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What’s the best fleece for hiking?
For many, fleece is one of the go to garments for outdoors. It is the one piece that can be worn all year long. Fleece jackets also work great as a mid layer under winter hiking jackets. There are classic fleece jackets for a minimalistic look. And you can also find jackets and pullovers that have extras like pockets, thumb holes or a hood.
Looking for a hiking fleece? Scroll down!
Table of Contents
Best Fleece for Hiking
Here is a selection of the best mid layer fleece jackets for men.
Everyone loves warm and cozy mid layers for hiking. They allow you to focus on the road and not worry about the weather too much.
Best Fleece Jacket for Men
1. Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece Jacket (click for more details)
Full zipper fleece jacket with cold blocking features.
Overall the best fleece jacket for men, our favorite.
This classic fit fleece jacket has elastic cuffs and adjustable drawcord at the bottom hem that seals in the warmth. There is also a full length zipper that allows you to wear the jacket open or closed and have a control over the body heat. The collared neck adds warmth to your neck.
The two side pockets have a zipper closure.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Hiking, camping, backpacking and as a mid layer for winter sports
2. MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hoodie Fleece Jacket (click for more details)
Well equipped thick fleece jacket with six pockets.
The best fleece for hiking if you need a lot of pockets.
The Polar fleece makes it thick and warm. It’s also ultra soft, windproof and resists pilling, shrinking and wrinkles. For extra warmth there is a stand collar with a hood, thumb holes and a bottom drawcord that blocks wind. There are also several pockets – two chest pockets, two pockets on the upper arm, one on the lower left arm and a “kangaroo pouch” on the lower back.
The hoop and loop shoulder pads allow you to attach badges.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Tactical sports, hiking, climbing, mountaineering
3. The North Face Men’s TKA Glacier Pullover (click for more details)
Men’s lightweight fleece jacket with a lifetime warranty.
This pullover is made out of recycled fleece and has a quarter zipper. The elastic binding at the cuffs block the cold, while the stand up collar adds warmth. You can leave the zipper open for venting if you like. It’s not a cheap fleece jacket, but it’s durable and it’s made to last for many years.
Note that it’s a lightweight fleece so you may want to add extra layers when the outside temperature drops down. A Merino wool base layer might be an option.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Hiking, camping, climbing, cycling
Best Fleece Jacket for Women
Fleece for many is their first choice for a women’s mid layer jacket.
Not surprisingly, a fleece jacket is the one piece of clothing that can be found in many outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobes. It’s often cheap and it does its work just great.
4. Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Fleece Jacket (click for more details)
The warmest fleece jacket for women that there is in this list.
Overall, the best fleece jacket for women, our favorite.
The jacket is made out of fleece that has maximum thermal retention (MRT) properties and is supersoft. The elastic cuffs and an adjustable bottom hem line make it even more warmer. It has a collared neck that you can wear zippered up or down. And both side pockets have zippers too.
This jacket has a modern classic fit and has an activewear cut.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Hiking, camping, traveling, outdoor sports
5. Helly-Hansen Women’s Daybreaker Fleece Jacket (click for more details)
Classic and comfortable women’s mid layer fleece.
The jacket is lightweight and warm. It’s made out of ultralight Polartec (100G) fleece fabric which makes it also a little stretchy. Full length zipper makes it versatile and you can wear it open or closed. The bottom hem line sits lower at the back giving extra care for the body parts that are more sensitive to cold. Flatlock seams make it less bulky. The two hand pockets have zippers.
This outdoor fleece jacket can be worn in all seasons.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Hiking, skiing, horseback riding, active outdoor sports
6. Columbia Women’s Glacial Iv Pullover Fleece (click for more details)
Simple and elegant lightweight fleece jacket.
This warm fleece jacket is made out of MTR microfleece that has maximum thermal retention abilities and is very soft and skin friendly. It has a modern classic fit with an active cut that looks flattering. There is a collared neck, and the half zip closure keeps the wind away while allowing the option for venting when it’s needed.
It’s so comfy that you want to keep wearing it around the house as well.
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
BEST FOR: Trekking, skiing, gardening, mountaineering
How to Find the Best Fleece Jacket For Yourself?
How to find the best hiking fleece for your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Heat Control
A great hiking fleece is both warm and prevents overheating.
In general fleece is a warming material. But pay attention to the length of a jacket. You don’t want cold air flowing against your lower back because the jacket is too short. And such extras as elastic cuff bands, thumb holes and drawcord at the bottom hem also allow to retain the body heat. Whereas full length or even partial zipper opening allow venting (if and when you need it).
With the right jacket on top of it, a quality fleece jacket will take your weather resistance to the next level. For extra warmth and comfort, look if the collar can be zippered up and covers the neck.
2. Design
Pay attention to that!
Classic fit means that there is more room for movement and it will fit most body types. Activewear cut means that it may sit close to the body, but also allow freedom of movement. Such extras as zippered hand pockets, zipper patches that keep the cold zipper parts away from bare skin, special vents or panels for badges are all convenient features to have.
Many fleece mid layer jackets come in various colors or have contrasting color blocks. You will be happier if the jacket suits your style.
3. Versatility
Full length zipper or partial zipper?
Not all zippers are windproof therefore a shorter zipper may allow the jacket to be warmer. However, a full zipper gives more options when it comes to heat. You can wear it open or closed, as you wish. And if you like wearing your sleeves rolled up, look for wider sleeves. Otherwise it will be close to impossible because fleece has limited stretchiness.
If you decide and invest in a good and versatile mid layer it may become the wardrobe item that you wear all year round.
4. Material
Microfleece vs Polartec fleece, which is better?
These are the most popular material choices for fleece hiking jackets out there. Microfleece will always be lightweight and warm. On the other hand, Polartec fleece can be lightweight, midweight and heavyweight. Polartec fabric is also known for its durability, water, tear and pilling resistance abilities.
If you are looking for the most lightweight option, if you need an extra layer which doesn’t take much space in your travel bag, choose microfleece. Microfleece, usually, is also softer than Polartec fleece.
But if you are looking for the warmest mid layer, Polartec is a better choice.
Look also for GSM (grams per square meter). This number will give you a hint of how warm the fabric is. The more it weighs, the more warmth it can provide.
What is your experience with winter hiking clothing? What’s the best fleece for hiking you have tried so far?
Featured photo by cottonbro from Pexels
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