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Guide
Synthetic Insulation Jackets
A thin synthetic jacket suits movement, a warm layer goes over it at stops. In damp conditions, synthetics retain more warmth than clumped down.
Key points
- As a guide: 40–60 g/m² for movement; 100 g/m² or more for longer stops.
- Active insulation releases more vapour; thick fill traps heat on climbs.
- Synthetic fill insulates when damp but does not replace waterproof protection.
- Try a stop layer over your fleece and weather protection.
Buying advice
Which insulated jacket suits you?
Five questions on use, movement or breaks, fit, fill and budget help you choose. You can select synthetic insulation.
- Compare by use
- Check fit and features
Which insulation for which use?
| Use | What to expect | Your choice |
|---|---|---|
| Short walking stops | What to expectLimited rucksack space | Your choiceLight insulated jacket |
| Hard climbs | What to expectSweat and changing pace | Your choiceActive insulation or hybrid |
| Long belays | What to expectLittle movement, cold wind | Your choiceWarm overlayer |
| Town and bus stops | What to expectStanding rather than climbing | Your choiceLonger, warm cut |
Types compared
Light insulation jacket (packable)
Rab lists synthetic insulation and stretch panels for the Cirrus Flex.
- Advantage: Small pack size
- Drawback: Too thin for long stops in frost
Hybrid jacket
Salewa combines TirolWool Responsive with Durastretch panels.
- Advantage: Fill on the torso
- Drawback: Wind gets through the stretch panels
Active insulation
Rab lists a packable design for the Xenair Alpine Light.
- Advantage: Lets sweat vapour out
- Drawback: Less warm when you stand still
Warm insulation jacket (100 g/m² and up)
Rab lists blown synthetic insulation for the Nebitron Pro.
- Advantage: Warmth at rest
- Drawback: Bulky in the pack
What to check before you buy
| Question | In short | Why |
|---|---|---|
| What does the gram figure mean? | In shortFill weight per m² | Why80 g PrimaLoft Silver means 80 g of fill per square metre. Compare figures within the same insulation line. |
| Is the jacket waterproof? | In shortCheck construction | WhyDWR makes droplets bead. Steady rain also needs a membrane or coating and sealed seams. |
| Will it fit under a shell? | In shortMove arms freely | WhyReach overhead without pulling. The layers underneath must not be compressed. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I wash synthetic fill?
Follow the label. Rab advises against fabric conditioner. If permitted, tumble dry on low heat.
Can it stay in the stuff sack?
On trips only. Rab recommends hanging the jacket loosely at home.
Under or over a hardshell?
A thin mid layer fits underneath; a warm stop layer goes over the hardshell.
Is it enough as a winter jacket?
It can be in dry cold. Rain or wet snow calls for a waterproof outer layer.
Read more in the magazine
Marmot Hybrid Power for Every MovementWarm at the summit, cool on the ascent: Marmot's Revlo Hybrid Line combines PrimaLoft Silver Active with breathable stretch zones – warmth that moves with you.
Why 30,000 mm is not always betterHydrostatic head is the most quoted buying criterion for rain jackets and tents, and the most misunderstood. We clear up the most persistent myths.
Last updated: October 2026
What for?
City & commute
For cold walks and waiting for trains, look for insulation, a hood and covered hips. The same jacket can become too warm on a bike: open it early or wear a thinner layer. Add a waterproof shell for prolonged rain.
- Warmth without movement
- Hood and covered hips
- Vent early when cycling
- Plan separate rain protection
Hillwalking
For hillwalking, an insulation jacket with 60 to 80 g/m² is enough as a layer for stops that lives in the rucksack. Light models weigh 300 to 500 g.
- 60 to 80 g/m²
- 300 to 500 g
- pack-away pocket
Mountain days
On mountain days, wear a breathable insulation jacket with 40 to 60 g/m² that can stay on uphill. For belays and long stops in the cold, a second one with 100 g/m² or more goes over the top.
- 40 to 60 g/m²
- active insulation
- helmet-compatible hood
- small pack size
Winter sports
Under a ski jacket, 40 to 60 g/m² is enough, or 80 g/m² if you chill fast on the chairlift. For ski touring and Nordic skiing, a hybrid jacket with stretch panels is better.
- 40 to 80 g/m²
- slim cut
- fits under a shell
- hybrid for ski touring
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