#10 Best Mid Layer Jackets for Hiking 2023
When you're hiking, a mid-layer jacket is a must-have piece of equipment to wear. Read our recommendation to find the best mid layer jackets for hiking.
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⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 37 views |
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It would help if you had a mid-layer, whether you live somewhere with four distinct seasons or somewhere more temperate. Mid layers are among the most adaptable layers available, and they come in a variety of forms and designs. Hiking also necessitates the use of a mid-layer jacket. The best mid layer jackets for hiking will keep you warm even at the mountain’s peak.
The best mid layer jackets for hiking can also be worn independently, depending on the design. They often have elements seen in jackets, such as a front zip and maybe a hood, and always offer some insulation. So, if you’re searching for the best mid layer jackets for hiking, check out our recommendations below.
Table of contents
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1.Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0: Best Overall Mid Layer Jacket
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2.Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody Men's: Best Mid Layer Jacket with Synthetic CoreLoft
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3.Arc'teryx Atom AR Hoody Men's: Best Insulation Mid Layer Jacket
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4.Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket: Best Great Looking Mid Layer Jacket
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5.Montane Fury Hoodie: Best Mid Layer Jacket with Pintetorto Tecnopile Fleece
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6.Icebreaker Merino Men's Helix Hooded Jacket: Best Mid Layer Jacket with Paneled Design
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7.Black Diamond Men's Coefficient Long Sleeve Fleece Hoody: Best Sturdy Mid Layer Jacket
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8.Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Grid II Hooded Jacket: Best Breathable Mid Layer Jacket
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9.Mammut Mens Athletic Runbold Hoodie: Best Versatile Mid Layer Jacket
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10.Smartwool Men's Smartloft 120 Mid-Layer Jacket: Best Mid Layer Jacket with 120g Synthetic Insulation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Do I need the best hiking mid layer jackets?
A mid-layer is your significant insulating layer while hiking. Its purpose is to trap heat against the body, giving warmth and protection against cold conditions. Keeping your core warm is essential for total body temperature because the warmer your core is, the more blood flows to your extremities.
What factor should I consider before purchasing the best mid-layer jackets for hiking?
- Insulation: When hiking in chilly weather, however, insulation is essential for remaining warm since the base and outer layers alone provide relatively little heat retention.
- Breathability: Whether worn between your base layer and shell or on its own, a mid-layer that isn’t breathable can keep perspiration from leaving, making you vulnerable to fast heat loss and even hypothermia. So choose a mid-layer with good breathability.
- Comfort: Various characteristics and qualities contribute to comfort in mid-layers, the most significant of which is fabric type. So, pick a fabric that meets your comfort requirements.
What is the best mid-layer jacket material?
The best material for a mid-layer jacket adds insulation and other comfortable material to its layer. This material is synthetic fill insulation, a fabric sewn between two layers to provide excellent insulation.
How much should I spend on the best mid-layer jackets for hiking?
The best mid-layer jacket for hiking spends between $100 to $500. A material, features, and brand affect the range of the price. So before you spend a lot of money on this mid-layer jacket, examine your size so you’ll get a perfect size mid-layer.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Columbia
Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 | #1 | Amazon Columbia.com eBay |
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Arc'teryx
Cerium LT Hoody Men's | #2 | Amazon Arcteryx.com eBay |
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Arc'teryx
Atom AR Hoody Men's | #3 | Amazon Arcteryx.com eBay |
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Cotopaxi
Fuego Down Hooded Jacket | #4 | Amazon Cotopaxi.com eBay |
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Montane
Fury Hoodie | #5 | Amazon Absolute-snow.co.uk eBay |
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Icebreaker
Merino Men's Helix Hooded Jacket | #6 | Amazon Icebreaker.com eBay |
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Black Diamond
Men's Coefficient Long Sleeve Fleece Hoody | #7 | Amazon Blackdiamondequipment.com eBay |
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Mountain Hardwear
Monkey Man Grid II Hooded Jacket | #8 | Amazon Shop.epictv.com eBay |
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Mammut
Mens Athletic Runbold Hoodie | #9 | Amazon Rei.com eBay |
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Smartwool
Men's Smartloft 120 Mid-Layer Jacket | #10 | Amazon Smartwool.com eBay |
10 List of Best Mid Layer Jackets for Hiking
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0
Best Overall Mid Layer Jacket
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Anyone searching for a low-cost, classic-appearing fleece that will provide enough weather protection may opt for the Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0. This hiking mid layer jacket is smooth and comfortable, perfect for wearing after a day of skiing, hiking, or any other fun and chilly outdoor activity. Furthermore, this mid layer is made of 100% polyester MTR filament fleece, a sturdy fleece that will keep you warm no matter what.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Smooth and comfortable
It is made of 100% polyester MTR filament fleece
AffordableCons (reasons to avoid)
Limited warmthWhat other experts liked
Steens Mountain is incredibly comfortable. I wore it around the home, to the grocery store, and on hikes and camping trips. It felt amazing in every situation.What other experts didn't like
In a thunderstorm, this fleece will not keep you dry. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody Men's
Best Mid Layer Jacket with Synthetic CoreLoft
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Men’s is made of 850 fill goose down that has been body mapped to increase heat in specific locations. In addition, it features a backup, synthetic CoreLoft fill that keeps you warm even when wet, as well as an excellent DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. This hiking mid layer jacket is also water-resistant and lightweight, so you can wear it whenever you go hiking.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It is made of 850 fill goose down
Lightweight
Features synthetic CoreLoftCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
Its superb features and good warmth-to-weight ratio make it a fantastic pick.What other experts didn't like
A stuff bag isn't very straightforward to use, which restricts its utility. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Arc'teryx Atom AR Hoody Men's
Best Insulation Mid Layer Jacket
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody Men’s is yet another excellent mid-layer option that can also be worn as a standalone jacket. Although it can be used in any environment, it performs best in single-digit temperatures and higher altitudes. The Atom AR offers a superb and long-lasting DWR covering. Additionally, the insulation in this hoodie is body mapped on the garment in various weights, keeping you warm.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Long-lasting DWR covering
Versatile
Excellent insulationCons (reasons to avoid)
There is no large pocketWhat other experts liked
The Atom AR is a real cold-weather standout and an excellent down jacket substitute.What other experts didn't like
Despite having storage in three smaller pockets, there are no large pockets. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket
Best Great Looking Mid Layer Jacket
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket has a distinctive appearance. It features practically top-of-the-line insulation with 800-fill-power down and a treated outer cloth to improve the jacket’s weather resistance. Aside from the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, the outer cloth is also very durable and well-made, making it an ideal mid-layer for hiking.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Great-looking design
Lightweight
VersatileCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
This jacket is incredibly breathable while maintaining its warmth.What other experts didn't like
Interior storage compartments might be improved. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Montane Fury Hoodie
Best Mid Layer Jacket with Pintetorto Tecnopile Fleece
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The MONTANE Fury Hoodie, made from Pintetorto Tecnopile fleece, is arguably the softest, coziest hoodie you’ll ever come across. This is a good mid-layer for hiking since it has stretch panels on the sides and underarms for freedom of movement, three external pockets, and an adjustable hem and hood. This mid-layer also has low-profile flat locking sewed seams for added comfort and durability.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It is made of Pintetorto Tecnopile fleece
Three external pockets
DurableCons (reasons to avoid)
Snug fitWhat other experts liked
Excellent stuff, enough comfy and cozyWhat other experts didn't like
Not a loose fit, but a moderately snug fit - Have a problem
with this product?#6Icebreaker Merino Men's Helix Hooded Jacket
Best Mid Layer Jacket with Paneled Design
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Icebreaker Merino Men’s Helix Hooded Jacket is a synthetic hoodie with a DWR coating. The Merino wool is used in this mid-layer to keep you warm while wicking away moisture. The Helix Hooded Jacket has a paneled design with zonal quilting, 70g merino insulation, a 100 percent polyester shell, zipped hand pockets, and a tight hood. This is a good option if you’re searching for a mid-layer with decent warmth.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It is made of Merino wool
Features paneled design with zonal quilting
Zipped hand pocketsCons (reasons to avoid)
CostlyWhat other experts liked
Low-bulk insulation that is excellent for a mid layer without compromising mobility.What other experts didn't like
Expensive in comparison to other comparable alternatives on the market. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Black Diamond Men's Coefficient Long Sleeve Fleece Hoody
Best Sturdy Mid Layer Jacket
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Polartec Power Dry fabric makes the Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient Long Sleeve Fleece Hoody. This material is breathable, keeping you warm when hiking in chilly conditions. Additionally, when worn alone, this hiking mid layer jacket has a toasty insulator in a three-part layering system and a sturdy, dependable outer.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It is made of Polartec Power Dry fabric
Breathable
SturdyCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
A good option for thinner people looking for a lightweight fleece for climbing, hiking, and ski touring.What other experts didn't like
For a climbing jacket, I didn't find it overly stretchy in the arms-above-shoulders movement. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Grid II Hooded Jacket
Best Breathable Mid Layer Jacket
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Grid II Hooded Jacket is constructed of ultra-soft Polartec High Loft Fleece. This sort of fleece will keep you warm and comfortable all day. Additionally, it is wicking, breathable, quick-drying, and has a tight enough fabric to withstand strong winds.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Soft and comfortable
Breathable
It is made of ultra-soft Polartec High Loft fleeceCons (reasons to avoid)
Not windproofWhat other experts liked
This fleece is warm and comfortable for your inner monkey man, making it an excellent option for the wilderness.What other experts didn't like
It is not windproof at all. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Mammut Mens Athletic Runbold Hoodie
Best Versatile Mid Layer Jacket
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you’re the kind who always has a hoody somewhere in your layering system, regardless of the weather or activities, this Mammut Men’s Athletic Runbold Hoodie is a good choice. The waffle construction hoody does an excellent job of keeping you warm when required and cool when not. This is due to its lightweight construction and outstanding quick-drying features, which constantly strive to drain moisture away from you.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Versatile
It has quick-drying features
LightweightCons (reasons to avoid)
Tight fitWhat other experts liked
The neck, when zipped up, becomes part of the hood and is very tight fitting.What other experts didn't like
Bad breathability. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Smartwool Men's Smartloft 120 Mid-Layer Jacket
Best Mid Layer Jacket with 120g Synthetic Insulation
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This Smartwool Men’s Smartloft 120 Jacket is lightweight yet well-insulated and warm. This hiking mid layer jacket has 120g of synthetic insulation woven into baffles providing warmth from the neck to the bottom of the core. In addition to the insulation, the back panel and sleeves are made entirely of merino wool. A nylon shell with a DWR coating adds the last layer of comfort and warmth.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Lightweight
Features 120g synthetic insulation
Comfortable and warmthCons (reasons to avoid)
Not wind resistantWhat other experts liked
So comfortable and a perfect fit.What other experts didn't like
This mid-layer is not wind resistant.
Conclusion: Best Mid Layer Jackets for Hiking
The mid-layer jacket is must-have equipment when you’re hiking. The best mid layer jackets for hiking will keep you warm even at the mountain’s peak. When planning to have this one, you should consider your body size to avoid getting a bigger or smaller mid-layer jacket. And we hope that our recommendation of the best mid layer jackets for hiking above can help you find the best one.