By BestTravelGear

Published Oct 13, 2026 Updated Oct 13, 2026

Field note 25

Layers and jackets

Packable down, insulated hoodies, wind shirts, rain shells, and fleece.

Method on this page. Desk research from maker pages. Down is filed by fill power. Rain is filed by the layer count. Fleece is filed by fabric and UPF.

A jacket has to match the weather you will actually meet. Down for cold. A 3-layer shell for rain. Fleece for the hour between those two.

Down is the Outdoor Research Helium. Synthetic insulation includes the Arc’teryx Atom and Proton and the Patagonia DAS Light and Nano-Air. Rain shells include the Foray, the Arc’teryx Beta, and the Patagonia Torrentshell. Wind shirts include the Squamish and the Airshed Pro. Fleece includes the Trail Mix XT and the Deming.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pick Price PriceWeight
Arc'teryx Atom Hoody Men's $300 $30012.5 oz / 355 g
Arc'teryx Atom Vest Men's $200 $2006.9 oz / 195 g
Arc'teryx Proton Hoody Men's $245 to $350 14.6 oz / 415 g
Arc'teryx Beta Jacket Men's $400 $40013.2 oz / 375 g
Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody Men's $200 $2005.3 oz / 150 g
Outdoor Research Men's Deming Fleece Hoodie $200 $200
Outdoor Research Men's Foray 3L Rain Jacket $104 to $260
Outdoor Research Men's Helium Down Hoodie $350 $350
Outdoor Research Men's Trail Mix XT Fleece Jacket $101.5 to $145
Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover Men's $145 $1453.7 oz / 105 g
Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Hoody Men's $259 $2598.8 oz / 249 g
Patagonia DAS Light Hoody Men's $369 $36912.2 oz / 346 g
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket Men's $141.75 to $189 14.1 oz / 400 g
Unbound Merino Men's Transit Sweatshirt $160 $160
Wool&Prince Men's Ponte Travel Hoodie $238 $238

Gear picks in this note

15 items

FAQ

What is the packable down?

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie. The page lists 800-fill down, a 20D recycled nylon shell, and $350.

What is the rain shell?

The Foray 3L. Outdoor Research calls it a 3-layer recycled nylon shell. The regular price is $260.