10 Reviews: Best Insulated Jacket for Hiking (Mar 2024)
Wearing an insulated jacket is a must when hiking, so let this list help you find the right jacket!
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
Kryptek
|
2
Sherpa Adventure Gear
|
3
Black Diamond
|
4
L.L.Bean
|
5
Mountain Hardwear
|
6
Mont.bell
|
7
Mountain Hardwear
|
8
Arc'teryx Store
|
9
Patagonia
|
10
The North Face
|
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Product Name | HATCH JACKET | Annapurna Featherless Down Hooded Jacket | First Light Stretch Hooded Jacket | Men's PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket | Compressor Insulated Hoodie | U.L. THERMAWRAP PARKA MEN'S | Ghost Shadow Insulated Hoodie | Atom LT Insulated Hoodie | Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie | Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
Features | Elegant Jacket | Synthetic Insulated Jacket | Active Synthetic Jacket | Double Insulation Jacket | Lightweight Insulated Jacket with Hoodie | Lightweight Synthetic Insulation | Ultra Insulation Jacket | Lightweight Insulated Hoodie | Synthetic Hoodie | Classic Retro Insulated Jacket |
INSULATION | 200gm PrimaLoft® synthetic | 3M Thinsulate Featherless polyester fibers | 60g PrimaLoft Silver Active | 60-gram PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation | Thermal.Q Elite 85% recycled polyester/15% polyester (bluesign® approved) | STRETCH EXCELOFT synthetic insulation, 40g/m² | 80g PrimaLoft synthetic fibers (70% recycled) | 60g Coreloft Compact synthetic fibers | 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco polyester | 700 Fill Goose Down |
COLOR | Black, C-Green | Black | Cypress/Black, Dark Crimson/Black, Kingfisher, Black | 7 Options | Black, Black Spruce | Spectrum Blue, Black, Pure Indigo | 4 Options | 5 Options | 7 Options | Faded Rose, TNF White, Recycled TNF Black, Blackberry Wine, Monterey Blue |
SIZE | S - XXXL | S, XL | S, M, L, XL | M, L, XL, XXL | S - XXL | S, M, L, XL | S - XXL | S - XXL | S - XXL | XS - 3XL |
POCKETS | 2 chest snap pockets, 2 hand snap pockets | Zippered hand pockets, Napolean chest pocket | n/a | Two hand pockets, one chest pocket | 1 secure-zip chest pocket, 2 zippered hand pockets | 3 pockets (2 zippered hand pockets, 1 zippered chest pocket) | Zippered handwarmer pockets | Two zippered handwarmer pockets | Secure-zip hand pockets | |
price | $139.99 | $148.73 | $259.95 | $189.00 | $250.00 | $209.00 | $124.83 | $259.00 | $249.00 | $280.00 |
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Insulation jackets are the way to go if you’re looking for a jacket that provides excellent warmth at a reasonable price. Synthetic jackets don’t have the same warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but they resist moisture, breathe better, and are more cost-effective. With so many options on the market, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite insulated jackets for hiking, ranging from lightweight options for chilly autumn and spring weather to winter parkas that can withstand the worst four-season conditions.
Table of contents
Product list
- Kryptek HATCH JACKET: Elegant Jacket
- Sherpa Adventure Gear Annapurna Featherless Down Hooded Jacket: Synthetic Insulated Jacket
- Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hooded Jacket: Active Synthetic Jacket
- L.L.Bean Men's PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket: Double Insulation Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear Compressor Insulated Hoodie: Lightweight Insulated Jacket with Hoodie
- Mont.bell U.L. THERMAWRAP PARKA MEN'S: Lightweight Synthetic Insulation
- Mountain Hardwear Ghost Shadow Insulated Hoodie : Ultra Insulation Jacket
- Arc'teryx Store Atom LT Insulated Hoodie : Lightweight Insulated Hoodie
- Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie : Synthetic Hoodie
- The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket: Classic Retro Insulated Jacket
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does an insulated jacket do?
In cold weather, insulated jackets help to minimize the amount of heat your body loses to the natural atmosphere. There is no guarantee that they are waterproof; some people prefer to carry about a lightweight waterproof jacket in their bag and only put on the jacket when it is raining or snowing.
What makes a jacket insulated?
A typical insulated jacket consists of an outer layer—either a hard or soft shell—and an insulating layer that is built into the jacket itself. This layer is usually made of fleece, down, or synthetic material, all of which are excellent ways to keep warm in the winter.
When should you wear an insulated jacket?
Insulated jackets are just what you need for a winter coat and are especially beneficial for those who are particularly sensitive to the cold during the fall and winter months. These jackets can be worn as an outer layer or as a layer under a waterproof jacket on rainy days to keep you dry.
How long should an insulated jacket be?
So that it fully covers your wrist as well as the bottom 1/4 of your hand, the hem should be placed just where your thumb and index finger come together. This length will help to guarantee that your hands remain toasty throughout the day. Avoid wearing coats with a hemline that is shorter than this.
10 Reviews: Best Insulated Jacket for Hiking (Mar 2024)
1.
Kryptek
HATCH JACKET
Elegant Jacket
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
INSULATION | 200gm PrimaLoft® synthetic |
---|---|
COLOR | Black, C-Green |
SIZE | S - XXXL |
POCKETS | 2 chest snap pockets, 2 hand snap pockets |
2.
Sherpa Adventure Gear
Annapurna Featherless Down Hooded Jacket
Synthetic Insulated Jacket
The quality construction of this synthetic piece can be seen in the small features and attention to detail. The stitching, fabric, and construction all provide a high-end appearance and feel. A subtle but welcome addition is the felt lining in the chest and handwarmer pockets. Sherpa uses 3M’s Thinsulate for its performance. As the temperature ranged from 40 degrees and windy to 20 degrees and snowing, this well-known insulator performed well. Much more than that, and you’ll need to cover it with a thicker insulator.
INSULATION | 3M Thinsulate Featherless polyester fibers |
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COLOR | Black |
SIZE | S, XL |
POCKETS | Zippered hand pockets, Napolean chest pocket |
3.
Black Diamond
First Light Stretch Hooded Jacket
Active Synthetic Jacket
Black Diamond has been putting a lot of effort into jackets recently, and the results have been impressive. For chilly weather, we favor their heavyweight Belay Parka, while the First Light Stretch is a much more active synthetic that can be worn as an outer layer or mid-layer in a variety of conditions. To be fair, the designers constructed the First Light with ski touring and climbing in mind—they call it an excellent “start-stop” item and its construction and feature set agree (it’s worth mentioning that BD also produces the First Light Hybrid, which adds merino across the back for even more breathability).
... I really wanted to test its insulation/breathability so I went out mountain biking with it, with just one long sleeve thin dri-fit shirt underneath. It was night, 35F-40F temps out, and the jacket was doing its work by keeping me warm. Once running and my body heated up... this jacket performed flawlessly. Never felt suffocated, or extra warm, or damp inside or anything. It cuts through the wind really well too! ...
by Jose Mndz
INSULATION | 60g PrimaLoft Silver Active |
---|---|
COLOR | Cypress/Black, Dark Crimson/Black, Kingfisher, Black |
SIZE | S, M, L, XL |
POCKETS | n/a |
4.
L.L.Bean
Men's PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket
Double Insulation Jacket
The LL Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Hoodie is made of 100% recycled polyester shell and lining and is insulated with a combination of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and aerogel, a NASA-developed lightweight insulator. It contains a non-adjustable elastic hood and wrist cuffs, two zippered handwarmer pockets, an external zippered chest pocket, and an internal media pocket with an audio input to block out frightening nature noises when hiking. The jacket has a drawcord hem that keeps out chilly breezes and fits conveniently into its own pocket. There is also a variant for ladies.
Husband loves it - lightweight and very warm. I want one for myself now too
by Alice E
INSULATION | 60-gram PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation |
---|---|
COLOR | 7 Options |
SIZE | M, L, XL, XXL |
POCKETS | Two hand pockets, one chest pocket |
5.
Mountain Hardwear
Compressor Insulated Hoodie
Lightweight Insulated Jacket with Hoodie
The Mountain Hardwear Compressor Insulated Hoodie is a lightweight hoodie insulated with 85 % Mountain Hardwear Thermal.Q Elite polyester insulation. It has two zipped handwarmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket, and an internal drop pocket, as well as a volume adjustable hood and velcro wrist cuffs to keep the cold out.
... I love down jackets and wear them a lot, especially the Ghost Whisperer UL and the Stretch Down jackets. However when the temperature is close to freezing and theres lots of precip, everything gets wet. When you're out in wet/snowy conditions with a howling wind you really need something that is going to protect you from the elements, for the whole day. ...
by Alpinist247
INSULATION | Thermal.Q Elite 85% recycled polyester/15% polyester (bluesign® approved) |
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COLOR | Black, Black Spruce |
SIZE | S - XXL |
POCKETS | 1 secure-zip chest pocket, 2 zippered hand pockets |
6.
Mont.bell
U.L. THERMAWRAP PARKA MEN'S
Lightweight Synthetic Insulation
The Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka is a parka that is misnamed since it’s best utilized as a mid-layer or outer layer down to freezing temperatures, rather than as a full-on winter coat. It contains two zipped handwarmer pockets and an external chest pocket, as well as Montbell’s lightweight synthetic insulation. The hood includes an elastic opening and a rear volume adjustment, as well as a slight front brim. There are elastic wrist cuffs and hem adjusters hidden in the pockets.
INSULATION | STRETCH EXCELOFT synthetic insulation, 40g/m² |
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COLOR | Spectrum Blue, Black, Pure Indigo |
SIZE | S, M, L, XL |
POCKETS | 3 pockets (2 zippered hand pockets, 1 zippered chest pocket) |
7.
Mountain Hardwear
Ghost Shadow Insulated Hoodie
Ultra Insulation Jacket
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Shadow Insulated Hoody can be worn as an outer layer on cold days or as a layering item when the temperature drops. It has a PFC-free recycled nylon shell and is insulated with Primaloft Silver Hi-Loft Ultra insulation (70% recycled). Stuff into one of the jacket’s two zipped handwarmer pockets. To keep you warm, it boasts elastic wrist cuffs and a basic stretch hood with a single-pull hem drawcord.
I've had it for a couple months in Colorado. it's a great light jacket for shoulder seasons or insulator for snow sports. definitely recommend.
by IAmCornHolyO
INSULATION | 80g PrimaLoft synthetic fibers (70% recycled) |
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COLOR | 4 Options |
SIZE | S - XXL |
POCKETS | Zippered handwarmer pockets |
8.
Arc'teryx Store
Atom LT Insulated Hoodie
Lightweight Insulated Hoodie
The Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated Hoodie is a lightweight insulated hoodie that can be used alone or over a mid-layer. Arc’teryx’s Coreloft non-woven polyester insulation dries rapidly and keeps warmth when damp or wet, with stretch polyester fleece side panels for enhanced mobility. The Atom LT has a helmet-compatible hood with volume adjustment, two handwarmer pockets, and an internal zipped chest pocket. To keep out drafts, it boasts stretch knit cuffs and a drawcord hem.
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
INSULATION | 60g Coreloft Compact synthetic fibers |
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COLOR | 5 Options |
SIZE | S - XXL |
POCKETS | - |
9.
Patagonia
Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie
Synthetic Hoodie
The Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie is a synthetic hoodie that is warm, windproof, and water-resistant and looks great on the hill or in town. It’s also made entirely of recycled materials, such as Primaloft Gold Eco insulation and a 100% recycled polyester shell and lining. Since the hood is meant to be worn beneath a helmet, it is less clumsy and larger than those seen on other coats. It has two zipped handwarmer pockets on the outside and an interior zippered chest pocket that doubles as a stuff bag on the inside. The drawcord and drop-tail hems keep the heat out.
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
INSULATION | 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco polyester |
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COLOR | 7 Options |
SIZE | S - XXL |
POCKETS | Two zippered handwarmer pockets |
10.
The North Face
Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Classic Retro Insulated Jacket
This classic North Face style, which was reissued last year and is back in the same retro shades you liked in 1996, as well as a few more current options, is one of our favorites. This coat is not only fashionable, but it is also really warm. It has the greatest warmth rating from the brand and is also water-resistant, all while being lightweight and without weighing you down.
Bought this for my mom for Chrismtas. I love the retro of old designs and this one is absolutely perfect. It fits her great and she LOVES it. Im sure she wouldnt mind more colors for her birthday or Christmas again.
by Andre
INSULATION | 700 Fill Goose Down |
---|---|
COLOR | Faded Rose, TNF White, Recycled TNF Black, Blackberry Wine, Monterey Blue |
SIZE | XS - 3XL |
POCKETS | Secure-zip hand pockets |
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Conclusion
The best insulated jackets can be found in the list above, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end jacket. When looking for the finest one, make sure it is well insulated and offers you protection from the chilly wind. Not only that, you need to check the material, zipper quality, and other features. Good luck!