Insulated Mid-Layer

Mountain Hardwear Compressor

Now that the cold of winter is approaching, it is time to start pulling out your cold weather gear.

As you look over your arsenal of jackets, sweaters, and fleeces arrayed to fend off the chill, here is one thought to consider: over the past few years, an insulated mid-layer has been one of the most versatile and useful pieces in my collection.

Like down, synthetic insulation provides warm primarily by virtue of its loft, or in other terms, they're warm because they're puffy. However, an insulated mid-layer has a few distinct advantages over down:

• First, synthetic insulation continues to insulate and trap heat even when wet. This is particularly useful when you are in the outdoors because you can leave your waterproof layer at home unless you absolutely need it, without fear of a cold drizzle or extended snowfall dampening your spirits and your down jacket.

• Second, insulated mid-layers can usually pack down very small, often into one of their own pockets or a stuff sack, which makes them very convenient to throw in your rucksack or suitcase. The warmth-to-packability is much higher than that of fleece.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket packed into its own pocket

• Third, insulated mid-layers can easily slip on over fleece or even wool, allowing you to layer with a level of efficiency that is difficult with only fleece layers. 

• Fourth, an insulated mid-layer can also fit well under a more robust outer layer, such as a down jacket, soft shell, or traditional hard shell jacket, allowing for significant added warmth in conjunction with the benefits of the chosen outer layer.

REI Women's Revelcloud Jacket

Arc'teryx Atom LT Pullover

• Fifth, synthetic insulation is not as high loft (puffy) as most down pieces, which makes it less conspicuous and therefore more appealing to many for wearing in casual situations.

For the avid outdoors-folk, this timely article from Gearjunkie.com gives even more credence to the merits of synthetic insulation - Outerwear for Warmth, Survival on extreme Wilderness Trips

So bulk up your winter wardrobe with an insulated mid-layer and get out and travel!