Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Recent Synthetic Insulated Jacket Reviews

Mountain Hardwear Men's Kor Strata Alpine Hoody

My opinion, one of the best synthetic insulated jackets for your buck. For ease of use and packability this can't be beat. Mountain Hardwear has, in my opinion, always made a nice quality product for the money. Yes, the Primaloft Gold is worth the extra money. Previously the TNF Denali Jacket was my go-to. This is more windproof and lighter and most importantly slips on and off with ease. Not to mention it stays warm when wet...so they advertise? I've always layered it under my shell as the fabric… Full review

Mountain Equipment Citadel Jacket

First time used in extreme weather at least three zips snagged on their inner linings. Zip pulls "pulled off’"in frustration—winter gloves being worn. Snagged zips, broken zip pulls—steer clear of this jacket, the construction is irrelevant as the zip construction completely compromises credibility. Full review

Black Diamond Men's First Light Stretch Hoody

The Black Diamond First Light Hoody is a multifunctional, breathable jacket that can easily be used in a wide range of seasons and temperatures, particularly on highly active days. It's warm (PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active), easy to layer with, and doesn't restrict body movements, making for a highly versatile jacket. Conditions: I’ve worn the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody throughout the winter and early spring in Pennsylvania. I’ve worn the jacket during high-energy activities… Full review

Ortovox Piz Boe Jacket

Maybe the perfect cold-weather midlayer. This Piz Boe regulates my body temp better than any other Pertex shelled (windproof shell) I own. Obviously the stretchy, soft shelled midlayers are not in this category. This is windproof, and it has a stretchy merino wool soft shell material on the shoulder blades which really gives you ample freedom for movement and it helps dump heat. This is surprisingly good for high-output ascents in cold weather. It doesn't stink either, I've worked the hell outta… Full review

Regatta Andreson Lightweight Insulated Hybrid Jacket

Regatta's Andreson Hybrid Jacket is a ridiculously inexpensive garment. The price-warmth ration can’t be beat. While The Trek is blogging about $250 synthetic jackets, I have found this $35 jacket to be an exceptional value (and as warm as the high-end brands). The saying goes you can have two of three things in hiking equipment: Price, Weight, and Quality. Regatta’s Andreson Hybrid Jacket nails the first two, and I’m hoping it might prove the third over time.  When my jacket arrived from… Full review

Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Bivy Pullover

Most importantly it is a pullover, I simply prefer the pullover style for comfort and ease of wearing. I paid full price in New York while on holiday as my big down parka was simply too warm for a New York winter. Also I thought it might make a suitable LW midlayer for an Alaskan winter trip that has now been cancelled. I keep it in my day pack for ski touring in Australia's High Plains as a "just in case layer." Upside is the light weight and compactness, the downside is that 60GSM is not warm… Full review

Rab Men's Xenon X Jacket

This is the best warmth-for-weight ratio synthetic jacket I have found. Totally windproof, and RAB has made this jacket with VERY few seams so the wind can't even find a way in through the Pertex Quantum. It has Primaloft Gold Active 60 grams, with double in the chest area to create hand warmer pockets. I can truly say, if you like the Pat Nano, YOU WILL LOVE THIS. This jacket seals up every cuff, collar, and seam up against your skin, and combined with the tailoring of it having few seams to begin… Full review

Outdoor Research Women's Ascendant Hoody

Shockingly warm for the weight and highly breathable with just the right amount of wind protection. This jacket is a great insulation layer for winter activities such as backcountry skiing and ice climbing. It's become my go-to insulation layer for winter. I am very impressed by this jacket and it has become a staple part of my winter adventure suit replacing the Patagonia Nano Air Hoody. I'm 5'4" 125 lbs with a very athletic build and the small fits great over long sleeve baselayers and lightweight… Full review

Helly Hansen Men's Lifaloft Insulator Jacket

The Helly Hansen Lifaloft Hooded Insulator jacket is a synthetically insulated jacket that partners HH’s Lifa fibres with Primaloft’s extensive knowledge of synthetic insulation in an attempt to mimic the weight and compressibility of down, while still providing the warmth when wet of synthetic insulation. The Insulator is highly successful in replicating the feel and warmth of down, but would benefit from further refinement in the fit and fabrics. FIT AND COMFORT The Lifaloft Insulator Jacket… Full review