8 of the best midlayers for 2015/16
Whether you prefer synthetics or down, hoodies or jackets, all eight of these midlayers are great additions to your layering system
Find out what to look for in a midlayer here.
1. Arc’teryx Maeven hoody, £160
Lightweight, warm, compressible, quick-drying and fast wicking… the Maeven ticks a lot boxes. It’s made with Polartec Power Stretch Pro, which gives it enough stretch and mobility for hiking to far-off lines while allowing hot air to escape. It’s finished off with the usual Arc’teryx touches, such as a lined hood, strategically placed pockets, adjustable hood drawcords and anatomical shaping.
2. Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid hoody, £200
This is built for start-stop days in the backcountry, with the first-rate breathability aided by a mesh lining. The low-profile hood can be worn under the helmet for extra protection, and there are discreet pockets in the chest to stash your valuables.
3. Haglöfs Pow Hood, £150
Built for cold days in the Swedish backcountry with Bluesign approved fabrics for both warmth and protection, including a light but cosy stretch fleece in the back. The design is functional, with a low bulk waist, shaped cosy hood and thumb holes in the cuffs.
4. Mammut Polar Hooded Midlayer jacket, £145
This uses Polartec Thermal Pro for lightweight, breathable warmth and the cosiness of a synthetic fleece. It’s ideal for tourers and freeriders, with pre-shaped sleeves for freedom of movement and a durable, fast-drying fabric.
5. Marmot Isotherm hoody, £180
This ISPO award-winning bit of kit uses Polartec Alpha, which offers different levels of insulation depending on the wearer’s output. The Pertex Quantum fabric is durable and weather resistant, while the liner is fast-wicking and very breathable. It’s finished off with a helmet-compatible hood and softshell reinforcement in crucial areas such as the shoulder and sleeve.
6. Odlo Helium Cocoon midlayer, £140
Featherlight, compressible and very warm, the Helium Cocoon is made with 750 down fill power. We especially like the stretch inserts that offer a full range of movement. Stash it in your backpack for an extra layer on cold days.
7. Patagonia Capeline Midweight zip neck, £60
We love the Polartec Power Grid fabric – the smooth face makes it easy to layer, and the brushed grid next to the skin offers warmth, breathability and wicking. Chafing is eliminated by offset shoulders and flatlock seams. Underarm gussets aid mobility make the uphill a bit easier.
8. Scott Insuloft Plus jacket, £130
This is one of Scott’s bestsellers, updated for this season. The big story is that it couples lightweight Primaloft insulation in the upper body, hood and shoulders with Polartec Power Stretch in the lower body and sleeves for great warmth and mobility. There are also handwarmer pockets, breathable underarm panels and an adjustable hem.
Read all our gear reviews in the 2015-16 Fall-Line Gear Guide, out now
