Warm hiking jacket: how to choose the right one

As soon as the mornings turn sharp and the peaks start turning white, the same question comes up every time you plan a walk: which warm hiking jacket should you take? Fleece, down, softshell, hardshell... the names all sound alike, but they're not used the same way. And the jacket that looks "warmest" on paper isn't always the one that'll actually keep you warm on the trail. Here's how to make sense of it all and choose the right one for autumn and winter.

Our pick of warm jackets for hiking

For those who want to get straight to the point, here are three sure bets from our hiking jackets collection: the warm fleece-lined jacket that stands up to winter down to −10 °C, its women's equivalent with fleece lining and water-repellent finish, and the compressible down jacket that keeps you warm without weighing down your rucksack:

THE WARMEST

Fleece-lined, windproof, down to −10 °C

Men's Warm Hiking Jacket

£151.90

MODEL

Fluo Green / XS — £151.90 Fluo Green / S — £151.90 Fluo Green / M — £151.90 Fluo Green / L — £151.90 Fluo Green / XL — £151.90 Fluo Green / 2XL — £151.90 Fluo Green / 3XL — £151.90 White / XS — £151.90 White / S — £151.90 White / M — £151.90 White / L — £151.90 White / XL — £151.90 White / 2XL — £151.90 White / 3XL — £151.90 Navy Blue / XS — £151.90 Navy Blue / S — £151.90 Navy Blue / M — £151.90 Navy Blue / L — £151.90 Navy Blue / XL — £151.90 Navy Blue / 2XL — £151.90 Navy Blue / 3XL — £151.90 Red / XS — £151.90 Red / S — £151.90 Red / M — £151.90 Red / L — £151.90 Red / XL — £151.90 Red / 2XL — £151.90 Red / 3XL — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / XS — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / S — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / M — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / L — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / XL — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / 2XL — £151.90 Charcoal Grey / 3XL — £151.90 Blue / XS — £151.90 Blue / S — £151.90 Blue / M — £151.90 Blue / L — £151.90 Blue / XL — £151.90 Blue / 2XL — £151.90 Blue / 3XL — £151.90 Brown / XS — £151.90 Brown / S — £151.90 Brown / M — £151.90 Brown / L — £151.90 Brown / XL — £151.90 Brown / 2XL — £151.90 Brown / 3XL — £151.90 Light Grey / XS — £151.90 Light Grey / S — £151.90 Light Grey / M — £151.90 Light Grey / L — £151.90 Light Grey / XL — £151.90 Light Grey / 2XL — £151.90 Light Grey / 3XL — £151.90 Black / XS — £151.90 Black / S — £151.90 Black / M — £151.90 Black / L — £151.90 Black / XL — £151.90 Black / 2XL — £151.90 Black / 3XL — £151.90 Black and Grey / XS — £151.90 Black and Grey / S — £151.90 Black and Grey / M — £151.90 Black and Grey / L — £151.90 Black and Grey / XL — £151.90 Black and Grey / 2XL — £151.90 Black and Grey / 3XL — £151.90 Beige / XS — £151.90 Beige / S — £151.90 Beige / M — £151.90 Beige / L — £151.90 Beige / XL — £151.90 Beige / 2XL — £151.90 Beige / 3XL — £151.90 Olive Green / XS — £151.90 Olive Green / S — £151.90 Olive Green / M — £151.90 Olive Green / L — £151.90 Olive Green / XL — £151.90 Olive Green / 2XL — £151.90 Olive Green / 3XL — £151.90 Yellow / XS — £151.90 Yellow / S — £151.90 Yellow / M — £151.90 Yellow / L — £151.90 Yellow / XL — £151.90 Yellow / 2XL — £151.90 Yellow / 3XL — £151.90 Dark Green / XS — £151.90 Dark Green / S — £151.90 Dark Green / M — £151.90 Dark Green / L — £151.90 Dark Green / XL — £151.90 Dark Green / 2XL — £151.90 Dark Green / 3XL — £151.90

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WOMEN'S · WINTER

Fleece-lined, windproof and water-repellent

Women's Winter Walking Jacket

£139.90

MODEL

Bright Pink/Grey / XS — £139.90 Bright Pink/Grey / S — £139.90 Bright Pink/Grey / M — £139.90 Bright Pink/Grey / L — £139.90 Bright Pink/Grey / XL — £139.90 Bright Pink/Grey / 2XL — £139.90 White / XS — £139.90 White / S — £139.90 White / M — £139.90 White / L — £139.90 White / XL — £139.90 White / 2XL — £139.90 Fluorescent Green / XS — £139.90 Fluorescent Green / S — £139.90 Fluorescent Green / M — £139.90 Fluorescent Green / L — £139.90 Fluorescent Green / XL — £139.90 Fluorescent Green / 2XL — £139.90 Apricot / XS — £139.90 Apricot / S — £139.90 Apricot / M — £139.90 Apricot / L — £139.90 Apricot / XL — £139.90 Apricot / 2XL — £139.90 Blue Camo / XS — £139.90 Blue Camo / S — £139.90 Blue Camo / M — £139.90 Blue Camo / L — £139.90 Blue Camo / XL — £139.90 Blue Camo / 2XL — £139.90 Black Camo / XS — £139.90 Black Camo / S — £139.90 Black Camo / M — £139.90 Black Camo / L — £139.90 Black Camo / XL — £139.90 Black Camo / 2XL — £139.90 Pink Camo / XS — £139.90 Pink Camo / S — £139.90 Pink Camo / M — £139.90 Pink Camo / L — £139.90 Pink Camo / XL — £139.90 Pink Camo / 2XL — £139.90 Light Green / XS — £139.90 Light Green / S — £139.90 Light Green / M — £139.90 Light Green / L — £139.90 Light Green / XL — £139.90 Light Green / 2XL — £139.90 Orange / XS — £139.90 Orange / S — £139.90 Orange / M — £139.90 Orange / L — £139.90 Orange / XL — £139.90 Orange / 2XL — £139.90 Grey Camo / XS — £139.90 Grey Camo / S — £139.90 Grey Camo / M — £139.90 Grey Camo / L — £139.90 Grey Camo / XL — £139.90 Grey Camo / 2XL — £139.90 Yellow / XS — £139.90 Yellow / S — £139.90 Yellow / M — £139.90 Yellow / L — £139.90 Yellow / XL — £139.90 Yellow / 2XL — £139.90 Purple / XS — £139.90 Purple / S — £139.90 Purple / M — £139.90 Purple / L — £139.90 Purple / XL — £139.90 Purple / 2XL — £139.90 Sky Blue / XS — £139.90 Sky Blue / S — £139.90 Sky Blue / M — £139.90 Sky Blue / L — £139.90 Sky Blue / XL — £139.90 Sky Blue / 2XL — £139.90 Mint Green / XS — £139.90 Mint Green / S — £139.90 Mint Green / M — £139.90 Mint Green / L — £139.90 Mint Green / XL — £139.90 Mint Green / 2XL — £139.90 Pink/Grey / XS — £139.90 Pink/Grey / S — £139.90 Pink/Grey / M — £139.90 Pink/Grey / L — £139.90 Pink/Grey / XL — £139.90 Pink/Grey / 2XL — £139.90 White/Black / XS — £139.90 White/Black / S — £139.90 White/Black / M — £139.90 White/Black / L — £139.90 White/Black / XL — £139.90 White/Black / 2XL — £139.90 Navy Blue / XS — £139.90 Navy Blue / S — £139.90 Navy Blue / M — £139.90 Navy Blue / L — £139.90

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FEATHERWEIGHT

90% down, packs down into the stuff sack

Compressible Hiking Down Jacket

£89.90

MODEL

Black / M — £89.90 Black / L — £89.90 Black / XL — £89.90 Black / XXL — £89.90 Black / 3XL — £89.90 Burgundy / M — £89.90 Burgundy / L — £89.90 Burgundy / XL — £89.90 Burgundy / XXL — £89.90 Burgundy / 3XL — £89.90 Navy Blue / M — £89.90 Navy Blue / L — £89.90 Navy Blue / XL — £89.90 Navy Blue / XXL — £89.90 Navy Blue / 3XL — £89.90 Blue / M — £89.90 Blue / L — £89.90 Blue / XL — £89.90 Blue / XXL — £89.90 Blue / 3XL — £89.90 Silver Grey / M — £89.90 Silver Grey / L — £89.90 Silver Grey / XL — £89.90 Silver Grey / XXL — £89.90 Silver Grey / 3XL — £89.90

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A warm jacket isn't enough: the 3-layer system

Before comparing jackets against each other, there's one principle that changes everything: on the trail, warmth comes from layering, not from a single piece. Experienced walkers dress according to the 3-layer system: a technical base layer that wicks away sweat, a second layer that insulates (fleece or down), and a third that shields you from wind and rain.

Why is this so crucial? Because as you walk, you generate heat and moisture. One single bulky jacket leaves you sweating on the climb, then that moisture chills you to the bone at the first stop. Three thin layers adjust as you go: you shed the jacket on the climb, then pop it back on at the summit. That's the key to staying warm and dry — and we cover the full outfit in detail in our guide how to dress for a hike.

Fleece, down jacket, softshell, hardshell: the types of warm jackets

Each type of jacket has a specific role in this layering system. Choosing well starts with knowing which one does what.

The fleece: everyday breathable warmth

This is the ultimate second layer: lightweight, breathable, comfortable to wear, it holds onto your body heat even when slightly damp and dries very quickly. A reversible hiking fleece jacket is enough on its own in cool, dry weather, and slips neatly under an outer jacket as soon as the cold sets in. Its weak point: it blocks neither wind nor rain.

Women's Fleece Hiking Jacket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 (4 reviews)

£53.90

Pay in 4 instalments of £13.47 with no fees via Shop Pay

MODEL

Sky Blue / S — £53.90 Sky Blue / M — £53.90 Sky Blue / L — £53.90 Sky Blue / XL — £53.90 Sky Blue / XXL — £53.90 Sky Blue / 3XL — £53.90 Navy / S — £53.90 Navy / M — £53.90 Navy / L — £53.90 Navy / XL — £53.90 Navy / XXL — £53.90 Navy / 3XL — £53.90 Black / S — £53.90 Black / M — £53.90 Black / L — £53.90 Black / XL — £53.90 Black / XXL — £53.90 Black / 3XL — £53.90Add to basket

The down jacket: maximum warmth per gram

Weight for weight, nothing insulates better than down. A hiking down jacket filled with 90% down offers remarkable warmth for minimal bulk — compressed, it disappears into your rucksack and comes out at rest stops, camp or on the summit. Its limitation: wet down loses its loft, and with it, its insulation. In sustained rain, protect it with a waterproof layer, or choose synthetic insulation instead — less warm, but far more forgiving of damp.

The softshell: the in-between-seasons compromise

Stretchy and windproof, a softshell breathes better than a waterproof jacket and copes fine with light showers. It's the go-to jacket for high-output effort in changeable weather without proper rain — lovely to wear, but less protective than a hardshell when the weather really turns.

The hardshell: your shield against the elements

Waterproof, breathable membrane, hood, protected zips: a hardshell barely warms you on its own, but it locks in the heat from your underlayers by blocking wind, rain and snow. It's the essential third layer in the mountains — we explain how to make the most of it in a downpour in our hiking in the rain guide.

Women's Waterproof Hiking Jacket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 (17 reviews)

£76.90

Pay in 4 interest-free instalments of £19.23 with Shop Pay

MODEL

Fuchsia Pink / M — £76.90 Fuchsia Pink / L — £76.90 Fuchsia Pink / XL — £76.90 Fuchsia Pink / XXL — £76.90 Fuchsia Pink / XXXL — £76.90 Fuchsia Pink / 4XL — £76.90 Red / M — £76.90 Red / L — £76.90 Red / XL — £76.90 Red / XXL — £76.90 Red / XXXL — £76.90 Red / 4XL — £76.90 Black / M — £76.90 Black / L — £76.90 Black / XL — £76.90 Black / XXL — £76.90 Black / XXXL — £76.90 Black / 4XL — £76.90 Purple / M — £76.90 Purple / L — £76.90 Purple / XL — £76.90 Purple / XXL — £76.90 Purple / XXXL — £76.90 Purple / 4XL — £76.90 Green / M — £76.90 Green / L — £76.90 Green / XL — £76.90 Green / XXL — £76.90 Green / XXXL — £76.90 Green / 4XL — £76.90Add to basket

So, which is the warmest jacket?

If we're talking pure insulation, a down jacket is the warmest for its weight — it's the one you'll find in dry, extreme cold, at altitude and during long stops. But on the trail, the honest answer is different: the warmest jacket for hiking is a fleece-lined, windproof jacket worn over a good base layer. It copes with the stop-start rhythm of effort and rest without turning you into a sauna, and its lining holds in warmth exactly where a down jacket alone gets overwhelmed on the very first climb.

That's exactly the brief for our fleece-lined warm jacket in the range: thick lining, windproof design, waterproof fabric and an adjustable hood, ready to take on winter outings down to -10°C without piling on extra layers. In really cold weather, add the packable down jacket as backup in your rucksack: that's the winning winter duo.

The criteria that really matter

Once you've chosen the type, a few criteria make the difference between a decent jacket and the one you keep for years:

• Insulation: fleece lining or fill (down/synthetic) depending on use — this is what provides the real warmth.
• Wind and rain protection: a windproof fabric changes everything once you gain altitude; a waterproof and breathable membrane stops that sauna effect.
• Breathability: you sweat on the trail even in winter — a jacket that doesn't shift moisture will end up leaving you cold.
• Weight and packability: a jacket you can stuff into your rucksack is a jacket you'll actually take with you.
• The useful details: adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs, zipped pockets accessible even with a rucksack on your back.

Watch out for the classic "I'll just take the thickest one" instinct, though: a jacket that's too warm and not breathable is the typical beginner's mistake — you sweat, you stop, you get cold. Two adjustable layers beat a single suit of armour every time.

Which jacket for your outing

The right choice depends less on the temperature than on the type of outing. For a day hike in autumn, a fleece worn over a technical base layer is often enough, with a lightweight waterproof jacket tucked in your rucksack in case of a sudden downpour. Once winter sets in, or you're heading up to altitude, switch to a warm, fleece-lined, windproof jacket, and pack a compressible down jacket for rest stops. When wet weather's forecast, a hardshell becomes non-negotiable — it's what keeps your whole layering system dry. Here's the breakdown by jacket type:

Frequently asked questions

Which jackets are the warmest? Weight for weight, down jackets offer the best insulation, ahead of synthetic-fill jackets and fleece-lined jackets. For active hiking, a fleece-lined, windproof jacket is often more practical than a down jacket alone, as it handles sweat from exertion better.

What's the best jacket for cold weather? In cold, dry, static conditions, go for a down jacket. On the move, choose a warm jacket with a fleece lining that's both windproof and water-repellent, worn over a breathable base layer. In cold, wet conditions, add a waterproof membrane layer on top.

Which jacket is best for winter hiking? The winning combination: a technical base layer, fleece or down for insulation, and a warm windproof jacket (or a hardshell if there's rain or snow) on top. Adjust as you go: open up or remove a layer on the climbs, zip back up at rest stops.

Do you need a waterproof jacket or a warm jacket for hiking? The two play different roles: the warm jacket insulates, the waterproof protects you from rain and wind. In dry weather, a warm jacket is enough; in wet weather, the waterproof takes priority — ideally, go for a warm jacket with a water-repellent finish, or layer both together.