The 7 Best Thermal Jackets For Outdoor Activities (Tested)

When it comes to braving the elements during outdoor adventures, having the right gear is crucial, especially when it comes to staying warm. Thermal jackets for outdoor activities are your best friend when temperatures drop, offering the perfect blend of warmth, breathability, and comfort. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or camping in chilly conditions, these jackets are designed to keep you cozy and ready for anything. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top thermal jackets that can elevate your outdoor experience, helping you stay warm without compromising on style or performance. Let’s dive into the best options available for your next adventure with the National Park Shops team!

Best Overall: Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ($210 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
• Hem Type: Dual adjustment
• Fit: Fitted/trim fit
• Insulation: Coreloft 100% recycled polyester

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The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is a versatile active layer ideal for climbing, running, snow sports, and other outdoor activities in cool to cold weather. Its athletic fit hugs the body while allowing freedom of movement, with long sleeves that stay put and a low hem for added coverage. Coreloft insulation keeps the torso warm, while stretch fleece side panels ensure breathability and lightness during high-intensity activities.

This thermal jacket is designed to protect against wind and light elements and is perfect for movement but less suited for standing still in freezing conditions. During testing, the Atom Hoody excelled as a stand-alone layer in cool weather and as a mid-layer in colder conditions. Testers praised its performance for winter running, uphill skinning, bouldering, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing. It’s also great for summer mountain mornings or shoulder seasons when a heavier jacket isn’t needed.

Best Budget: Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer ($27.90 – $38.80 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 zippered hand
• Hem Type: Elastic
• Fit: Relaxed/slim
• Insulation: 100% polyester

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The Amazon Essentials Lightweight Puffer offers nylon insulation wrapped in a durable nylon shell, all at a budget-friendly price. Ideal for mild climates or layering under a rain or hardshell jacket, it’s a cost-effective choice that delivers decent comfort and functionality. While it doesn’t pack into its pocket, this thermal jacket includes a small stuff sack for convenient storage.

This jacket lacks the compactness of technical options, making it less suitable when packability is essential. It also falls short in warmth compared to higher-end alternatives. The version we tested was hoodless, but a hooded option is available for those who prefer added coverage.

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Most Comfortable: Rab Xenair Alpine ($260 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 zippered hand, 2 zippered chest
• Hem Type: Dual adjustment
• Fit: Regular fit
• Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active+

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The Rab Xenair Alpine is one of the coziest thermal jackets we’ve tested, designed to shield you from the elements while staying breathable and versatile. Ideal for climbing, mountaineering, and skiing, it balances warmth and protection with impressive breathability.

Testers appreciated the adjustable cuffs, hem, hood, and two-way zipper, as well as the strategic pocket placement, two chest, and two hand pockets, for functionality during active pursuits. The extended back hem ensures added coverage, while the 20D recycled nylon interior and synthetic insulation deliver a sleeping bag-like warmth. This thermal jacket excelled in activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding and served as a reliable everyday jacket for cold weather.

However, the breathable fabric comes with a tradeoff in water resistance. While the Xenair Alpine’s shell repels light rain, heavier downpours can seep into the insulation layer. Thankfully, the inner layer remained dry during testing, and the synthetic insulation provided consistent warmth even when damp.

Best for Men: Rab Electron Pro ($345 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 handwarmer pockets, chest pocket
• Hem Type: Adjustable hem
• Fit: Active fit
• Insulation: 800-fill power hydrophobic down, 20D Pertex Quantum Pro ripstop nylon

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The Rab Electron Pro, filled with Nikwax-treated hydrophobic down, offers exceptional warmth and versatility, making it a reliable choice for anything from brisk dog walks to backcountry ski trips. Key features include an adjustable waist hem, a helmet-compatible hood, and a two-way zipper. The drop hem at the back adds extra coverage, sealing in warmth during movement. Its 800-fill down is packed into large baffles that effectively trap heat, while the roomy fit allows for easy layering underneath or pairing with a shell on top. Treated with DWR and hydrophobic down, this thermal jacket provides solid weather resistance.

Although it packs slightly larger than some down jackets, it still outshines synthetic-insulated options in compactness. It comes with a separate stuff sack, just be careful not to misplace it. At 16.1 ounces, it’s heavier than some alternatives, but its performance and durability make it a beloved choice year after year.

>> Related articles that may interest you: The 7 Best Climbing Pants for Men & Women: Quick-Dry Tested

Best for Women: Rab Cirrus Flex 2.0 Hoodie ($111 – $185 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 external zippered hand pockets, 2 internal stash pockets
• Hem Type: Single cord/cord lock adjustment
• Fit: Slim fit
• Insulation: PrimaLoft Silver Luxe (110g)

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The Rab Cirrus Flex 2.0 is a solid mid-range jacket designed for alpine conditions. It features 110g of PrimaLoft Silver Luxe insulation and a durable 20-denier Pertex Quantum shell, offering good moisture resistance. While breathability isn’t its strong suit, stretchy underarm panels effectively vent heat. Additional features like internal stash pockets and a packable design make it ideal for technical activities like climbing and skiing.

Priced at $185, this thermal jacket is a great value. It’s perfect for day hikes, cragging, or casual wear, but not for weight-sensitive missions. Note that it runs small, so sizing up is recommended.

Best Lightweight: Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie ($222.99 – $226.80 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets, 2 internal drop-in pockets
• Hem Type: Elastic binding
• Fit: Slim fit
• Insulation: VerticalX SuperStrand

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The Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT is just 10.9 ounces, it’s lightweight, packable into its left-hand pocket, and features Vertical X SuperStrand insulation that mimics down’s loft and compressibility. The soft nylon shell adds comfort, making this thermal jacket a reliable choice for various activities, we’ve used it as a mid-layer for skiing, an outer layer for backpacking, and more.

However, the “LT” (lightweight) design comes with trade-offs. It lacks a hem or hood adjustment, chest pocket, and internal wind flap, which limits its versatility. Additionally, this thermal jacket is not very water-resistant and has an issue with insulation creeping through the seams, making it a bit “strandy” over time. Despite these drawbacks, it remains an excellent value for those prioritizing lightweight and packability.

Best insulated: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket 2.0 ($219.12 – $230 on Amazon)

• Number of Pockets: 2 concealed, secure-zip hand pockets, chest pocket
• Hem Type: Elastic binding
• Fit: Slim fit
• Insulation: PrimaLoft ThermoBall Eco

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The North Face ThermoBall has long aimed to replicate the benefits of down insulation, and it stands out as a strong contender. Developed with PrimaLoft, its small, round clusters of thermal fibers housed in brick-like baffles effectively trap heat, giving it the feel of a lightweight down jacket. Plus, it’s more affordable and excels in wet conditions where down struggles.

The updated ThermoBall Eco uses recycled materials and a new insulation design for better heat retention. However, its casual style, boxy fit, heavier weight, and limited breathability make this thermal jacket less suitable for high-performance activities like backcountry skiing or alpine climbing.

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What features to look for in thermal jackets for outdoor activities?

• Packability: Your jacket should fit neatly into your backpack when not in use. Bulky options take up precious space and can be impractical during a hike.
• Lightweight Design: Opt for a lightweight jacket that won’t add unnecessary weight to your pack, ensuring easy mobility and better packability.
• Hood: A hood is invaluable for keeping your head, neck, and ears warm, offering better coverage than a hat and easy adjustability while hiking.
• Ventilation: Features like underarm vents or strategically placed pockets that can be opened for airflow help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.
• Pockets: Accessible pockets are essential for storing gloves, snacks, or other small items. High-set pockets are especially handy when wearing a backpack with a hip belt.
• Sleeves: Longer sleeves that extend over your hands offer added warmth and protection. Thumbholes and elastic cuffs make layering easier and keep your hands warmer without gloves.
• Insulation Type:
  • Synthetic: Best for wet or humid conditions, as it retains heat even when damp.
  • Down: Ideal for dry climates, offering superior warmth and compressibility for easier packing.

Each of these features contributes to the functionality and comfort of your jacket, ensuring a better hiking experience.

How we tested

The thermal jackets in this list have been rigorously tested by me and my team. These thermal jackets have faced trials in varying temperatures and weather conditions, from brisk, dry days to damp, freezing environments. Each jacket’s insulation performance, moisture resistance, fit, comfort, and overall functionality in demanding settings were carefully analyzed. Features were scrutinized for their practicality and usability in real-world scenarios.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our evaluation process. Our goal is to highlight jackets that not only perform well but also support a sustainable future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in the right thermal jacket for outdoor activities is essential for staying comfortable and protected during your adventures in the cold. The right jacket can make all the difference in how you experience the great outdoors. With so many options designed for warmth, flexibility, and durability, you can confidently embrace any outdoor activity. Choose wisely, and your next adventure will be warmer and more enjoyable than ever!