In the past, many winters have witnessed sub-zero temperatures and the occasional snow flurry have all been indicators that the winter snow season is in full swing. As such, many outdoor enthusiasts with a flare for skiing and snowboarding have taken it upon themselves to find the best skiing apparel on the market today, whether for casual use or as part of a family fun trip.
To aid you in your search, we’ve put together the list below, showcasing five of the best mid layers for you to choose from.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| The North Face Men's TKA Glacier Snap-Neck Pullover | Best Overall |  |
| Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Fleece | Budget Pick |  |
| The North Face Thermoball Jacket | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. The North Face Men's TKA Glacier Snap-Neck Pullover
Pros:
- * Breathable outer layers that won’t trap body heat
If you’re looking for a mid-weight long-sleeved sweatshirt you can put between your outer layer and your under-layer. You’d be hard pressed to find one better than The North Face Men’s TKA Glacier Snap-Neck Sweatshirt.
This is a thick, warm fleece that’s perfect for the sub-zero temperatures found at high altitudes.
It’s a part of The North Face’s Dry-Active technology. This is a proprietary moisture-wicking treatment embedded in the fibers of the fabric.
2. Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Fleece
Pros:
- Made with Columbia’s Spyder technology
- The 2-way zipper makes it easy to get the right fit
- The technology provides warmth, without making you feel like you’re in a sauna
- It’s extremely lightweight but still packed with features
- The fabric is also very breathable
- There are several size options available
- There are several color options available
- It’s fairly affordable
- The Steens Mountain model is very low maintenance
- Columbia offers very good warranty service
Because the material is so lightweight, don’t expect this to provide you with an extra layer of warmth. It’s not designed to provide insulation but rather to maintain your body’s natural warmth
3. VOORMI Women's Special Edition Drift Jacket
Pros:
- ClimaPro’s signature weather-defying DWR finish works to shed snow and water
- The DRYV seam sealed dry technology wicks moisture, blocks wind and repels water
- Has a fitted hoodie with a soft touch neck band to protect from the harshest weather and a zippered pocket for added convenience
- VOORMI customers are truly loyal to this brand and once you try it you will understand why
Cons:
- This is an expensive jacket but you will not be disappointed
- Not a lot of colors to choose from
If you are a snow sports enthusiast and your preference is backcountry this is a great choice to keep you warm and comfortable. It is lightweight and breathable.
Although it is not insulated it will keep you warm with wind and water protection against the harshest of conditions.
4. Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody Men's
Pros:
- A breathable and water and wind resistant exterior
- A lightweight and highly compressible build
- A hood that is cinched away for excellent protection against the elements
- The silicon gripping material on the wrists keeps them warm
- It also has an eyewear wipe stashed away in its interior
5. Mountain Hardwear Women's Ghost Whisperer Down
Pros:
- Lightweight and compressible
- Extremely warm insulation throughout the whole jacket
- Great value for money
- Very comfortable
- Packs away easily
- Compatible with other layers
- Breathable and moisture repellent
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- The hood is a bit big
The best mid layer for skiing depends on your needs. In our review, we have used the Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket mostly for ski touring. That said, you can split the jacket up for other activities if you need to.
This down jacket is unbelievably warm and packs into a very small carry bag, which makes it ideal for climbing or ski touring. Most of the jackets in this list end up being used more often than skis or an avalanche transceiver.
It weighs around 5 ounces, which is around 1/5th of the weight of many other jackets in this list. This is all thanks to the material used. Of course, it’s a lot lighter as it’s going into your backpack or climbing gear bag, rather than on the outside.
6. Fjällräven Greenland Re-Wool Cardigan
Pros:
- Keeps you warm in -25º*F weather
- 100 percent natural fibers
- Inexpensive
- Traditional Swedish design
- Dries quickly
7. The North Face Thermoball Jacket
Pros:
- The North Face Thermoball Jacket is an affordable, warm, cozy, and highly breathable mid layer.
- The jacket, with its fabric, is highly compressible and lightweight, making it the perfect choice for a layering piece.
- Comes with a comfortable hood that protects your head from snow and rain while on the slopes.
- The design and the color of this jacket are great for mountain enthusiasts.
- The Thermoball jacket is a great mid layer that will provide your body warmth for an extended period of time.
Cons:
- Due to its lightweight, fragile material, this jacket is prone to damaging.
- The jacket is not good as a standalone piece
The TNF Thermoball jacket is the North Face’s warmest fleece jacket. This high-performance mountain mid layer will keep you warm underneath your outerwear and it is the warmest of the three layers. If you’re looking to buy a fleece jacket for your outdoor winter activities, this Thermoball jacket may be a great choice for you.
Highly compressible and lightweight, this TNF Thermoball jacket is made with Polartec Thermal Pro fleece. With an overall rating of 7.4*, this fleece jacket is warm and breathable. This fleece jacket is recommended for moderate temperatures.
8. Black Diamond Aspect Wool Hoodie
Pros:
- Keeps you warm even when wet
- Generous fits
- Washable
- Long lasting
- Machine washable
Cons:
- A few users found the size to be a little bigger than expected.
The Black Diamond Aspect Hoodie is a great mid layer to wear when you go skiing in the colder months. It is made from a lightweight polyester fabric and has a 100% recycled down insulation.
It has a regular fit, with a full sleeve and a zip-up front. It has side-seam construction and raglan sleeves that eliminate seams that trap heat. It offers a generous fit so that you can layer up underneath.
It is not too warm so you should be comfortable when the temperatures start to rise. The hood comes with a fitted brim, which will help protect your ears and head, and it also has a drawstring that can be pulled to keep it secure. It has a zipped pocket on the right hand side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best mid layer for skiing?
Skiing is a great winter activity, and I personally love to take long runs down steep hills. Skiers are a very athletic lot, so make sure to find the best.
The best mid-layer for skiing is one that is warm, but also able to wick away sweat as you ski. The best fabrics include Merino wool, silk, and synthetic or blend jackets. If you want a little warmth, choose one with a thick fleece rather than a windproof shell that’s worn over a thin layer.
What should I wear mid layer skiing?
Knowing the right combination of your outer layer and mid layer will ensure that you have a warm layer that keeps you dry. Down jackets are great for being the mid layer as they’re very warm for their weight, but waterproof shell jackets are a great option, too. They’re also good for adjusting depending on the type of weather you are exposed to.
If you want to wear a fleece, opt for a lightweight polypropylene or polyester fleece, rather than a cotton hoody. Cotton loses its insulating abilities once it gets wet.
What is the best mid layer?
When it comes to skiing, a good middle-layer is essential for keeping your core warm without being too bulky. There’s nothing worse than being constricted in your mid-layer (or anything for that matter). You want to have a layer that will keep you warm without being too restrictive so you can easily move around and ski comfortably.
Is down a good mid layer?
Down tends to be a hit or miss for people when it comes to ski. First, you’ll want to consider it’s weight. Is it going to be too heavy for the type of skiing you’re doing? As down tends to be bulkier than synthetic, you’ll want to opt for down if you’re doing warm weather snowsports like snowboarding or cross-country skiing. But for skiing in colder climates, the bulkier more voluminous snow gear-like feel of down may be too much.
Conclusion
There are so many different types of ski-wear out there but they do key different features that I should be aware of as a skier.
Then, whilst preparing for what type of mid-layer I needed to buy for this sport, I researched top mid layer ski wear for men and women that offer matching ski pants and jacket but also to have my top rated online store to buy the most recommended items.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| The North Face Men's TKA Glacier Snap-Neck Pullover | Best Overall | |
| Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Fleece | Budget Pick | |
| The North Face Thermoball Jacket | Upgrade Pick | |