, with just enough stretch to be pushed a few inches up the forearms. The front of the collar zips up to cover the mouth, and the single-adjust hood is just big enough for a climbing helmet. This jacket serves well as a belay jacket, but we would like at least one internal dump pocket to dry gloves.

The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating has proven extremely durable over the seasons and continues to bead water long after some of its competitors’ coatings. The Atom Heavyweight compresses to about the size of a volleyball and is exceptionally warm, given how breathable it is.

While it’s not the lightest nor the most breathable jacket we tested, if you’re looking for a great do-it-all layer to throw into the pack where functionality and warmth are a primary concern, look no further than the Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody. We think it’s still one of the best synthetic insulated jackets on the market.

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.

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 in 2024.

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.