Gear Review: Torrid Jacket By Enlightened Equipment
Looking for the best ultralight puffy jacket? The Torrid Jacket by Enlightened Equipment is a warm, lightweight, and customizable option that I always take into the backcountry.
If you're building your ultralight backpacking kit, chances are good you've heard the name Torrid Jacket pop up more than once. Enlightened Equipment is one of the most respected names in the cottage industry gear world, and their Torrid Jacket has gained a loyal following among thru-hikers, cold sleepers, and ounce counters. After a year of hiking and backpacking use, I can confirm: the hype is real.
With warmth, comfort, and simplicity in mind, the Torrid delivers on performance while staying astonishingly light. It’s the puffy jacket I grab for alpine mornings, chilly campsites, and rest breaks that demand insulation fast.
Standout Features
- Incredibly lightweight: As low as 6.8 oz depending on specs
- Climashield Apex insulation: Synthetic insulation that stays warm when wet
- Customizable: Choose your fill weight, fabric color, hood or no hood, and more
- Ultralight warmth: Seriously impressive warmth-to-weight ratio
- Packable and simple: No zippers on the pockets, no unnecessary frills
Why I Love It
I’ve used the Torrid Jacket in the alpine, on shoulder-season desert trips, and during surprise summer snowstorms in the Rockies. It’s my go-to puffy when I want solid warmth without bulk.
The fit is relaxed, which makes layering over baselayers or fleece hoodies comfortable. I opted for the non-hooded version for my custom jacket, and I’m glad I did. There are a lot of days when I don't want the added bulk of a hood. The elastic cuffs and drawcord hem keep drafts out, and the overall feel of the jacket is soft and cozy. I will note that I find the cuffs too tight. They often make it hard to access my GPS watch.
Because the Torrid uses synthetic insulation, it performs better than down in damp conditions and dries faster if it gets wet. This makes it a great choice for thru-hikes, trips in rainy climates, and ultralight backpackers who don’t baby their gear. If it gets super wet, it dries pretty fast hanging in a tent.
I do recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes or want to layer underneath. The shape of the jacket is pretty straight, and with a curvy build, sizing up ensured this would fit well over my hips. While it doesn’t have technical features like a stuff sack, its simplicity is part of the charm.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally lightweight | No stuff sack included |
| Warm even when wet | Basic construction may not suit everyone |
| Customizable fit and features | Sizing can run a little boxy |
| Perfect warmth-to-weight ratio | Hand wash recommended |
Specs
- Weight: Starts at 6.8 oz (varies by size and options)
- Insulation: Climashield Apex (2.0 oz/sq yd standard, 4.0 oz/sq yd available)
- Shell Fabric: 10D nylon (20D available)
- Fit: Unisex or gender-specific (depending on model)
- Packability: Compresses easily, fits in pack corners
- Price: Varies based on customization, starting around $185
Packing It Out
The Torrid Jacket by Enlightened Equipment lives up to its reputation. It's one of the best ultralight synthetic puffy jackets out there—minimalist, effective, and reliable. Whether you're on a thru-hike, building a lightweight kit for alpine treks, or just want a jacket that doesn’t weigh you down, the Torrid is a top-tier choice.
It’s not just a jacket I recommend to others. It’s the one I reach for, trip after trip. Especially for long dayhikes, and backpacking in the summer months.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
