Performance-Driven Insulated Coats

For winter hikers, skiers and backpackers, insulated jackets provide a necessary warmth-to-weight ratio that makes the difference between comfortable hiking and freezing.performance-driven insulated coats But not all insulated jackets are created equal. Some are more performance-driven than others and designed to be used for higher-exertion activities, or at least in wet conditions.

Generally, the best options for these types of activities are jackets made from synthetic polyester fabrics.performance-driven insulated coats These fabrics use tiny polyester fibers woven into patterns that trap warm air and can help to regulate body temperature more effectively than down. They can also be more resilient to moisture than down and don’t lose insulation as easily as down does when it becomes damp.

Many manufacturers use hybrid fills that combine down with some type of synthetic material to keep costs down while maintaining the benefits of a lighter weight and better moisture handling.performance-driven insulated coats These designs typically put down in areas that need it most, like the core and arms, while using more breathable synthetics in areas that need more air permeability, such as the back and sleeves.

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer and Montbell Torrid are two of our favorite examples of this type of UL design, although there are other great options from brands like Black Diamond, Patagonia and Outdoor Vitals as well.performance-driven insulated coats These lightweight, insulated jackets feature thin 40-gram insulation and air-permeable shells that can be worn while you work up a sweat.

Another alternative to down, which we see more of in cold-weather active insulators like the Packaway, is recycled synthetic polyester. The North Face McMurdo, for example, uses a proprietary DryVent waterproof shell and 700-fill power recycled down to make a warm, lightweight, packable coat that’s built for more strenuous outdoor pursuits.

Synthetic jackets also typically come with a durable water repellant (DWR) treatment that’s designed to protect the outer fabric from light to moderate precipitation. These treatments do a good job of keeping the jacket reasonably waterproof, but for prolonged exposure you’ll still want to add a rain shell.

For more demanding alpine environments, Rab’s Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket provides a great blend of warmth and breathability. It uses thick PrimaLoft Silver RISE insulation with a durable 20-denier Pertex Quantum shell, making it a solid choice for skiing or climbing. But it focuses more on breathability than a down jacket, so don’t expect the same wet weather performance as the DAS Parka above.

Finally, there’s the Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hooded Jacket ($315), which is a great option for those seeking a light-weight insulated jacket that can handle moderate to vigorous outdoor pursuits in mildly wet conditions. It features a comfortable, midweight 700-fill power down fill, which is boosted with synthetic insulation in the shoulders and cuffs. The baffles are welded together in a special pre-woven process that reduces stitching and helps distribute the down insulation more evenly. A comfortable, adjustable insulated hood and comfortable, elasticized sleeve and waist cinchers round out the package.