When it comes to outdoor layering, the midlayer is the unsung workhorse that truly makes or breaks your comfort. This piece bridges the gap between your base layer and outer shell. It provides warmth, breathability, and versatility. Whether hiking, climbing, or facing unpredictable weather, the right midlayer makes a difference. It can turn a miserable day into a great one.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best midlayers on the market. There are performance pieces for days of adventure, to more subtle options for when you want to be incognito. Let’s dive into the Best Midlayers of 2025 that keep you moving, no matter what comes your way.
Rab Capacitor Hoody (US$150)
Rab’s Capacitor Hoody is designed to move easily between midlayer or standalone use on the mountains. It adapts to both high-output use and laidback hikes alike and itt comes in men’s and women’s options. Made with soft brushed fleece on the thermic side, while underarm panels offer enhanced breathability and moisture wicking. There’s a helmet-compatible hood, as well as two zipped hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket for storing small items.
Mission Workshop Mason Power Stretch Pro (US$165)
A great option for both everyday and travel wardrobes, the Mason Power Stretch Pro fuses timeless aesthetics and technical performance. Made in NYC with USA-made Polartec Power Stretch® Pro, the Mason has a dual-knit construction for breathability and moisture wicking. While a 4-way stretch provides shape retention for enduring comfort and style.
IBEX Indie Hoodie (US$165)
The Indie Hoodie is a versatile choice for day-to-day and outdoor use and comes in men’s and women’s options. Featuring a helmet-compatible scuba hood, a quarter zip for venting, and flatlock stitching to combat chafing, it’s a chamelon. Crafted from 100% merino wool, it offers moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant properties in a sleek, minimalist design.
Fjällräven Övik Fleece Hoodie (US$170)
The Fjällräven Övik Fleece Hoodie offers an enticing combination of classic style and cozy warmth. Equally at home on chilly winter adventures or enjoying some rest and relaxation, it comes in men’s and women’s versions. Featuring a knitted exterior made from recycled polyester and G-1000 reinforcements at the zipper flap, elbows, hem, pockets. This provides added durability, while two zippered pockets keep essentials close. A timeless classic!
Patagonia R1® 1/2-Zip Fleece Pullover Hoody (around $200)
Patagonia designed the R1® 1/2-Zip Fleece Pullover Hoody to serve as a dependable midlayer for stop-start activities in cold weather. Crafted in a Fair Trade Certified factory, the hoody features a blend of 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane. The grid pattern construction conserves heat while wicking moisture. The slim fit has a longer torso length to remain in place under a harness or backpack waist belt. The equally useful pullover design has a front zipper for easy venting on the go
Fjällräven Keb Fleece Hoodie (US$210)
The Fjällräven Keb Fleece Hoodie comes in men’s and women’s options and is designed for versatile, year-round use. It is made with a blend of recycled polyester, traceable wool, and G-1000 reinforcements. The Keb offers insulation, moisture-wicking, and performance in a streamlined active design. There are two zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket to stash small essentials for those days of adventure!
Arc’teryx Hallam Merino Wool Hoody (US$220)
The Arc’teryx Hallam boasts a thoughtful seamless 3D knit design that provides great fit and freedom of movement. Made with a combination of strategically mapped merino wool and Sorona® polyester, the hoodie offers a variety of useful features. Temperature regulation, odor resistance, stretch, and breathability make this a savvy choice for active cold-weather pursuits.
Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket (US$225)
The Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket moves easily between diverse outdoor activities, from hillwalking to skiing and climbing, thanks to a considered balance of warmth and breathability. The jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions and is ideal for changing conditions and activity levels, with dual-weight PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ insulation that’s lighter in hot spots for better temperature regulation. Articulated sleeves enable freedom of movement, while three zippered pockets keep essentials secure but accessible.
Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Half Zip Pullover (US$229.95)
With its casual style and insulated warmth, the Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Half Zip Pullover is a great choice for day-to-day wear around town or relaxing by the campfire. The lightweight, insulated pullover has a water-resistant, stretchy, and heat-retaining Primeflex® fabric shell, paired with a polyester lining. A stand collar neck, half zip closure, and two side pockets round out the features of this casually comfy piece.
Houdini Power Houdi (US$240)
Houdini aims to make timeless, high-quality pieces that will go the distance year after year, and the Power Houdi is a great example of this design philosophy. The hoody is almost unchanged since its launch in 2003 bcomes in men’s and women’s options and is made with durable Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro material that offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Versatile for outdoor and urban use alike, the hoody has a two-way front zipper, extended sleeves with thumb loops, and a choice of interior and exterior pockets.
IBEX Mammoth Full Zip Hoodie (US$295)
IBEX made the Mammoth its warmest hoodie ever, making it a versatile option for outdoor adventures, travel, and day-to-day wear alike. Available in men’s and women’s options, the hoodie features sleek style and technical construction with a blend of 85% merino wool and 15% nylon, so you can enjoy temperature regulation, odor resistance, and moisture wicking with added durability. Plus, zippered chest and side pockets also offer handy storage for small essentials.
Mission Workshop Bishop Power Wool Jacket (US$325)
The Mission Workshop Bishop fuses urban style and practical performance features that make it a smart choice for both everyday and travel wear. Made in New York City with Polartec® Power Wool, it offers the next-to-skin comfort of merino fleece with a durable, moisture-wicking nylon face. Additionally, high-wear areas like the elbows and shoulders feature mil-spec SAM1® stretch woven overlays for added reinforcement. With its odor resistance, temperature regulation, and four-way stretch, this is a solid wardrobe staple you’ll reach for now and years down the line.
Arc’teryx Proton Hoody (US$350)
Arc’teryx revised the Proton Hoody with climbers in mind, but it remains a solid option for a wide range of high-output activities. It features 80gsm PrimaLoft Gold Active Vent insulation and an air-permeable Fortius Air 20 face fabric, regulating both temperature and vapor. The Proton Hoody comes in men’s and women’s versions, with articulated patterning for freedom of movement and a helmet-compatible, insulated hood.
66°North Ok Collar Jacket (US$365)
The 66°North Ok Collar Jacket was created to meet the demands of mountain athletes who need reliable warmth without sacrificing ventilation. The jacket comes in men’s and women’s options and features premium 800-fill German duck down for insulation. The synthetic blend face fabric has a DWR coating for water resistance, while high-vapor areas feature panels of Polartec® Power Stretch Pro to enable breathability and freedom of movement. And with two side pockets and an interior chest pocket, you also get useful storage for small items.
