Best Mid Layer for Hiking & Backpacking [2024]

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This is a gear assessment concerning the Best Mid Layers for Hiking and Backpacking for 2024.

Good mid-layers are an necessary merchandise of clothes, significantly when backpacking and climbing in colder circumstances. There are many choices of clothes to make use of as mid-layers. Lightweight Down Jackets and Fleece Jackets are one of the best choices with a number of artificial insulated jackets accessible. This means there are climbing mid-layers which are excellent for each situation.

Keep studying to seek out which one is best for you.

How We Tested

All the Mid Layers on this assessment have been extensively evaluated and researched by the knowledgeable creator who has a few years of expertise in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Mid Layers had been bought and a few had been provided by the producer. They have been rigorously examined by the creator in all types of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to give you one of the best climbing mid layers for 2024. Read the Review Policy for additional particulars.

Best Mid Layers for Hiking and Backpacking 2024

The Best Mid Layers for Backpacking and Hiking for 2024 are:

Best Mid Layer 2024 – Overall

Patagonia R1 TechFace Jacket

Weight: 11.5oz / 326grams
Material: Recycled Polyester Blend Fleece
Pros:
> The dual-adjust cord-lock system on the hem to entice warmth.
> Slim match to cut back bulk and sag
> 69% of the polyester has been recycled.
Cons:
> Due to the slim match be sure to get the proper measurement.

The Patagonia R1 TechFace is the following era of their Regulator fleece with its heat, stretchy materials that’s exceptionally breathable. The unparalleled consolation of this fleece has had a revamp, benefiting from climate and abrasion resistance.

The total glossy and low bulk design, full with snag-resistant cuffs, means this climbing midlayer is not going to limit motion when worn underneath your outer layer. The match of this backpacking mid-layer is especially slim to stop bulkiness, so be sure to verify the sizing guides to seek out your excellent match. The dual-adjust cord-lock system on the hem may be tightened to take a seat snugly in opposition to the waist to entice in warmth and forestall chilly wafts up the midriff. Everything has been completed to make sure this jacket suits near the physique to entice heat.

This fleece layer is an effective choice for many who prefer to be environmentally aware as 69% of the polyester it’s made with has been recycled.

There is a selection of kinds, there may be one with out a hood and half zip or full zip and hood.

Overall, this is likely one of the greatest mid-layers for backpacking, informal put on, and journey in the marketplace.

Best Synthetic Mid Layer 2024

Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Jacket

Weight: 12.8 oz / 363 grams
Material: Synthetic
Pros:
> Windproof
> Good pockets
> Windproof
> Good use of recycled supplies
Cons:
> Would be good if it was a bit lighter

The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Jacket is likely one of the greatest windproof mid-layers made with high quality artificial materials.

The Patagonia Nano Puff makes use of Primaloft Gold Eco insulation which is constituted of 100% recycled artificial materials. I believe that is one of the best artificial insulation materials for insulation in the marketplace in the intervening time. Add to that the great windproof polyester shell which can also be constituted of 100% recycled materials. It additionally comes with two zippered hand pockets that are nicely located.

It is available in a hoody and non-hooded model and in addition a vest so you’ll be able to select no matter fits you greatest. I favor the hooded model.

Overall, the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody artificial mid-layer jacket could be very well-liked and the most effective backpacking jackets on this assessment. You will see hikers on this jacket in all of the corners of the world.

Best Down Mid Layer

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody Review

Down Fill Weight – unknown
Total Loft –  unknown
Down Fill Power  – Responsibly sourced, non-hydrophobic 850 loft down
Outer material – Weather-resistant Arato 15D material with DWR
Hood – Yes
Pockets – Yes
Stuff sack – Yes
Pros:
> Ultra light-weight.
> 850 fill down.
> More fragile materials than the opposite jackets reviewed
Cons:
> Hydrophobic down be an enchancment for this down jacket

The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is an excellent light-weight down jacket that’s a lot hotter than it appears to be like. This up to date mannequin has a barely thicker outer shell than the earlier mannequin which has elevated the load by virtually one ounce, however it’s nonetheless very light-weight and heat.

Although the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody 850 fill-down jacket doesn’t use hydrophobic down, it does have a waterproof outer with DWR Treatment. Some of the excessive moisture areas use artificial insulation as an alternative of down. This results in stage of water resistance however the lack of hydrophobic down will preserve this jacket from being a favourite moist surroundings.

The outer materials of the jacket is a really light-weight material that’s windproof and robust sufficient to resist gentle abuse. But it is a little more fragile and care is required to ensure it isn’t destroyed by sharp sticks on the path. For climbing on trails, it’s excellent. Bashing your approach by an unmarked path with sharp sticks in the course of nowhere, perhaps not.

Overall, this light-weight down jacket for women and men makes use of excessive fill energy non-hydrophobic down and is likely one of the higher down jackets. It is ultra-light and heat sufficient for thru-hiking all however the wettest of trails. The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody can be near the proper ultra-light-down jacket for climbing the Pacific Crest Trail.

Best Ultralight Down Mid Layer

Zpacks Goose Down Jacket

Weight – 7.4 oz / 211 grams
Down Fill Weight – 3.8 oz / 108 grams
Total Loft –  3610 cubic inches
Down Fill Power  – Hydrophobic 950+ loft down
Outer material – 7D material with DWR
Hood – Yes
Pockets – Yes
Stuff sack – stuffs into the chest pocket
Pros:
> Ultralight and greatest heat to weight
> 950+ Hydrophobic Down
> Very heat
> Good climate resistant materials and DWR
Cons:
> No zips on the pockets
> 7D material will not be designed for any off-trail climbing
> Not the most affordable

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is an impressively gentle down jacket. It will not be solely one of many lightest down jackets in the marketplace however the complete loft and heat of this jacket make it higher than virtually all the opposite jackets on this assessment!

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is filled with 950+ hydrophobic down. The baffles on the jacket are beneficiant sufficient to permit the right down to loft up properly and supply stage of heat.

To preserve the load down Zpacks have used a really skinny and light-weight 7 Denier material. While this does a superb job of protecting the general weight of the jacket to a minimal it must be famous that it makes the jacket quite delicate, and due to this fact greatest suited to climbing on trails or to be used at camp. Wearing this jacket for any off-trail climbing will not be beneficial.

The mixture of the 7D material coated with a DWR and the usage of hydrophobic down provides this jacket stage of water resistance. While I might not suggest that you simply use this jacket within the rain, I examined this jacket in gentle rain and it retained its heat and loft. Good to know in the event you ever get caught out in poor climate. But please convey a light-weight rain jacket for dangerous climate!

During testing, I famous that the match of the jacket is sweet, with sufficient room to layer a fleece jacket beneath if wanted. Be very certain to observe the sizing tips on the Zpacks web site, as they’re very detailed about what measurement you should purchase. At the second they don’t have girls’s particular sizing, so girls ought to be aware of the hip measurement when shopping for. And in the event you occur to be curvy then this jacket might not be for you.

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket comes with 2 hand hotter pockets that do not need a zipper. The lack of zips retains the load down, however storage of something is not going to be a good suggestion. They do job of protecting palms heat and positioned in order that they don’t intrude with hipbelts when backpacking.

It comes with a good hood that has a toggle adjustment. The hood will not be one of the best compared to others on this assessment, but it surely serves the aim of protecting the pinnacle heat whereas protecting the load down. It additionally has a toggle to regulate the waist which is a helpful function does the job nicely.

The down jacket is saved within the zippered chest pocket which is beneficiant sufficient in measurement to make packing and unpacking straightforward.

Overall, the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is one of the best ultralight down jacket for 2024. Stay tuned for a full in-depth assessment of this as I check the jacket for long-term sturdiness.

Best Lightweight Mid Layer 2024

Patagonia R1 Air Jacket

Weight: 10.2oz / 289grams
Material: Hollow Core Fleece
Pros:
> Large vary selection.
> 100% recycled polyester fleece.
> Lightweight
Cons:
> No pockets for palms, only a very small chest pocket

Patagonia’s status and superior high quality assure them a number of areas on the checklist of one of the best mid-layers accessible.

The Patagonia R1 Air vary is constituted of 100% recycled polyester, excellent for reducing your carbon footprint. It is a light-weight and breathable technical fleece, excellent for high-exertion actions in colder circumstances. The fleece can also be quick-drying with woven binding on the hem and cuffs which supplies added stretch for a superior match.

The vary extends to a full-zip hoody, a zip-neck choice, and a crew neck so you might be sure to seek out one of the best fleece mid layers that fit your wants.

Overall, this is likely one of the greatest light-weight mid-layers for backpacking.

Best Ultralight Mid Layer 2024

Macpac Nitro Hoody Jacket

Weight: 4.9oz / 140grams
Material: Polartec Alpha Direct Fleece
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Fast wicking materials will switch moisture away from the pores and skin
> The light-weight material is machine cleanable and quick drying
> Elastic thumb loops
> Best at school heat to weight ratio
Cons:
> Only accessible in Australia and New Zealand
> The hood feels greatest when worn underneath an outer layer.
> Feels delicate (however is stronger than it appears to be like)

A Macpac Nitro mid-layer is an effective selection as the corporate works with the New Zealand Alpine Team, so you already know that your mid-layer goes to be one of the best round.

I’ve been utilizing and testing the Macpac’s Nitro mid-layer for a number of years as a part of a long-term check of the sturdiness of this product. Weighing in at solely 4.9 oz / 140 grams this tremendous light-weight jacket is made with military-grade insulation. It is the lightest, most insulated fleece layer I’ve tried. An enormous assertion however that’s how extremely I fee this climbing fleece jacket.

It incorporates a small zip pocket on the chest for simple storage and thumb loops to maintain the sleeves in the proper place. It additionally incorporates a hood that’s good when worn beneath a rain jacket or down jacket when you really want insulation from the chilly.

The Polartec Alpha Direct fibers are so environment friendly that the necessity for a backing material is gone and are appropriate for put on immediately in opposition to the pores and skin in the event you select. But it’s higher to make use of one of many Best Lightweight Base Layers you can afford beneath it.

The Polartec Alpha material is extremely gentle and has one of the best heat to weight ratio of any jacket aside from a down jacket, however with considerably higher breathability.

Durability is a serious situation with this materials. So to actually check it out I’ve been commonly utilizing this jacket for greater than 2 years of use when climbing, backpacking, and basic winter use. It actually is delicate and extra care must be taken with this materials however it’s nonetheless going robust in spite of everything this time.

Overall, that is one of the best ultralight mid-layer for backpacking. Unfortunately, this product is just accessible in Australia and New Zealand, however different producers take be aware, that that is what all ultralight mid layers ought to appear to be.

Best Budget Mid Layer 2024

REI Co-Op Trailmade Fleece Jacket

Weight: 12.7 oz / 360 grams

Material: Midweight Fleece
Pros:
> Comfortable
> Durable and nicely made
> Affordable
Cons:
> It is a relaxed match which implies it will probably really feel a bit outsized for some folks

The REI Co-Op Trailmade Fleece Mid Layer is a really reasonably priced fleece jacket.

This is a sturdy jacket that may final you a few years of exhausting put on. You can put on this jacket all yr spherical in a variety of temperatures and climate circumstances.

This mid layer jacket is extra of a relaxed match and never a good body-hugging design like some others on this assessment. So there can be loads of room to maneuver and loads of room contained in the hand hotter pockets.

Overall, the REI Co-Op Trailmade Fleece Jacket is well-built and cozy to put on. If you need to save a bit of cash, that is one of the best finances mid layer jacket for 2024.

More Mid Layers for Backpacking

Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody Jacket

Weight: 13.4oz / 380grams
Material: Polartec Power Stretch Pro
Pros:
> Great consolation and mobility.
> Two hand pockets with zippers
> Stretchy fleece material
Cons:
> Slim match so verify sizing

The Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody presents stretch fleece with sufficient insulation to make it excellent to make use of as a layering piece throughout chilly circumstances, or as a standalone piece when the local weather is milder.

The breathable and light-weight design is extremely delicate, which means it may be worn subsequent to the pores and skin. But like most mid layers it’s best for use over a high quality backpacking base layer.

With enhanced moisture-wicking properties and stretch expertise for ergonomic freedom, you might be assured all-day consolation with this fleece mid layer.

Comfort can also be a given with the chin guard to cease chin and neck zipper chafing, in addition to a low-profile hood to restrict bulking underneath your outer shell layer. There are additionally two hand pockets with zippers which are safe sufficient to retailer all small necessities or are excellent for warming up chilly fingers.

Overall, that is one other superior fleece mid-layer for climbing and backpacking. If you’re a fan ofArc’teryx, you’ll love this jacket.

Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody Jacket

Weight: 6.9oz / 195grams
Material: Merino Wool and Capilene Polyester Blend
Pros:
> Responsible Wool Standard licensed materials
> The excessive collar and seamless hood with its form that mirrors the contours of the pinnacle to make sure heat.
> Knit with elastic on the cuffs and hem to make for snug prolonged use and restoration.
Cons:
> Not greatest fitted to milder climates.

Patagonia’s status is such that they’re featured once more on the checklist of mid layers, this time with a hoody which might be an ideal mid layer for chilly climates or would make stand-alone layer.

The three-dimensional knit construction of the Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody provides unbelievable consolation vary and superb heat. Its seamless design presents supreme consolation and minimal bulking underneath any outer shell layer.

The merino wool used within the jacket is sourced from Responsible Wool Standard licensed farms, making certain the safety of the animal and the land they graze and making this mid-layer the proper sustainable buy.

The material is constituted of a mixture of merino wool and recycled polyester and wicks moisture, however it’s fast drying properties imply you might be sure to stay odor free. The materials can also be delicate in opposition to the pores and skin and stretches for all-day consolation.

Overall, it is a nice mid layer that’s gentle in weight and hotter than it appears to be like and lives as much as Patagonia’s ethos on responsibly sourced supplies and dedication to sustainability.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded

Total Weight – 249g / 8.8oz
Material: Down
Pros:
> Ultralight
> very small pack measurement
> Perfect for the ultralight thru-hiker
Cons:
> No hydrophobic down
> No changes within the hood

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is likely one of the hottest Lightweight Down Jackets among the many ultralight thru-hikers of the world. An excellent mixture of a number of the lightest materials and no-frills designs mix to make this one of many high picks.

The up to date Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer 2 down jacket doesn’t use hydrophobic down because it had beforehand. In my opinion, it is a transfer backward but it surely has introduced the worth down somewhat which is constructive.

Despite the dearth of hydrophobic down, it does have DWR end however total this jacket doesn’t fare nicely in damp circumstances.

Another factor used to maintain the load down is the elastic on the hood quite than an elastic draw chord. This helps preserve the general weight. Overall the jacket works nicely and is a high decide for the ultra-light thru-hiker.

I might like to see the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 return to utilizing hydrophobic down as was the case on the earlier mannequin earlier than this replace.

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is likely one of the greatest ultralight down jackets for backpacking in 2024. It can also be one of the packable because it stuffs into its personal pocket.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Jacket

Weight: 428g / 15.1oz
Material: Down
Pros:
> Reasonably priced contemplating it’s Patagonia
> Warm
> Environmentally pleasant
Cons:
> Not the lightest down jacket
> Bulky pack measurement

The Patagonia Down Sweater is likely one of the hottest down jackets on the earth. A mixture of environmentally pleasant design and manufacturing, mixed with light-weight match makes for an amazing down jacket.

I used and examined the Patagonia Down Sweater over a 2 yr interval as a part of a long run check. It at all times carried out as anticipated and I preferred how heat it saved me.

As you’ll anticipate with Patagonia, they use a recycled nylon face material coated with a DWR. The down is ethically sourced 800 loft.

The mixture of the standard down, good face material, practical match and set of hand pockets and chest pockets make for down jacket. With the exception of the environmentally pleasant heritage, there may be nothing particular about this jacket. And that’s what makes it nice. No frills, no advertising hype. It simply works.

Overall, this is likely one of the greatest down mid-layers with out the frills and advertising hype. It simply works. If you might be heading off on the paths or touring the world, this is likely one of the greatest backpacking down jackets in the marketplace in 2024.

Arc’teryx Atom Jacket

Weight: 13.2 oz / 375 grams
Material: Synthetic
Pros:
> Good aspect stretch panels
> Wind resistant
> Looks trendy
Cons:
> A bit heavy

The lately up to date Arc’teryx Atom LT now has a greater stage of insulation and the outer face material is a bit higher than the earlier mannequin.

While it isn’t as heat as a down mid-layer it has wind-resistant material and sufficient insulation for many circumstances. It appears to be like fairly good and is likely one of the most trendy jackets on this assessment. The Arc’teryx Atom LT can be a sensible choice for heading out in damp cool climate and whereas it is not going to be as heat as a down layer it’ll preserve you heat. The aspect stretch panel helps with motion when lively.

Overall, the Arc’teryx Atom LT is likely one of the greatest artificial mid layers on this assessment and nicely fitted to use backpacking, climbing, snowboarding, touring, or round city on these cool days.

Patagonia Nano Air Jacket

Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 grams
Material: Synthetic
Pros:
> Comfortable
> Good Stretch
> Nice Pockets
> Wind-resistant outer shell
Cons:
> Not as heat as a number of the fleece or Down Jackets

The Patagonia Nano Air is an effective jacket in virtually each respect however doesn’t attain perfection in any space. And the truth that it’s good at all the pieces is likely one of the greatest issues concerning the jacket, there may be not a lot to fault.

The artificial puffy jacket provides stage of heat and breathability. Add to that the windproof outer materials and it retains the heat in when wanted. But it is not going to compete with any of the down jackets for heat or any of the Polartec Alpha jackets for breathability.

It has good accessible pockets, and full-length zip, and is available in a hooded jacket choice.

Overall, the Patagonia Nano Air Jacket is likely one of the greatest windproof layers with good breathability and efficiency in dangerous climate.

Mid Layer Comparison Table

Hiking Mid Layer

Mid layers are worn between the bottom layer and outer layer and are the layer that gives any precise heat. The heat offered by your climbing mid-layer depends upon the ‘loft’ which is a sign of the layer’s potential to entice heat air.

As such, the significance of selecting mid-layer can’t be overstated. Preferences will fluctuate relying on the exercise and purchaser, making discovering your excellent layer a frightening process, however there are some key issues to keep in mind.

Types of Fabrics

One of an important components to contemplate is the fabric that your mid layer is fabricated from as not all supplies are appropriate for all circumstances.

Down

Goose and duck down, for instance, is one of the best insulating materials by weight accessible for mid layers however solely works when dry so is unsuitable for any moist circumstances. Unless you’re going into extraordinarily chilly areas I don’t suggest down mid-layer. It works greatest because the layer to make use of excessive of the mid layer or because the outer layer except it’s raining.

Fleece

Fleece is a standard selection as it’s extremely delicate, snug, light-weight, and insulating. Fleece is a novel material in that it retains its insulating properties even when moist however can also be unable to soak up moisture.

It is machine cleanable for simple care and is breathable for all-day consolation. The solely doable draw back is that fleece can clump collectively in unattractive tablets which ultimately impacts insulation.

Fleece and all its newest upgrades resembling Polartec Alpha are main the way in which in light-weight insulating layers. I consider these are one of the best mid-layer supplies.

And fleece is usually constituted of recycled plastic water bottles, it’s good to recycle and reuse.

Merino Wool

Merino wool is one other well-liked choice for mid-layering items and can be utilized for good base layers too.

Merino wool has antimicrobial properties which can restrict disagreeable odors, as will its breathability, and is taken into account to be extra sustainable as it’s a pure fiber. But the draw back is that it’s fairly heavy for the load and may be fragile except used as a mix.

If you might be buying your mid-layer items for extra intense actions involving unpredictable climate, a softshell jacket could also be for you.

Softshell

A softshell is normally woven from polyester and is worn between a water-resistant outer layer and a fleece on an internal layer.

When worn as a part of a layering system, a softshell will forestall any moisture that’s penetrating waterproof outer layers from hitting your pores and skin and reducing your temperature.

They are extra sturdy and provide higher safety from the weather than simply fleece or merino wool alone, therefore their reputation amongst these partaking in intense out of doors actions. 

Softshells typically usually are not one of the best supplies for mid-layers however they can be utilized as an outer layer in winter.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic Insulation is usually somewhat hotter than many fleece jackets and performs higher in damp climate than down. As but artificial insulation is unable to supply the heat weight of down, neither is it as packable as down. But it’s only a matter of time earlier than expertise will produce one thing to rival down insulation. They are additionally very breathable which is nice when climbing and backpacking.

Feature of The Best Mid Layers

There are a number of options of mid layers that it’s best to take into accounts.

Hoods

Almost all of the jackets on this assessment are available in a number of variations and virtually all provide a hooded model.

Pockets

Chest pockets, hand pockets, or no pockets. Those are the same old decisions.

Chest pockets are normally fairly small and never that sensible. Most are small and never even large enough for a smartphone, however they may match keys or small issues.

Hand pockets are good on these center layers but when your objective is to be an ultralight hiker then you’ll search for one thing with out pockets.

Zippers

Some of the ultralight layers haven’t any zips to cut back weight however most have both a full zip or half zip. If choosing a zippered jacket it’s normally higher to have a full zip for extra versatility in relation to venting warmth when wanted.

Mid Layer for Cold

If you’re buying mid-layers for terribly chilly days, go for an insulated jacket. They are the warmest and most insulating mid layers accessible and work by trapping air between fibers.

These fibers are both down or artificial, with artificial being the higher choice for moist environments or in the event you intend on carrying your mid layer throughout intense exercise as a result of fibers’ moisture resistance.

Fit

The match of your jacket is necessary as improper sizing is not going to provide the advantages of carrying the piece. Ideally, mid layers are worn tight sufficient that physique warmth is retained however are free sufficient that you’re nonetheless capable of put on base layers beneath. 

Weight

As a part of a layering system, mid layers have to be gentle sufficient that they don’t add pointless bulk as this can restrict your freedom of motion.

Mid layers which have polyester, Lycra, or Spandex as a part of their composition for added flexibility.

Breathability

Breathability can also be necessary to contemplate right here as mid layers with low breathability will make you’re feeling uncomfortable all through the day and preserve any perspiration near the pores and skin which must be prevented.

At the other finish, mid layers with low absorption will block any water penetrating the outer layer from hitting your physique.

Durability

While many of the gear on this assessment will final you a really very long time it must be famous that some will last more than others. Fleece will slowly shed its fibers over time till ultimately there may be not a lot left. If you handle to take care of your fleece jacket and get 10-15 years out of it you will notice there may be not a lot left. And they’re vulnerable to getting holes as the material will not be the strongest.

Polartec Alpha is a fragile material and for many who are robust on their clothes, it’s possible you’ll need to select one thing else. If you might be carrying this as an outer layer and climbing off path Polartec Alpha will get holes fairly simply.

Down jackets and Synthetic insulation jackets are inclined to have a fragile outer material that isn’t essentially the most sturdy if climbing off-trail.

Overall, when climbing on trails all of the materials are fairly sturdy however when off the path and uncovered to sharp rocks or tree branches your gear may endure.

Price

One of the great issues about utilizing a center layer for climbing is the worth. They are actually not the most costly clothes merchandise. But the worth comes with worth as most of those layers is not going to solely serve the aim of layering when backpacking and climbing however can be utilized snowboarding, touring, or round city.

Conclusion

The greatest climbing mid layers for 2024 are:

Frequently Asked Questions

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