Best Mid-layer For Skiing
All the best mid-layer reviews from the 2023 Gear Guide to keep you warm when skiing.
Whether you’re riding the lifts or working up a sweat on the skin track, your mid-layer holds the key to all-mountain glory. Despite what your granny might tell you, a big, thick jumper won’t keep you as warm as a mid-weight merino wool or fleece layer, or an insulated liner jacket. Plus, it won’t allow moisture to move to the outer layers.
There are a variety of fabrics, combinations, and systems available, so it’s worth getting familiar with the basics to weigh the pros and cons effectively.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
❄ Fleece
Soft, light, warm, breathable, and quick to dry.
Cons: Can be bulky and not as warm as other materials.
❄ Merino Wool
The sustainable choice. Natural fibers, warm even when wet, breathable, and has strong anti-odor properties.
Flipside: Can be heavy when wet, expensive, and doesn’t have the best warmth-to-weight ratio.
❄ Lightweight Insulation
Perfect for extremely cold days. Down and synthetic insulated jackets offer the warmest options with excellent warmth-to-weight ratios. They trap air between down filaments or polyester strands to keep you warm.
Down: Packs smaller, is warmer, and typically lighter, but performs poorly when wet.
Synthetic Fillings: Options like PrimaLoft and other synthetic technologies perform better when wet, are more sustainable, breathable, packable, and easy to wash. They’re catching up to down in the warmth-to-weight game.
❄ Hybrid
The technical choice, combining the strengths of different fabrics. Key materials are applied to targeted areas to maximize functionality, performance, durability, weather resistance, and weight savings.
For example: breathable on the back, stretchy on the sides and underarms, durable around high-wear areas like the shoulders, and warm around the core.
Downside: Often expensive but always clever.
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Arc’teryx Sabre Insulate Mid – £300
A new mid-layer insulating piece from Arc’teryx, designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding. It pairs brilliantly with the Sabre SV jacket (featured in the Outerwear section). The Sabre uses Coreloft insulation and comes with a roomy, insulated hood with a stiffened peak and drawcord to seal out wind. The hood fits over most helmets, but might be tight on larger models. The waist pockets feature microfleece liners, and there’s an internal chest pocket to keep your phone warm. An in-built Recco reflector is located on the left shoulder.
arcteryx.com
Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody – £260
A new mid-layer from Black Diamond, designed for comfort with soft, migration-resistant Primaloft Gold Active insulation. It features a PFC-DWR treatment for light showers. The liner has stretch, offering unhindered movement. While the hood is designed for climbing helmets, it may not fit over most ski helmets. Two handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket provide storage, and the jacket can be stowed within the chest pocket. Available in various colors for men and women.
blackdiamondequipment.com
Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody (W) – £140
Built for year-round mountain adventures, this mid-layer uses Polartec Power Dry fleece with a grid pattern to enhance breathability and wicking. It’s lightweight, soft, and warm without bulk. The slim hood can be worn under a helmet, and the chest pocket fits most smartphones. Also available for men.
blackdiamondequipment.com
Dynafit Radical Polartec Hooded Jacket – £140
A technical fleece designed for ski touring or casual resort wear. Made from moisture-wicking Polartec Power Grid fabric, it’s warm, stretchy, and durable. Weighing just 366g, it features wrist thumb loops, a low-profile hood, and a chest pocket that fits a smartphone. Available for men and women.
dynafit.com
Helly Hansen Odin Backcountry Lightweight Hooded Insulator Jacket – £250
The face fabric uses 48% recycled material, and the PFC-free DWR treatment helps fend off light showers. The deep pile fleece lining runs inside the sleeves, trapping warm air while allowing moisture to escape. Though the hood isn’t insulated, it’s handy in changing weather. This jacket features handwarmer pockets and a pass-through pocket for easy access to a transceiver without opening the main zipper.
hellyhansen.com
Ortovox Swisswool Piz Badus Jacket (W) – £319
A stylish, all-year-round jacket designed for freeride adventures and daily life. Lightweight and technical, it combines quilted Swisswool insulation, a wind-resistant breathable outer, and a stretchy merino wool liner. Made in Europe with climate-neutral, PFC-free materials, it offers both performance and sustainability. Also available for men.
ortovox.com
Patagonia Nano Air Hoody (W) – £290
Designed for stop-start days in the mountains, this hoody features FullRange insulation made from 93% recycled material. Its stretch and high air permeability help release heat when necessary. The shell and lining are 100% recycled polyester rip-stop with a PFC-free DWR coating. Two handwarmer pockets and two chest pockets offer plenty of storage. Soft, versatile, and a favorite for many. Also available for men.
patagonia.com
