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We've had some great fun over the last 11 years, testing over 70 of the best fleece jackets for women. Our latest update compares 13 of the top contenders side-by-side. While exploring the world, our diverse team of testers donned these through all types of weather. Putting each through their paces, we tested them while trail running, big wall climbing, sailing on the North Sea, and hiking in some of the most climatically diverse settings. After years of testing, we've dissected each to explore the nuanced differences in utility, style, and comfort. This comprehensive review highlights the top models on the market and includes expert advice to help you find the best fleece jacket for your needs and budget.
No matter what type of jacket you need for the outdoors, odds are good we've tested it. Whether you're seeking the best women's rain jacket for wet weather or a protective wind jacket for climbing tall peaks, we can help you find whatever suits your preferences and style. Looking for other ways to stay comfortable in the backcountry? See our picks for socks for use at home and camp.
Editor's Note: This review was last updated on December 6, 2024, to add the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch to the lineup, as well as new media and testing perspectives on other award winners in our current lineup.
Comfortable, mobile fabrics, fluffy interior, warm, easy to layer
Very stretchy and comfortable, cozy and warm, breathable, comparatively compact
Affordable, functions as lifestyle and technical fleece, wind-blocking details, great thermoregulation, relaxed fit flatters a variety of body shapes, exterior outer face doesn’t pill, easy to layer, blue sign approved materials, lightweight
Stretchy, comfortable thumbholes, extended coverage, packable, breathable, great warmth-to-weight ratio
Strategically placed breathable panels, warm during motion, fitted hood, large chest pocket, lightweight
Excellent warmth, cozy thick fabric, adjustable hem, large pockets for storage, durable construction
Soft interior, pockets are high enough for hip belts, robust wind guards on zippers, easy to layer
Price, stand-alone warmth, super soft fabrics, layering over and under, stretchy and lightweight feel
Extremely soft and cozy, warm, thicker fabrics, durable design, great mobility, relatively breathable, fantastic price
Very warm, impressively wind resistant, casual look and feel, plenty of color options
Fantastic color options, warm, soft materials, cute look
Plush materials, decent relative water resistance, lots of color choices
Cons
Zipper not wind-resistant, expensive
Slim fit doesn't work for everyone, not very windproof, fuzzy exterior collects debris
Fabric prone to stretching out between washes (notably collar below chin), lighter color options susceptible to staining, lacks warmth of other midweight designs
The chest pocket is lumpy, light colors are see-through, tight through the arms, runs small
Lacks thumb holes, materials are not plush or thick, no hand warming pockets
Poor ventilation through the fabric, boxy look, heavy, not very packable, pricey
Shorter torso and sleeves, less stretchy, stiff zippers and wind guard make hood awkward
Fabric pilling, boxy fit may not work for all, not suited for sweaty mission
Not very breathable
Bulky for laying under jackets
Chest pocket isn't overly useful, not breathable, difficult to layer over
Not very breathable, fabric pills after two washes
Difficult to layer, not breathable, durability is questionable
Bottom Line
All the comfort of your favorite sweatshirt combined with the performance of a technical fleece layer
An extremely versatile fleece with lightweight breathability and stretchy comfort combined with midweight warmth and protection
This feature-rich fleece jacket combines technical performance and casual wear that's available at an affordable price
A well-priced lightweight fleece suited for technical uses with an extended cut
Blending breathability, warmth, and protection, this high-end fleece is specially designed for technical performance
A quintessential lounging fleece that also provides warmth on light hikes and walks around town
A simple and lightweight sweatshirt-like jacket that's comfortable to wear, if lacking in a few details
A jack of all trades, this budget-friendly fleece boasts a stretchy, relaxed fit with average performance at a great price
A wonderfully soft fleece that bridges the gap between fashion and function
A warm, casual fleece with a low price tag
A comfy standalone model that's warm, great to hang out in, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
With many color options, this causal fleece is a nice option for wear on the trail and out on the town
An affordable fleece that will keep you warm in cold weather and is best suited for mellow activity
Weight: 13.4 oz (size Small) | Main Fabric: Power Stretch PRO (53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% elastane)
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable, soft, and very stretchy
Enhanced mobility
More polished look
Easy to layer
REASONS TO AVOID
Zipper is a windy day weak point
The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is a cross between a technical fleece and a casual sweater. Not only was this our hoody of choice on a long multi-month exploration of Europe because of its wide range of uses, but it's also extremely comfortable. Seams are removed from high friction areas; the fabric is incredibly stretchy, mobile, and roomy, and the material is very soft to the touch. The smooth exterior gives it a polished look while protecting us from cutting winds, while the slim fit layers well both under and over other layers. To top it off, after months of testing, it still looks like we got it in the mail yesterday. Another full zip with a hood that combines a smooth outer face with a soft and cozy fleece interior is the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch. The Hyperstretch is a much thinner, lighter-weight design but is available for those after something similar but in a more budget-friendly design.
While the fabric itself does a decent job repelling cold breezes, the main zipper is an obvious weak point, easily letting cold air through. We appreciate the mesh pockets when we need extra breathability, but in truly cold situations, they can be a hindrance. We love feeling like we're wearing a familiar sweatshirt when we don the Kyanite while still getting the technical performance we crave in the backcountry. If you're looking for a specifically plush casual-wear jacket, check out the Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip. And if you're looking for a warmer, heavyweight fleece jacket that offers additional warmth without losing essential heat through details that enhance breathability, consider the The North Face Denali. And finally, if you're willing to sacrifice some performance features to stay closer to your budget, the REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece will keep you warm and cozy with its midweight design. Overall, the Kyanite was the favorite of our testing team thanks to its warm, midweight design that prioritized technical performance, coziness, style, and durability.
The Kyanite hoody features a Tanica stretch fabric with nylon outer face that helps to repel water while offering the comfort of your favorite stretchy sweatshirt.
Weight: 10.6 oz (size Small) | Main Fabric: 54% Recycled polyester, 35% nylon, 11% spandex
REASONS TO BUY
Very stretchy with extended coverage
Comfortable hood and wrist cuffs
Very breathable
Feature-rich design
REASONS TO AVOID
Fabric prone to stretching out between washes
Lacks warmth of other midweight designs
Light colorways are easily stained
Although the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch is considered midweight fleece, it supplies a lightweight feel, standing out for its value as a technical performance fleece. Our testers appreciate the smooth outer face combined with the soft and cozy fleece interior that offers a relaxed and stretchy fit, flattering a range of body shapes and sizes. This combination is similar to the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody. However, the Kyanite features a much thicker construction that supplies more warmth, while its fleece interior is noticeably more soft and cozy. The Flash Hyperstretch jacket features a full zip design along with a trim-fitting hood, zippered pockets, a wind flap behind the teeth of the zipper, and a drawcord hem at the waistline that helps the lightweight construction trap essential body heat during cold weather activities. Conversely, the jacket can be unzipped, the hood removed, the drawcord released, and the zippered pockets opened to overload excess heat through enhanced breathability. The smooth outer face doesn't pill, breathes sufficiently, and is easy to layer over top of. Although more of a relaxed fit, our testers found the layer true to size. We also love that it comes at an enticingly low price.
Although the Flash Hyperstretch is a technically sound jacket at an affordable price point, there are other more breathable layers out there, such as the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody. Comparatively, the R1 Air is designed to maximize breathability and coziness through its zig-zig patterning and features a much trimmer fit. The Hyperstretch is, just as its name claims, hyper stretchy, easily moving with you with raglan sleeves that increase comfort and support a full range of motion. That being said, this hip-length design is also prone to stretching out between washes, specifically in the area of the collar at the neckline, although its structure is easily restored through a quick wash. Another caveat is that the lighter colorways are not resistant to stains. Our testers found them easily stained at crags known for being hard on clothes and gear, like the Owens River Gorge and Indian Creek. While the caveats are valid, it's also true that this is one of the best-priced technical pieces out there. So, don't hesitate to buy this one if you want a mid-layer or standalone piece that will do well for uphill or downhill endeavors. However, you might consider purchasing a darker color if things are going to get particularly dirty or abrasive. Alternatively, if you're looking for something cozy in the same price range, the REI Co-op Trailmade will keep you toasty and comfy even if it offers limited technical performance and durability.
Weight: 10.7 oz (size Small) | Main Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
REASONS TO BUY
Super soft fleece
Thinner and mobile
Large pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Thicker fabrics are not as breathable
Pilling observed
Cozy, warm, and mobile are three words we would use to describe the REI Co-op Trailmade fleece. Its traditional polyester style is a little thinner than most and has a little stretch, making it easy to move in, layer, and use during low-to medium-output activities. The fleece is one of the softest we've tested; it feels like a high-pile fabric against the skin. It scores about average across all metrics, lending to activities like hiking and backpacking in cool weather. The full zip design vents well when things warm up, while the large hand warmer pockets offer lots of storage. It's a versatile jacket that supplies decent warmth both in a layered system and on its own. We also love the price point.
While the Trailmade is ready to tackle many outdoor adventures, it isn't great for sweaty missions like trail running or backcountry skiing. Moisture tends to build between the body and the interior fabric, and the wind cuts right through it. Another budget-friendly design that is versatile enough to perform technically and casually is the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch. The Hyperstretch is more durable and feature-rich thanks to its hood, drawcord at the waistline, and wind flap behind the teeth of the full zip design. Another caveat to the Trailmade jacket is that the fabric pills with only a few washes. We still love this jacket for its super cozy materials, large pockets, and great color options. If you love the idea of a traditional fleece but are looking for something a wee bit thicker, check out the Columbia Benton Full-Zip instead. While it's not as breathable or form-fitting, it is a bit warmer with a more voluminous fit. And if you're willing to throw down for a fleece jacket with luxury performance, check out the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody. Of all the budget-friendly options that we tested, we consider the Trailmade a top performer for those seeking a warm and cozy option for low-output cold weather activities.
Though more of a lifestyle jacket than a technical performance layer, the Trailmade is perfect for low output activities like hiking or casual use around town.
Weight: 10.4 oz (size Small) | Main Fabric: 100% Recycled polyester
REASONS TO BUY
Very stretchy and comfy
Warm
Impressively breathable
Easy to pack
REASONS TO AVOID
Material can pill with heavy use
Not wind resistant
Fuzzy exterior collects debris
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is an exceptionally dynamic fleece that performs well across the board. Rather than specializing in any particular use, the R1 Air has useful features everyone can enjoy. It's lightweight with midweight warmth. A fuzziness and impressive stretch add much comfort for lounging around the house and getting on the trail. A fitted hood fits nicely under a helmet, while the cleverly designed cuffs are comfortable even when pushed up our forearms. The zig-zag pattern in the fleece does an excellent job regulating body temperature without leaving us cold while on the move or when hanging out around camp. If breathability is a key consideration for your next fleece purchase and you'd like a lighter-weight option with a unique grid pattern, we'd recommend the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip. Although not as warm, the Vigor Grid is a great option for those looking for a lighter-weight performance fleece.
While the zig-zag pattern allows ample breathability, it also allows big wind gusts to tear right through the fabric. While the fuzzy fabrics are warm, they can also grab and hold onto debris. The fabric also pilled during our testing after carrying a pack for a few miles. Despite these few downfalls, this is still one of the coziest, stretchiest, and best-performing fleece jackets that we've tested, making it an excellent choice for nearly any endeavor. If you're looking for something a bit less performance-oriented, check out the more casually styled Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T or the Patagonia Better Sweater Full-Zip. And if you're after a warmer design that offers technical performance, style, and coziness thanks to the fleece interior, check out the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody features a unique technical fabric that remains soft and comfortable next to your skin while prioritizing the moisture wicking capabilities you'd expect from a technical fleece layer.
Weight: 9.8 oz (size Medium) | Main Fabric: Thermic G (92% recycled polyester, 8% elastane)
REASONS TO BUY
Fantastic thermoregulation
Very lightweight and compressible
Easy to layer
Versatile fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks standalone warmth
No hand-warming pockets
Designed to be worn with a harness or a backpack, the Rab Ascendor Hoody offers stand-out technical performance with fantastic thermoregulation. The polyester-elastane construction provides a fit that is roomy in the shoulders and long in the arms and torso. Many of our testers loved the versatility of the fit and the stretch of the fabric. No hand-warming pockets allow a harness to fit nicely over the jacket, making this a perfect layer for technical sports like rock climbing. The hood slides easily under a helmet, and the padded chin guard provides extra comfort in cold weather.
While our testing team loves this jacket, it is not cozy or plush. Since it's built to breathe well, it's not very warm in cold weather and is designed to be worn while on the move. It's nice as a mid-layer sandwiched within a cold-weather layering system or worn as a standalone piece in warm to cool weather. It only sports one large chest pocket – large enough to carry a phone comfortably – but the lack of hand-warming pockets is a bit of a bummer when wearing this jacket around town. The Ascendor Hoody is highly recommended for a fleece with excellent thermoregulation and technical performance. But the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is the one to buy if you want extra plush comfort. And, for even more comfort with a warmer midweight design, check out the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody.
Our testing proved the Rab is a great choice when you need a lightweight layer with excellent breathability for technical days, even if it won't likely become your go-to choice when cozy warmth is a priority.
Weight: 15.6 oz (size Small) | Main Fabric: 50D Polartec (100% recycled polyester knit)
REASONS TO BUY
Thick, warm fabrics
Easy to add layers underneath
Stylish retro look
REASONS TO AVOID
Not breathable
Boxy cut
Fabrics aren't very mobile
When it comes to keeping you from turning into an icicle on cold days, The North Face Denali jacket stands out from the rest. As the only heavyweight jacket tested in the line-up, it's a tried and tested piece built for rugged adventures in cold places. The uber-thick fabric offers amazing standalone warmth, especially with a layered system. Adding layers underneath is easy, and we appreciate the massive pockets that scream utility. It also features nylon additions through the most high-use areas of the jacket, making it a durable option while carrying a backpack for a long distance. The only layer that even comes close to overall warmth is the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody, but it is considered a midweight design with more style and breathability.
Along with a retro style most people will either love or hate, the Denali has a boxy cut that isn't very flattering. There is a lot of volume and extra fabric through the arms, making adding a tighter jacket as a final layer difficult. Finally, given its heavy design, this was the last fleece we would pick for medium to high-output activities like backcountry skiing or running. The fabric holds heat and doesn't vent well. If you seek a heavyweight jacket built to keep you warm by the campfire or during cold days hanging around town, this might be one to consider. Just make sure you like the boxy cut, the thicker design, and its style. If you're looking for something a little less retro, be sure to check out the super cozy Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T. While it's not as warm, it feels soft and a little more stylish. And if you'd like a more versatile fleece jacket that prioritizes comfort, breathability, and warmth while in motion, check out the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody.
For an extra snug fit to keep the cool air out of this relaxed heavyweight classic, just pull the interior shock cords and lock them into place.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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Inclement weather on the Middle Fork of the Cimarron in southern Colorado was the perfect testing ground for this fleece jacket.
Credit: Daniel Ruffner
How We Test Women's Fleece Jackets
Our fleece jacket review began with thorough market research before settling on our final selection of the 13 models discussed here. Once the fleeces were purchased, we identified vital categories to grade the competing jackets on during tests. We then rigorously wore each model during several months of field testing. These jackets were worn daily on trail runs, ski tours, lounging around the house, exploring cliffs and woods, and resort skiing with friends. They've seen the dry climates of Nevada, Wyoming, and Colorado, in addition to the wet coastal zones of California, Hawaii, and Canada. In addition to field testing every single garment, we also perform a series of objective tests, like pouring water on each, to determine the nuances of each textile.
Our testing of fleece jackets is comprised of five rating metrics:
Warmth (25% of total score weighting)
Comfort (25% weighting)
Breathability (20% weighting)
Layering Ability (15% weighting)
Weight (15% of weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Review Editors Trish Matheny, Amber King, and Maggie Nichols are no strangers to layering up for many types of excursions. All three know the value a good fleece jacket adds to any outdoor clothing collection. Trish followed her intuition over fifteen years ago and moved to the Teton mountains, where she focused most of her time between split boarding and trail running in the backcountry. Once she found rock climbing in 2016, her entire time changed, and she began living on the road and climbing in many different areas throughout the desert southwest. In 2019, she made her way to Yosemite National Park and hasn't looked back. Now a member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team, she spends the majority of her time living out of doors, constantly evaluating the best ways to layer to stay warm and climb comfortably year-round. Amber King has been a climber for over 20 years, tackling high peaks all over North America, from Rocky Mountain National Park to the North Cascades. She's been an outdoor educator, science teacher, and guide over the last ten years, spending hours in the backcountry on rivers, climbing rocks, and summiting mountains in Colorado. Maggie was a professional backcountry guide for over 16 years, leading backpacking trips, river trips, and touring expeditions across the US and internationally. Growing up in the Midwest, where temperatures regularly dip below zero, Maggie learned how to layer at a young age. These women have been testing gear for GearLab for over a decade and are experts in their fields.
Weighing in each fleece jacket to see how they measure up.
In addition to wearing each layers outside for months at a time, we also objectively measured breathability while using a fan indoors.
We tested everything from fabric thickness to breathability in order to compare each side by side to determine the warmest constructions.
We continually test these fleeces throughout the year to determine relative performance and provide excellent recommendations.
Analysis and Test Results
We cover fleece jackets ranging from technical to just plain cozy. Each is put through a series of rigorous tests focusing on evaluating key metrics that include warmth, ease of layering, comfort, movement, breathability, and weight. Using these factors, we can help point you in the right direction to find exactly what you need.
What's the Best Value?
Your money matters and most of us seek high-value options. While many of our top performers can be pricey, some options have a much higher value. For example, the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch is an excellent fleece jacket that features a stretchy design with raglan sleeves. It provides easy mobility, keeps you covered, breathes well, and delivers awesome technical performance — a performance similar to what we saw in the top dogs but at a fraction of the price. On the spectrum of less technical jackets, the REI Co-op Trailmade and Columbia Benton Full-Zip both offer excellent value for non-technical, casual use as midweight layers. After wearing the Benton Full-Zip regularly around the house and on leisurely hikes, it still looks fresh and keeps us warm and cozy on any cold day. Conversely, the Trailmade is prone to pilling after only a few washes.
The Flash Hyperstretch was a stand out performer as both a casual and technical performance layer. Though not without its flaws, this fleece jacket features a smooth outer layer and soft interior that breathes well and provides enough warmth for shoulder seasons as a stand alone piece. And it's one of the more affordable technical fleece jackets that we tested.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Warmth
A primary purpose of any fleece jacket is its ability to add warmth as a standalone layer or with a base layer or jacket. The most significant factor in a jacket's warmth is the amount and type of fleece used in its construction. Other features that factor into warmth include coverage around the head, face, neck, and hands to help resist wind and keep heat locked in. Jackets that can seal in warmth through draw cords or thumb loops are much warmer, with the versatility to thermoregulate more efficiently. We also examined how well a jacket can resist the wind and rain.
The warmest fleece we tested was the The North Face Denali, a heavyweight fleece. No other fleece could compare to its level of warmth, making it a highly recommended standalone piece for really cold days. Other warm fleeces include the Arc'teryx Kyanite and the Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T. They accomplish their overall warmth in slightly different ways. The Synchilla is made of thinner fabric that's less permeable, helping to trap heat against your body. The Kyanite is constructed from much thicker fabric that includes a soft and cozy fleece interior combined with an outer face fabric that's more breathable but still keeps you nice and toasty.
The North Face Denali is a great pick for staying cozy on a cool day.
Credit: Amber King
The Patagonia R1 Air Hoody is another warm option, which is made even more impressive by its thinner fabric and status as a lightweight fleece rather than a midweight model. The exceptionally thick Patagonia Better Sweater is also quite warm. However, its lesser degree of coverage and lack of full mobility lost a few points in our scoring. The Columbia Benton Full-Zip and Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip are two plush sweaters that are designed for cold weather as well. The lightweight Canyonlands Hoodie from The North Face packs some good warmth for its weight. The Outdoor Research Vigor also brings excellent warmth-to-weight ratios to the table and makes a good activewear layer.
The R1 Air Hoody features a design that's built for warmth during movement and the hood helps lock in that hard-earned body heat.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Most of the fleece jackets we tested do not repel water and offer only modest protection against the wind. However, The North Face Denali and the Arc'teryx Kyanite are more wind-resistant than most. Their thicker fabric takes longer to soak through to our base layers when we encounter unexpected weather. The Denali also has nylon strips through the chest and shoulders, adding another layer of targeted wind protection.
The soft fleece of the Denali lends to its impressive warmth and comfort.
Credit: Amber King
The Patagonia Better Sweater is exceptionally thick, offering protection similar to the Kyanite. But since it is heavier and bulkier, it loses a small margin in this metric. The Outdoor Research Vigor isn't windproof or waterproof, but it's lightweight, compressible, and dries very quickly, making it a great candidate for cramming in a daypack or carry-on. Many others, like the Amazon Essentials Full Zip, demonstrated average performance and would suffice as a basic warm layer for around the house or when engaged in other average daily activities.
Although the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip isn't the warmest fleece that we tested, it is lightweight, packable, and features quick-drying materials.
Credit: Amber King
Comfort
Comfortability and coziness are important if you plan on wearing your fleece all day long. Unlike other outdoor garments that might not sit next to the skin, like, say, a rain jacket, this metric is important to consider for fleece jackets. Comfort is determined by the feel of the product when out and about for long days on end. Were we ready to pull it off or keep it on? Is it able to move with you while you recreate? How does it fit, and does it accommodate a wide range of body shapes? What kind of pockets does it have, and how convenient are they?
The Arc'teryx Kyanite, Patagonia R1 Air, The North Face Denali, Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T, and Columbia Benton Full-Zip are a few of our favorites when it comes to sheer comfort. All these models are very soft inside, giving them a great feel next to our skin. The R1 Air has three useful pockets, which we love, while the Kyanite feels like wearing your favorite hoody. The Denali has super thick fabrics that make you feel as if you've been wrapped in a blanket. They all have seams removed from high-friction areas — the shoulder seams have been moved back to avoid conflicting with backpack straps, and the armpit seams are lower on the torso or out on the arm to prevent rubbing. They're not the only ones to have these high mobility seams, but they're also exceptionally stretchy and pleasant to wear and move in every way. The Arc'teryx Kyanite, Rab Ascendor Hoody, REI Trailmade, REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch, and Outdoor Research Vigor all have highly mobile seams and hyper-stretchy construction, offering comfort in various activities. The Flash Hyperstretch even has a fabric that covers the top of the zipper to prevent discomfort from the teeth of the zipper rubbing against your chin.
The relaxed fit of the Synchilla is very cozy for hanging around camp with friends.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T, REI Co-op Trailmade, and Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip share similar degrees of comfort and style. All three models comprise the “classic” fuzzy fleece, inside and out. They're all modestly stretchy and have other fit styles that add comfort. The Benton Springs is more slim-fitting, while the Trailmade is boxier, and the Synchilla blouses over like an old-school sweatshirt. The North Face Canyonlands offers solid comfort in mobility and performance during activities, with convenient pockets and a generous fit.
The North Face Denali is incredibly comfortable, with thicker fabrics that wrap you in warmth.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Breathability
For decades, the outdoor gear industry has been working to produce more breathable fleece. A tremendous technical fleece can insulate while efficiently offloading heat, so you don't get cold when standing still. A highly breathable fleece jacket offers strategically placed areas of breathable fabrics, thinner construction, and often a less plush design.
The Rab Ascendor and Patagonia R1 Air offer the highest levels of breathability tested. The Ascendor utilizes a gridded fleece that allows heat to shunt out, keeping the required warmth close to the body. The lightweight design is the thinnest tested, earning it top marks. The R1 scores slightly higher than the Ascendor for its slightly thicker fabrics. The breathable channels and soft exterior material vents very well, offering excellent performance during high outdoor activities. These are both excellent options for high-output activities in all types of weather. The Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is another gridded fabric fleece with better-than-average breathability. If this were available in a full zip jacket, though, like several others, it would earn higher marks. However, the 1/4 zip doesn't allow heat to escape as readily as the other two.
The grid pattern in this fabric makes the Rab Ascendor Hoody highly breathable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
While fleece jackets like the Arc'teryx Kyanite and REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch do not feature lofted patterning, they offer solid breathability. The full-zip designs allow you to offload body heat when necessary, and the perforated fabric along the pockets allows you to unzip them for nice airflow through the layer when desired. While these fleece jackets are versatile enough to be lifestyle layers, they can also breathe effectively for higher-intensity endeavors.
The Flash Hyperstretch offers the breathability of a technical layer without compromising a soft and comfy fleece interior.
Credit: Gus Landefeld
Layering Ability
Putting this jacket on underneath an insulated coat or shell is essential when considering layered systems on cold days. To evaluate this metric, we looked at the material that would articulate with an upper layer and pulled on shells and jackets to see how well each slides on. We noted which works best with thicker base layers and which scrunch up. Ones that layered easily did well in this metric, while bulkier, stickier options didn't fare as well.
Slotting the middle ground of layering, with the ability to be worn over base layers and under outer layers, are the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody, Patagonia R1 Air, Rab Ascendor Hoody, REI Co-op Trailmade, REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch, and the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip. The Ascendor is a full zip hoody option that is thinner than most and easily slides over and underneath layers. The others are stretchy with a relaxed but slim fit (easier to wear under a coat) and are extra stretchy (easier to pull on over base layers). The North Face Canyonlands is similar in its fit and layering ability but is slightly less stretchy and has shorter sleeves and torso than the other two.
Although the Kyanite is one of the thicker constructions that we tested, the smooth outer face is easy to layer and the torso length allowed our testers to easily slide a climbing harness over the top.
Credit: Trish Matheny
The Patagonia R1 Air is also stretchy enough to wear over clothing, but its slimmer cut won't fit as comfortably over bulkier base layers. On the other hand, it's thinner than most sweatshirt-style fleeces, so it's easier to layer under an outer jacket or shell. The Outdoor Research Vigor is supremely stretchy yet thin, making it easy to layer. However, it is also so thin that it shows lumps, and its ultra-long torso often sticks out strangely from under a jacket.
The R1 Air Hoody sure came in handy during a multi-pitch rock climb at the change of season. The jacket was easy to layer beneath our harness and beneath our partner's jacket during the belays.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Weight
Last but not least, we considered the weight and compressibility of each fleece jacket. We noted whether a jacket could be stuffed into a provided stuff sack or folded into an integrated stow-away pocket and how much we could compress it when packing it into a backpack.
Then, we put each one on a scale and objectively compared their weights. Lighter-weight, less plush models typically scored better in this metric than heavier jackets with thicker fabrics.
Weighing 10.4 ounces for a Women's size small, this jacket is lightweight and packs down enough to stuff into a backpack for extra layering during colder temps.
At 10.7 ounces, this is one of the lighter midweight jackets that we tested.
We weigh each fleece jacket on the scale to compare the measured weight with the manufacturer's advertised weight.
The two stand-out options with super lightweight construction are the Rab Ascendor Hoody and Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip. The Rab Ascendor is the thinnest of the two. It performs best as part of a cold-weather layering system rather than a high-pile fleece jacket that you would wear around the campfire. It's also a nice standalone jacket when temperatures are a little warmer.
A look at the relative packing size of a few select contenders. From left to right (smallest to largest): Rab Ascendor Hoody, Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody (previous color tested), Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip, Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip.
Credit: Amber King
How to Choose a Fleece Jacket
What Kind of Fleece do you Need?
Before purchasing your next fleece jacket, it is important to consider exactly what types of activities you'd like to use it for. Outdoor companies now specialize in many different types of fleece jackets utilizing various materials and constructions to prioritize warmth, comfort, or even breathability. If you are planning on wearing your fleece for casual outings or low-output activities, you can likely save more dollars and select a fleece with less technical features such as grid patterning, drawcord hemlines, or thumb loops. For those of you who hope to utilize your fleece as an intricate part of your cold weather kit or for high-output missions in the mountains, selecting a fleece that prioritizes breathability and wicking performance will be a key consideration. No matter the activity, considering the fabric weight or overall thickness of the fleece material can also be a key component. Heavyweight jackets typically provide the most warmth for the coldest conditions. In contrast, lightweight fleece jackets can provide a moderate amount of warmth, making them perfect for spring and fall or when layered within your cold weather kit for the coldest months of the year.
Are you after a casual fleece jacket, a technical midweight layer, or one that is versatile enough to perform well for both? Jackets like the Arc'teryx Kyanite provide the soft and cozy interior you'd expect from your favorite fleece jacket without sacrificing breathability and warmth for various outdoor activities.
Credit: Gus Landefeld
Which Features Will Serve You Best?
Fleece jackets are now constructed with a ton of additional features, which can both increase the cost of the jacket as well as its specific performance. These features are not always necessary depending on your chosen activity but can be important to consider. Many women feel strongly about hoods. They can really help cut the wind and provide additional warmth to a fleece by trapping body heat that typically offloads through the head and extremities. Hoods can also protect you from snow or ice falling down the back of your neck, but they do add a bit of bulk. Full or partial zip jackets are another consideration, as the length of the zipper can aid in offloading excess body heat during high-intensity pursuits. Pockets can be another key factor in your decision. Many of the jackets that we tested feature pockets that can be zipped closed to protect cell phones, car keys, snacks, etc. Some jackets even feature small chest pockets perfect for a gel during a trail run, and some designs even feature internal pockets. Another consideration for those of you who run extra cold in the winter is elastic wrist cuffs and drawcords along the hemline of the jacket that can help reduce unwanted airflow through the jacket and provide additional warmth.
The Arc'teryx Kyanite fleece jacket features a soft, cozy, and stylish hood that helps trap body heat and block wind.
Drawcords on the waistline can help reduce or even eliminate draft and keep your body warmer.
This versatile fleece jacket is perfect for those seeking to prioritize breathability without skimping on comfort during the colder months of the year.
Hoods, pockets, and drawcords at the waistline can really enhance comfort, warmth, and convenience.
What Fit Do You Seek?
Fit is such a personal consideration that our testing team highly recommends trying on these jackets in person, as many of the sizes differ from company to company. Most women-specific designs now feature tapering at the waist with more width near the hips, providing a more flattering shape rather than a more traditional boxy cut. Torso and arm length can also be a key consideration, especially for those of you considering a technical fleece that will need to move with you during various outdoor activities. Torso length is essential for wearing the fleece beneath a climbing harness or a backpack, while the wrong arm length can mean you need to roll up the material when too long or you are left with cold wrists when too short.
Some traditional fleece jacket designs feature a thick, boxy fit while more modern fleece jackets (like the REI Co-Op Flash Hyperstretch) offer a more stream-lined and form-fitted silhouette for easier layering and better performance for fast-paced outdoor pursuits.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Conclusion
There are so many fleeces on the market to choose from; the market saturation can make it hard to figure out which one to buy. We put every model through an intensive battery of tests and subjected each jacket to months of wear and tear to learn which ones excel in what situations. Whether you're looking for a big, cozy fleece to live in all winter, a technical layer for skiing, or a breathable option for high-octane adventuring, we've tried them all. We hope that our unbiased testing and thorough findings help you find the right fleece for your lifestyle and your budget.
We sure had fun testing all these fleece jackets and hope that our testing perspectives help to inform your next purchase.
