Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Recent Synthetic Insulated Jacket Reviews

Columbia Labyrinth Loop Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Hooded Jacket

A mostly excellent lightweight jacket. It works in a wide range of temperatures, is comfortable, warm, and highly water-resistant.   Columbia Labyrinth Loop Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Jacket (men's) For whatever reason, I decided that I needed a new insulated jacket with a hood. I was trying to find a down jacket but ultimately decided on the Columbia Labyrinth Loop when it went on sale. Fit and Comfort: Fit is nice. I'm short (5'4") with broad shoulders. The sleeve length is correct while the… Full review

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody

This belay-style insulation piece kept me comfortable when used as intended; over a shell and midlayer, and while standing relatively still in 38°F temps. I found the feature set fantastic. However, it's not as warm as the 'high loft' designation suggests—a Down Sweater Hoody is warmer. Even still, I found myself using the Macro Puff more frequently than any other puffy, due to its great versatility. Macro Puff Hoody (left) as compared to Down Sweater Hoody. While the hoods are almost identical,… Full review

REI Swiftland Insulated Running Jacket

An average piece of gear. Nothing ultra special except good for between cold and warm seasons. Aimed at runners, but also good for hiking on cool days and X-country skiing on sunny days.   REI Swiftland Insulated Jacket This is a very lightly insulated jacket and if you look at it you can see the difference in fabric. It has insulation down the front and along the shoulder on the back. The DWR finish is good enough that I've extended the usage as a light jacket for hiking on in between weather. Full review

Sitka Arrowhead Midlayer Hoody - MDWi

The best active mid-layer I've used to date. From a company you've probably not heard of. The Sitka Arrowhead MDWi (midweight insulated) hoody is an active insulating layer utilizing Polartec Direct fabric. Most folks outside of hunting have probably never heard of Sitka, let alone Sitka Arrowhead. Sitka Arrowhead is Sitka's military/law enforcement division. They don't sell direct, but they have several retailers where their products are available (you don't have to be military to purchase). on… Full review

Craghoppers Compresslite Packaway Hooded Jacket

An attractive, all-season layer, which can fulfill a variety of functions—if looked after. This is a 465-gram warm layer. A simple, waist length, polyester jacket made from 28 recycled bottles with a hood, a main zip, two zipped pockets, and two additional hand warmer pockets. The jacket is reversible—mine is blue and orange—blue, when I want to put my hands in unzipped pockets, orange when I want to be visible in low light conditions. The large size fits my 42-inch chest snugly, without restricting… Full review

Outdoor Research Shadow Insulated Hoodie

The Shadow Insulated Hoodie is a mid-weight insulating layer; a relatively thin layer of synthetic insulation is sewn between two layers of somewhat wind-resistant but air-permeable and somewhat stretchy or forgiving shell material. The Shadow Insulated Hoodie is appropriate for a fairly wide range of temperature and weather conditions as an outer layer or mid-layer. This layer’s best use is for high-output cool and cold weather activities where you want to stay warm while working hard and generating… Full review

Rab Xenon 2.0 Insulated Jacket

I’m now on my second Rab Xenon jacket. I wore the first one nearly every day from fall through spring for years until the outer fabric finally started to wear through. My first Xenon jacket only had a one-way main zipper so it didn’t work well as a chilly-weather belay piece. That’s the only thing I had wished Rab had done differently. By the time I bought my new (second) Xenon jacket Rab was making them with a two-way zipper. Yay!   On the downside, the first Xenon fit perfectly, but the… Full review

Rab Alpha Flash Jacket

Breatheable, lightweight midlayer that pairs perfectly with a wind shirt. If you want to go light, this packs warmth like few other midlayers... but there are caveats. The Rab Alpha Flash is an outstanding midlayer for active use. Constructed almost entirely of Powertec Alpha Direct, it breathes so well that you can leave it on during high-exertion activity without overheating. Plus, it dries fantastically, freakishly quickly. It is not a general-purpose garment, but it absolutely excels when worn… Full review

Arc'teryx Atom Hoody

Amazing jacket which regulates temperature and moisture, great fit and comfy hood; have used it in winter high-exertion sessions with a T-shirt underneath, and bad weather with a hard-shell over it. Greatly recommended for all winter outings with a harshell in the backpack, or shoulder season. I came into some additional money and was browsing my favorite website to treat myself, and found a great deal on this jacket; price paid 140$ (in late summer for those interested). The jacket is soft and… Full review