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What Are The Best Breathable Winter Hiking Jackets in 2025

"Discovering the Top Breathable Winter Hiking Jackets: Your Guide to Staying Warm and Comfortable on the Trails" When you’re out in the cold, having the right breathable winter hiking jacket can make all the difference in your comfort and performance. Look for jackets that strike a balance between insulation and breathability; you want to stay warm without overheating. Materials like Gore-Tex or other waterproof, breathable fabrics are fantastic choices to keep moisture at bay while allowing sweat to escape. Pay attention to features like adjustable hoods, cuffs, and hem cinches, as these can help trap warmth when the wind picks up. Additionally, consider how packable the jacket is, especially if you’re planning long hikes where space is at a premium. Lastly, don’t overlook fit—make sure there’s enough room for layers underneath without being bulky. Trust me, investing in a quality jacket will make your winter adventures so much more enjoyable!

1

The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket

Why We Love It

Reviewers love this jacket because it's windproof and breathable, perfect for winter hiking. The relaxed fit is praised for ensuring comfort and ease of movement. The secure-zip pockets are also appreciated for their convenience. Many users found it to be warm enough for winter, but still breathable to prevent overheating.

Pros

  • Breathable and windproof
  • Relaxed fit for comfort
  • Secure storage pockets

Cons

  • Not entirely waterproof
  • May run large

Men's breathable jacket from The North Face ideal for winter hiking.

The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket is a breathable and windproof winter hiking jacket. Made of 96% Polyester and 4% Elastane, this jacket is designed to stand up to the elements while providing maximum comfort. Its relaxed fit ensures ease of movement during hiking or other outdoor activities. The jacket also comes with a secure-zip Napoleon chest and hand pockets for storage. With its fleece backer for warmth and comfort, this jacket is perfect for winter hiking.

2

Wantdo Women's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket

Wantdo Women's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket
Buy Now $54.97

Why We Love It

Reviewers rave about the jacket's multi-functionality, being suitable for both skiing and winter hiking. The breathable and quick-drying features are a hit among users who engage in strenuous outdoor activities. Many reviews praise the jacket's design, including the adjustable and detachable storm hood for customization. Users also love the multiple pockets in the jacket, providing ample storage.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Windproof
  • Quick-drying

Cons

  • Sizing may vary
  • Not suitable for extreme cold

Women's breathable winter skiing and hiking jacket with multiple functionalities.

The Wantdo Women's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket is made of professional water repellent coated material, making it waterproof, windproof, and quick-drying. It features an adjustable and detachable storm hood, and adjustable cuffs with thumb hole for maximum heat retention. The jacket has multiple pockets, including an internal secure pocket for storing essential hiking items. It is also designed for excellent ventilation, ensuring breathability during strenuous hikes.

3

The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket

Why We Love It

Users appreciate the windproof nature of The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket, with many praising it for keeping them warm on windy winter hikes. The breathability and water-repellency of the jacket is also highly praised. Users also love the relaxed fit and the secure-zip hand pockets for convenience.

Pros

  • Windproof
  • Breathable
  • Water-repellent

Cons

  • Not insulated
  • May run large

The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Jacket in men's sizes.

The Apex Bionic 2 Jacket from The North Face is designed to provide excellent wind protection. The jacket is made from WindWall fabric that's 100% windproof and highly breathable. It features a relaxed fit, a hem cinch-cord, and secure-zip hand pockets. The jacket is also water-repellent for those rainy winter hikes.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 5 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Breathable Insulation Type Water Resistance Hood Type Weight Packability
1 Outdoor Research Men's Ascendant Hoody
Yes Polartec Alpha Direct Insulation Water-resistant Adjustable hood Lightweight Not specified
2 Arc'teryx Men's Atom LT Hoody
Yes Coreloft insulation Weather-resistant Insulated ScubaHood Not specified Not specified
3 Columbia Men's Ascender Softshell Jacket
Yes Not insulated Water-resistant Stand-up collar Not specified Not specified
4 The North Face Men's Venture 2 Jacket
Yes Not insulated Waterproof Adjustable hood Not specified Packable
5 Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Jacket
Yes Not insulated Waterproof Attached adjustable hood Lightweight Not specified
1

Outdoor Research Men's Ascendant Hoody

Breathable
Yes
Insulation Type
Polartec Alpha Direct Insulation
Water Resistance
Water-resistant
Hood Type
Adjustable hood
Weight
Lightweight
Packability
Not specified
2

Arc'teryx Men's Atom LT Hoody

Breathable
Yes
Insulation Type
Coreloft insulation
Water Resistance
Weather-resistant
Hood Type
Insulated ScubaHood
Weight
Not specified
Packability
Not specified
3

Columbia Men's Ascender Softshell Jacket

Breathable
Yes
Insulation Type
Not insulated
Water Resistance
Water-resistant
Hood Type
Stand-up collar
Weight
Not specified
Packability
Not specified
4

The North Face Men's Venture 2 Jacket

Breathable
Yes
Insulation Type
Not insulated
Water Resistance
Waterproof
Hood Type
Adjustable hood
Weight
Not specified
Packability
Packable
5

Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Jacket

Breathable
Yes
Insulation Type
Not insulated
Water Resistance
Waterproof
Hood Type
Attached adjustable hood
Weight
Lightweight
Packability
Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions About Breathable Winter Hiking Jackets

What makes a breathable winter hiking jackets the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your breathable winter hiking jackets recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of breathable winter hiking jackets?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.