Midlayers are the meat to your layering sandwich, and without ‘em you’re going to have a tough time on the slopes. There are an overwhelming amount of options out there, though, so to save you the trouble of finding the right one, we’ve compiled the best nine options of 2017-2018, below.
The North Face Powder Guide Mid Layer
In the words of The North Face, the all-new Powder Guide Mid Layer is built for the 100-day-per-year skier. We certify this piece lives up to the claim as a garment you can use
all season long, for multiple winters. Breathable, waterproof Polartec fabric helps you stay comfortable. The 97-percent polyester/three-percent elastane build provides both mobility and silky smooth next-to-skin pleasure. A slim fit, zippered chest, “hand” pockets and thumb-loop cuffs also help to make this one of our absolute favorites of the year.
Ortovox Swisswool PIZ Boé Jacket
This midlayer from Ortovox is filled with wool sourced from the Swiss Alps; Swiss sheep wool is coarser than that of other Ovine species, making this garment highly durable. It’s even machine washable, meaning you’ll be able to hang onto this piece for years and years. In addition, the elastic hood and cuffs, ergonomic cut and stretch underarm inserts all serve to boost mobility, making this an ideal midlayer for touring, frontside adventures and everything in between.
686 GLCR Apollo Primaloft Jacket
Like the Rocky character Apollo Creed, the GLCR Apollo packs a thunderous punch in the midweight insulation category. One hundred grams of Primaloft insulation keeps you toasty and a DWR finish on the exterior keeps moisture at bay. Stretch panels and a slim, articulated fit round this out as a midlayer worthy of a championship belt.
Spyder Glissade Full Zip Insulator Jacket
A key member of Chris Davenport’s Whyte Spyder Collection—designed to withstand the harshest winter environments—the Glissade utilizes 60 grams of strategically-placed Primaloft insulation to keep Dav (and you) cozy-warm on the highest, coldest peaks. Stretch panels in the shoulders, ribs and underarms allow for effortless, uninhibited movement while
a triple ripstop nylon face fabric, complete with Spyder’s Spylon DWR coating, is both durable and water-resistant. The “Modern Geometric Camo” print adds FREESKIER-approved fashion to complement function.
Dakine Women’s Callahan Fleece
The Dakine Women’s Callahan Fleece is versatile, first and foremost. On the outside, it’s a ski-friendly, street-conscious product, decked out with a hood and fold-back facemask, minimal seams and split hem. But, the beauty is in the details: Body temperature-regulating poly yarns provide warmth and comfort, and a Polygiene permanent odor-control technology defeats even the strongest army of odorous bacteria.
The North Face Unlimited Jacket Women’s
Designed to layer with The North Face’s Fuse Brigandine Bib, the Unlimited is a masterful midlayer that will keep you smiling during the trek to your dream ski line. It’s highly breathable, has stretch woven fabric on its arms, sides, hem and hood for ease-of-mobility, increased durability and top-notch moisture transport—ideal for the “up.” Athlete requested, strategically mapped insulation provides warmth when needed and its woven-baffle construction eliminates traditional seams, barring entry to any unwanted liquids.
Strafe Women’s Incubator Jacket
It’s all in the name; this garment provides serious warmth. One hundred grams of Primaloft Gold insulation in the body and 90 grams in the sleeve, a no-bunch hood and a long-fitting, hanging liner see to it. The Incubator’s horizontal-quilted exterior, slim fit and varying colorways—from toned down Pirate Black/Aqua to eye-popping Hot Coral/Indigo—make it a mighty stylish option for après adventures and in-town touring, too.
Black Diamond Equipment Spark Pro
Wearing the Calypso Jacket feels, quite literally, like being hugged by a robe of puffy clouds from the high heavens. The polyester/spandex lining is that soft. However, its delicate comfort is complemented by a tough-as-nails, DWR-treated, wind-resistant nylon shell that’ll stand up to heavy abuse. The slim, sexy fit will have the entire lift line talking about you, too.
