The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024-2025

The best synthetic jackets avoid the main weakness of down insulation by remaining functional and warm when wet. Though synthetic jackets may not have the same warmth-to-weight ratio as their down counterparts, they are more breathable and significantly cheaper. They’re what we reach for when we need a layer to power us through active pursuits like backcountry or Nordic skiing. climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. As new insulation innovations hit the market with each passing season, the marginal differences between down and synthetic are quickly disintegrating. Many synthetic insulated jackets now rank among the best insulative clothing on the market.

Our team collectively tested dozens of these jackets to create our list of the best synthetic insulated jackets. Current authors Chris Kassar, Ryan Kempfer, and Andrew Potter put countless models through grueling tests in the past year alone. We dangled off jugs thousands of feet in the air, skinned up thousands of switchbacks, skied down countless backcountry runs, ran, rode, hiked miles of trails, and even huddled around a few campfires with these synthetic layers to bring you the streamlined selection you see today. We evaluated each jacket based on fit, comfort, durability, breathability, packability, and value.

While there isn’t a single jacket for everyone, we’ve highlighted useful features of each recommendation to help you find the best jacket for your needs. Whether you’re seeking the top performance of our overall pick, the Arc’teryx Atom Hoody, or a budget-friendly jacket like the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket, we have all the options you need.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on December 12, 2024, by adding a Price & Value section and our new budget pick, the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket.

The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024-2025

More Synthetic Insulated Jackets We Loved

Synthetic Insulated Jacket Comparison Chart

How We Tested Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Our Testing Grounds & Process

The GearJunkie team has been huddling together in shiver bivies, tugging on tiny granite crimps, and slogging along skin tracks in synthetic jackets for just about forever. When we say we’ve exhaustively sampled the market’s selection — we mean it.

We’ve tested these jackets in everything from the mountains of Alaska to the long trails of the Lower 48 to the domes of Yosemite. No stone was left unturned in the creation of this roundup, and each jacket had to pass a series of demanding tests to merit any real estate in this guide.

Our Expert Testers

Editor-at-Large Seiji Ishii curated our initial selection of 11 jackets for this guide in January 2020. A prolific climber, hiker, and all-around outdoorsman, Seiji has spent many miles roughing it out in these synthetic puffy jackets and knows the importance of a solid jacket in the backcountry.

Author and Senior Editor Chris Carter took over this guide in August 2022, and has been combing through his closet, and scouring the internet ever since to bring you the most current, deserving selection possible. As an ultralight thru-hiker and endurance backpacker, the functionality-to-weight ratio of each item he carries on his back is of utmost importance, and every element of the gear he packs is considered.

Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails (the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) and continues to pursue long-distance hiking around the world.

He’s tested a range of different synthetic jackets on these trails and has found synthetic insulation to be the best choice for versatility, breathability, and weather protection on long journeys. He knows what makes a synthetic jacket worth its mettle for different adventures and has been fastidiously choosy about what ends up in this guide.

In 2024, Andrew Potter and Ryan Kempfer took over testing and writing for this guide. They’re both skiers, climbers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who actually prefer adventuring in the cold.

We know the competition for the synthetic podium is fierce and constantly evolving, which is why we’ve slotted this guide into a regular update schedule. As soon as fresh technology or new designs hit the market — we’re scoping them out, testing them in the wild, and deciding whether they deserve attention. Rest assured, every jacket in this guide has been vetted by our stone-cold pros and has proven to be worthy. If you’re in the market for other layering options, check out our guides to the best down jackets, best windbreaker jackets, best fleece jackets and the best midlayers.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Synthetic Insulated Jacket

Synthetic insulation has become a popular alternative to down over the years, and the market now offers a wide range of high-quality synthetic-filled jackets. On this list, some of our recommendations highlight puffy jackets that prioritize warmth, while others are best used during high-output activities like running or skiing, where breathability is key.

Synthetic midlayers that focus on warmth stress thermal efficiency for lower-output activities such as walking, belaying, fishing, and so on. Puffy synthetic midlayer jackets prioritize maximum warmth over breathability.

On the other hand, active insulation jackets offer more breathability for high-output pursuits such as backcountry skiing, jogging, and climbing. Synthetic jackets designed for active use are more breathable and better at regulating temperature.

Beyond these two broad categories, there are many other factors to consider as you narrow down your synthetic jacket search. In this buyer’s guide, we aim to prepare you to make an informed and confident purchase.

What Is Synthetic Insulation?

Synthetic insulation is designed to replicate the qualities of down. It’s made from polyester fibers arranged into intertwined filaments that trap warm air in millions of tiny pockets.

Compared to down jackets, synthetic insulated jackets have both pros and cons. Importantly, synthetic insulation is able to retain its warmth when wet. This is a huge advantage over down and a key reason why synthetic insulation is often preferred in wet and cold environments.

Unfortunately, synthetic insulation cannot quite match the miraculous warmth-to-weight ratio of down. In other words, synthetic jackets need to be a little heavier to achieve the same level of warmth.

There are many different types of synthetic insulation on the market now, and various companies have their own proprietary types of insulation that they either fill their own jackets with or sell to other companies. A few of the most common types of insulation are PrimaLoft, Thinsulate, and PlumaFill.

PrimaLoft, one of the most widely used types of synthetic insulation, is made with 100% polyester microfiber that mimics the fluffiness of natural down, and comes in a few different categories. The most popular are PrimaLoft Gold, PrimaLoft Silver, and PrimaLoft Silver Eco (which is made of 70% recycled fibers).

PrimaLoft Gold is the most performative and sought-after insulation in their lineup, and is comparable to a 550-fill power down jacket. Each of the categories, to varying degrees, is highly breathable, water-resistant, and compressible.

Thinsulate insulation is considered to be one of the warmest thin apparel insulations on the market. Its incredibly thin fibers retain a surprising amount of warmth, and the nature of its tight construction makes it a prime material for ultralight insulating layers, or small clothing items such as gloves.

Though every type of synthetic material will lose at least some of its insulating properties when wet, Thinsulate boasts excellent moisture-wicking abilities, allowing it to dry quickly. Other types of fill, such as Polartec Alpha and FullRange insulation (used by Patagonia in the Nano-Air series of jackets), offer arguably the most breathable options out there.

Polartec Alpha, or Alpha Direct, was manufactured out of a military request to develop a synthetic and incredibly breathable alternative to down that could be used in high-intensity activities. The insulation eventually found its way into the outdoor industry and is used by many different brands today.

Intended Use

Take a few moments to envision how you’ll use your insulated jackets. Do you need something for winter climbing or long-distance backpacking? Or will this be a jacket that does it all? There’s no right or wrong answer. But being clear about your intended use will help you prioritize certain factors such as breathability and durability.

In each of the product reviews above, we have highlighted a variety of different features that the jackets are known for, in addition to ways they could be improved. Take a look at both the pros and cons of the layers, and focus on what activity you will be using it for most.

If you are setting out on a 5-month thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, you will need an insulated jacket that keeps you protected and warm in a vast range of ecosystems and climates.

If you want a layer that keeps you cozy while belaying at the crag or walking the dog downtown, you may not want the most feature-packed, versatile shell on the market.

Breathability

Each of the jackets above is either a regular synthetic jacket or an active insulation jacket, and the main difference between the two types is breathability. Generally, there’s a tradeoff between breathability and waterproofness. Fully waterproof jackets are less breathable than active-use softshell options.

If you’ll regularly wear your jacket as an outer layer, it’s worth investing in a bit more waterproofing. But if you’ll use it mainly for high-output activities, look for a jacket that maximizes breathability.

In general, synthetic insulation is more breathable than down since it doesn’t trap the body’s heat as effectively as down does. The level of breathability of a jacket varies, though, and has to do with the type of insulation it uses, along with its shell material and design.

Jackets such as the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody and the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket maximize breathability due to the nature and construction of the insulation used, as well as the strategic placement of breathable material used in the shell.

Using your synthetic jacket as an element of your layering system, you can weather most conditions with even a more ventilated model. Pairing a breathable jacket with a burly rain jacket or hardshell when Thor’s hammer strikes gives you a power combo of thermal efficiency.

If it’s all at once, something like the REI Stormhenge will keep you warm and dry. If it’s just burly wind you’re worried about, throw a thin windbreaker jacket over your insulator for an ultralight, ultra-mobile barrier against the elements.

Durability

Durability is particularly important if you plan to wear your jacket as an outer layer in rough and rugged environments. Most jackets on this list stand up great to the rigors of bushwacking or climbing on rough rock. But some need a bit more care than others.

The durability of synthetic insulation versus down insulation is somewhat of a debated topic, as there are a number of factors to consider. Synthetic insulation doesn’t have to be babied as much as down insulation, but also loses its form and breaks down faster over time, especially if you are compressing the jacket a lot. Down tends to leak from the jacket more, however, and therefore slowly loses its warmth.

Not all synthetic insulation is created equal, though, and the different types of insulation will vary in how long they hold up to harsh conditions. When thinking about the durability of a jacket, the type and quality of the insulation (such as PrimaLoft Gold versus PrimaLoft Silver) and the construction of the outer shell (such as what denier and material is used) need to be taken into consideration.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that often, the more durable a jacket is, the heavier it is. So, if an ultralight setup is your main concern, you may need to go with a more fragile layer.

A shell like the Patagonia DAS Parka offers increased durability but may weigh your pack down too much for quick missions in the mountains. If you want to thrash about without concern, something like the thinner Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie may not be the best choice but could lend itself as the optimum layer if light and fast is your main goal.

Water Resistance

Where synthetic insulation really trumps down is in its ability to insulate when wet. Down absorbs water, and clumps up, thereby losing its loft, as opposed to synthetic insulation which retains its loft. Water sits between the fibers, allowing the insulation to keep its shape, maintain warmth, and dry faster than down.

While all synthetics will generally repel moisture better than down, the degree to which a jacket will insulate you in damp conditions varies from brand to brand. Most manufacturers are adding a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treatment to the outer shell of their insulated jackets, which beads up water in light precipitation, allowing it to roll off and not soak into the insulation. We really appreciated this feature in our top budget pick, the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket. However, this only works to a certain degree, and in constant rain, you’ll want to add a rain jacket to your layering system.

Pack Size

Sure, you plan to wear the jacket, not just pack it around. But for those times you need to ditch a layer or bring it just in case, pack size and weight matter. Synthetic insulation doesn’t tend to pack as small as down (although synthetic fill technology is rapidly improving).

While the Patagonia Micro Puff may not be the most durable jacket, it wins big on the packable scale. The Rab Xenair Alpine Light and TNF’s Casaval Hybrid Hoodie are other easy-to-pack choices.

Key Features: Pockets, Hoods, and More

Depending on your intended use and general needs, you’ll want to choose a jacket with the right array of features.

Pockets, hoods, adjustable hems, and elastic cuffs are all examples of common synthetic jacket features. Each of these has a unique purpose and value.

Pockets come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. From zippered hand-warmer pockets to low-profile chest pockets, the recommended jackets on this list offer a wide range of configurations.

Many synthetic jackets are available in either a hooded or non-hooded style. The best choice for you depends on your use. Hooded jackets are great in frigid or stormy conditions and for people who tend to feel cold in the ears, head, and face. Unhooded options are generally best for everyday use around town or in-bounds resort skiing.

Price & Value

At the end of the day, you want to get a good deal. More than just the lowest price tag, a jacket’s value stems from its usefulness Carefully consider how you’ll use your jacket and then look for features that fit your needs. Helmet-compatible hoods, pockets, and materials become important considerations. Also, if you plan to wear your jacket regularly, it’s worth investing more. Spending a few extra bucks now will afford you many seasons of warmth and comfort outdoors.

Budget

Budget picks hover in the $150-200 range. The inexpensive jackets will get you around town and perform about average on light adventures but won’t have the same mobility, breathability, and performance as pricier models. Fortunately, our top budget pick, the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket ($180), is one of our favorite jackets. It’s our go-to for vigorous adventures in a wide range of temperatures, and it doesn’t sacrifice mobility, warmth, or performance despite its super approachable price tag.

Mid-Tier

Most of the synthetic jackets on this list fall in the $250-300 range. Jackets like Black Diamond’s Solution Hoody ($279) and Arc’teryx’s Atom Hoody ($300) will stand up to loads of abuse and help regulate temperature while keeping pack weight down on truly technical backcountry missions.

For the fashion-forward who want technical performance in a stylish option they can wear around town, then The North Face Casaval Hybrid Hoodie from this list is an ideal choice. Our best value winner, the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 ($279) is a beast of a jacket that is warm, water and windproof, and durable for an affordable price. While it’s almost as warm as Patgonia’s DAS Parka and Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody, the Stormhenge is not as technical and does not boast as many features or durability as these premium options.

Premium

Synthetic jackets that come in above $300 may deliver more durability or warmth, but not always. The Patagonia DAS Parka ($449) and the Arc’teryx Atom Heavyweight Hoody ($350) are the heaviest and warmest jackets on this list.

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie  ($329) is not nearly as warm as any of the above-mentioned jackets. However, it is extremely lightweight, packable, and wind-resistant, all features that often contribute to price.

Consider the full range of conditions you plan to encounter on your trip and choose a jacket that will hold up to whatever you plan on putting it through.

Frequently Asked Questions