10 Reviews: Best Insulated Jacket Backpacking (Apr 2024)

The Montbell Thermawrap Parka is the first lightest jacket on our list. The Thermawrap comes with somewhat elastic insulation to improve movement, a zippered external chest pocket, low-profile quilting to support the insulation, and a much more flattering fit are just a few of the features. The Thermawrap is ideal for people who want to go lightweight without losing features and functionality.

Patagonia’s Nano Puff is made primarily of environmentally friendly materials, including a recycled polyester ripstop shell and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which is made up of more than 50% post-consumer recycled content. It’s great for hot weather and hot people (temperature-wise, that is, although the cut is very flattering). It also offers a neutral fit that’s perfect for layering under and over. All materials are weather-resistant, and the hood is form-fitting. 

This is my go to jacket! on warm days not to hot and on cold days just right! This is my third one-

by Stevie d

Another jacket that gets high scores for breathability is the Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody. This is an item you can wear on the trail and around camp with confidence. The Fortius Air 20 face fabric balances air permeability and weather resistance, and Coreloft Compact 80 insulation keeps you toasty at camp. The Proton can withstand light snow and moisture, and the thin fit makes it an excellent mid-layer.

I definitely say this is perfect middle layer with the out shell.It is suitable for standalone when the weather is not to cold.

by Fluent Liu

The Patagonia Nano-Air has a wicking face fabric and breathable insulation, making it perfect for wearing during high-intensity sports. It’s lightweight, with a robust structure and synthetic sheet insulation that makes it easy to wash and care for overtime. Warmth without overheating is provided by the Nano Air’s insulation and 60-g FullRange fabric, which discharges heat to prevent moisture accumulation. Stretchy side panels assist freedom of motion while also preventing perspiration from accumulating beneath your arms.

The jacket has a nice fit and the jacket has kept me warm in ~25F weather with just a t-shirt underneath. I've worn it climbing, hiking and to nice dinners and it looks great. The only and I mean only downside is with high quality garments such as this pilling can happen, but it does not really effect the longevity. Luckily with black it is not noticeable so keep that in mind with other colors.

by Aaron A

For a synthetic, this jacket is quite light. It offers all of the standard weather-related benefits of synthetic insulation, as well as concerns for sustainability. It’s a great layering item, but because to the weather-resistant fabrics, it can also be worn alone as an outer layer. The breathable fleece side panels are ideal for venting without losing warmth.

Hand down the best jacket I ever own. I look forward to cold weather just so I can wear my jacket. Super light, comfortable and perfect for any occasions!

by REIRock

The Micro Puff is lighter than many down coats, weighing just 9.3 ounces. There are no drawstrings for the hood or waist, and there is no chest pocket on the jacket. The DWR-treated Pertex Quantum shell keeps the insulation in place with minimum sewing and cold areas, while the unique baffle designs keep the insulation in place with minimal stitching and cold spots. The hood is tight, with elastic replacing the drawcords. When the weather turns wet, this is better as a mid-layer than an outer layer, despite the fact that the face cloth is treated and durable.

Purchased this coat for my husband and he loves it! Extremely light, but really warm. My hubby has very manly shoulders and the XL fits him nicely. For reference he is 5’10” and about 215 lbs.

by Anonymous

The Atom SL is an on-the-go layer that is a mix of an insulating jacket and a soft shell. The Atom SL is a throw-in-your-bag, go-anywhere layering garment that weighs just under 270g and compresses down to a teeny-tiny size yet delivers a punch much beyond its weight. A smidgeon of synthetic insulation on the chest and back helps to keep you warm in the cold, while the remainder of the fabric is 20 deniers and ideally combines wind resistance and breathability.

This is the best jacket for the cold days in summer during your hike or during the winter when you do intense activities. My favourite from Arcteryx. you can add a warm jacket under and a shell over if your want a great warner kit.

by Rick

The Bam’s 73 Insulated Jacket is a synthetic insulated jacket that will keep you warm throughout the winter. It’s an eco-conscious jacket; the 73 Zero refers to 73% of apparel ending up in landfills, which Bam wants to decrease to zero. The 73 Zero jacket has recycled polyester insulation, a PFC DWR coating, and is 100% recyclable, which is a high goal.

This is the most comfortable and best fitting jacket I’ve ever owned. The colour is great, and it performs well in the cold weather. Feeling very smug about owning such high quality clothing, with a life cycle that has been completely thought through. Very happy indeed.

by David Proctor

One of Kryptek’s most popular insulated coats is the Lykos II Jacket. The Lykos II jacket stands out from other insulated jackets due to its 100% synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulation is designed to perform even when wet, dries quicker, doesn’t clump like down, and keeps you warm. The Lykos II Jacket now comes in Kryptek’s Highlander design, making it the ideal daily jacket or a useful and exceptionally lightweight layering item. The Lykos II Jacket, with an 800 fill-power, is loftier than down at the same basic weight and offers great weather protection for the active user.

Used it on a float on the Green River on 12 Feb and this jacket was super comfortable and very warm. I cant wait to wear it again.

by J Dub Ya

The Hatch Jacket blends Kryptek’s elegant aesthetic, fit, and comfort with the benefits of synthetic insulation. The Hatch is light, quick-drying, and ultra-warm due to quilted pockets of PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation. The Hatch Jacket will soon become your new go-to for all-day comfort and function, thanks to its full-snap front fastening system and lack of a hood for lower bulk and weight.

I have worn just about every jacket that Kryptek makes, so to say I was very pleasantly surprised would be an understatement!! I love a good warm jacket, as I am always cold, this is the one. Standing in the icy wind, where the jacket was you couldn't even tell, the rest of me was freezing, maybe I need an entire Hatch bodysuit!! Excellent job Kryptek

by Candy Yow