Lightweight Warmth
Mid and heavyweight layers might be optional, but no matter where you winter, you’ll need a lightweight layer in your quiver. Whether your winters are mild or you’re hyper-active and constantly needing to shed to prevent boiling over, these super versatile layers help manage sweat and regulate temps without all the extra bulk of a bison-like heavyweight.
Men’s Lightweight Jackets
Best Technical Jacket
Black Diamond
Deploy Down Hooded Jacket
This jacket features 1000 fill-power goose down insulation for an optimal warmth-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for trekking in cold conditions. The adjustability of the hood and cuffs lets you personalize the air flow getting in and out of the jacket. The internal stow pocket allows you to pack the jacket up small and throw it into your bag, so it’s there whenever you need it.
Best Daily Jacket
Gearhead® Top Picks
Our picks don’t feel perfect for you? Here are a few top contenders for lightweight layers.
Rab
Mythic Alpine Light Jacket - Men's
3 color
+5
Patagonia
Nano Puff Insulated Jacket - Men's
9 color
Fjallraven
Expedition Latt Hooded Jacket - Men's
4 color
The North Face
ThermoBall Eco Hoodie - Men's
4 color
Mountain Hardwear
Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket - Men's
4 color
Patagonia
Micro Puff Hooded Insulated Jacket - Men's
3 color
Norrona
More Octa Zip Hooded Jacket - Men's
3 color
Barbour
30th Anniversary Liddesdale Quilted Jacket - Men's
2 color
+3
Outdoor Research
SuperStrand LT Jacket - Men's
7 color
Women’s Lightweight Jackets
Best Technical Jacket
Rab
Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Rab is known as the masters of insulation, and they’re showing off that skill in spades with the super light Alpine Down Jacket. If you’re going for an alpine climb, skiing in the backcountry, or commuting across town, the Pertex Microlight face fabric is warm and durable, and the nylon lining prevents those valuable feathers from poking out and losing efficiency.
Best Daily Jacket
Gearhead® Top Picks
More of our favorite women’s off-mountain lightweight layers.
+7
Patagonia
Nano Puff Insulated Jacket - Women's
11 color
+2
Barbour
Cavalry Polarquilt Jacket - Women's
6 color
+7
Outdoor Research
SuperStrand LT Hooded Jacket - Women's
11 color
Patagonia
Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hooded Jacket - Women's
3 color
Columbia
Wallowa Insulated Cropped Jacket - Women's
2 color
Passenger
Ocean Recycled Insulated 1/2-Zip Jacket - Women's
3 color
Fjallraven
Expedition Latt Hooded Jacket - Women's
3 color
Norrona
Lyngen Aero80 Insulated Zip Hooded Jacket - Women's
1 color
More Warm Accessories
+6
Coal Headwear
The Uniform Beanie
10 color
+2
Patagonia
Fishermans Rolled Beanie
6 color
The North Face
Etip Recycled Glove - Women's
4 color
Patagonia
Better Sweater Glove
3 color
Fjallraven
Classic Knit Hat
3 color
+2
Picture Organic
Colino Beanie
6 color
Darn Tough
Bear Town Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock - Women's
5 color
Smartwool
Everyday ReGarita Crew Sock
5 color
+15
BlackStrap
Solid Tube Facemask
19 color
The North Face
Apex Etip Glove - Men's
2 color
The North Face
Denali Etip Glove
3 color
Rab
Power Stretch Pro Glove - Men's
2 color
The North Face
Urban Patch Beanie
4 color
Barbour
Newbrough Tartan Glove
2 color
