As mentioned above, fleece doesnothave to be expensive. These definitions are not hard and fast, because sometimes a product has different fabric patterns (like thinner sides for breathability and a thicker chest for warmth), and sometimes a product uses an in-between weight, like 240 g/m2. The grid fleece pillows are thin on the Techface, resulting in a less than toasty layer, but one that protects well from the elements. The fabric is also hydrophobic, which means your sweat wont cling to it (and then soak it), like sweat typically does with cotton or other fabrics. The R1 Hoody is Fair Trade Certified and the fabric is bluesign approved, and it comes with Patagonias lifetime guarantee. The Patagonia R2 fleece jacket is hybrid fleece that aims to hit a number of lifestyles, and does so with aplomb. And thats it! Required fields are marked *. Cozy zippered hand-pockets, a reinforced collar, and easy movement throughout allows the jacket to layer well, or be your primary defense against cold. There are a lot of different choices you can make when it comes to picking a fleece. They are relatively equal to the cheaper fleeces on this list, often use Polartec Classic 100 or 200 fabric, and function very well. For good weather resistance, we like the Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody. Other insulators, like synthetic insulated jackets or down jackets, are typically not very good at this (with some major exceptions), so fleece shines. Look for a number preceding this to see how thick your fleece will be! This thing is baggy and bulky and definitely not technical, but it is literally made for sitting around a campfire or your apartment when a cold snap comes around. Other identifiers in casual fleece are kangaroo pockets (because for some reason kangaroos are the ultimate in cozy animals), exceptionally fuzzy fleece fabric, and heathered fleece, which is much more stylish. He believes walking is the best way to experience the world. The breathable R1 Air Crew is the lightest fleece we tested, weighing in at a featherweight 9.7 ounces. It has a durable full main zipper, two zippered hand pockets, and a very plush midweight fleece for maximum coziness and decent warmth. The sweater is slightly baggy and uses midweight fleece for a good balance of warmth and actual weight when worn, and it is Fair Trade Certified sewn, in addition to 100% recycled polyester fleece. It has a 1/4 zip for venting, thin material for layering, and a scuba hood for fending off the cold. The cut is athletic and accommodating to wide-set shoulders. Warmth is one of the critical things to consider when buying a fleece jacket; the purpose of this layer is to help trap and retain our body heat in chilly conditions. These are usually the midweight fleeces, like the Patagonia R2, which is quite warm yet has paneling for extra breathability. Fleece can handle them both, but only so well. Well break it down below. The other reason is that for most outdoor lovers looking for fleece, they either want a big brand name jacket, or they really dont care who made it. No ads. Keep in mind that DWR treatments don't work as well when your jacket gets dirty, and even the Techface will "wet out" in heavy rain. A fleece is an essential part of a layering system, usually residing between a light base layer and a less breathable insulated jacket or down puffy. This fabric is a tried and true option used in performance fleece wear. The Patagonia R1 Air Crew was both soft and well-fitting. Its a 200-gram fleece (midweight) with solid warming capability and a very silky-smooth fleece material. The Columbia Steens Mountain 2 fleece. With its athletic cut and innovative fabric, our testers would happily wear it all day long. The Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T is the ideal cozy-at-home sweater. Our outdoor experts have tested all sorts of jackets and layering pieces. The fleece backing is packed with hundreds of raised squares with breathable venting channels throughout. The Patagonia R1 is is a high-end athletic fleece. Heavyweight fleece trying to resist the garden hose. Note the baggy fit, so it doesnt layer very well. The North Face Denali 2 is the second edition of a world-famous fleece. Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm. Got feedback? The gridded fleece on the Outdoor Research Vigor is highly breathable. While you can do that if you want, we think its better to be clear about what your activity intentions are with the jacket, find the fabric weight and style that suits you, and then narrow down by brand or individual product. 2022 Backpackers.com All Rights Reserved. The jacket has high quality zippers, cozy hand pockets, and a chest or arm zip for small items. It has a zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand-warmer pockets, and reinforced shoulders for use with a backpack. jeep hoodie mens gear face north This is the old version, which has since been updated with grid fleece. It can be dressed up, dressed down, made retro or turned urbanite. This fantastic layer is one of our favorites and has been for a long time for its excellent functionality and performance. The North Face backs it with a lifetime warranty, so in case that zipper fails you can send it in, but theres very little else that can break, which is why we love it. It has two zippered hand pockets and zips up to your neck. Not only is this fleece thick, it has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, causing light rain to bead off this fleece, like water off a duck's back. Yes. balaclava We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Typically on sale, and styled as a loose fit. We have you covered literally with in-depth reviews of the best gear, ranging from down jackets to base layers. Built from a proprietary "hollow core" fabric produced from 100% recycled polyester, this piece brings a new level of comfort to performance fleece wear. This fleece hoody is ideal for cold-weather pursuits where thinner gridded fleece just won't cut it. It's as simple as that. This lack of bulk made it great for layering but less versatile. Hopefully, you have a better idea of what it is you need for your next adventure. If you're on a tighter budget, check out our selection of wallet-friendly fleeces. The Lightweight Synchilla is made of 100% recycled fleece, and is Fair Trade Certified sewn. Somehow, Patagonia has created an even better version with the release of the R1 Air. These fleeces, like the Patagonia R1 and Marmot Reactor, are not known for extreme warmth, but when paired with a baselayer and down puffy or rain jacket, they become excellent insulators. Fleece is versatile in that it can warm you up, is water resistant,andit breathes. While not quite as warm as the Denali, it does feel softer and less boxy. With some products, we tell you it really is best to buy from a well-reputed brand and to get it new. Our testers, however, actually found the Vigor to be more comfortable and a full ounce lighter than the R1 Full Zip Hoody. The hood is sized to fit over a helmet, and the wider cut of the jacket easily accommodates warmer mid-layers underneath. Do you care about buying clothing that is sustainable? The Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T was the only thick fleece in the group that didn't have handwarmer pockets. Our experts assessed each model for warmth, comfort, breathability, layering ability, weather resistance, and material weight. For long expeditions into the backcountry where every ounce matters, the Campshire needs to stay at home, but it will be there for you when you come in from the cold and need to get cozy. Performance fleece typically uses a thinner fabric, has a higher breathability, and is much more form-fitting, which allows it to be used in a layering system. If you need a warm and toasty outer jacket and prefer fleece to a synthetic or down jacket, then this is the one for you. The Outdoor Research Full Zip Vigor offers one of the best values of any fleece currently on the market. While it's a superb fleece for chilling in, it's too heavy and doesn't layer well enough to earn a spot in our packs on backpacking trips or ski tours. In the above list you may be able to spot the performance fleece jackets from the casual ones typically you can tell just by the fit and style. Best for mountaineers and alpine climbers, but if you want the absolute best start with the Fortrez. The grid-style pullover fleece jackets are great even on mild days, and their breathability was so effective that we never felt uncomfortable or sweaty. See Women's Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T, See Men's Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T, See Women's Women's North Face TKA 100 Glacier, full list of fleece features in our informative guide, Optimal for high-output activities, like hiking, running, or biking, Often has specialized fabric, like heathered fleece or unique breathable side panels, Often used as a layering piece for more casual use. It has a single breast pocket with a snap-t button, and three buttons up the color. While none of the fleeces we reviewed are waterproof, some fleece is certainly more weather resistant than others. If you are looking for something super toasty, it may not be the most breathable or packable, and if you want it to have some additional weather resistance, it may cost you in weight and coziness. Pro Tip:Due to the wind issue, many outdoor folk have multiple fleeces. After surveying the market, we independently purchased 10 of the most popular fleeces available for side-by-side testing. The R1 Hoody features Polartec Power Grid, unique to Patagonia, which is small checkered squares of surprising warmth that feel good against the skin and allow ample breathability. One of the warmest models that we tested was The North Face Denali 2 Hoodie. All in all, this is a high-quality fleece that is perfect for adventuring in the mountains and is offered at a tremendous value. Adam loves being a member of the outdoor community and appreciates having the ability to help others find the best gear for their next adventure. These traits increase optimum coziness, and are usually styled to be worn around town or in the house next to a roaring fire (that good life!). The Campshire uses 330 gram Sherpa fleece, which is crazy cozy, soft to the touch, and quite warm. Purchasing a fleece can be as simple as walking into a department store and leaving with some synthetic cozy. But if you love Arcteryx, find their fit to be perfect, or simply have the money to spend, the Covert Cardigan is an excellent and warm midlayer fleece that will work on hiking trails and the local brewery. However, the fleece's thickness and the tightness of the weave will affect how much air and moisture can move in and out of it. The fabric itself lets air in and out, which means it can keep you cool even has you heat up. These are light enough layers to wear for just about any aerobic activity in cold weather, from running and hiking to climbing and ski touring. The fit is also more fitted, with a longer hem than in previous years. Patagonia, The North Face, Arcteryx, Marmot, Columbia these are some of the largest apparel brands in the outdoor industry, and the only brands we list above. Note that its layered with a down puffy on the right. The products above have years of reputation behind them, and arent one-off lines that may come and go. The breathability, comfort, and warmth offered by the R1 Air Crew make it the perfect fleece for days spent outside in dynamic environments. Think outdoor classy with a cup of white wine and a snowy mountain in the distance. verto trailspace Additionally, the thin fabric and minimal bulk made this an easy piece to layer over. The Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T is a classic fleece designed for maximum coziness. The highly versatile classic R1 3/4 zip remains a top seller and classic for a reason. The Patagonia R1 Air Crew is lightweight and breathable but not the best insulator. Simply unzip when you're on the move and or pull the hood under a helmet when you're stuck at a cold belay. Weight is something to consider if you are hiking long distances or heading for a "fast and light" mission in the alpine. Just a single well-made zipper to let out air or increase heat retention, and Polartec 100 Classic fleece for fuzzy, breathable warmth. Not overly styled, not overly heavy, not overly light, and with a small amount of wind blocking this fleece is nice enough to wear out, durable enough to wear outdoors, and cozy enough to wear in the house. Let us know! Fleece has notoriously poor wind resistance. How can we improve GearLab? In general, fleece material is superior to other options, like cotton, in that the material is hydrophobic and won't absorb your sweat. However, we find its overkill for most activities and the cost puts people off. For our test, the warmth rating accounts for 20 percent of the overall score. While we think the Columbia Steens Mountain 2 is a solid choice if you want a cheap fleece, we dont love that it sheds, and we find it pretty bulky overall. The newest version uses Polartec Power Grid Fleece, a departure from the original Classic, which gives it more breathability and stretch, but a less cozy feel. The Patagonia R2 is a solid and rugged do-it-all midlayer jacket. Emulated by many, the grid fleece technology has become a staple in most people's active cold-weather layering system. With the added breathability, it'll keep you warm when it's cold, and cool when it is warm. The soft and warm The North Face Campshire Hoodie was our favorite fleece in terms of comfort with its high pile, fur-like fleece. It doesn't score as high as some but has a great bang for the buck. This review is crafted by OutdoorGearLab Review Editors Buck Yedor and Adam Paashaus. Some of the hardware, like the hem cinch, doesnt use the highest quality materials, and may break with heavy use. No matter the conditions, the OR Vigor Full Zip will keep you feeling warm and psyched. With key qualities of warmth, breathability, and water resistance, we find fleece a necessity in our gear closet. It offers one of the best warmth to breathability ratios. Aside from that, the Patagonia Techface is a versatile piece that stands up to the difficult and variable conditions found in the mountains. We also love the remarkable amount of stretch in the arms and body, making it an excellent option for full-body activities like mountaineering, climbing, hiking, or even running. In all seriousness, the Covert Cardigan line (there are a few styles) competes directly with the Patagonia Better Sweater, and uses a heathered, casual style, which is a step away for the typical high-alpine gear that Arcteryx puts out. And, if you want a deeper explanation of what fleeces fit for what Backpacker Types, see our informative guide to fleece! Our only other complaint is the lack of thumb loops built into the cuffs. Its got enough pockets to be useful and is so soft youll never want to take it off. The Techface R1 is breathable but is a heavier weight than the R1 and is not as suited to aerobic activities. The hood fits right around the head and discreet thumbholes round out the warm yet light layer. Searching for the best fleece started with scouring the internet, talking to industry experts, and researching the market to see which were worth ordering for field testing. The North Face Campshire is well-named, in that its perfect around camp and might make people think of the Shire, that famed land of Hobbits. A large kangaroo pouch with a Velcro closure secures all sorts of camp amenities; gloves, headlamps, lighters, and snacks all disappear into the gigantic front pocket. It will last nearly a lifetime, and is warmer (and heavier) than most fleece jackets out there. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Aside from that, it's next to perfect and one we'd wholeheartedly recommend - the price is reasonable too. For your cold hands, there's a big handwarmer pocket behind the kangaroo pouch. It is made of 100% polyester knitted fleece, has two zippered hand pockets, and the mens version has a zippered chest while the womens has a zippered bicep pocket. Long fleece fibers collect dirt and sticks, Not as good an insulator as the original R1. It uses Arcteryxs precise attention to fit, form, and function, and comes with a very high cost as well. If you want a warm fleece that doubles duty as your cozy day-to-day, then turns into a breathable, layerable jacket when outdoors, this is a good choice. Pro Tip: Hiking in a lightweight fleece with a rain shell on is one of the best ways to stay warm and relatively dry in a cold storm. It uses lightweight 100-weight fleece with a 1/4 zipper and thats it! While all the models that we tested are made with materials that are quite comfortable, some stood out from the rest. Casual, cozy, simple. It's not just one of our favorites, but the top choice of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts for years now for its untouchable performance. The fabric is also bluesign approved and roughly 75% recycled on the whole. (You will look like a Hobbit in winter!) A few other key identifiers in performance fleece are hem cinches, thumb holes, a full-length or 3/4 quarter zipper for venting, offset panels that breathe better or stretch, and any wind-blocking material. Most of the lightweight fleeces we tested also forego hand pockets, presumably to reduce weight and bulk. Unlike cotton, synthetic materials retain a significant amount of their insulating abilities when wet, so if you do manage to get caught in the rain without a shell, you'll be in much better shape than if you were wearing a cotton hoody. This fleece was fine for sustained athletics, but if you are going to be hanging around in the cold, you will need to layer up. The Kuhl Interceptr 1/4 Zip is another option that is a little too heavy to use for long missions into the backcountry, but it is a perfect midweight choice for wearing around town and the occasional hike. We do. While a bigger price tag doesn't always correlate to better performance, the more expensive models typically use newer materials that are lighter and/or more breathable while still providing warmth. The Covert Cardigan is an expensive piece for what it is, and we feel the Better Sweater performs roughly the same (though the Cardigan is better in the wilderness) for less money. This piece really only has a few downsides. Read review: Outdoor Research Vigor Full Zip. The Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody is a weather-resistant jacket with a DWR finish and a brimmed hood. If you want a do-it-all fleece, look for the midweight ones in a styling you can get on board with. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. See the full list of fleece features in our informative guide. There are no extra features, like pockets or cinches or reinforced areas. Weather resistance only counts for 10% of our scoring. Why havent they made the list? Its heathered design appeals to the eye as much as the skin, and wearing it is truly like wearing your favorite sweater. The 1/2 zip allow you to vent a bit, and the kangaroo pouch is zippered to keep items in, with a small snap closure on top to reveal a secret pocket. Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website. What really sets this hoody apart from other fleece jackets is that we could actually stand in the rain and stay relatively dry. Though its smooth face won't pick or pill and layers nicely, it may eventually get holes; just the nature of the grid pattern creates thin, weak sections of fleece that eventually will fail. We like it as a hoodie with its large kangaroo pouch, though its offered in many different styles. Midweight fleece is the middling of the three, and describes jackets that have decent warmth while still retaining breathability. If you want a super warm and wind-blocking fleece outer layer, this is nearly the best youll find. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Find The Right Men's Fleece Jacket - Our Buying Guide. For high output activity in the spring and summer, this fleece might not offer the breathability you want when early morning and evening temps are rising. Like any outdoor product, there are a variety of features to consider when making your choice. Pair a breathable fleece like the Patagonia R1 Hoody with a dedicated wind or rain shell, and you have the ultimate alpine setup. Less breathable than models with grid fleece. While we had no trouble putting them on over another light fleece layer, they were not very comfortable to wear under another jacket like a shell or winter puffy jacket. Our team constantly finds basic fleeces (and even some advanced ones) at thrift stores. While no more water-resistant than any of the other fleeces, the Smartwool Merino Hyrbid is made from a blend of Merino Wool and standard synthetic fleece. We tested each model with various other jackets and base layers and rated them on how easily they layered and their level of comfort. There is a fleece for every occasion. The Columbia Steens Mountain 2 is a go-to inexpensive fleece from a large brand. As you can probably guess, Heavyweight fleece is the thickest of the three. The hoodie has a front zip with micro corded zipper pulls, a zippered chest pocket, and two zippered hand pockets. That said, its a good rule of thumb to use. For hanging out in camp or cooking around the campfire, this hoody can't be beaten. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody scored exceptionally high marks in every metric we'd expect in a top-performing midweight fleece. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Nothing layers as well as the R1, period. The style is also distinctive, and very retro. We have tested more than 45 fleece jackets over the past 10 years, and considered over 65 different models from various manufacturers before carefully selecting and purchasing the top products to highlight in this review. When it comes to fit, function, and performance, it's hard to beat. Fleece jackets are a comfortable, casual way to add some warmth to your layering system much of our focus is on the Warmth metric, which makes up 25% of the overall score. Fleece itself is plastic, so every time it gets tossed it becomes another piece of plastic in the landfill. Fleece washes well and lasts a long time, so if this sounds like an option that suits you, definitely go for it. It has a full zipper, two zippered hand pockets, and uses 200-weight fleece thats been brushed soft for a delightful feel. Whether you're looking for a cozy standalone piece to wear on cold mornings or for a technical fleece to be used in a more robust layering system, our expert recommendations will help narrow down your selection so that you can choose the right jacket for your needs and budget. It will get soaked, and it will be uncomfortable. Its meant to look and feel like wool, but is made with 200-weight Alpenex heathered fleece with a brushed back knit for soft-against-the-skin feel. Often, the more weather-resistant a fleece jacket is, the less it breathes. The Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T harkens back to the original fleece, called the Synchilla, which was debuted by Patagonia decades ago. The North Face Denali 2 has large panels of different material to block wind in key areas, while the Arcteryx Fortrez has wind-blocking threads built into the whole jacket. It has an active fit and is made for high-output activities, which means its a 100-weight fleece that is meant to fit close to the body. to create an exceptionally comfy and warm jacket. The North Face TKA 100 Glacier is a 1/4 zip fleece thats about as basic as they come. Your email address will not be published. All trademarks property of their respective owners Pro Tip:Some fleeces tread a good middle ground. The outdoor industry is continually trying to improve and Our review tests the top softshell jackets and lets you Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? This giant chest panel on The North Face Denali 2 blocks wind very well, and keeps your core warm. The high percentage of wool used in this garment means that it will retain even more of its insulating abilities than the fully synthetic options when it gets wet. Over the past ten years, our teams of apparel experts have tested more than 45 of the best fleece jackets on the market. Fleece isn't traditionally known for its water-resistant properties, and we don't expect a fleece jacket to keep us dry. There are many different types and weights, with varying levels of warmth and breathability. When you're not sure what conditions you'll be encountering, a quality fleece will help you stay adaptable. Thats pretty much it. Our favorite way to layer the R1 Techface is over the standard R1 Pullover Hoody. Casual fleece typically uses a thicker fabric, with less breathability, and its often relaxed or baggy in style so you can wear it as an outer layer. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn't stopped since. For this comprehensive review, our experts put these fleece jackets through 170 individual tests to help you find the best option for your needs based on value and performance. The Arcteryx Fortrez Hoodie is a classic rock and alpine climbing lightweight fleece that excels as a multi-purpose layer on the trail. Read our About page for more information, and check out our gear reviews and outdoor guides. A full zip hoody offers excellent protection from the wind. All in all, this fleece is a highly comfortable and warm layer that is best suited for anyone looking to upgrade their performance fleece wear. More comfortable than a down jacket, but still, not great. A fleece jacket is a versatile part of any outdoor layering system. The thicker and heavier models, like The North Face Denali 2, were better at blocking the wind than others. (Duh). The three categories are Lightweight (100 g/m2), Midweight (200 g/m2), and Heavyweight (300 g/m2). The ScubaHood works under a helmet and theres an integrated neck gaiter that doubles as a balaclava, greatly increasing the cold-weather performance of the Fortrez. It has a slim fit for active pursuits, but the cut is a little more casual than, say, the R1 Hoody, so it works well for casual outings too. A baclava style hood, thumb holes, and extra long hem make it highly versatile, while the quarter zip allows for heat venting or solid protection. Known for its equal parts rugged and cozy, the Denali 2 uses 300-gram fleece (the heaviest kind around!) As already mentioned, some fleeces that are pullovers may sport a super long zipper that comes down past the belly button, which can help vent excess heat. Finally, we do list Patagonia a high number of times. From long cold days spent ski touring in the alpine to frigid belays on El Capitan, Buck knows what to look for in quality fleece wear. Not every fleece we reviewed was intended to be highly technical. The Patagonia R1 Hoody is a staple in our outdoor clothing arsenal. A well-fitting jacket will provide full coverage when you lift your arms above your head. Thumbholes are clutch when layering in the cold. Read review: The North Face Campshire Hoodie. Top it all off with a noggin-encompassing hood, and you're ready for late nights at the fire with your friends. Do you care about the planet? Common traits for Lightweight fleece are: The Patagonia Better Sweater, a midweight fleece. The North Face TKA 100 Glacier is a simple fleece from a huge brand. We took these fleeces on backpacking trips, dragged them up granite walls, chopped wood, hung out around campfires, and took them out on the town.

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