Fleece Jackets

Featured review by Micay

SO many pockets! Cozy, convenient zip pockets and inside drop pockets, easy to clean and versatile. My staple camping and hiking companion and an alternative to a hoodie. No need for a scarf because the zip goes all the way up to the collar and it doesn't scratch your chin. Great for any women's shape and honestly it's pretty flattering. I'm usually a Small but opted for the Medium to wear layers comfortably underneath.

Women tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to outdoor clothing, thankfully this is slowly changing and companies can see we are a huge market.  I got the Better Sweater in Birch White. I fit perfectly into the women's small however, I ended up going home with the Medium. Here's why: the Patagonia staff weren't sure if it would shrink in the wash or dryer (it did just a little, I can tell when the zippers do the "bacon" curl). I washed on a tap cold normal cycle and medium/low heat in the dryer.

Read more: Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket reviews (4)

Reviewed by BigRed

The Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hoodie is a warm, functional, and stylish Polartec Power Stretch Pro fleece hoodie for the mountain life, that also works as high fashion in Norwegian circles. Stretch fit goes on well over a base layer and under both close and loose fitting shell layers. A great mid layer for cold weather ascents, with a hood to help keep moving without having to layer up when the wind comes up.

The word norrøn (norr-RUHN, roll those Rs a little) is best translated as “Norse,” a general name for Scandinavian people of the Viking age, including settlers and traders rather than just the Viking raiders. Norrøna the brand, with its helmeted Viking logo, is the Patagonia of Norway: colorful, uncompromising, and pricey outdoor clothing that is as likely to be seen on the streets of Oslo or Trondheim as on a Norwegian summit. The Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Hoodie is a simple mid-layer stretch fleece jacket for all-round mountain action.

Read more: Norrona Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hoodie review (1)

Featured review by Bear

(LONG review) I am hard on all of my gear and these are pretty durable all things considered. I have had two now, over the last five years, pretty rugged for what is a light jacket. I had the first generation with the copper cuff snaps and I feel the fleece has been improved in the newer model (Polartec). The cuff snaps were more durable in the first generation models (no plastic). Both generations are very fragile with heat!! Please take this into consideration! They can easily be burned through by a cigarette.

Read more: The North Face Denali Jacket reviews (31)

Featured review by Junglecommando

Warm, warm, warm, fuzzy jacket with breathability and stretchiness to boot. The jacket is said to be non-piling, but I'm not so sure about that. Also, if you and your wife/girlfriend are already together, wear this on a date. If she is not your girlfriend yet, think twice—the fuzziness may be too much for unattached women.

Size L, black, bought 6 years ago.  5'9, 195.  Fits very nice, even flattering.  Ill start out with things this jacket does not do:  repel water or wind (just wear a shell).  That being said, this jacket does just about everything else. It is very very warm. I asked the REI salesman whether it blocked the wind, and he told me that when I wore this jacket I would appreciate wind. He was right.  This is a comfortable jacket, with all that fuzziness.   My former girlfriend (who is now my wife) loved to hug me in this jacket.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Jacket reviews (24)

Featured review by Charles

The best heavyweight fleece jacket on the market, bar none. Crushes the goofy TNF Denali Jacket. This jacket is incredibly warm, and is windproof, and has multiple pockets for storage. The best thing about this jacket is its unique shearling look. I recommend buying this jacket at size. It's not meant for multiple layers underneath. You don't need or want a sweatshirt or sweater underneath. A light long sleeved T-shirt or turtleneck will do. If you buy a size larger, then the bottom of the jacket will not hug your waist which in turn results in cold air blowing into your belly since there's no drawstring.

Read more: Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket reviews (7)

Featured review by Chris S

Overall a good replacement to a cotton sweatshirt. Great for mild temps/conditions.

I always like Columbia fleeces, but over the years it has changed. Now if you have a Benton Springs which is the same thing but a women's, the Benton is a lot softer compared to this. I will do a review on that later. I bought the Steens jacket on sale as I certainty couldn't pass it up. I wanted a replacement for a sweatshirt after learning cotton sweatshirt is not fun when wet. It surpassed my expectations of warmth compared to cotton. Now you can't wear this in a downpour as it's fleece and you will get soaked.

Read more: Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip reviews (6)

Reviewed by Chris S

There is a strong reason why everyone has one of these jackets either hooded or the jacket. Perfect for mild winter days, transition from winter to spring, fall to winter, and rainy days.

This is by far the best versatile jacket you could buy. Since I have both a hooded and non-hooded version, both reviews are the same. I first wanted a Denali ever since I was little, but my parents said it was too expensive for a silly fleece. Let me tell you, it’s not a silly $99 or $200 fleece. I was able to buy one at the end of 11th grade with my first job. Got it for $40, but still in great condition. I didn’t wear it in any really cold or wet weather because my parents were worried that a fleece is not enough for dead winter or rain.

Read more: The North Face Denali Hoodie review (1)

Featured review by Daniel Oates

Great cardigan for fall hikes or everyday wear. Keeps the warmth in and the cold out.

I've had this cardigan for about 4 years now, received it as a gift in college and I still wear it every fall through the spring.  I love it. It's my go-to jacket. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that it doesn't stay clean after it's washed.  I have a black one and even with a dryer sheet and lint roller but it'll still get "fuzzies" on it.  This can even be part of your nicer looking wardrobe. Not really recommended if you have a pet that sheds.  Perfect for a layer under a hard shell.

Read more: Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan reviews (3)

Reviewed by John F

An excellent fleece mid layer for all seasons. A classic look that works well over or under other layers to provide an extra layer of warmth.

The Patagonia lightweight snap-t fleece sweater is an excellent choice for those looking to do expeditions, day trips, or even car camping in the front country. It is a versatile layer that can be used over light layers, or under heavier down vests and parkas comfortable. It fits a little baggy, which serves this purpose well. It also features a Y cut sleeve that allows for freedom of arm movement without the bottom of the sweater rising up the wearer's torso. The garment isn't very adjustable, but four snaps on the neckline help adjust the style and ventilation of the chest.

Read more: Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover review (1)

Reviewed by 300winmag

This is Patagonia's heaviest of the two "R" hoodies and meant for much cooler weather.

I got the R2 hoodie as a Christmas present. It has more than lived up to my expectations for warmth, especially when worn under my eVent parka when skiing.  ->The hood zips up to easily cover my mouth and stay there. This is very welcome on cold, windy days when worn under my ski helmet. Chair lift rides are much more endurable on nasty days with this face protection. No need for a separate neck gaiter. ->4 zippered external  pockets (2 chest, 2 lower) and 2 lower internal pockets.

Read more: Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody review (1)