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This high-pile fleece jacket has everything you need in a midlayer. Designed to fit comfortably over workout gear and thick sweaters, this fleece is perfect for chilly hikes or chilly bike rides.
Sam started loving fleece’s lightweight and cozy warmth during a backpacking trip, and brings a jacket on every shoulder season thru-hike or snowy trail run. He hasn’t found anything that works better.
Fleece is a good choice for midlayers because it offers plenty of warmth for its weight, and most fleece jackets have the ability to block wind and resist rain. It also wicks moisture better than other types of insulation, which helps you stay comfortable and regulate your body temperature while hiking or climbing in cold weather.
Performance fleeces tend to have thumb holes in their sleeves, which help the sleeves keep their shape during high-intensity activities or when putting on and taking off layers. These pockets are also great for stashing gloves or a headband. This is one of the warmest and most versatile fleeces we have tested, with a soft next-to-skin feel and a classic knit exterior that looks like a winter sweater. It layered easily with a Smartwool long-sleeve shirt and a windbreaker or rain layer. The hood is nice and cozy, and the jacket breathes well enough to wear as a light outer layer when temperatures are above freezing.
This jacket is a little heavier than some of our other favorites, but it was still very warm and comfortable. Its primary strength is in its insulating value when worn under a shell, and it does a particularly good job of this when compared to hard-shell synthetic puffy layers or soft-shell synthetic fleece. It also wicks moisture very effectively, which was a big plus for us on extended uphill sections of hiking or biking, when sweat can freeze into rime and make you uncomfortable if it's not removed soon enough.
In addition to keeping you warm, this fleece is durable and will stand up to a lot of abuse without getting too thin or sagging. The materials are sturdy, and the jacket has a flexible fit with an easy-to-use shock cord and lock at the waist. It is also easy to clean, requiring only cold or warm water and mild laundry detergent. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of polyester fleece, consider using a guppy bag or microfiber filter in your washing machine to avoid shedding microplastics into our waterways.
A high-pile fleece jacket is the perfect layering piece that adapts to your needs. It can be worn as a mid-layer when temperatures dip, or as an outer coat when the weather turns cold and wet. These jackets are also good for running, hiking and working outdoors. They can be paired with a rain jacket to provide extra protection against moisture and wind.
Many fleeces come in a variety of colors and styles. Some are very warm and have a sherling-like appearance, while others are more contemporary. The Trailsmith fleece jacket is a great example of the latter. This jacket uses two shades of polyester fleece to provide a stylish, yet cozy look. It’s also very lightweight and packs down to a small size. This makes it ideal for travelling or packing light when hiking and camping.
Performance fleeces are usually thicker than their casual counterparts and tend to have a more rugged construction. They often have a sporty feel and may have thumbholes in the sleeves that allow you to pull your hands into the sleeves for added warmth while preventing cold air from sneaking in when you’re not using them.
Fleeces with a high warmth-to-weight ratio are particularly useful in aerobic activities, such as day hiking and resort skiing. They also retain their thermal properties when wet, making them a favorite of lumberjacks in Scandinavia. Helly Hansen invented pile (sometimes called teddy fleece) over 60 years ago, and this advanced insulation technology has never been more popular or versatile.
Another benefit of a high-pile fleece is that it’s easier to maintain than other types of clothing. These garments can be machine washed in cool or warm water and are often able to be tumble dried. This saves both time and energy and helps prevent the build-up of static. In addition, you can use a cold iron on these fabrics to keep them from shrinking.
High-pile fleeces are also often less prone to pilling than other garments, especially those made of microfiber. However, you should still be careful when washing these garments to avoid pilling and other problems. If possible, wash them with like colors and use a non-chlorine bleach when needed. When drying post-wash, it’s best to hang the garment instead of folding it. This helps reduce compression of the fleece and protects the fabric from matting and mattling.
A fleece jacket is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that you can own. It can be worn as a mid-layer, an outer layer, or even on its own, depending on the temperature and activity. When choosing a fleece, make sure that it is thick enough to keep you warm and durable enough to last through multiple adventures.
Performance fleeces tend to be more expensive than casual fleeces, but they’re often made with high-quality fabrics and are designed for long-term use. They have a snug fit (unlike some casual options, which can be on the boxy side) and stretch to accommodate movement. They also feature a DWR that keeps water from penetrating the inside of the jacket.
Some of these fabrics are made from recycled materials and are vegan-friendly. Some are hydrophobic, meaning that they repel water and retain their insulating properties when wet. They’re also soft, lightweight, and warm.
A good way to test the durability of a fleece is to squirt it with water and see how it behaves. Does the water bead up and roll off, or does it soak in? If the latter, it’s time to wash your fleece.
The DWR on your fleece may lose its effectiveness over time due to build-up of dirt and body oils, or through abrasion. In this case, it’s important to wash your fleece regularly and reapply the DWR as needed. Many brands offer spray-on DWR products that you can easily apply to your fleece, and they’re available online as well.
While this jacket isn’t as durable as some other options, it’s still a great choice for outdoor adventures. Its fleece interior is soft and warm, while the exterior looks like a classic knit sweater. It’s easy to wear over a baselayer or tee, and it’s comfortable during long hikes or runs. It has a zippered chest pocket for storage and a hood with a balaclava for extra protection against the elements. It’s available in a variety of colors, and it fits true to size. The hood is also adjustable for a custom fit.
If you’re going to be wearing your fleece as an active layer, it has to perform in a variety of conditions. The most versatile fleeces can be worn in the cold, as well as on warm days when you might need an extra layer to keep you cool and dry. Getting a lightweight fleece that can be worn in multiple climates can help you avoid packing unnecessary layers on your trip.
You’ll also want a fleece that is comfortable to wear and won’t cause any discomfort during your activity. If you’re wearing your fleece as an active layer, the fabric will need to stretch with you. It should also be breathable to avoid overheating while you’re moving.
The most comfortable fleeces have a soft interior with a knit exterior that feels like a sweater. It’s a cozy feeling that you’ll enjoy while hiking, running, climbing, or even working out in the gym. The fleece also looks and feels good, which means it doesn’t look too technical or hardy for everyday wear.
Another thing to consider is the thickness of your fleece jacket. Thicker fleeces are warmer and offer more insulation, while thinner ones are lighter and have a higher breathability rating. If you’re going to be wearing your jacket for high-intensity activities in the mountains, consider getting a fleece that is designed with durability in mind. This will ensure that it holds up to the rough conditions of a mountain environment and still keeps you comfortable.
If you want a more casual feel, a hooded fleece is a great option. The hood will cover your head and face, keeping you warm and dry from wind and rain. Some hooded fleeces also come with adjustable cuffs and thumb holes to keep the sleeves from rolling up, which is convenient when you’re on the go.
Sam started loving fleece’s lightweight and cozy warmth during a monthlong thru-hike on the PCT, and he now wears one on every outdoor adventure. He’s a climber, hiker, bikepacker, and skier, and has worked in product development with outdoor brands. He lives in Colorado and uses a fleece jacket almost year-round while guiding, canoeing, and cycling. He also has a long history of backpacking and peak bagging adventures in the American Northeast and maritime Canada.
