MID-LAYER BUYING GUIDE

Layering is the best way to stay warm on the slopes - but only if you do it right. Your mid-layer is the one which actually provides the warmth, so the one you choose can make or break your day in the mountains. Remember, each layering system is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another, so we've created this guide to help you choose the right mid-layer for you.

Fleece is a favourite mid layer for skiers and snowboarders, and for good reason. This material is soft and lightweight, making it exceptionally comfortable to wear all day on the slopes. Despite its lightness, fleece offers impressive insulation, helping you stay warm even in cold conditions.

Key Benefits of Fleece

• Hydrophobic Properties: Fleece holds less than 1% of its weight in water. This means it won’t become heavy or lose its insulating power if it gets wet, making it a reliable choice in snowy or damp conditions.
• Breathability: The fabric is highly breathable, allowing sweat and moisture to escape. This helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you from feeling clammy or uncomfortable during intense activity.
• Easy Care: Fleece is machine washable, so it’s easy to clean and maintain after a long day outdoors.

However, fleece does have its drawbacks. One of the main issues is pilling—when the fibers clump together over time. Not only does pilling make the fleece look worn, but it can also reduce its insulating effectiveness. Despite this, many skiers and boarders find fleece to be a practical and affordable mid layer option.

Want to learn more about choosing the right fleece? Check out the full details in our buying guide. 

Merino wool isn’t just for base layers - it excels as a mid layer as well. This versatile material offers a unique combination of comfort, performance, and sustainability, making it a top choice for those looking to stay warm and fresh on the slopes.

Key Advantages of Merino Wool

• Natural Fibre: Merino is made from natural wool, making it a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option compared to many synthetic alternatives.
• Breathability: The structure of merino wool allows for excellent airflow, which helps regulate your body temperature and prevents overheating during activity.
• Anti-Microbial Properties: Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, meaning it resists the build-up of odours. This keeps you feeling fresher for longer, even after a full day of skiing or boarding.

Whether you’re looking for sustainability, comfort, or performance, merino wool mid layers are a reliable choice for your next adventure.

A softshell jacket is a versatile mid layer, typically crafted from woven polyester or nylon. It’s designed to bridge the gap between a waterproof hardshell and a cozy fleece, offering a unique balance of protection, comfort, and breathability. Softshells are ideal for skiers and snowboarders who need reliable performance during intense activity in unpredictable weather.

Key Features of Softshell Jackets

• Material: Made from woven polyester or nylon, providing durability and flexibility.
• Protection: More protective than a fleece, but less wind- and water-resistant than a hardshell. This makes softshells suitable for active pursuits where some weather resistance is needed, but full waterproofing isn’t essential.
• Comfort: Features a soft, fleecy lining for added comfort and warmth during movement.
• Durability: Generally tougher and more abrasion-resistant than fleece, making them a good choice for demanding conditions.

When used as part of your layering system, a softshell helps manage moisture by keeping any dampness left inside a hardshell away from your body. The result is a comfortable, adaptable layer that performs well in a wide range of mountain conditions. 

Insulated jackets are the go-to mid layer for extremely cold days on the slopes. These jackets excel at trapping and retaining warm air, thanks to the fill material—either down filaments or synthetic polyester strands—that creates pockets of insulation. This design delivers exceptional warmth without adding unnecessary bulk, making insulated jackets the warmest mid-layer option available.

Key Benefits of Insulated Jackets

• Warmth-to-Weight Ratio: Insulated jackets offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio among mid layers, providing plenty of heat while remaining lightweight and easy to wear.
• Compressibility: The fill material is highly compressible, allowing these jackets to be packed down small and stowed away in your backpack when not in use.
• Versatility: Available with either down or synthetic insulation, so you can choose the best option for the conditions you’ll be skiing in.

When deciding between a down or synthetic insulated jacket, consider the weather and your activity level. Down offers unbeatable warmth and packability for dry, cold conditions, while synthetic insulation performs better in wet or variable weather. For more details on choosing between down and synthetic, check out our dedicated guide to insulated jackets.

Layering is the best way to keep warm on the slopes because it traps air between each layer, so having the right layers is much more effective than one thick jacket. A basic layering system consists of a base layer, mid-layer and outer layer, and they're all as important to get right as each other.

Check out our base layer buying guide and our ski jacket buying guide.