The 9 Best Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers of 2021-2022

Too often mid layers get the short end of the stick. They’re just not that glamorous after all. Shells are fancy and visible, everyone can see what you’re rocking on the outside of your kit. And base layers are really intimate, so you’re pretty focused on making sure you’ve got the right one - they’re all up in your business all day after all. But for too many skiers and snowboarders, mid layers just sort of...exist. You own one, maybe it’s a fleece you bought in high school, maybe it’s a puffy that the guy who dated your roommate for two weeks left after they broke up. Whatever it is, it’s probably not the most prized part of your winter gear setup. And that’s really too bad because the best ski & snowboard mid layers can be one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you own.

What else is practical and comfortable from the moment you wake up and cook breakfast, through your whole day on the hill, and still looks classy at the bar afterwards? What other piece of clothing gets worn to so many events, is just reliably there, keeping you warm and comfortable through whatever the day may bring? So let’s raise our glasses to the humble mid layer. It might not get the hype that it deserves, but boy does it make our lives better. So peruse this list of our favorite options next time you notice that your faithful mid layer is getting a little worn.

The North Face TKA Glacier 1​/4 Zip

The North Face TKA Glacier 1/4 Zip Fleece is the perfect go anywhere, do anything midweight fleece. You can easily throw it on post-workout to keep your core warm or use it as a layer on the mountain when temps are frigid. Highly versatile and highly breathable, we dare you to find a time and place The North Face TKA Glacier 1/4 Zip Fleece doesn't fit in.

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Helly Hansen Lifaloft Air Insulator Jacket

The Helly Hansen Lifaloft Air Insulator Jacket is a water-resistant jacket for high-output days that require lots of layer changes. Helly Hansen's LifaLoft™ Air insulation delivers breathable lightweight warmth, and its soft exterior helps your body move. When you hit a tough kickturn and flop into the side of the mountain, a PFC-free DWR coating will protect the snow from trickling in. An attached hood even fits under helmets so you can layer some GoreTex over top and reduce wind chill to your neck. Complete the kit with huge pockets to store your skins, and maybe you won't have to lug a big backpack to the top after all!

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Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoodie

The Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoodie is super light, breathable, and warm. It's not hard to see why the Atom remains one of the best-selling and highest rated midlayers year after year, beloved by skiers, hikers, climbers, and townsfolk alike. It's great on its own for a bit of warmth when the weather's not too bad, and the air permeable Tyono shell and Coreloft insulation really shine when used to add warmth under a shell without putting a stop to airflow or breathability.

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Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Light Pullover

Hanging out at the campsite, as a cold weather add-on under a shell, or simply your daily warm up walking to work, the Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Light Pullover is a smart and versatile multi-season layering piece. Keep this one in the car or backpack and you'll never be chilly again.

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Rab® Xenair Alpine Jacket

Versatile warmth is the name of the game for the Rab® Xenair Alpine Jacket. Whether you're climbing a 5.10 route, pushing for the summit of Mt. Rainier, or just out for a casual hike, this lightweight insulator offers solace from the elements while maintaining great breathability so you don't ever feel like you're stuck in a sauna. Complete with well thought out finishes like elasticated gussets at the cuffs and YKK® zips throughout, the Rab® Xenair Alpine Jacket takes premium comfort and performance to a whole new level.

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Jones Re-Up Down Puffy Jacket

As the first puffy in the world that's made with 100% recycled fabrics and 100% upcycled 750-fill down, the Jones Re-Up Down Puffy Jacket doubles down on Jeremy Jones' commitment to environmentally friendly snow/splitboard solutions. Finished with a Downproof DWR and ample pocketing options, the Jones Re-Up Down Puffy Jacket is the ultimate midlayer for those extra chilly splitboard missions.

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Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Lightweight, compressible, and super warm, the Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket is built for spring ski tours, summer backpacking missions, chilly post-surf hangs, and everything in between. It's windproof and water-resistant, and its insulation maintains its warmth even when wet. Wear it as a mid-layer or wear it on its own -- either way, the Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket is bound to be your new best friend.

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Helly Hansen LifaLoft Full Zip Insulator Pants

When the temps get really frigid, and a simple base layer isn't enough, check out the Helly Hansen LifaLoft™ Full Zip Insulator 3/4 Pants. With 80 grams of LifaLoft™ insulation around your knees, hips and groin you'll feel a whole lot better in severe winter conditions.

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Norrona Lofoten Hiloflex200 Hoodie

Don't look now, but the Norrøna Lofoten Hiloflex200 Hoodie is about to become the most-used item in your closet. This double weave fleece jacket is breathable to tour or climb in all day, but warm and windproof enough to keep the chill at bay when you stop or the wind kicks. With its integrated face mask-hood design, the Hiloflex200 becomes even more of an asset in storm conditions. Impeccable Norrøna quality, bluesign® and Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, and with a build that will last you for years. this is a garment that's begging to join your team.

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Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:

• Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
• Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
• 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

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