Whether hiking in the winter, spending some time on the slopes, or camping out in cooler climates, it is crucial to make sure that you have the gear to help keep you warm and toasty. That said, the weather can change at the drop of a hat, or you may generate plenty of heat on your own.
In this instance, standard jackets may not be the best choice as it can be challenging to adjust your various layers without dealing with biting cold. Of course, neither of these concerns is an issue for a 3-in-1 model that allows you to change the layers to best suit your body needs at the time.
This is why we put together this list highlighting what each jacket does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can figure out which features are necessary and which ones might add a bit of convenience to your next excursion.
Table of Contents
Editor’s Choice
The North Face Carto Triclimate Jacket
The NF’s Carto jacket earns our top spot because it pays attention to all of the little insulation details that make it perfect regardless of the layering you require. In terms of the base insulation, this model is not the thickest but still offers a robust 100 g Heatseeker layer.
The base insulation is more impressive because it complements the 100 g body insulation with a 60 g sleeve insulation– the thickest sleeve insulation advertised. While not down, the Carto jacket uses high-end PrimaLoft synthetic insulation to help retain body heat.
Outside of the base insulation, the other layers are no slouch either with the nylon rain shell layer providing 116 g/m² and the shell lining reinforcing with 68 g/m². As if that were not enough, this models’s inner jacket also provides 72 g/m² of fabric, altogether providing more warmth than any other product we came across.
One of the more surprising aspects of this arrangement is that the Carto jacket is also light, tipping the scales at only 32 oz. To top it all off, this product also happens to be one of the most durable with the rain shell using a 75D x 75D weave and the inner jacket using a 50D x 50D weave.
Bottom Line: If you want a winter 3-in-1 jacket that will keep you warm regardless of the conditions, the Carto jacket offers more total grams of insulation than any other entry on our list.
What Is A 3in1 Winter Jacket
3-in-1 jackets can arguably be described as two separate jackets that feature a design that allows you to combine them. The 3-in-1 moniker might be a bit of a misnomer to those on the outside as this type of jacket only provides you with two different layers – an inner layer to help conserve body heat and an outer shell that is waterproof.
It is worth noting that the 3-in-1 interchange jacket designation also does not refer to the same kind of layers as other jacket types, with many jackets in this category actually having 4 or 5 layers between the outer shell and inner jacket combined.
Advantages Of 3-In-1 Winter Coats
The main advantage of 3-in-1 jackets is that you can adjust which layers you wear to get the proper amount of insulation, warmth, and weather protection often able to adjust on the fly quickly. If you need plenty of insulation while experiencing rain then, wearing the shell jacket and inner jacket simultaneously will usually do the trick.
Of course, if the weather is only mild or slightly cold, you can just wear the inner jacket that often functions similarly to light fleece jackets. Finally, if you need just the barest amount of insulation or even only something to help protect against the rain, the outer layer is perfect on its own.
Things To Consider When Buying 3-In-1 Jackets
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance technically refers to a product’s ability to resist both wind and water, though most people tend to focus on the latter. Wind resistance often comes down to some of the extra features covered later, as well as the weave of the fabrics used for both layers with tighter weaves protecting better against the wind.
On the other hand, water resistance employs numerous different techniques, though the most common include a DWR treatment and special fabrics or weaves. While it can be challenging to gauge relative water-resistance between two 3-in-1 jackets, the hydrostatic rating given in mm can help.
Warmth
Given that the jacket allows you to customize the level of warmth provided for a given situation, it can be tricky to compare. For example, you generally rate the warmth of a jacket with grams(g), but each layer will provide its own rate of warmth with many jackets, also including dedicated insulation layers.
Unlike other types of multi-layered jackets, not all 3-in-1 jackets include a fill and those that do favor synthetic insulation instead. Another aspect to consider is that many 3-in-1 jackets provide the bulk of its insulation at the inner jacket with the outer shell jacket often thinner.
Durability
The durability of any jacket tends to come down to the materials used, the weight of those materials, and the weaves applied– if they are special or uncommon. The most common materials used for most waterproof 3-in-1 jackets are nylon and polyester, with nylon being a bit more naturally durable and polyester a bit more naturally water-repellent.
Regardless of the material used, another important factor is the weight of the material, often rated in deniers(D) or Tex(T). Another aspect to consider is the type of weave used, though few brands provide this information unless it is exceptional.
Extra Features
Pockets
While not necessarily the most critical part of a jacket for functionality, hand pockets are some of the most convenient extra features. Aside from the fact that they allow you to keep your hands warmer, they also allow you to stow away other gear– like your smartphone. Two things to look for are chest pockets as well as hand pockets for both the inner and shell layers.
Adjustable Hood, Cuff, and Drawcords
Aside from an adjustable storm hood, this group of features could arguably be considered part of the warmth quality, given that they allow you to tighten the jacket’s openings to prevent cold air from getting in. With the hood, a couple of things to consider is whether it is adjustable, removable, or helmet-compatible.
Reviews Of The Best 3-In-1 Jackets
North Face Carto Triclimate
Editor’s Top PickThe Carto jacket jumps off our list with an impressive set of features that center on it, providing warmth for any cold level. However, this product is not merely a one-trick pony and protects you from the elements with each layer coated in DWR– though the exact hydrostatic rating is not given.
Regardless, the sheer insulation of the Carto jacket towers above the rest of the options on our list with a total of anywhere between 316 to 356 g of protection. This ranges anywhere from 50 g to 100 g more insulation than the next closest competitor.
It also does not hurt that this model is one of the more durable we encountered with the outer layer being made of 75D x 75D DryVent nylon and the inner layer made of 50D x 50D polyester. Outside of the material specs, the Carto jacket also comes with plenty of hand pockets and a chest pocket, both on the inner jacket as well as the outer shell jacket.
PROs
- Has a dual DWR finish
- Made of 75D/50D materials
- Has 100g/60g insulation
- Has plenty of extra features
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Not the best fit
Bottom-Line: The Carto jacket provides arguably the best insulation we encountered with every layer made of thick, luxurious fabric and one of the few options we found with solid sleeve insulation.
Columbia Men’s Eager Air Interchange
Best Men’s BudgetColumbia may not always be known for high-end gear, but the Eager Air Interchange bucks that trend while keeping with its focus on budget-friendly consumer-grade pricing. A great example of this is the outer shell jacket made of durable Hydra Cloth 3000 210T nylon with a nylon taffeta lining and taped seams.
While the inner layer may not boast the same degree of durability, it more than compensates with a 250 g polyester MTR Filament insulation. The Columbia Eager Air Interchange is another entry that does not provide specific hydrostatic stats, but it does use Columbia’s OmniShield DWR waterproofing.
While the omni heat thermal reflective insulation may offer thick and warm protection from the weather conditions, that does not extend to the sleeves, which are a bit thin by comparison. On the other hand, this is one of the few jackets we encountered with an adjustable storm hood and further fortifies against the cold with a drop tail design.
PROs
- Has a 210T nylon shell
- Has 250g insulation
- Has OmniShield waterproofing
- Adjustable cuffs
CONs
- Sleeves are not the warmest
- Size runs small
Bottom-Line: The Columbia Eager Air Interchange is an incredibly inexpensive model that pairs a durable 210T nylon outer shell with an impressive 250 g polyester inner layer and numerous extra features. Our pick for best 3in1 mens jacket on a budget.
Patagonia Snowshot
Best 3-in-1 Ski JacketThe Patagonia Snowshot is one of a few jackets on our list that almost earned the overall winner spot, though some of the features that specialize come at the expense of general specs. Still, that does not change the fact that this might be the best 3-in-1 ski jacket that we found.
One of the most significant features to aid the Patagonia Snowshot in this endeavor is the included powder skirt, though it only connects to Patagonia ski pants. However, the powder skirt finds further enhancement with a removable hood that is also adjustable and helmet-compatible.
Keep in mind that the Patagonia Snowshot’s general specs are still great with 111 g/m², comprising a 59 g/m² outer shell and 52 g/m² inner jacket. To top it all off, this model also includes 60 g Thermogreen thermal reflective insulation, not to mention the outer shell employs a durable 75D weave.
PROs
- Has a 75D polyester shell
- Has pit zip vents
- Has ski-specific features
- Has solid DWR waterproofing
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Is a heavier option
Bottom-Line: The Patagonia Snowshot combines an exceptionally impressive range of specs from durable and thick materials, decent insulation, as well as being waterproof and breathable with unique skiing extra features.
Jack Wolfskin Iceland
Best Water-ResistanceUnder Armor may be better known for its athletic gear, but the Sienna may very well change that perception as this entry can handle almost anything mother nature dishes out. For starters, this model ties our list for the best hydrostatic waterproof rating at 10000 mm thanks to a UA Storm outer shell with a DWR finish.
Keeping true to its athletic wear roots, the Under Armor Sienna also provides the best breathability rating on our list at 10000 g over 24 hours. Similarly, following the athletic wear trend, this model will not wear you down as it only weighs 23 ½ oz total, with 9.52 oz (or 270 g) coming from the polyester insulation.
Unfortunately, that is about as impressive as the insulation gets, and the Under Armor Sienna is not one of the warmer jackets we saw. Still, when you consider how inexpensive this product is, it might not merely be the best budget option but potentially the best women’s 3-in1 jacket altogether.
PROs
- Has many extra features
- Water-resistant to 10k mm HH
- Has a 10k mm breathability rating
- Adjustable cuffs
CONs
- Zipper can be tricker
- Inner jacket the warmest
Bottom-Line: The Under Armour Sienna is an extremely inexpensive women’s jacket that can match waterproof and breathable ratings with the best of them while still offering a bevy of extra features.
Under Armour Women’s Sienna
Best Budget 3-In-1 Women’s JacketUnder Armor may be better known for its athletic gear, but the Sienna may very well change that perception as this entry can handle almost anything mother nature dishes out. For starters, this model ties our list for the best hydrostatic waterproof rating at 10000 mm thanks to a UA Storm outer shell with a DWR finish.
Keeping true to its athletic wear roots, the Under Armor Sienna also provides the best breathability rating on our list at 10000 g over 24 hours. Similarly, following the athletic wear trend, this model will not wear you down as it only weighs 23 ½ oz total, with 9.52 oz (or 270 g) coming from the polyester insulation.
Unfortunately, that is about as impressive as the insulation gets, and the Under Armor Sienna is not one of the warmer jackets we saw. Still, when you consider how inexpensive this product is, it might not merely be the best budget option but potentially the best women’s 3-in1 jacket altogether.
PROs
- Has many extra features
- Water-resistant to 10k mm HH
- Has a 10k mm breathability rating
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Zipper can be tricker
- Not the warmest
Bottom-Line: The Under Armour Sienna is an extremely inexpensive women’s jacket that can match waterproof and breathability ratings with the best of them while still offering a bevy of extra features.
Under Armour Men’s Porter
Most Convenient Men’sThe Under Armor Porter can be seen as the men’s model, though specific information regarding certain aspects remains elusive. That said, this product comes with all of the goodies as other Under Armor jackets, including a bevy of pockets for both layers.
It is worth noting that the Under Armor Porter boasts the same materials as other Under Armor jackets like a UA Storm polyester shell with a DWR treatment. This model similarly provides an Extreme ColdGear outer shell lining as well as a ColdGear Infrared inner layer.
Unfortunately, these features do not seem to prevent the Under Armor Porter from falling into the same trap of not being warm enough for some colder climates– even with fully-sealed seams and a drop tail design. On top of that, this comes with a MagZip closure that, while effective, can be a bit tricky.
PROs
- Has many extra features
- Has ColdGear technology
- Only weighs 32 oz
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Zipper can be tricky
- Not the warmest
Bottom-Line: The Under Armour Porter is an inexpensive men’s jacket that is also surprisingly lightweight while still providing a substantial range of extra features and Under Armor’s ColdGear technology.
North Face Women’s SANSA Triclimate
Best Women’s 3-in-1 JacketNorth Face makes another appearance on our list, but it should not be confused with the Sansa Down Delux, which would otherwise be the best women’s 3-in-1 jacket. Instead, The North Face Women’s SANSA seeks to replicate some of the other Triclimate line’s success.
In fairness, one of the best qualities of this product is that it only weighs 24 oz, which allows you to wear it casually or while on an outdoor excursion. While no specific stats are given, the Women’s SANSA employs the company’s famous DryVent nylon shell.
Though it is not loaded with extra features like some of its competition, this product still provides fully-taped seams, an adjustable, fixed hood, and an adjustable hem. That said, the adjustable hem may only help so much as one of this model’s issues is that it is a bit short.
PROs
- Has a DryVent nylon shell
- Only weighs 24 oz
- Has some extra features
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Is a bit short
Bottom-Line: North Face SANSA is an inexpensive option that may not necessarily have all of the bells and whistles as some of its competitors but is lightweight and provides adequate function. Our top pick out of the triclimate womens jackets.
