How to Choose a Synthetic Insulated Jacket

Synthetic insulated jacket guide
How to choose a synthetic insulated jacket.

Jackets insulated with synthetic materials are lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying.

Explore our guide to help you find the right synthetic jacket for your next adventure.

Why choose a synthetic insulated jacket?

Synthetic insulation has a range of benefits that make it well adapted to mountain use:Ā 

  • Available as static or active insulation. Static insulation provides resilient warmth when youā€™re stationary for long periods, while active insulation adapts to your output and is highly breathable when teamed with the right fabrics.Ā 

  • Very fast drying.Ā 

  • Copes well with damp conditions as it absorbs very little moisture.Ā 

  • Robust and withstands compression in your pack.Ā 

  • Can be made from post-consumer recycled materials.Ā 

  • Great for changeable mountain weather.Ā 

Find out more about the Different Types Of Synthetic Insulation.

Lightweight synthetic jackets.Ā 
Lightweight and highly breathable insulation is perfect for stop-start activities and for layering up on cold weather adventures.Ā 

Key features in our lightweight synthetic jackets:Ā 

  • Lightweight, soft, and breathable fabrics.Ā 

  • Low-bulk micro and nano baffle construction, or synthetic sheet insulation for better breathability.Ā 

  • Stretchy side panels for improved airflow.Ā 

  • Highly compressible to stash in your pack.Ā 

Ultra-warm synthetic jackets.
Designed for the days where you need instant warmth in cold conditions, our warmest synthetic insulated jackets make great belay jackets in wild weather.

Key features in our ultra-warm synthetic jackets:Ā 

  • Supercharged synthetic insulation with technology such as aerogel-infused fibres.Ā 

  • Tough, weather-resistant fabrics.Ā 

  • Larger, midi baffle construction to hold extra insulation.Ā 

  • High warmth for low weight.Ā 

Waterproof synthetic jackets.
With a waterproof outer shell and warm synthetic insulation inside, these jackets are ideal for throwing on in the worst weather, perfect for everyday outdoor use and for skiing adventures.

Key features in our waterproof synthetic jackets:Ā 

  • Protective and breathable waterproof outer shell to deflect rain and snow.Ā 

  • Fine synthetic insulation to trap maximum warmth.Ā 

  • Excellent moisture management to keep you dry and comfortable.Ā 

Synthetic vests.
Excellent for layering and keeping your core warm, or for wearing on their own in milder climates, with your arms free for better mobility on climbs and scrambles.

Key features in our synthetic vests:Ā 

  • Lightweight, soft, and breathable fabrics.Ā 

  • Low-bulk micro and nano baffle construction, or synthetic sheet insulation for better breathability.Ā Ā 

  • Stretchy side panels for improved airflow.Ā 

  • Highly compressible to stash in your pack.

Which activities will you be using your synthetic insulated jacket for?

Climbing
Long days at the crag can mean changeable weather and temperatures. You need a jacket that moves with you and keeps you warm when you're resting.

Key features for climbing insulation:Ā 

  • Harness-ready two-way front zip.Ā 

  • Helmet-compatible hood.Ā 

  • Pockets that are accessible when youā€™re wearing a harness.Ā 

Hiking
You need an insulated jacket that layers easily and breathes well, so you donā€™t have to keep changing layers as the terrain or weather fluctuates.

Key features for hiking insulation:

  • Adjustable hoods and waist cords to keep the wind out.Ā 

  • A comfortable fit thatā€™s easy to layer.Ā 

  • Breathable side panels to control your temperature.Ā 

  • Low volume to stash in your pack.Ā 

  • Chest and hand pockets to keep essentials in easy reach.Ā Ā 

Mountaineering
For high mountain adventures you need maximum warmth for the least weight possible. A jacket that keeps you warm while static on frigid belays in bone-chilling conditions.

Key features for mountaineering insulation:Ā 

  • Large, harness-compatible stash pockets for stowing essentials close at hand.Ā 

  • Seamless glove fit with adjustable cuffs.Ā 

  • Articulated sleeves so you can move freely.Ā 

  • Mitt-friendly oversized zip pullers.Ā 

  • Harness-ready two-way front zip.Ā 

  • Large helmet-compatible hood with a wired peak to preserve your vision

Backcountry skiing
Your insulation needs to work hard so you can keep moving. It needs to breathe efficiently for the uphill, keep you warm on the skin-to-ski transition, and keep you comfortable on the descent.

Key features for backcountry skiing insulation:Ā 

  • Highly breathable outer fabrics.Ā 

  • A comfortable fit thatā€™s easy to layer.Ā 

  • Breathable side panels to control your temperature.Ā 

  • Low volume to stash in your pack.Ā 

  • Chest and hand pockets to keep essentials in easy reach.Ā 

  • Adapts to your output to eliminate the faff of constantly changing layers.Ā