Fleece Tops

Recent Fleece Top Reviews

Patagonia Better Sweater Rib Knit 1/4-Zip

Polyester fleece with a soft fleecy interior and a sweater-knit exterior. Heavier and less breathable than a comparable technical fleece like Patagonia's R2; not what I would think of as a great technical mid-layer fleece. More a heavy sweater for colder weather. Looks great—love the heathered color and rib knit. In fairness, this is not generally the kind of fleece I gravitate toward for harder outdoor activities. There are better choices for wicking moisture, warmth-to-weight ratio, technical… Full review

Mountain Equipment Men's Eclipse Hooded Zip-T

This warm base layer is perfect for those who go where it is really cold and those who just feel really cold whatever the temperature. It wicks, breathes, and dries well allowing it to handle the hot and steamy that cold weather activity can create. Can be combined with other layers as part of a passive insulation system, but excels in active applications.                                            Active fit follows body contours.Specs: Hang Tag Weight… Full review

Patagonia Men's R1 Hoody

The second best in its category. If you're looking for a garment in this category you have a choice of the R1 Hoody, the North Face Proprius Full Zip and the Outdoor Research Transition Full Zip. The Patagonia is the "heaviest" with the largest waffle pattern inside. That means it's the warmest. It's more base layer than mid layer. The sleeves are the tightest, and I honestly cannot see how you could get anything but a "compression" style shirt underneath. Personally, I use a sleeveless wicking… Full review

Outdoor Research Shiftup Zip Top

The women's Shiftup Zip Top by Outdoor Research is a versatile mid-layer that keeps me warm and comfortable across a wide range of outdoor activities. The hexagon fleece wicks moisture efficiently and feels comfortable against my skin. Testing Conditions: I tested the women’s Shiftup Zip Top as a member of the Trailspace Review Corps from late October 2017 through mid-February 2018 in and around the New Hampshire White Mountains. Temperatures during testing ranged from about -20 to 45 degrees… Full review

Patagonia Men's R1 Pullover

Good, with certain limitations. I bought a 2017 model R1 Pullover because I liked the color and was intrigued by the awesome reviews. It's attractive and I get compliments every time I wear it. I know that means nothing to gearheads. Functionally, its ratio of warmth-to-weight is great; but as many people say, it does not stop wind. The 2017 sleeves are tighter than previous years, making it almost impossible to wear anything more than a "compression" shirt underneath. I find a sleeveless underlayer… Full review

Patagonia Men's Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover

This is the most amazing product Patagonia has ever made. So soft, so cozy, so durable, so perfect. Girl-friends, friends of mine that are girls, have worn this fleece and I've wanted one for years. I almost bought a women's one just because it's that amazing and they didn't make a men's version. Well, finally, Patagonia did something, put out a men's style. It fits so well, not too tight, but not baggy and sloppy like those synchilla sacks.   It says fluffy and soft, unlike those synchilla sacks… Full review

Houdini Men's Alpha Houdi

Houdini calls it a base layer, but this super lightweight, hoodie style fleece works well in many applications. Top, bottom, or middle it breathes and wicks making it great for active layering. The Houdini Alpha Houdi is a full zip fleece with a form fitting hood, but despite that description and what you might see at first glance, this is not your average "hoodie". Specs: 12.7oz/359g on my scale 100% Japanese origin EcoCircle Alpha Base Polyester Made in Poland Fit & Comfort: Described by the… Full review

Mountain Equipment Men's Eclipse Hooded Zip-T

Best fleece ever made for winter climbing. I had to get this fleece after using my fried's on a on a climbing trip. The fleece has a snug athletic fit. The fabric transports sweat away from the body well. After using it on several trips I am impressed with it. The hood is thin, but adds the needed warmth to the neck when the chilling wind tortures you while belaying. The hood feels OK under a climbing helmet and follows the head nice.  Full review

REI Men's Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover

This light fleece pullover is great for both cool evenings at camp and as a "sleep shirt" on cool nights. I bought this light fleece pullover on the recommendation in a thread at Backpacking Light and was very happy that the pullover was exactly "as advertised" by the poster.  On a trip to Hidden Forest in Nevada's Desert Wildlife Refuge in mid May we camped at 8,000 feet. The evening was windy and cool so I needed this fleece over my long sleeved polyester shirt and  under my GTX PacLite parka. Full review