The 8 Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers of 2024
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | November 1, 2023
A key and often overlooked component when choosing what to wear skiing and the layering system is the mid layers. Sure, you really care that your base layer is comfortable against your skin and that your shell layer looks good and keeps the rain out, but what about the middle insulating layers? These are the layers that keep you warm in harsh winter weather, the layers that help wick sweat and keep you comfortable, and the layers that do a ridiculous amount of work. And when it comes to men's mid layers there are so many options. What style do you want? Jacket, hoodie, or vest? And then, what sort of insulation do you desire? Synthetic or down?
New This Year:
Sustainability is taking center stage in men's midlayers this season, with a marked shift towards recycled fabrics and eco-friendly insulation. This environmentally-conscious approach is even more pronounced in midlayers than in jackets and pants, highlighting the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, the demand for stretchy materials persists, as skiers and snowboarders continue to prioritize flexibility and comfort. The combination of sustainable materials and enhanced stretch ensures that this year's midlayers are both kind to the planet and tailored for optimal performance on the slopes.
Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie
You move from one activity to the next, each requiring new gear and lots of preparation. What's the only piece of gear you'll pack everytime? The Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie. This incredibly versatile zippered hoodie works on a number of fronts, whether that's as a toasty thermal microlayer, a belay parka or as an insulated jacket. Its PrimaLoft® insulation isn't bulky and protects from the wind, while the DWR coating keeps you dry. Do yourself a favor and set yourself up for mountain activity success with the Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| PrimaLoft Gold Eco Insulation | 60g | Hood Puffy Jacket | $279.00 - $289.00 |
evo Polartec Pullover Hoodie
Were you looking for a stretchy and comfortable hoodie you can wear just about anywhere? Because you're in the right spot. More than just your "basic" hoodie, the evo Polartec Pullover Hoodie is a water-resistant pullover made from a premium Polartec jersey with a super soft microfleece lining. No frills, prints, color-blocking, overlays or embroidery - just your classic black and heather grey with the quality fabric and modern fit to match.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Polartec Fleece | Hoodie | $119.95 |
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
A staple of the mountaineering and backcountry community that just keeps getting better, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie gets the "Net" - that's shell and lining made of NetPlus® ripstop fabric made from 100% recycled fishing nets - much better on your back than in the stomach of a sea creature. For insulation, it's hard to argue with 800-Fill Power 100% Virgin Goose Down simply because there is no better insulator. Get one or more of these and wear them every day, you'll be stoked.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| 800-Fill Down | Hood Puffy Jacket | $329.00 |
Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie
The Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie is a premium insulated jacket that combines warmth and style for cold weather adventures. Filled with 750-fill grey goose down + strategically placed Coreloft™ synthetic insulation in areas more prone to moisture, the Thorium offers exceptional warmth and comfort even in cold, damp conditions. Whether you're bunkered down for the night on a mountaineering mission, on belay at the crag, or just commuting to work in the midst of winter, the Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie is here to provide versatile warmth in extreme climates.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| 6750-Fill Down | Hood Puffy Jacket | $450.00 |
Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis™ Hoodie
Combining an ultralight windproof Pertex® Quantum Air Ripstop shell with PrimaLoft® Gold Active insulation makes the Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis™ Hoodie a no-brainer for high altitude winter athletes looking for a puffy that breathes like mad, moves with you, and works like a charm even when damp. A must-have mid-layer for backcountry skiers and snowboarders who get after it in colder weather.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| PrimaLoft Gold Active | Hood Puffy Jacket | $274.95 |
Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie
With a cult following (and for good reason) the Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie continues its reign as one of the best and most versatile midlayers to ever exist. Combining a soft and lightweight Tyono™ 20 face fabric with a DWR finish and Arc'teryx's resilient Coreloft™ Compact 60 insulation, the Atom Hoodie is one of those pieces of eternally functional apparel that you'll find yourself wearing year round, whether it's layered under your ski shell in the middle of winter or on its own on a brisk summer night. You can't go wrong with the Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Coreloft Compact 60 Synthetic | Hood Puffy Jacket | $260.00 |
The North Face Circaloft Hoodie
The North Face Circaloft Hoodie features quilting to keep your insulation in place and a circular design that's made to be disassembled and repurposed after life. It's functional, sustainable, and ready for adventure.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| 60 g/m² Polyester | Hood Puffy Jacket | $229.95 |
Burton AK Baker Down Jacket
Top shelf insulation and all-day warmth and comfort await in the Burton AK Baker Down Jacket. Engineered to be the most windproof insulator in the entire Burton line, this jacket boasts a lightweight and packable Pertex® 20D nylon ripstop construction which houses the 90/10 RSD down 800 fill for moisture-resistant warmth. Hoodless in order to minimize bulk under your snowboard jacket, the Burton AK Baker Down Jacket is ready for a season chalk full of cold smoke pow!
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| 90/10 RSD Down 800 Fill | Puffy Jacket | $259.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Kid & Toddler Snowsuits
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
