As 2024 unfolds, staying warm during outdoor adventures has never been more stylish or effective. For women who are hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying chilly days, insulated midlayer jackets offer the perfect balance of warmth, breathability, and flexibility. This year’s jackets showcase a blend of advanced materials and thoughtful design, providing insulation without bulk and incorporating sustainable practices. Here’s a roundup of the top insulated midlayer jackets for women in 2024.
1. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Image: Patagonia
Why it’s great: The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket continues to be a top choice, known for its eco-friendly materials and impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. Filled with PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco, made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, it provides efficient insulation while remaining lightweight and packable.
– Material: 100% recycled polyester
– Best for: Cold-weather hikes, casual wear
– Features: Windproof, water-resistant, highly packable
2. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket
Image: Amazon
Why it’s great: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket uses synthetic insulation that mimics down, providing warmth even in wet conditions. This jacket is versatile and suitable for layering under a shell or wearing on its own.
– Material: 100% recycled synthetic insulation
– Best for: Wet, cold weather; versatile for layering
– Features: Lightweight, water-resistant, eco-friendly
3. Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
Image: Amazon
Why it’s great: Arc’teryx is known for its high-performance outdoor gear, and the Atom LT Hoody lives up to the brand’s reputation. With Coreloft™ Compact synthetic insulation, it retains warmth while remaining compressible, and its outer shell has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, making it perfect for unpredictable weather.
– Material: Coreloft™ Compact synthetic insulation
– Best for: Layering in varied weather, high-intensity activities
– Features: Breathable, water-repellent, durable outer shell
4. Rab Xenon 2.0 Jacket
Image: Outfitters NZ
Why it’s great: The Rab Xenon 2.0 Jacket is ultralight and uses recycled synthetic insulation that performs well in damp conditions. Its Pertex® Quantum outer fabric adds durability and protection against wind and light rain, making it an ideal midlayer for active women.
– Material: PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Hi-Loft Ultra
– Best for: Wet weather, high-output activities
– Features: Windproof, water-resistant, extremely lightweight
5. Columbia Omni-Heat™ Infinity Midlayer
Image: Columbia Sportswear
Why it’s great: Columbia’s Omni-Heat™ Infinity technology utilizes a reflective lining to retain body heat without adding weight. This midlayer jacket is an affordable yet high-performance option, perfect for women seeking warmth on a budget.
– Material: Synthetic insulation with Omni-Heat™ Infinity lining
– Best for: Budget-friendly warmth, moderate outdoor activity
– Features: Heat-reflective lining, lightweight, packable
6. Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie
Image: The Trek
Why it’s great: Outdoor Research’s SuperStrand LT Hoodie is designed to provide maximum warmth with minimal bulk. Featuring synthetic insulation that mimics the loft of down, this jacket is ideal for women who prioritize packability and comfort.
– Material: VerticalX™ SuperStrand synthetic insulation
– Best for: Lightweight layering, packing efficiency
– Features: Compressible, moisture-resistant, hooded design
7. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Shadow Jacket
Image: Amazon
Why it’s great: Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Shadow Jacket uses recycled insulation and has an eco-conscious design. It’s built for alpine and backcountry conditions, making it a reliable companion for colder days.
– Material: 100% recycled synthetic insulation
– Best for: Cold, dry conditions; high-altitude environments
– Features: Eco-friendly, durable, lightweight
8. Mammut Rime Light In Flex Hooded Jacket
Image: Mammut
Why it’s great: Known for flexibility and breathability, the Mammut Rime Light In Flex Hooded Jacket provides ample warmth without sacrificing mobility. It’s a great choice for active days in the mountains or on the trail.
– Material: Ajungilak® OTI Stretch insulation
– Best for: Active winter sports, alpine activities
– Features: Breathable, water-repellent, stretch panels
Choosing the Right Insulated Midlayer for You
When selecting an insulated midlayer, consider your activity level, climate, and layering needs. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
– Warmth-to-weight ratio: Look for insulation that provides high warmth with low weight if you’ll be active.
– Packability: For backpacking or travel, choose a jacket that’s easy to pack and compress.
– Weather resistance: DWR-coated materials add an extra layer of protection in damp conditions.
Each jacket on this list offers something unique, ensuring that no matter your adventure or climate, there’s an insulated midlayer for you.
