Insulated layers

Boost your winter warmth

When facing ice storms, wind chill or snow blasting in your face while you’re out walking the dog, few things will keep you warmer than a good insulated jacket. Learn more about the key role insulated mid-layers play in our article on how to layer for outdoor activities.

MEC has piles of toasty options for insulation: everything from quilted puffer jackets that are ready for ski hills or snowshoe treks, to packable insulated jackets that work solo or as part of a layering system. Top brands like Arc’teryx and The North Face give you plenty of choices for staying warm, and our own design team creates MEC insulated jackets that blend quality and value with more sustainable fabric choices.

Down vs. synthetic jackets

Insulation technology has come a long way in recent years. These days, many jackets offer features like waterproof down or synthetic fibres that mimic the warmth and weight of down. Down leads the way with lightweight packability, but synthetic insulation is catching up. Synthetic insulation also has the added benefit of staying warm when wet.

MEC never loses sight of sustainability. Our down collection works with brand partners that use responsible and recycled down. Responsible down only uses down from birds that are responsibly raised and cared for. Synthetic insulation has also seen many improvements. Brands like PrimaLoft lead the way with their recycled Gold Eco, used in Patagonia’s Nano Puff collection. And you’ll even see recycled and biodegradable synthetic insulations, like PrimaLoft’s Bio line.

How to wash your down jacket

Not sure how to wash a down jacket? Learn all about it in our article on how to wash a down jacket. MEC has a bunch of treatments and cleaners to keep your insulated garments – both synthetic and down – puffy and warm.