Insulated jackets

Whether worn as a mid layer during the coldest winter days, or an outer layer to fend off the coolness of spring evenings, a lightweight insulated jacket is a versatile piece of kit.

THICKNESS

A thick, puffy jacket might offer the most warmth, but it will become restrictive when worn under a hard shell. Thinner jackets will fit more comfortably as a mid layer but won’t trap as much heat. Consider what you’ll want to do while wearing the jacket and compromise warmth vs movement accordingly.

INSULATION Down offers the best warmth-toweight ratio but doesn’t like getting damp – either from external rain or from a buildup of moisture inside a hard shell. Synthetic insulation is more tolerant of damp but is not as compressible for packing or layering.

BODY MAPPING

Many lightweight mid layers use body mapping to work out where heat needs to be trapped and where it needs to be vented, using different materials and insulation across the different parts of the jacket, such as the chest, arms, shoulders and sides.

HOOD

If it’s usually going to be worn as a mid layer a hood might get in the way amongst any other hoods your layers have. On colder days, the warmth of an insulated hood in addition to a woollen beanie may be appreciated.

SUSTAINABILITY The use of recycled materials in everything from the face fabrics to the insulation itself is becoming increasingly common and important. If the eco credentials of your outdoor gear is important to you, it’s worth looking at what the jacket is made from.

STRETCH

For strenuous activities such as scrambling – particularly when worn as a mid layer – it helps if the insulated jacket has some stretch and movement in it to avoid feeling restrictive. This can be achieved through the choice of face and lining fabrics, or by the inclusion of stretch panels in the construction.