15 best women’s mid layers that will keep you warm in cold weather

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The key to staying warm in the great outdoors? Think like an onion and get layering. The best way to trap in warmth without overheating when you’re out exploring in colder weather is to wear a base layer next to the skin, a waterproof shell jacket and between them, the hero piece – a great mid layer.  

Mid layers come in different materials and thicknesses, but the best ones will keep you cosy whether you’re camping, hiking, skiing or just walking the dog on a bitterly cold morning.  

We recommend choosing either fleece or insulated mid layers, and we’ve included both in our round-up, all of which we put through their paces in the elements.

Insulated jackets, which are stuffed with either animal down or a synthetic insulation, are brilliant at keeping you warm without weighing you down.  

Synthetic fill tends to be lighter but can feel bulkier than animal down – it also performs better when wet. Animal down is very warm yet lightweight to wear, usually offering a better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation but doesn’t work when wet. Animal-sourced down can also be unethically harvested from ducks and geese – so it’s best to avoid cheap down jackets and pick a good quality one from a brand that offers full information on how and where their down is sourced. Or simply avoid this issue by choosing a jacket stuffed with synthetic insulation instead. 

Fleeces are made from synthetic (and often recycled) fabrics and are highly breathable, machine-washable, and quick-drying. Like merino wool and other thinner mid layers, they tend to be less bulky but less warming than insulated models.

Mid layers aren’t usually waterproof – you can wear warmer mid layers as a standalone jacket on clear, cold days but it’s best to pop a waterproof shell on top when venturing out into rain and snow. That said, some of the latest mid layers we tested are water resistant, meaning they’ll put up with lighter rainfall if you do get caught out in the elements.  

Whatever model of mid layer you go for, a good one should ideally have zipped pockets for stashing your essentials and a high neck for helping to protect your face from the wind. A hood is also useful – ideally one that’s adjustable and can be drawn snugly around your face.  

Lighter insulated jackets often pack down into a stuff sack or into one of their own pockets, which is great for popping your jacket in your backpack on the go. If you want to warm your core but keep your arms unencumbered, we recommend picking an insulated gilet.

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