The 8 Best Women's Mid Layers of 2024
By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | October 11, 2023
Insulation is just insulation, right? Well, no, not exactly. When it comes to women's mid layers for skiing and snowboarding, there are almost as many styles of insulation as there are of skiers. And what style works best for you is a very personal decision. So don’t just grab that discount puffy off the rack and head to the hills. Giving a little consideration to the best women’s mid layers for you will make a huge difference over the course of a ski season. Are you looking for down or synthetic insulation? Do you care if your mid layer has a hood or not? Do you prefer a packable puffy or more of a stylish sweater? It’s important to think about what you’re looking for, what you like to wear when skiing, and then use this list to help you choose a favorite.
New This Year:
Luckily, this year, the best women’s mid layers are more versatile than ever before. More and more brands are mixing casual style into their technical gear, so you can buy an insulator that works well on the slopes and looks good around town too. So stop making do with your old ratty, patched, smelly puffy. Instead, grab one of the mid layers off this list and feel as good as you look while making turns.
Volcom Riding Hydro Hoodie
Redefine cozy and conquer wet weather with the Volcom Riding Hydro Hoodie, a match made in heaven for snowboarders who want a layering piece that they can rock on its own too. With hydrophobic fleece, a boyfriend fit, and thoughtful features like a zipper handwarmer pocket and integrated neck warmer, it's the ultimate ode to comfort and adventure, perfect for riding pow or simply riding the couch.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Polyester Fleece | Hoodie | $90.00 |
Oyuki Odori Insulator Jacket
The Oyuki Odori Insulator Jacket provides a serious layer of warmth and performance both on and off the mountain. Premium quality Japanese milled fabrics provide two-way performance stretch so you can wear this versatile insulator on its own or remove the hood to wear as a mid-layer under your ski/snowboard shell. Filled with 60g of Primaloft® Eco Gold Pure & Gold Active 100% recycled insulation to ensure you will be toasty warm on even the coldest days.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Primaloft, Synthetic | Technical Hoodie | $239.95 |
Burton AK Baker Power Stretch Full-Zip Fleece
The Burton AK Baker Power Stretch Full-Zip Fleece is business-like four-way stretch layer designed for cold days and tough missions. It's sweat-wicking and highly breathable, so whether you're exerting energy on the assent or trying to hold warmth for the decent, there is nothing about the Burton AK Baker Power Stretch Full-Zip Fleece that'll slow you down.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Fleece | Full Zip | $189.95 |
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
In this neck of the woods, pretty much everyone and their sister has the Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket and they wear it nine months out of the year. This season the Micro Puff becomes even more environmentally sound without losing any of its functionality - the shell and lining are now made of 100% post-consumer recycled NetPlus® nylon ripstop, which reuses old fishing nets to keep them out of the ocean and the gastrointestinal tracts of sea animals, and the insulation is 100% recycled Polyester PlumaFil. Not only does this jacket pack a big thermal punch for something that layers so easily, it packs a reduced environment punch so you feel good about owning it.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| PlumaFil 100% Recycled Polyester | Full Zip Jacket | $279.00 |
Burton AK Helium Hooded Stretch Jacket
Bulk is the enemy of the backcountry tourist. The Burton AK Helium Hooded Stretch Jacket packs into a pocket and fits close to your body for maximum protection. It's built with stretch for those dynamic skin track maneuvers, with breathability taking top billing over wind resistance. The perfect layer under a shell, this is an insulation piece worthy of the [ak] badge.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Thermacore Stretch Insulation | Technical Hoodie | $279.95 |
Volcom Tech Pullover Fleece
Crafted with 320g of textured tech fleece, the Volcom Tech Pullover Fleece is a midlayer that offers cozy warmth wherever life takes you. The Boyfriend Fit and loose mock neck add a touch of laid-back charm, making it perfect for conquering mountains or turning heads in the urban jungle.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Fleece | Technical Pullover | $125.00 |
Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie
The Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie is a highly versatile layer for high exertion activities in cold weather. Throw it under your shell, your puffy, or wear it as a stand-alone, there's not much the R1 can't handle. Think of it as an extension of yourself - warm, breathable, quick-drying, and oh so soft.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Recycled Polyester | Technical Hoodie | $179.00 |
Arc'teryx Atom Jacket
With a cult following from outdoor enthusiasts the world over, the Arc'teryx Atom Jacket (previously known as the Atom LT) will undoubtedly become a year-round staple in your closet. The Coreloft™ insulation and Tyono™ shell are soft and pliable yet durable enough to withstand everyday use while the fitted shape add technical function make this an easy go-to whether you're embarking on an adventure or just ducking out to walk the dog. If ever there was a quiver-killer layer, this is it.
| Insulation | Style | Original Price |
| Recycled Polyester CoreLoft | Technical Hoodie | $240.00 |
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.
Sarah Ziffer
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.