The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket for women is best suited for those who enjoy having the flexibility of choosing their layers based upon the current conditions, instead of relying on one jacket as a do-it-all piece. The lighter weight of this jacket combined with the extreme weather resistance, adjustability, and high-quality construction, along with higher-tech features like internal wrist cuffs and pants that can be integrated, make this a great choice for alpine layering during all weather conditions.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Down Jacket for women is a stylish, warm, and mobile jacket that is designed for combining style and performance into one layer. The shorter length, lack of durability, heavy weight, and no harness-compatible pockets make this not the best choice for an outer layer during high intensity activity or during intense weather, but the comfort features like elastic cuffs, ample pockets, and stylish-fit make this a great option for low-key outdoor activities or hanging out around town.
The Outdoor Research Deviator Hooded Insulated Jacket for women is a light, breathable, and versatile hoody perfect for high-output activities on cold days. A favorite for winter runners, this hoody offers the comfort of a fleece with the extra insulation of a down vest to distribute heat well on cold days, and works well for layering. The sizing on this hoody is the most common complaint, but those who find a good fit love it to keep them warm for everything from rock climbing to running and skiing.
The Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket for women is a highly-technical, waterproof, and windproof jacket that would be best for intense adventurers, mountaineers, and those consistently spending time in tough weather conditions. The high price of the jacket reflects the high-quality of the construction, features, and the multiple positive reviews. This extremely-rugged option is great for those who spend numerous days a year in the mountains.
The Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket for women is a good option as a mid-layer during cold days, and as an outer-layer over some insulation pieces during the shoulder seasons. The mobility, versatility, lightweight, and breathability make this usable in all climates, especially during fall and spring as an outer layer during light activity, or as a mid-layer in colder temperatures. The lack of extreme weather protection and adequate warmth doesn’t make this a top choice for a stand-alone jacket in the winter months.
The Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket for women is a highly versatile, synthetic jacket that can stand alone in the warm months and makes for a great mid-layer in the winter. It’s slightly heavier and more expensive than comparable products, but more breathable, durable and stylish. The Atom LT continues to perform well over time and is hard to beat in terms of comfort.
The Patagonia Re-Tool Full-Zip Fleece Jacket for women is a warm, stylish, and cozy option that is great for use as a mid-layer in various climates. The limited breathability and bulkiness should be considered, but nonetheless this is a great choice for around-town or low intensity outdoor adventures.
The Patagonia R1 Fleece Pullover for women is a soft, warm, and breathable mid or base-layer. The ability to layer this warm and breathable piece makes it extra versatile for high and low intensity activities in varying climates. While some users miss the lack of pockets and hood, its fairly simple design coupled with high performance, makes this a favorite layering option.
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Insulated Jacket for women is designed for light and fast trips into the outdoors. It is probably the warmest synthetic jacket in this weight class but it does come with some downsides, such as shiny material that is crinkly and noisy. However, if the jacket’s unique fit is a match for your body-type, and you’re looking to go fast and light, there is likely no better synthetic jacket.
The Arc’teryx Thorium AR Hooded Down Jacket for women is a warm, durable, and comfortable layering option that is great for cold weather. The high quality construction, impressive warmth, and versatility make this a top choice for cold weather activities.