decathlon trek 100 synthetic

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Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Hiking Jacket

This down puffy offers lightweight warmth at a sweet price., brand: gear 360 reviews.

Model: Product feedback from every angle

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Backpacker gear 360 review.

For the most part, down performs like down no matter what garment it’s packaged into, and the non-hydrophobic, 800-fill variety in the Trek 100 works just as well as it would in a jacket four times as expensive. (Decathlon, a European retailer, keeps costs down through in-house designs and sheer volume.) When the temps dropped into the low 40s while our tester backpacked in Alaska’s Caines Head State Park, it was all the warmth he needed over a baselayer. The Trek 100 scrunches down (in its own pocket) to the size of a football. It also slips in well under the 10-ounce barrier, which is mind-boggling given that it costs only $80. Thanks to a burly, 15-denier nylon face fabric, this jacket would have scored higher in durability if it weren’t for a dinky main zipper. We found it hard to use, especially in the cold, and prone to separating. (We fixed it easily with a multitool, though.) Feathers stayed in and seams stayed tight over a year of use, and a DWR treatment knocked back light precipitation. Features-wise, the Trek 100 comes with a snug-fitting hood (with a single cinch in back) and a high collar, zippered hand pockets, and a hem cinch. Our only complaint about the fit is that the cuffs feel a bit too tight, especially if you’re wearing a watch.

Robin Mino First of all, I’m totally psyched that there is a down jacket that doesn’t break the bank. It kept me nice and toasty on multiple backpacking trips here in Colorado when temps went down into the low 40s. There is a very generous length to both the trunk and sleeves, which is a feature I absolutely love. I’m happy to report the jacket did not allow that “bottom-of-your-back breeze” when I was bending over or sitting. It was a huge bonus on some brisk mornings. This is a solid jacket in terms of price, fit (no frills, and I like its simplicity), and performance. I would totally buy this jacket, as it performed much better than my other down jackets.

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Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 hiking boot review

The decathlon forclaz trek 100s are pocket-friendly, fuss-free walking boots for more casual use.

Advnture Verdict

A very pocket-friendly choice for casual or new-to-the-trails walkers, and a decent second option if you already own a more rugged and expensive technical boot that’s capable of hoofing at a higher level.

Great value for money

Waterproof enough to wear in rain

Decent grip

Not waterproof enough for prolonged bad weather use

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

First impressions

Decathlon’s hiking boots offer some of the best value for money around, and these no-nonsense boots are our top pick from their women’s walking boot range.

The Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 has a built-in waterproof membrane that we found offered enough protection from steady rain on shorter hikes or dog walks, and the good-looking leather outer material punches above its price point when it comes to suppleness and comfort.

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A padded neck offers a nice sock-like fit around the ankles, and the soles offer good enough grip to see you through walks on flatter terrain in fair or foul weather.

The Forclaz Trek 100 isn’t the most breathable boot we tested, and your feet would definitely overheat on a blazing summer’s day, but for a smidge under £60/$90, they offer great value for money for cooler weather adventures.

• RRP: $90 (US) / £60 (UK) • Weight (per boot): 502g /1lb 1.7oz • Materials: Leather and PU upper; Polyester lining; Thermoplastic Polyurethane sole • Colours: Brown • Compatibility: A great first walking boot for day hikes and country bimbles

In the field

We tested the Forclaz Trek 100 from spring to autumn on trails and more relaxed path walking in the UK and Europe. It’s definitely not the most breathable boot we tested, and your feet would overheat on a blazing summer’s day, but it can certainly contend with more expensive casual boots in cooler weather. 

We reckon that on walks under the 10-mile mark the Forclaz is comfortable, bouncy despite its heftier weight, and rainproof enough that you don’t need to worry if the heavens open. There’s a nice flex to the design, and the boots feel like they mold to your feet over time. 

Grip is decent on well-made paths, but didn’t cut the mustard when we ventured onto slippy rock or tougher surfaces such as scree. We rated the cuffs on test, which are comfortable and really hug your ankles, with good laces that you can strap up tightly to two top hooks to offer good support.

For the lightweight pricetag, Decathlon’s Forclaz offers great value for money for cooler weather adventures – this a good casual boot to choose if you already own a more technical mountain-bound boot. 

An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent , Evening Standard , BBC Countryfile , Coast , Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel . Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, thegirloutdoors.co.uk , champions accessible adventures.

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Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L: Comfort & Efficiency for Weekend Backpacking (Decathlon)

On a recent overnight in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I tested the Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack by Decathlon which proved a lightweight and comfortable option.

The thought and care put into designing this pack to make it efficient in terms of both features and function is evident. Here are some of the features that stood out:

Easyfit Adjustability

I took the Decthalon Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack on a trip to Wyoming’s Wind River Range. I’m always wary when trying new packs out as they often pull and tug at my shoulders, but I was pleased with how the Forclaz sat on hips.

While carrying a heavy set-up with a full rack and rope, the pack comfortably distributed the load in the proper places.

The shoulder straps are adjustable and can be adjusted by sliding them on the aluminum plates on the back of the pack. The red straps on the side of the pack can be pulled while wearing the pack which made for easy adjustment on the trail.

Compartment Layout

The Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack boasts a thoughtful compartment design. There are five separate compartments in the pack not including the water pouch storage on the side which securely holds a liter bottle. I was most impressed with the center compartment which zips down from the top; this made packing and unpacking gear easy and effortless.

The compartment on the hip belt was the perfect size for snacks and can hold a phone or small or other small personal items for easy access. It’s also worth mentioning that the water bottle pouch on the side was made to last.

It is made with the same durable material as the rest of the pack and securely holds a Nalgene sized bottle (no need to worry about losing your bottle on those steeper, scrambly sections).

Overall Impression

Overall, I appreciated the simplicity of the pack and I truly felt the layout of the compartments made organizing gear a smooth and satisfying process. The Forclaz Trek 100 Easyfit 50L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight pack that is an ideal option for anyone looking for a comfortable pack for a weekend backpacking trip. The pack can be purchased here from Decathlon for an astoundingly reasonable price of $119.00 .

This pack is well worth the money. The Easyfit design feature allows the user to adjust the pack to fit securely, and allows for an enjoyable experience on the trail. This feature along with the compartment design and durable materials make the Forclaz Trek 100 a great addition to any backpacker’s arsenal of packs.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Best Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking of 2024

W hile down insulation still owns the field for thru-hiking jackets, synthetic-filled layers are making a dent in the category. As synthetic technologies become more eco-friendly and improve their warmth-to-weight ratio, the performance gap between down and synthetic will continue to shrink. Since synthetics are a lot more affordable and maintain insulating properties even when wet, they become more appealing with each passing year.

Unlike down puffies, you can wear the best synthetic backpacking jackets both on-trail and in camp. Many models are built with breathable, wicking materials in the face fabric, lining, and insulation, allowing the wearer to use it as a breathable mid-layer without drowning in a puddle of sweat and decimating the insulating properties.

Best Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking: Quick Navigation

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket | Best Overall Patagonia Micro Puff | Best Patagonia Synthetic Jacket Arc’teryx Atom LT | Most Durable Decathlon Forclaz MT100 | Best Budget Rab Xenair | Best Active Layer Arc’teryx Proton LT | Most Breathable Patagonia Nano Puff | Most Sustainable Montbell Thermawrap | Best Fully-Featured Ultralight

Types of Synthetic Insulation

You’ve got three options: blown-in, continuous filament, and short-staple.

Blown-in insulation , like PrimaLoft Thermoplume, is featherlike and feels most similar to authentic down but generally is less durable and not as warm when wet compared to the competition.

Continuous filament insulation, like Climashield Apex, consists of a single long, continuous fiber coiled over on itself. Continuous filament is the most durable type of insulation. It doesn’t clump or migrate readily, is relatively compressible, and has enduring loft.

Finally, short-staple insulation consists of a lot of short, interlocking fibers. It is initially loftier and more compressible than continuous filament. However, loft tends to diminish more rapidly over time because it is also less durable than continuous filament.

Specs to Look For in the Best Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking

Weight : Under 16 ounces Fit : A medium fit is your best bet for this layer. You should be able to fit a base layer and/or a fleece layer underneath and a shell on top. It’s common to hike / be active in a synthetic jacket, so be sure you can move freely in the garment and that the shoulders don’t restrict your range of motion. Hood: Adds significant warmth to any jacket but also makes it heavier and more expensive. If you opt for a hood, it should have a drawcord adjustment so you can cinch it down to shut out drafts. Shell Fabric : A durable, DWR-treated shell is optimal, as are reinforced cuffs and hem. Features : At least two hip pockets, which should be placed high enough to be accessible under a hip belt. Look for a model with a form-fitting hood that won’t eliminate your peripheral vision.

Note: This list is A) not in order and B) will continue to evolve as more products are released and tested. Product weights are based on size medium unless otherwise specified.

-Maggie Slepian

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Men’s | Women’s (Best Overall) MSRP: $200 Weight: 8.8 ounces men’s | 8.3 ounces women’s* Fill: Climashield Apex synthetic insulation Size range: XS – XXXL

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex.

*Weight based on size medium hooded jacket with standard torso length and 10D inner and outer fabric

Enlightened Equipment dialed down the ounces while still packing this jacket with enough synthetic insulation to make it comparable in warmth to down models like the Patagonia Down Sweater and the Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody, both of which I have taken on many chilly trips. This jacket weighs several ounces less than my down-insulated jackets while still maintaining warmth when damp.

The Torrid Apex fits true to size while being roomy enough for layering underneath and comes with two zippered hand pockets, a high collar, and a deep hood. The face fabric is rugged and has a DWR finish. The Torrid Apex clocks in with the greatest warmth-to-weight ratio on this list. – Maggie Slepian

Read our review of the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex jacket.

Materials and Features

Warm, ultralight, affordable, customizable, US-made—this jacket has a lot going for it. Ultralight (2 oz. per square yard) Climashield Apex, a top-performing continuous filament insulation known for superior thermal efficiency and compressibility, lends the Torrid jacket an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.

The outer shell and lining consist of slippery-smooth nylon in a variety of fabric weights and colors. You can choose between 7, 10, and 20 denier nylon for the shell and seven and 10D for the liner. (Note: the stock Torrid jacket comes in 100% 10D nylon). You can also choose whether or not to put an adjustable hood on the jacket.

All Torrid jackets come standard with a full-length zipper, two zippered hand pockets, elasticized cuffs, a drawcord-adjustable hem, and DWR treatment. The jacket has a loose/baggy fit and runs slightly oversized to accommodate layers underneath. Raglan sleeves (connected at the collar rather than at the shoulder) enhance range of motion, which is essential in a jacket that can function as an active layer.

If you love the jacket but wish it were a tad warmer, check out our review of Enlightened Equipment’s Torrid Pullover .

Pros: Ultralight; customizable; warm; affordable; plenty of room for multiple layers underneath; high-quality insulation; made in the US; wide size range. Cons: Baggy fit; lack of quilting can lead to gapping between inner and outer fabric layers; long lead time for custom jackets; thin materials may compromise long-term durability.

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Patagonia Micro Puff Men’s | Women’s (Best Patagonia Synthetic Backpacking Jacket) MSRP: $329 Weight: 10.5 ounces men’s | 9 ounces women’s Fill: 65g PlumaFill polyester fibers Size range: S – XXL men’s | XXS – XL women’s

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Patagonia Micro Puff.

At 10.5 ounces for a men’s medium, the Micro Puff is lighter than many down jackets. The jacket is minimalist, with no drawstrings for the hood or the waist and no chest pocket. The Micro Puff has two zippered pockets at the waist and two zipper-less pockets on the inside. That’s it.

The shell is DWR-treated Pertex Quantum, and the unique baffle patterns keep the insulation in place with minimal stitching and minimal cold spots. The hood is snug, with elastic taking the place of drawcords. While the face fabric is treated and durable, this is better as a mid-layer than an outer layer when the weather gets wet.

Read our full review of the Patagonia Micro Puff.

The Micro Puff’s 10D Pertex Quantum shell (ultralight, tightly-woven ripstop nylon) offers decent resistance to wind and water, especially since it’s DWR-treated to help the jacket shed light precipitation. The garment features 65g recycled continuous filament Plumafill insulation (Patagonia’s in-house synthetic fill), comparable to 800-fill down in terms of loft and warmth. (By the by, the “65g” part references the weight of a one-meter-square sheet of that material).

The Micro Puff’s quilting pattern keeps the down-like Plumafill from migrating without having excessive seams. The cuff, hem, and hood of this jacket are elasticized (not adjustable) to seal out drafts. There are two zippered side pockets and two internal pockets for storage.

Pros: Plumafill insulation is comparable to 800-fill down; warmer and lighter than Patagonia Nano Puff; lightweight; windproof and water-resistant; minimal seams. Cons: Expensive; no shock cord adjustment for hem or hood; not as warm as most on this list.

Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated Hoodie Men’s | Women’s (Most Durable Synthetic Jacket) MSRP: $300 Weight: 13 ounces men’s | 11 ounces women’s Fill: Coreloft synthetic fibers Size range: XS – XXXL men’s | XXS – XXL women’s

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Arc’teryx Atom LT.

The Atom LT features 60g/square meter Coreloft Compact, a short-staple siliconized polyester insulation “that has undergone a special process which reduces the thickness of the material by 50 percent without reducing its insulation value by the same amount,” according to Arc’teryx .

All this polyester goodness is sandwiched between a DWR-treated, 20D Tyono nylon shell and a highly breathable, 20D Dope Permeair nylon liner (both are proprietary Arc’teryx fabrics). The material is colored with a dope dying process that improves colorfastness and reduces water consumption and emissions.

The updated Atom now features stretchy, polyester-elastane blend fleece side panels, which boost mobility and breathability. There’s also an adjustable, brimmed hood, stretch knit cuffs, and an adjustable hem. The jacket also has three zippered pockets: one internal chest pocket and two exterior hand pockets.

Like many (most) Arc’teryx designs, the Atom LT has a relatively slim, athletic fit that looks great and cuts down on drafts. It’s still loose enough to accommodate a midlayer underneath.

Pros: Not too bulky; stretchy fleece side panels; 20D nylon fabrics are relatively durable; no quilting. Cons: Heavy; expensive; zipper sometimes catches; helmet-compatible hood too voluminous for non-helmet-wearing thru-hikers.

Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Men’s | Women’s (Best Budget Synthetic) MSRP: $70 Weight: 13.2 ounces men’s large | 11.8 ounces women’s medium Fill: Recycled polyester Size range: S – XXXL men’s | XS – XXL women’s

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Decathlon Forclaz MT100

If you’re on a budget, it doesn’t get better than the synthetic MT100. It costs a fraction of the price of most jackets on this list, yet the weight, materials, and features are on par with the best of them. It may not be as durable as a top-shelf jacket, but it should survive a thru-hike if you’re careful with it.

Decathlon offers a refreshing level of transparency on the product page regarding materials and design — which, when a product seems too good to be true, helps to inspire some much-needed confidence. We also featured the down version of this puffy in our roundup of the best down jackets for thru-hiking, so be sure to check that out if you’re on a budget but also interested in real down insulation.

We really like that this jacket emphasizes sustainable materials and manufacturing processes without tacking on a price markup for being an “eco-friendly” product.

The polyester insulation (generic; no fancy designer labels here) is 70 percent recycled, and Decathlon is using PFC-free DWR treatment on the 20D polyamide shell fabric while many high-end companies are still struggling to phase these toxic forever chemicals out of their water-repellent lineup. The company also uses a more sustainable process to dye the fabrics in this jacket, reducing emissions and pollution.

The jacket packs into one of its own zippered handwarmer pockets — always a win — and features an adjustable hem.

Decathlon says it will keep you warm down to 23˚F if you’re active while wearing it or 41˚F if you’re idle. There are so many variables in real-world conditions that it’s hard to give a jacket an accurate temperature rating (which is why it isn’t normally done) but there’s no denying that the MT100’s 4.4oz/square meter insulation is the beefiest on this list.

Pros: Inexpensive; reasonable weight; sustainable materials/manufacture; warm. Cons: Not ultralight; hood is not adjustable and can feel loose by some reports.

Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket Men’s | Women’s (Best Active Layer) MSRP: $225 Weight: 10.3 ounces men’s | 9.3 ounces women’s Fill: PrimaLoft Gold Active+ (55% recycled polyester) Size range: S – XXL men’s | XS – XL women’s

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Rab Xenair

Layering for cold-weather hikes is tricky: you have to stay warm when you’re at camp or on breaks but keep cool so you don’t sweat through your clothes while actively hiking. Usually, this means you’ll constantly be shrugging layers on and off throughout the day to stay ahead of your internal temperature changes.

These conditions are where the Xenair shines: it’s warm and reasonably wind resistant, but the body-mapped insulation and air-permeable Pertex shell fabric help you dump heat and regulate moisture on the trail. Meanwhile, articulated sleeves and gusseted cuffs improve mobility, making this our pick for the best active layer on the list.

The Xenair features body-mapped recycled PrimaLoft Gold Active+ insulation, which is meant to be more breathable than standard synthetics. “Body-mapped” means there’s somewhat more fill in the chest, back, hood, and outer sleeves, where you’re more likely to need extra insulation, and less fill in the side panels and underarms, where you’re more likely to overheat and sweat.

The lining material is Rab’s proprietary 20D Atmos ripstop nylon, while the outer shell is made of breathable, recycled 20D Pertex Quantum Air.

The cut is semi-fitted but still roomy enough to accommodate extra layers if needed.  The Xenair has velcro cuffs and three zippered pockets: two external hand pockets and one internal, which also doubles as a stuff sack for the jacket. The elasticized hood is fitted and adjustable.

Pros: Partially recycled fabric and insulation; lightweight; body-mapped insulation; breathable fabric; packable; 20D fabric relatively durable; articulated design Cons: All “breathable” garments have limits (you’ll probably still have to shrug layers on and off to keep from sweating while hiking)

Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Men’s | Women’s (Most Breathable Synthetic Jacket) MSRP: $350 Weight: 14.1 ounces men’s | 12.3 ounces women’s Fill: Body: Coreloft Compact 80 polyester fibers Size range: XS – XXL men’s | XXS – XXL women’s

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Arc’teryx Proton LT.

The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is another jacket that gets top marks for breathability. This is a piece you can feel confident wearing on-trail and at camp. The jacket is built with Fortius Air 20 face fabric that balances air permeability and weather resistance and is packed with Coreloft Compact 80 insulation to keep you warm at camp. The Proton can stand up to light snow and dampness, and the slim fit is an ideal mid-layer.

The Proton LT features Arc’teryx’s proprietary Fortius Air 20 face fabric, a breathable nylon-elastane blend that Arc’teryx says is 60 times more durable than the industry standard. The lining, meanwhile, is 100 percent nylon in the form of proprietary Dope Permeair 20. The body of the jacket is insulated with 80g/square meter Coreloft Compact polyester fill, while the hood is filled with 60g/square meter Coreloft Compact instead (same as the Arc’teryx Atom LT above).

The Proton is overall somewhat more breathable and has a slimmer fit than the Atom LT, making it a better active layer.

It has an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood and hem and elasticized cuffs—also two insulated, zippered hand pockets and a delightfully roomy external zippered chest pocket. Designed with climbers in mind, the Proton LT’s gusseted armpits and articulated elbows aren’t altogether wasted on hikers, as these features translate to a notable increase in comfort and mobility.

Pros: Durable face fabric; warm insulation; breathable; gusseted underarms and articulated elbows; roomy chest pocket. Cons: Heavy; expensive, short-staple insulation can de-loft relatively quickly.

Patagonia Nano Puff Men’s | Women’s (Most Sustainable Synthetic Jacket) MSRP: $289 Weight: 12.8 ounces men’s | 10.8 ounces women’s Fill: 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco Size range: XS – XXXL men’s | XXS – XXL women’s

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Patagonia Nano Puff.

The Nano Puff is built primarily from eco-friendly materials, including a recycled polyester ripstop shell and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which is made from post-consumer recycled content.

This jacket is one of the least insulating on the list, ideal for warm weather and hot people (temperature-wise, that is, although the cut is very flattering). It also has a neutral fit for layering over and under. The hood is form-fitting, the face fabric is abrasion resistant and highly durable, and all materials are weather-resistant. This jacket is reasonably breathable for use as a midlayer on the go.

The Nano Puff is the only jacket on our list that features 100 percent recycled polyester in both the fabric and the insulation, a reduced-emissions manufacturing process, and less-toxic, PFC-free DWR on the face fabric. (Though it’s worth noting that the budget-friendly Decathlon Forclaz MT100 is also a contender for the “most sustainable” award).

The insulation in this jacket is of the short-staple variety, meaning it will have superior loft and compressibility initially, but loft will decrease over time because it isn’t the most durable insulation.

A brick quilting pattern crisscrosses the 20D polyester shell (22D for the liner) to stabilize the insulation. This pattern effectively shuts down any potential clumping/migration, but it also adds many seams that introduce cold spots to a garment that’s already pretty thin on insulation. The Nano Puff has elasticized cuffs, two zippered handwarmer pockets, and a zippered internal chest pocket. There’s also a drawcord-adjustable hem and a fixed, elasticized hood.

The jacket is on the long side and features a droptail hem (back is longer than front) to keep your bum toasty. It fits comfortably and has enough room for a midlayer underneath without feeling baggy. Thanks to the minimal insulation, it’s eminently packable as well.

The Nano Puff isn’t ideal as a standalone jacket for cold weather, but it’s perfect for summer use or hikers who run warm but need just a touch of comfortable, lightweight warmth (and also want to do their bit for the environment).

Pros: Recycled materials, reduced emissions, and PFC-free DWR; packable; comfortable fit; decent breathability. Cons: Not that warm; lots of seams; hood not adjustable; expensive/heavy for the amount of insulation; insulation may de-loft relatively quickly.

Montbell Thermawrap Parka | Women’s (Best Fully-Featured Ultralight Synthetic Jacket) MSRP: $219 Weight: 9.3 ounces men’s | 7.7 ounces women’s Fill: 40g Stretch Exceloft Size range: S – XL

Best synthetic jackets for backpacking: Montbell Thermawrap Parka.

The Montbell Thermawrap Parka is the second-lightest jacket on our list, after our overall top pick, the Enlightened Equipment Torrid. But although the Thermawrap is a tad pricier and heavier than the Torrid, it also has more features.

These include special, moderately stretchy insulation to enhance mobility, a zippered external chest pocket, low-profile quilting to stabilize the insulation, and a much more flattering fit. For those who wish to go ultralight without sacrificing features and functionality, the Thermawrap is the one.

Montbell’s Stretch Exceloft insulation comprises three different types and sizes of fibers to provide an optimal combination of resilient structure and fluffy loft. The fibers are siliconized to repel water, so the insulation will dry quickly and retain warmth when wet. Montbell claims their proprietary synthetic outperforms the competition in both thermal retention and “loft recovery rate” after repeated compression and expansion cycles.

The jacket is made from Ballistic Airlight nylon: 15D in the sleeves and 12D in the main body. Ballistic Airlight is Montbell’s proprietary ultralight, calendered, hollow-fiber ripstop nylon—functionally, the fabric is very similar to Pertex Quantum. It maximizes wind/abrasion resistance and breathability while minimizing weight.

The Thermawrap features a DWR-treated shell and zipper, two zippered hand pockets and a zippered external chest pocket, and an adjustable hem.

Pros: Ultralight; stretchy; moderately breathable; affordable; many features considering the weight; decent wind resistance. Cons: Thin materials may compromise durability; not quite as ultralight or affordable as EE Torrid Apex.

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Why should you trust us?

Because we’re so incredibly intelligent, of course! Attractive, too. (Not to mention extremely humble).

But if that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also the fact that everyone who contributed to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousands of on-trail miles under their belt. We’re gear nerds who love putting our equipment to the test on trails long and short, and we’ve tested dozens of puffies in pursuit of warmer backcountry days.

Moreover, we do our best to stay plugged into the trail community’s gear preferences (we are definitely those obnoxious people on trail who always want to know what everyone else is packing). That means our picks for the best synthetic jackets for backpacking aren’t just our opinions: they’re based on years of feedback from the thru-hiking community. Thanks to everyone who commented on previous versions of this list—we incorporate your suggestions and requests as often as possible.

Competence and backpacking proficiency personified.

Rachel Shoemaker and Alexander “GPS” Brown contributed to this list.

Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm .

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Comments 17

Ahh you guys missed the Outdoor Research Ascendant! It’s my favourite synthetic active midlayer – it was developed for the army, since soldiers can’t just stop and easily shift their layering. I love it because it keeps me comfy on trail over a pretty wide span of temperatures, plus it is pretty wind resistant. It’s insulated with Primaloft Alpha which is VERY snuggly. Its sleeves are designed so that you can scrunch them up if you are feeling a tad warm, and the pockets have no zippers, but they are just soo cozy that you don’t mind – they are genuine hand warmer pockets.

My Ascendant replaced my Arc’teryx Atom LT on trail – the Atom LT is a great jacket when on the move, but in camp the wind blows liberally through those stretchy fleece side panels, chilling you. I do also have a Patagonia Nanoair (I work at a gear store which I have been at for five years,) and I have not gotten to test it on trail, but it is comfy as heck and feels like a nice fluffy blanket when you wear it – love it!

The OR Ascendant’ll be coming with me on my next thruhike. However, because I am cold as heck, I will also be bringing my Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer to layer over top in camp at night. (I have SUCH respect for people capable of taking just one midlayer, but I just can’t. I would freeze to death.)

Thanks for the tip about the Outdoor Research Ascendant! And just to be clear you are recommending their hoodie, not the jacket? As I’ve gotten more into backpacking and am hoping to complete an AT thru-hike within the next year or two, I’ve been trying to upgrade my gear and have been going back and forth about what mid-layer I want to get. had my eye on the Arc’teryx Atom LT but after seeing what you said about it not being sufficient when at camp I’m going to check out the Outdoor Research Ascendant! I also had my eye on the Patagonia Nano Puff but that just didn’t seem warm or sturdy enough but I could be wrong. Do you have any recommendations for a quality rain jacket/shell? I had my eye on the Arc’teryx Zeta SL, not sure if you have used that but I’ve always been a fan of Arc’teryx and it seems to get consistently solid reviews. Thanks again!

The Marmot Avant Featherless hoodie should definitely be on this list. I think it’s probably similar to the Rab Nimbus but also toasty warm, lightweight 17oz and easy to find at a discount. I got mine for ~$140. Love it.

I have had the Rab Xenon for two years now…..used it on my first attempt (failed due to old Navy injury flare up) AT thru hike…and countless shake down and day hikes. When receiving it…..I was skeptical of its ability to keep me warm. However……it has proved outstanding. I’m 65 now….I run cold. But with a significant base layer (thermal Patagonia capilene, R1, or EMS Techwick), it has taken me through snow, hail, sleet, high winds In comfort. But what really sold me…..it “wetted through” one mid-30s day during sleet and downpours in the Berkshires. I was convinced the jacket had ceased to provide any warmth due to it being soaked, so I removed it and packed it away. A half hour later…..the wind came on strong. I was still 3 miles from a safe location….thought “what the hell….at least it provides something to break the wind and get me home to some bourbon!” I put that soaked Xenon on and instant warmth! I was amazed! Now I was pushing it and working up significant body heat…..but I kid you not…..soaked through, that Xenon was providing me the warmth I needed! Still, after two years, my only complaint is that “wrong side of the road” British zipper!

Great to see Rab in this list, thanks for the review ? The comment by “CAPT Gary Andres USN ret on Feb 14th is golden and we feel it needs a repost:

“I have had the Rab Xenon for two years now…..used it on my first attempt (failed due to old Navy injury flare up) AT thru hike…and countless shake down and day hikes. When receiving it…..I was skeptical of its ability to keep me warm. However……it has proved outstanding. I’m 65 now….I run cold. But with a significant base layer (thermal Patagonia capilene, R1, or EMS Techwick), it has taken me through snow, hail, sleet, high winds In comfort. But what really sold me…..it “wetted through” one mid-30s day during sleet and downpours in the Berkshires. I was convinced the jacket had ceased to provide any warmth due to it being soaked, so I removed it and packed it away. A half hour later…..the wind came on strong. I was still 3 miles from a safe location….thought “what the hell….at least it provides something to break the wind and get me home to some bourbon!” I put that soaked Xenon on and instant warmth! I was amazed! Now I was pushing it and working up significant body heat…..but I kid you not…..soaked through, that Xenon was providing me the warmth I needed! Still, after two years, my only complaint is that “wrong side of the road” British zipper!”

Thanks Captain!

Looking over this list of items reviewed as well as the other reviews it struck me that it must be really disheartening to those looking to get into hiking and backpacking to see that virtually nothing recommended will cost less than ~ $200 +++. Of course not every piece of gear costs over $200. I see on another “cottage brands site” a company selling sweat rags for just $20.00 each. Ya, a sweat rag for $20 bucks. I guess that’s better than the $50 lightweight metal hash/crack pipe also for sale.

You have it all backwards on the Arcteryx line, Editors… the Proton is, by far, the more breathable of the two jackets, and the Atom is more durable. I own both. The Proton was designed as a high output jacket. The Atom is more of your in-camp jacket… though I stayed completely warm on the AT with my Proton. Please stop misinforming people on gear.

I thru hiked the AT starting in February 2018 with the Patagonia Nano Puff. And froze my butt off for the first 2 months. After the hike it was about as thick as paper and I sold it back to Patagonia as worn gear. On the PCT this year I used the Patagonia Micro Puff and that was clearly warmer and lighter. Since I was a Flip Flopper and due to various fire closures I found myself in the Sierra in October. I then switched to my LLBean ultralight hydrophobic down jacket. 13 ounces with 4 ounces of near waterproof 850 down. Kept me warm in snowstorms, rain and in my quilt on very cold nights. I would never buy a down jacket or quilt that didn’t use hydrophobic down. It’s extremely water resistant.

I have sort of the opposite problem — I tend to run too hot, especially once I’m past the “warm-up” phase. Over the years I’ve learned how to dial that in for bicycle camping trips (start out a little cold/uncomfortable, then warm up to the perfect long-distance comfort level). I’m still trying to sort it out for backpacking, which I just took up last year.

I have the Enlightened Equipment jacket, and it is AMAZING; it is stunningly warm for its weight, and fits me perfectly. The thing is, though, if it’s any warmer than about 25 degrees, I’m sweating bullets after five steps. 🙂 (And that is with wearing nothing more than a light long-sleeve layer beneath the jacket.) I would love to find something like this jacket that would keep me comfy on those somewhat raw 40-degree days.

I love my torrent which I know is good to 17 deg f. But it would be great to know what temp these jackets are comfordown to.

I love my torrent which I know is good to 17 deg f. But it would be great to know what temp these jackets are comfortable down too.

What is mean’t by describing some jacket as having a “flattering fit”?

I have Torrid and Nano Puff. It’s embarrassing how much warmer the Torrid is. The baggy floppy fit of the Torrid won’t win you any fashion awards but that’s not the point. I use the Nano puff as a Fall season rag yard work jacket. (north Georgia)

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