Insulation Layers

Why be chilly when there are so many great layers out there? Here's the skinny on eight insulators that impressed WTA's gear team.

GoLite’s Cady 2477 Synthetic Insulated Jacket is a great little jacket that makes an excellent sweater or mid-layer. Weighing in at just one pound, this jacket is a bit heavier than similar designs, but it makes for a cozy covering while sitting on the lift or resting while you eat lunch along the trail. $150

The REI Women’s Davos Jacket offers one of the biggest bangs for your buck out there with an expedition weight, super loft and 700-fill down. Thin insulation around the shoulders and pockets left our tester cold in spots, so recommend adding a heavy mid-layer. $179

The Mountain Hardware Sub-Zero SL Hooded Down Jacket is a big bomber that can take the heaviest of weather beatings. It features super water resistance, amazing abrasion resistance, and an ultra-comfy, zip-off hood. A little on the heavy side, but you can’t ask for a better down jacket. $280

Sierra Designs Manic Down Hoody drew a surprising number of compliments on its looks. I also love the ample number of inside stowage spaces it provides. Keep the jacket's stuff sack (included) tucked away in one of these pockets and you can transform your jacket into a pillow anytime the need arises. The hood stretches to fit most helmets. And, these style, stow and stretch features are the just the bonus points complementing a 800-fill down and lightweight (21.5 ounce) construction jacket that kept me warm for hours, even when the temperature dipped below 0 degrees. $339

The First Ascent Downlight Vest by Eddie Bauer has a very simple, but effective design, with ultra-light, 800-fill insulation, and a DWR finish. No extras, but everything you need. Extremely light and compressible, it won’t over-fill or weigh down your pack. $129

Arborwear’s Woodiebrook Fleece Jacket was designed with the outdoor worker in mind. It has a flat knap which resists gathering the outdoors to itself, and is warm when hiking in light rain. It’s a bit bulky as a midlayer, but still comfortable and very well made. $55

The REI White River Fleece is thinner and lighter than similar models, so not as warm and comfortable as a midlayer. Nice fitting with well placed pockets, it offers a “dressier” look, ideal for wearing to work or walking around town. $45

Mountain Hardwear’s Synchro Jacket is a deceptively thin insulated soft shell that’s like wearing your own personal heater. The enhanced Conduit™ outer layer sheds water like a duck’s back, while the taped seams and fleece interior keeps warmth in. The fit is trim, so you won’t get a bulky mid-layer on underneath, making this jacket ideal for shoulder seasons. $200

The Outdoor Research Alibi Jacket has more features than you can shake a trekking pole at, including side vents, cuff gaiters and duel hoods, while the bombproof Ventia™ outer shell offers maximum weather protection. The lining is thin, but the roomy fit allows for a heavy mid-layer underneath while maintaining excellent movement while keeping you toasty. $260

The Epsilon AR Jacket by Arc’teryx is somewhere between a rain shell and insulated soft shell—perfect for those mild days, but will leave you chilled on the colder ones. Featuring a bonded poly micro-grid fleece, the Epsilon repels wind and rain, yet breathes easily with a comfortable fit. $199