The colder weather is on the way – summer lovers, commiserations – and that means everyone is looking for easier ways to stay warm when you’re on the go. One of the easiest solutions is with an insulated jacket, which is a piece of clothing that can just as easily be worn as a top layer as it can underneath other items. 

But if you’re on a relatively small budget, what are your options? We’ve got some of the very best insulated jackets for under £200 to check out today. 

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket – £180

 eu.patagonia.com

Patagonia is one of the biggest names in the business when it comes to eco-conscious outdoor gear and the Nano Puff jacket is a great example of why it has risen to the top. This is a light yet warm jacket crafted from completely recycled materials. It comes in at just 337g and can be packed into a tiny bag so it’s easy to take on adventures. 

It’s got two zippered pockets, too, while the internal pocket doubles as the stuff sack that you pack the jacket back into. A variety of colours make this a particularly stylish option, too. It’s also a great layering piece and will be easy to wear underneath larger coats for even more warmth. 

Finisterre Nimbus Hooded Jacket – £175

finisterre.com

We really like Finisterre’s classic, no-frills approach to clothing design and this stretches to the Nimbus hooded jacket, too. It’s nice and light but super-warm and Finisterre says that it’ll handle a very light rain shower – though heavier downpours are likely to be too much for this coat. 

It’s got the green credentials thanks to its entirely recycled construction while its insulation is down-free, too. Grab it in the Dark Olive shade for a really understated look. 

Rab Cirrus – £160

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Rab has a wide range of insulated jackets, but one which really hits the nail on the head – and meets our budget – is the Cirrus. Rab calls it its ‘versatile all-rounder’ and, thanks to its lightweight and easy-to-pack design, we’d be inclined to agree. 

It’s hooded, too, so it can help stop valuable heat from escaping out of your swede. We also like the handy pockets on both sides and the drawstring adjuster to help stop air from rushing up. 

North Face Circaloft – £170

thenorthface.co.uk

The Circaloft from North Face has more than a hint of 90s style to it, but its technical features are definitely cutting-edge. Like so many others here it’s made from recycled materials, while the Circaloft has also been given a water-repellent finish to help if there’s a sudden shower. 

You’ve also got the option of either packing the Circaloft away into a supplied bag, or you can actually stuff it back into the right-hand pocket. 

Berghaus Silksworth – £190

berghaus.com

Berghaus has definitely taken a more streetwear-inspired angle with its latest collection, but the Silksworth still has some decent tech specs to back it up. It is available with a hood, too, though that cranks the price up directly onto our £200 top-end. 

It’s got elasticated cuffs for a secure fit, while the exterior has been treated with water-repellent products. Unlike others here, the Silksworth is made from only 50 per cent recycled. 

What should I be looking for in an insulated jacket?

If you’re checking out an insulated jacket then you most likely have a primary concern – staying warm. The heavier the jacket the more insulation it’ll have, so most of the jackets that we’ve looked at today will be ideal for autumn but might start to flag when things get chillier. 

But as we’ve touched upon, lightweight insulated jackets can be used underneath more heavyweight layers to help keep things toasty. 

What are these jackets insulated with?

Most insulated jackets these days use a synthetic material for warmth. This is often seen as a greener and more eco-friendly alternative to animal-sourced fibres. However, many jackets still use down – either from ducks or geese – but this will mostly be in higher-priced coats. 

Do insulated jackets work well in rain?

Not particularly. Insulated jackets aren’t designed primarily as a waterproof, though some do have water-resistant treatments to help if there is a bit of a shower. Jackets with natural down are also worse in the wet, whereas synthetic versions will be able to handle a downpour with a little more ease. 

Do I need a hood?

That entirely depends on the type of activities you’ll be doing. If you’re off to some seriously chilly environments, then a hood could be a great feature to have as it’ll be better at keeping heat close to your body. 

However, if you’re using your jacket in a more casual or less demanding setting – like walking the dog on a chilly morning – then a model without the hood will likely prove to be more than enough,