The 7 Best Winter Hiking Jackets for Women
If you are planning to hike in the winter, having a reliable and warm mid-layer winter hiking jacket is very important, along with a great layering system! There are so many down and synthetic winter jackets for hiking on the market, so it can be overwhelming trying to decide which will work for you. This guide is going to review everything you need to know to find the perfect winter jacket for hiking, including the best winter hiking jackets on the market.
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The Best Winter Hiking Jackets For Women
Patagonia Down Sweater
Pros:
Warm with 800-fill down
Lightweight
Packs down into a pocket
Durable
Water repellent finish
Cons:
Can find lighter & warmer options for the same price
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The Patagonia Down Sweater is a down winter jacket for hiking that has been used and trusted for years. I’m sure you have seen many people wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater while hiking, climbing, or just around the town because it is a go-to jacket for many people. Although it is on the pricier side, it is well worth the money for the quality of the jacket.
The Patagonia Down Sweater is the perfect women’s winter hiking jacket because it is warm with 800-fill down, lightweight at 12.2 ounces, and windproof. One of the things I love the most about the Patagonia Down Sweater is the down is ethically sourced, which means it is sourced from places that don’t live pluck or force-feed. The other thing that I love about the Patagonia Down Sweater is it packs down into its pocket! It is one of the best winter hiking jackets on the market.
Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
Pros:
Warm with 60g synthetic insulation
Lightweight
Packs down well
Durable
Water repellent finish
Cons:
Can be short on some women
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Arc’teryx is a well-known and trusted brand known for its incredible quality and long-lasting gear. And the Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody is no different and is one of the most popular synthetic winter jackets for hiking for a reason. It has a high-quality shell that is breathable and warm, making it one of the best winter hiking jackets. It is also very lightweight at 11.3 ounces and packs down well. The Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody is expensive compared to other women’s winter hiking jackets on the list, but the high quality is worth the money.
Rab Valiance Down Jacket
Pros:
Very warm with 800-fill down
Waterproof
Packs down into stuff sack
Durable
Cons:
Bulky
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I bet you haven’t heard of Rab before. Rab is a great company that makes great quality gear, like the Rab Valiance Down Jacket. It may not be as well-known as Patagonia and Arc’teryx, but it is up to par with its quality.
The Rab Valiance Down Jacket is a warm and waterproof winter hiking jacket that is perfect for all hikers. It is durable, packs down into a small stuff sack, and is very warm with 800-fill down, which is ethically sourced. One of the downsides to the Rab Valiance Down Jacket is the weight. It is 1 pound and 5.8 ounces, so it is not the most lightweight option on the list. The Rab Valiance Down Jacket is on the pricier side, but it is one of the few waterproof winter jackets for hiking on this list, which makes it worth the money.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Pros:
Warm with 60g synthetic insulation
Lightweight
Packs down into a pocket
Water-repellent finish
Cons:
Not as durable as other jackets
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The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is another classic women’s winter hiking jacket that is very popular. It is warm with 60g synthetic fibers, lightweight at 10 ounces, and durable. It also packs down into its pocket, so it can be stored easily when it's not being worn. Two things stand out with the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. The first is that it is made of the most thermally efficient synthetic insulation on the market, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco. The second is it is more breathable than the Patagonia Down Sweater, making it one of the best winter hiking jackets.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
Pros:
Warm with 800-fill down
Lightweight
Packs down well
Water repellent finish
Cons:
Not as warm as durable as other jackets
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The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is a classic ultralight winter jacket for hiking that continues to be a fan favorite for those who want to pack ultralight. It is warm with 800-fill down, packs down very well, and is lightweight at 7.8 ounces. One of the best things many love about the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is the fact it uses completely recycled fabric and responsibly sourced down. It is a pricier winter jacket for hiking, but because it is lightweight and warm, it is worth the price.
REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket
Pros:
Very warm with 850-fill down
Waterproof
Durable
Pit zips
Cons:
Heavier than other jackets
Does not pack down well
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I was very pleasantly surprised about how well the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket performs for the price. It is very warm with 850-fill down, waterproof, and breathable. It is one of the few winter jackets for hiking I have seen that have pit zips that allow airflow and breathability. And the best part? It is only around $250! But the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket does not pack down well and is not as lightweight as the other women’s winter hiking jackets on this list. It is 1 pound and 10 ounces, but for the quality, waterproof shell, and warmth that comes with this jacket for the price, it is one of the best winter hiking jackets if you don’t mind the extra weight.
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie
Pros:
Warm with 850-fill down
Lightweight
Packs down into stuff sack
Water repellent finish
Cons:
Not as durable as other jackets
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The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie is another great winter jacket for hiking from Arc’teryx. It is very warm with 850-fill down, packs down into a stuff sack, and is lightweight at 9.9 ounces. The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie also has synthetic insulation in areas that are prone to moisture, including the shoulders, armpits, and cuffs, which helps manage sweat. The only downside is it is not as durable as the other women’s winter hiking jackets on this list. But if you are in an area that is not super rugged, the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Hoodie will be one of the best winter hiking jackets!
Women’s Winter Hiking Jacket Features
Down vs Synthetic
Choosing between down and synthetic insulation will be one of the first decisions you make when searching for the best winter hiking jacket. Down insulation will provide the most warmth with the least weight and is very packable. The downside to down is it does not like getting wet, but it is water-resistant down that is made to handle some dampness. Synthetic insulation is a great and cheaper alternative to down insulation and performs better when damp. The downside to synthetic is it is not as packable and durable as down. Overall, both are incredible insulators and have great options for the best winter hiking jackets.
Water Resistance
Most winter jackets for hiking come with a form of DWR, which is a durable water-repellent finish if they are not completely waterproof. DWR does not make a winter hiking jacket waterproof, but it does provide water resistance to light rain or snow. If you plan on hiking in very wet weather, I highly recommend finding a winter jacket for hiking that is waterproof or buying a waterproof outer shell jacket. If you purchase a winter hiking jacket with DWR, it is important to clean the jacket properly to keep the jacket’s performance high.
Weight and Compressibility
When buying a winter hiking jacket, it is important to consider weight and compressibility. Unless you are hiking in the alpine or very cold temperatures, you most likely will not be wearing your jacket on the entire hike as you work up a sweat, so having a jacket that won’t add a lot of weight to your pack and can easily pack down is important. Down jackets tend to be more lightweight and packable than synthetic jackets, but with new technology, synthetic is becoming more lightweight and packable. Many winter hiking jackets come with a stuff sack they can pack into or can pack down into a pocket on the jacket, which is a fantastic option when packing your jacket in your backpack.
Features
When buying a winter hiking jacket, it is important to consider what features you want on the jacket. Here are a few features to consider:
Hood: Many of the winter hiking jackets in this list can come with or without a hood. If you won’t be hiking in conditions where you need an outer shell jacket, then having a hood would be nice to have. But at the end of the day, it is all personal preference. Many hikers choose not to have a hood to save weight.
Vents: Although not many winter hiking jackets come with vents, the ones that do are more breathable. Vents are commonly found in jackets that have a waterproof shell, which alone does not provide much breathability.
Zipper: I know this may sound silly to consider because most winter jackets for hiking have zippers, but others don’t have a full zipper. All of the winter hiking jackets on this list have a full zipper, but there are jackets on the market that have a quarter zipper or no zipper at all. Most hikers prefer a full zipper jacket because of its accessibility, and it is easier to take on and off.
Adjustments: There are many adjustments winter jackets can have, with the most common being drawcords and hood adjusters. Drawcords are typically at the bottom of the jacket along the waist and are great to block cold air. Hood adjusters are used for adjusting the hood to fit tighter on your head to block wind and rain.
This guide is a great starting point for finding the perfect winter jacket for hiking! It reviews everything you need to know to find the perfect one for you, including the best winter hiking jackets on the market.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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