Fleece Jackets

Recent Fleece Jacket Reviews

Patagonia Retro Pile Jacket

Sheep-like pile with relatively simple/straightforward features. The main advantage of this jacket is how it wicks moisture and provides a range of layering options. It’s quite warm under a shell yet fine on a spring day or even a cool summer evening. This jacket has next to no wind-stopping ability. Also, the open, fuzzy weave means it sheds longer than some other fleece jackets and can be prone to pilling over time.   Zipped up (accurate view of the color) Full jacket view. Patagonia’s zipper… Full review

Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket

A great jacket or sweater alternative. Has become a go-to item in my closet. I bought this about 3 to 4 years ago. I've worn it more this winter than any other time. The fabric is comfortable and a nice weight. My favorite days to wear it were when I layered it with a mock-neck poly base layer and a shell for XC skiing on a sunny day. It breathed well and was warm enough when covered to not get me chilled when I stopped to eat. Without the shell wind cuts through it, but it's called a sweater for… Full review

Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan

Fluffy and warm fleece with an urban look. The Covert comes in full zip or in half zip cardigans. The fleece is soft and thick. It is a very warm fleece that is trendy, comfortable and ideal both for city or the outdoors. The fit is neither tight nor loose. Sizes are true and quality is obvious.  The use of this cardigan is ideal in cold day between fall and spring. I find it too warm for the summer.  Full review

Haglofs Heron Jacket

Expensive, but comfortable and well-featured, fleece jacket. Warm for its weight. The Haglofs Heron fleece jacket. This photo represents the Deep Woods colour more accurately than the close-up photos below. The Haglofs Heron is a midweight fleece jacket which comes with or without a hood. I chose the hoodless version. At around €100 ($120), the Heron is expensive considering that some fleeces can be had for a quarter of the price. For its price the Heron comes with a storm flap behind the main… Full review

Montane Alpine Raid Hoodie

The Montane Alpine Raid Hoodie is a fleece mid-layer designed to be tough, stretchy, and unrestrictive. Its best uses are as part of layering system where its high breathability can be maximized during exertion, such as climbing, and the slim fit and smooth face can slide under a shell layer to block wind/water. Thumb loops, a large chest pocket, and smooth, quality zipper show attention to the details of an alpine-targeted hoodie. I find the citrus green colour too bright for my personal preference… Full review

The North Face Denali Jacket

Not many jackets can be comfortably worn on your couch watching TV after a long day in the woods...this one can though. Couch comfortable. Great pocket placement. Stylish taslan wear points. Dependable zippers. No surprise USA fit. But, like other reviews, Polartec fleece was designed for cold and fires are its kryptonite...melts like the plastic bottle it once was...yikes. Full review

Patagonia Crosstrek Hoody

Patagonia R1 that's warmer, stretchier, and more durable. What's not to like? This midlayer covers the exact temp range I was looking for, about 35-50 degrees with a baselayer on. I really like it, because it's Polartec Power Stretch Pro. It's actually very similar to the Houdini Power Houdini, only difference being the Houdini has the drawcord hem and hood, but the Patagonia hood fits PERFECT like always, so that's not an issue. It actually saves weight. A drawcord hem would be nice, but it would… Full review

Norrona Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hoodie

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,”… Full review

U.S. Military ECWCS Gen II Brown Bear Jacket

I bought one of these a couple of years ago, not pretty but I did not buy it for that. I use it on the range by itself or under a shell. Brilliant. I am very much a layer person and this fits right in. Just recently got a Gen II ECWCS shell parka for $60, who could complain at a price like that for Goretex etc, as compared to other shell products at a couple of hundred more. It is winter here, sitting in my office and what am I wearing but this bear jacket. Great product, not pretty, but who cares. Full review