Our favourite midlayers
1. ARC’TERYX
CERIUM SL JACKET
£250
It’s the lightest down piece in the Cerium collection. How light? It weighs in at just 185g – about the weight of an apple. It is filled with 850 white goose down and features Down Composite Mapping technology or – in layman’s terms – strategically placed synthetic insulation in areas most prone to moisture. The face fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to repel moisture, while elasticised cuffs and hem seal out drafts. Available in men’s and women’s versions.
A super-durable jacket made from down and ultra-light ripstop fabric for high resistance to tears and abrasion. It has a zipped front opening and zipped hand pockets and adjustable hem with drawcords.
3. HÄGLOFS
ACTIVES WARM II HOOD
£120
The clue is in the name. It’s made with an extra warm merino wool/synthetic mix with a snug hood to help keep frostbite at bay on the nippiest of summits. Stretch fabric allows maximum movement.
4. HELLY HANSEN
SKI THERMAL PRO JACKET
£100
This ski fleece provides both insulation and breathability thanks to the use of high-loft Polartec Thermal Pro. Specs include side and underside sleeve reinforcement panels, raised wind-blocking collar and bottom hem adjustment. It works well as a midlayer for colder days, or as a standalone piece for spring days on the mountain.
5. MAMMUT
BROAD PEAK HOODY MEN
£210
A great-looking jacket that combines 125g 90/10 goose down with a water-resistant outer material. It features three good-sized pockets, an adjustable drawcord hem and down-filled fixed hood. Ideal as a midwinter midlayer or standalone jacket.
6. MARMOT
Isotherm hoody
£110
Hailed as ‘active insulation’, Marmot’s award-winning Isotherm Hoody is ideal for backcountry forays. It’s made with an abrasion-resistant Pertex Quantum face and lined with hyper-breathable mesh. Reinforced softshell shoulders, an attached hood and free-moving fit complete the package.
7. PATAGONIA
HYBRID DOWN FLEECE JACKET
£160
Looking for a lightweight and packable layer to store in your pack as you head into the backcountry? The new Hybrid Down Fleece Jacket ticks both boxes, and pairs two weights of snow-shedding fleece for warmth, breathability and stretch where you need it most. Slightly longer in length and with a relaxed fit, it’s the perfect low-bulk midlayer.
8. SCOTT
KICKSTART JACKET
£180
Redesigned for more warmth, Scott’s new Kickstart Jacket keeps you drier for longer with 650 water resistant fill. Extremely light and packable, it features a new fixed hood, internal security pocket, handwarmer pockets and an adjustable hem.
9. SMARTWOOL
PHD SMARTLOFT DIVIDE HOODY
£210
Another ISPO award winner here. It’s made with über-lightweight SmartLoft wool insulation, providing ultimate thermo regulation even when wet. Strategically placed SmartLoft insulation HyFi knit panels and wind-resistant nylon provides breathability and protection from the elements, while a DWR finish keeps you dry. Available in men’s and women’s versions.
10. THE NORTH FACE
THERMOBALL HOODIE
£170
We’re big fans of TNF’s Thermoball insulation technology. It is comparable to 600 fill power down for weight and packability but dries quickly and, most vitally, remains effective when wet. Hurrah! Perfect for spring skiing and backcountry exploits. Check out the full range of hoodies, jackets and vests.
