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The 8 Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers of 2024

By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | November 1, 2023

 

A key and often overlooked component when choosing what to wear skiing and the layering system is the mid layers. Sure, you really care that your base layer is comfortable against your skin and that your shell layer looks good and keeps the rain out, but what about the middle insulating layers? These are the layers that keep you warm in harsh winter weather, the layers that help wick sweat and keep you comfortable, and the layers that do a ridiculous amount of work. And when it comes to men's mid layers there are so many options. What style do you want? Jacket, hoodie, or vest? And then, what sort of insulation do you desire? Synthetic or down?

New This Year:

Sustainability is taking center stage in men's midlayers this season, with a marked shift towards recycled fabrics and eco-friendly insulation. This environmentally-conscious approach is even more pronounced in midlayers than in jackets and pants, highlighting the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, the demand for stretchy materials persists, as skiers and snowboarders continue to prioritize flexibility and comfort. The combination of sustainable materials and enhanced stretch ensures that this year's midlayers are both kind to the planet and tailored for optimal performance on the slopes.

Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie

Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie

You move from one activity to the next, each requiring new gear and lots of preparation. What's the only piece of gear you'll pack everytime? The Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie. This incredibly versatile zippered hoodie works on a number of fronts, whether that's as a toasty thermal microlayer, a belay parka or as an insulated jacket. Its PrimaLoft® insulation isn't bulky and protects from the wind, while the DWR coating keeps you dry. Do yourself a favor and set yourself up for mountain activity success with the Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoodie.  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
PrimaLoft Gold Eco Insulation | 60gHood Puffy Jacket$279.00 - $289.00

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evo Polartec Pullover Hoodie

evo Polartec Pullover Hoodie

Were you looking for a stretchy and comfortable hoodie you can wear just about anywhere? Because you're in the right spot. More than just your "basic" hoodie, the evo Polartec Pullover Hoodie is a water-resistant pullover made from a premium Polartec jersey with a super soft microfleece lining. No frills, prints, color-blocking, overlays or embroidery - just your classic black and heather grey with the quality fabric and modern fit to match.  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
Polartec FleeceHoodie$119.95

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Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie

A staple of the mountaineering and backcountry community that just keeps getting better, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie gets the "Net" - that's shell and lining made of NetPlus® ripstop fabric made from 100% recycled fishing nets - much better on your back than in the stomach of a sea creature. For insulation, it's hard to argue with 800-Fill Power 100% Virgin Goose Down simply because there is no better insulator. Get one or more of these and wear them every day, you'll be stoked.  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
800-Fill DownHood Puffy Jacket$329.00

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Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie

Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie

The Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie is a premium insulated jacket that combines warmth and style for cold weather adventures. Filled with 750-fill grey goose down + strategically placed Coreloft™ synthetic insulation in areas more prone to moisture, the Thorium offers exceptional warmth and comfort even in cold, damp conditions. Whether you're bunkered down for the night on a mountaineering mission, on belay at the crag, or just commuting to work in the midst of winter, the Arc'teryx Thorium Hoodie is here to provide versatile warmth in extreme climates.

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
6750-Fill DownHood Puffy Jacket$450.00

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Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis™ Hoodie

Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis™ Hoodie

Combining an ultralight windproof Pertex® Quantum Air Ripstop shell with PrimaLoft® Gold Active insulation makes the Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis™ Hoodie a no-brainer for high altitude winter athletes looking for a puffy that breathes like mad, moves with you, and works like a charm even when damp. A must-have mid-layer for backcountry skiers and snowboarders who get after it in colder weather.  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
PrimaLoft Gold ActiveHood Puffy Jacket$274.95

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Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie

Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie

With a cult following (and for good reason) the Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie continues its reign as one of the best and most versatile midlayers to ever exist. Combining a soft and lightweight Tyono™ 20 face fabric with a DWR finish and Arc'teryx's resilient Coreloft™ Compact 60 insulation, the Atom Hoodie is one of those pieces of eternally functional apparel that you'll find yourself wearing year round, whether it's layered under your ski shell in the middle of winter or on its own on a brisk summer night. You can't go wrong with the Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie.  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
Coreloft Compact 60 SyntheticHood Puffy Jacket$260.00

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The North Face Circaloft Hoodie

The North Face Circaloft Hoodie

The North Face Circaloft Hoodie features quilting to keep your insulation in place and a circular design that's made to be disassembled and repurposed after life. It's functional, sustainable, and ready for adventure.  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
60 g/m² PolyesterHood Puffy Jacket$229.95

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Burton AK Baker Down Jacket

Burton AK Baker Down Jacket

Top shelf insulation and all-day warmth and comfort await in the Burton AK Baker Down Jacket. Engineered to be the most windproof insulator in the entire Burton line, this jacket boasts a lightweight and packable Pertex® 20D nylon ripstop construction which houses the 90/10 RSD down 800 fill for moisture-resistant warmth. Hoodless in order to minimize bulk under your snowboard jacket, the Burton AK Baker Down Jacket is ready for a season chalk full of cold smoke pow!  

InsulationStyleOriginal Price
90/10 RSD Down 800 FillPuffy Jacket$259.95

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The Selection Process:

Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.

Kevin Katsafanas

Growing up in the northwest I took to snowboarding when I was 13 and spent most weekends up at Snoqualmie riding the park. As I grew as a rider I traded out rails and jumps for more freeride terrain found on the other side of I-90 over at Alpental. With evo in my backyard, I spent countless weekends hounding the shop staff about gear. Finally, when I was 19 years old I found my way into a full-time position selling snowboards at the Seattle store. In the decade since I've worn a number of hats in the outdoor industry in addition to talking gear, including spending time as the Seattle store's marketing and events coordinator. 9 years later and I am still here at evo in my role as the Buyer for men's techwear, and ski/snowboard bags.