The Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody blends 40g FullRange insulation at the front with breathable R1 Air fleece on the back and sides for exceptional mobility and breathability during high-output activities. It isn’t especially warm on its own and offers limited weather protection, so it shines as a breathable midlayer for cool, dry conditions rather than a standalone warmth piece.
The Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable insulated layer intended for high-output activities like running and uphill skinning. It excels in breathability and mobility as a layering piece, but isn’t very warm or weather-resistant as a standalone outer layer.
The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody for women is a soft, lightweight insulated jacket with a helmet-compatible hood. It excels in comfort and breathability and serves well as a versatile midlayer or standalone piece in milder cold, though it’s thin for very cold days and not the strongest wind shield.
The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is a versatile synthetic midlayer that balances warmth, breathability, and mobility for backcountry and everyday wear. It excels in comfort and fit with stretchy side panels and soft fabric, but its warmth and weather protection aren’t top-tier, so it’s best as an active, all-rounder layer under a shell or for shoulder-season use.
The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a lightweight, breathable insulated mid-layer designed for high-output winter activities. It uses Coreloft Compact insulation with stretch fleece side panels for mobility and breathability, though it's not the warmest option and lacks a stash pocket; best as an active mid-layer rather than a standalone outer layer.
The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody for women is an exceptionally warm insulated jacket built for cold conditions, with heavy Coreloft insulation and a wind- and weather-resistant shell. It excels in warmth and comfort but is bulky and less breathable, with small hand pockets; best suited for long cold expeditions, alpine missions, and resort winter activities rather than high-output use.
The Atom AR Hoody is one of the warmest insulated jackets tested, built with dense Coreloft insulation to trap heat while still fitting well for layering. It excels as a warmth layer for cold days, skiing, or belay duties due to its comfortable fit and weather-sealing, but it's heavy and not highly breathable, and the price is steep for a non-waterproof shell.
The Atom SL Hood is an ultralight insulated jacket designed for continuous movement in cool, alpine conditions. It offers exceptional lightness and breathability with great mobility, making it well-suited for running, scrambling, and hiking, but it’s not very warm and provides limited weather protection, so it’s best as a wind-layer rather than a stand-alone cold-weather piece.
The Proton Hoody is a high-performing synthetic insulated layer designed for active cold-weather use, delivering warm, breathable warmth with soft, quiet fabric and excellent mobility. It shines in movement-heavy activities like hiking and climbing, but its air-permeable shell means wind protection is limited and it’s not the most packable option.
Warm, breathable, and incredibly cozy, the Proton AR Hoody offers standout warmth for winter recreation with a mobile, durable fabric. It’s not waterproof and comes with a high price tag, with fit varying by tester, but the helmet-compatible hood and craftsmanship help it excel for cold, active winter days.
Ultralight and incredibly compressible insulated jacket that delivers warmth for its weight and packs down to a pocket-sized package. It’s a go-to for long-distance trail runs, backpacking, and layering around town, with excellent breathability and packability, though it isn’t the warmest option and offers limited wind resistance; it also lacks many features such as cinch cords and has a snug fit through the chest.
The Micro Puff Hoody is an ultralight synthetic insulated jacket that blends down-like warmth with exceptional packability, ideal for fast-and-light alpine missions. It trades durability and weather resistance for weight savings and a minimalist feature set, so it's best as a lightweight midlayer rather than a rugged all-in-one piece.
The Lyngen Down850 is a midweight down jacket designed for backcountry warmth with a high warmth-to-weight ratio and exceptional comfort. It’s extremely packable and features a trim fit that’s ideal as a midlayer, but the thin face fabric and limited weather resistance keep it best suited for dry, cold conditions and careful handling in wet or rugged environments.
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is a solid midweight down jacket that balances warmth and everyday versatility. It uses 800-fill down, a balaclava-style hood, and a recycled ripstop nylon shell with a DWR finish, making it easy to layer under a shell for mild to moderate winter days. It offers reliable warmth and hood coverage with practical pockets, but movement coverage is average and the cuffs are loose.
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is a versatile, warm, everyday-friendly insulated jacket that doubles as a backcountry workhorse thanks to its cozy feel, packability, and durable, recycled-face fabric. It’s heavier than some performance puffies and offers limited weather protection in wet conditions, but its comfort, styling, and layer-ready warmth make it a strong all-around option for casual wear and light outdoor use.
