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The Arc'teryx Nuclei FL is built as a technical jacket to take on alpine conditions; it's almost weatherproof and is incredibly packable and insanely warm. The FL designation means fast and light, providing functionality on any lightweight mission. For a long time, we've been looking for a warm and packable jacket that is adequate for sitting around on high windy bivvies while taking up next to no room in our pack. We're happy to say we've found it. 
Unfortunately, it is expensive. While the fabrics are somewhat breathable, it's not our first choice for hotter uphill slots as it holds in heat. We also wish it had a chest pocket. Aside from these caveats, this is the best midweight jacket we've tested that is both lighter weight and very packable.

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Consumer Reports

The Columbia Heavenly Hoody is a 100% polyester stylish hooded jacket with lavish cozy features. Not only is it stylish, but it's functional as well. The shell cuts the wind and repels rain and snow, with plenty of room for layering. We absolutely love the hi-pile fleece hood that offers immense comfort throughout the season. To top it off, it's affordable. It has many of the features, with removable attributes, and looks great when wearing around town or at the chalet.
Unfortunately, with a thicker and more protective construction, breathability and compression are an inherent trade-off. We did not experience any durability issues, but the stitching could be improved upon. This high-value stylish jacket is truly best for those seeking a great deal.

The Columbia Heavenly Hoody is a 100% polyester stylish hooded jacket with lavish cozy features. Not only is it stylish, but it's functional as well. The shell cuts the wind and repels rain and snow, with plenty of room for layering. We absolutely love the hi-pile fleece hood that offers immense comfort throughout the season. To top it off, it's affordable. It has many of the features, with removable attributes, and looks great when wearing around town or at the chalet.
Unfortunately, with a thicker and more protective construction, breathability and compression are an inherent trade-off. We did not experience any durability issues, but the stitching could be improved upon. This high-value stylish jacket is truly best for those seeking a great deal.
Read more: Columbia Heavenly Hoody review

Budget Pick

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The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody continues to be our favorite insulated jacket during our two-year testing cycle. It features a continuous shell design, with a roomy fit throughout the arms and torso. The hood is huge, with enough volume to easily accommodate a helmet, hat, or pompom-style beanie. The shell offers superior weather resistance, beading, and wicking water in sleet, rain, and snow. The Plumafill insulation is airy and warm, which allows it to pack down to the size of a one-liter bottle. Designed for alpine adventures, with climbers in mind, it's built to go anywhere.
While this jacket is near perfect for our day-to-day uses, breathability and durability are not its strong suit. The fabric has a continuous design, so ventilation isn't the greatest, even though the thinner fabric vents better than most continuous fabrics. Also, the thin shell fabric is a bit fragile and cut easily when we held a sharp snowboard edge close to the fabric. If you're looking for a warm and compressible jacket that's versatile for all seasons, this is our top pick. 

The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody continues to be our favorite insulated jacket during our two-year testing cycle. It features a continuous shell design, with a roomy fit throughout the arms and torso. The hood is huge, with enough volume to easily accommodate a helmet, hat, or pompom-style beanie. The shell offers superior weather resistance, beading, and wicking water in sleet, rain, and snow. The Plumafill insulation is airy and warm, which allows it to pack down to the size of a one-liter bottle. Designed for alpine adventures, with climbers in mind, it's built to go anywhere.
While this jacket is near perfect for our day-to-day uses, breathability and durability are not its strong suit. The fabric has a continuous design, so ventilation isn't the greatest, even though the thinner fabric vents better than most continuous fabrics. Also, the thin shell fabric is a bit fragile and cut easily when we held a sharp snowboard edge close to the fabric. If you're looking for a warm and compressible jacket that's versatile for all seasons, this is our top pick. 
Read more: Patagonia Das Light Hoody  review

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Switchback Travel | Patagonia DAS Light Hoody Review

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Gear Review- Patagonia DAS Light Hoody

The Marmot Avant Featherless is a popular jacket that stands out for its baffling warmth. When winter weather hits, this is the one we reach for; the baffled design houses 100% synthetic insulation that is similar to down. The shell also offers excellent water and wind resistance. It compresses to a surprisingly small size and looks great with its polished, shiny finish.
This is not the jacket to use for all seasons.  Sure it can be used as an extra layer in colder temps in the summer, but when it heats up, you'll find yourself sweating. We also notice that it is a little tight across the shoulders and back. If you are broad-shouldered, you might want to look at a different option. If a warm and stylish baffled jacket is what you seek, this is our top recommendation.

The Marmot Avant Featherless is a popular jacket that stands out for its baffling warmth. When winter weather hits, this is the one we reach for; the baffled design houses 100% synthetic insulation that is similar to down. The shell also offers excellent water and wind resistance. It compresses to a surprisingly small size and looks great with its polished, shiny finish.
This is not the jacket to use for all seasons.  Sure it can be used as an extra layer in colder temps in the summer, but when it heats up, you'll find yourself sweating. We also notice that it is a little tight across the shoulders and back. If you are broad-shouldered, you might want to look at a different option. If a warm and stylish baffled jacket is what you seek, this is our top recommendation.
Read more: Marmot Avant Featherless Hoody review

Insulated Jacket Comparison