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A great fleece is versatile, durable, and most of all, keeps you toasty when the temperature dips.
Our test team's favorite fleece is the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody. This full-zip jacket is super soft, comfortable, easy to layer, and feels more like your favorite sweatshirt than a bulky fleece.
If you're looking for a super warm fleece to wear as a standalone piece in spring or fall, when a jacket might be overkill, check out The North Face Retro Denali. It's warm and has a cute cropped fit, but still has some technical features like pit zips.
For a budget-friendly fleece jacket, check out the Columbia Benton Springs. It's a full-zip midweight design with a high collar that's perfect for hanging out by the campfire.
Our review covers warm and cozy layers to wear in place of a jacket in mild temperatures, as well as technical midlayers that offer breathability when you're working up a sweat. We've included expert advice from our diverse testing team designed to help you find the best fleece jacket for your specific needs and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's fleece review on April 21, 2026, after testing new fleeces from The North Face, Black Diamond, and Columbia.
The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody has the comfort of your favorite casual sweatshirt coupled with the technical features of a high-quality, athletic-focused fleece jacket. Seams are removed from high-friction areas like shoulders, and the fabric is incredibly stretchy, mobile, roomy, and very soft to the touch. “I love feeling like I'm wearing a familiar sweatshirt while still getting the technical performance I crave in the backcountry,” said our lead tester Trish Matheny. The exterior is smooth and sleek, and the slim fit layers well both under and over other layers. Even after months of testing, it still looks like we got it in the mail yesterday. One tester shared, “This was my hoody of choice on a long multi-month exploration of Europe because of its wide range of uses, but it's also extremely comfortable.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Midweight
Main Material
Body: Polartec Power Stretch Pro 4-way stretch fleece nylon jersey/cationic dyed recycled polyester velour (53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% elastane)
Number of Pockets
2 hand, 2 internal mesh
Features
No-slip front zipper, chin guard, moisture-wicking, off-shoulder seams, no armpit seams
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
12.5 oz (Size S)
While the fabric itself protects you from the biting winds quite well, the main zipper lets some cold air through. We appreciate the mesh pockets when we need extra breathability, but in truly cold situations, they can be a hindrance. If you're looking for a warmer, heavyweight fleece jacket that retains heat well, consider the The North Face Retro Denali. Overall, the Kyanite was the favorite of our testing team thanks to its warm, midweight design that prioritized technical performance, coziness, and style, all within a durable and high-quality construction. And if you like the sounds of this top-performing fleece, the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch is a similar option that's available for a more affordable price.
The Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip is a casual fleece jacket with a plush, cozy construction and relaxed fit that's perfect for everyday wear. The thick polyester fleece fabric provides plenty of standalone warmth and feels great next to bare skin. The high collar and cinch cord at the waistline help protect your torso and trap body heat during blustery days outside, and the elastic cuffs are loose and functional without feeling restrictive. There are zippered hand pockets for stowing essentials during a short hike or trip into the grocery store. While it's not exactly a performance layer designed to provide breathable and packable performance, we think it's great for casual, everyday use around town, doing chores around the house, or lounging around by the fire. We also love that it comes in an inclusive size range and nearly every color in the rainbow.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Midweight
Main Material
100% polyester MTR filament
Number of Pockets
2 hand
Features
Adjustable hem, interior draw cord, zippered hand pockets
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
13.2 oz (Size S)
Unfortunately, the same fabric that provides plush and cozy warmth also lacks breathability due to the thick and bulky construction. The jacket doesn't feature any grid patterning or pit vents to increase airflow; however, unzipping the main zipper helps offload body heat. And while the relaxed fit is super easy to layer tanks, t-shirts, and base layers underneath, our testers found it difficult to layer jackets over top unless it was a larger puffy jacket or outer shell. “For a thick and bulky standalone fleece, it is relatively lightweight,” says one tester after weighing the 13.5-ounce women's size small. Although the lack of breathability limits the versatility of the Benton Springs Full-Zip, our testers love the price and think it's a great jacket when worn on its own for low-output activities like dog walks, shorter hikes, trips around town, or lounging around the house. If you're interested in an affordable fleece that provides more versatility for exercise, we like the streamlined and lightweight REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch.
For a technical layer, the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch comes at an enticingly low price. It has a relaxed and stretchy fit that our testers found flattering and comfortable for a range of body shapes and sizes. This full-zip fleece features a trim-fitting hood, zippered pockets, a wind flap behind the zipper teeth, and a drawcord hem to cinch the waist, keeping heat in and breezes out. The smooth outer face doesn't pill, breathes sufficiently, and is easy to layer over top of. Fit-wise, our lead tester noted, “It's more of a relaxed cut, but it fits true to size.”
scuba style hood, zippered hand pockets, hem draw cord
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
10.6 oz (Size S)
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. However, one tester noted, “I found it tended to stretch out with wear, specifically in the collar area at the neckline, but it would spring back to its original shape when laundered.” We tested a light color, which stained easily when rock climbing in areas known for being rough on clothes and gear, like the Owens River Gorge and Indian Creek. “I'd recommend purchasing a darker color if you expect particularly dirty or abrasive conditions,” our tester noted. Overall, this is one of the best-priced technical pieces on the market, making it a great choice if you're looking for a mid-layer or standalone piece that will do well for uphill or downhill endeavors. A less technical alternative that saves some cash is the cozy REI Co-op Trailmade. It will keep you toasty and comfy despite offering limited technical performance and durability.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is an exceptionally dynamic lightweight fleece with midweight warmth. Instead of specializing in any particular use, the R1 Air has useful features that everyone can enjoy. A fuzziness and impressive stretch are comfortable for lounging around the house or getting out on the trail. “I love the updated fit. This version has more length in the torso and arms,” says our lead tester, who likes to wear the R1 Air while rock climbing in cool weather. A fitted hood sits nicely under a helmet, while the thoughtfully designed cuffs are comfortable even when pushed up our forearms. The zig-zag pattern in the fleece does an outstanding job regulating body temperature without leaving us cold while on the move or when hanging out around camp.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Lightweight
Main Material
5.7-oz 100% recycled bluesign-approved polyester jacquard with hollow-core yarns
Number of Pockets
2 hand, 1 chest, 2 internal drop
Features
Off-shoulder seams, no armpit seams, moisture-wicking
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
10 oz (Size S)
The zig-zag fabric pattern is super breathable, but it also allows big wind gusts to move right through the fabric. And while those cozy, fuzzy materials are warm, they can also grab and hold onto debris. That said, we're happy to report that the most recent fabric updates don't pill as much as their predecessors, maintaining a more durable and stylish look for longer than before. As Trish says, “This is one of the coziest, stretchiest, and top-performing fleece jackets that I've tested, making it an excellent choice for nearly any cool-weather 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.
If you're in the market for a warm fleece jacket that combines comfort and style with technical features, we highly recommend The North Face Retro Denali. Even with the updated cropped fit that removed a few inches from the bottom of the jacket, our testers still found themselves reaching for the Denali when they were after standalone warmth. The heavyweight, ultra-thick recycled polyester fabric combines with nylon overlays to create a stylish and functional look for hitting the town or staying warm around the campsite. There are elastic wrist cuffs and a cinch cord at the waistline to maximize warmth when you need it, while substantial pit vents help ventilate if you get too warm or work up a sweat. “I love the soft and cozy fabric. I even slept in this fleece many nights as the season shifted from winter to spring,” admitted our tester, Trish Matheny. The massive pockets are also a perk. The large zippered chest and hand pockets made it easy to stow a smartphone, car keys, and a little fuel for short hikes with friends.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Midweight
Main Material
Body: 360 g 100% recycled polyester; overlay: 118 g 100% recycled nylon with non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish
Number of Pockets
2 hand, 1 chest
Features
Woven overlay, pit vents, internal draft flap, can be zipped into other compatible layers
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
21.8 oz (Size S)
In our experience, you'll either love or hate the boxy and oversized fit. If you dig it, this is a great jacket that still boasts many technical features (DWR treatment, nylon overlays, zippered pockets, pit vents, and a cinch cord at the waist to trap body heat). However, the ultra-thick and oversized design also has a lot of volume through the torso and arms, which makes it difficult to layer under anything else, unless you have a super roomy jacket. And while the Retro Denali does feature large pit vents, the fabric itself is so thick that it lacks breathability, so because of its heavyweight construction and limited breathability without the vents, we only recommend this stylish jacket as a standalone layer that's great for low output activities like lounging, dog walks, or short hikes where you won't be working work up a sweat. If you're curious about other fleece jackets with similar designs and performance, the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan is another great layer for standalone warmth and style, thanks to its thicker fabrics and boxy fit; however, our testers think the Denali is much more stylish and comfortable. If you're after a heavyweight design that prioritizes warmth and comfort without sacrificing style points, we think you'll love the Retro Denali.
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. We love using it for activities like hiking and backpacking in cool weather. The fleece is one of the softest we've tested; it feels like a high-pile fabric against the skin. The hand pockets are large and 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, but for those willing to invest a few more dollars, the Cotopaxi Abrazo Full-Zip provides midweight warmth and style.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Midweight
Main Material
100% recycled polyester
Number of Pockets
2 hand, 2 interior
Features
Seamless construction, large pockets
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
10.7 oz (Size S)
The adventure-ready Trailmade can handle many pursuits, but this fleece isn't ideal for sweaty missions like trail running or backcountry skiing. Moisture tends to build up between the body and the interior fabric, and the wind cuts right through it. If you're on a budget but need a fleece with more technical features, see the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch, which offers more versatility but costs a few bucks more. We found that the Trailmade's fabric pilled a bit after only a few washes, but we still love this jacket for its super cozy materials, big pockets, and terrific color options. If you love the concept of a traditional fleece but want something just a touch thicker, look at the Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip. It's not as breathable or form-fitting, but it's slightly warmer.
Though more of a lifestyle jacket than a technical performance layer, the Trailmade works well for low-output activities like hiking or casual use around town. Credit: Trish Matheny
Designed to be worn with a harness or a backpack, the Rab Ascendor Hoody offers outstanding technical performance with fantastic thermoregulation. The polyester-elastane construction is stretchy and 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. The latest iteration includes thicker fabric that increases the warmth of the layer, and Rab has added zippered hand pockets that are perforated to increase breathability. “This is my go-to layer for alpine objectives at the beginning and end of the season,” says one tester. It's great as a standalone piece or as part of a cold-weather layering system. The hood slides easily under a helmet, and the padded chin guard provides extra comfort in cold weather.
Flat-seam stitching, under helmet hood, fleece lined chin guard, chest pocket, body mapped fit.
Measured Weight (Size Tested)
11.5 oz (Size M)
Our testing team loves this fleece, but it is not cozy or plush. Made to breathe well, it's not super warm in cold weather and is designed for wearing while on the move. The large chest pocket is big enough to carry your smartphone, although the extra weight inside the pocket doesn't carry very well. We highly recommend the Ascendor Hoody for a fleece with incredible thermoregulation and technical performance. Another fleece jacket that's super breathable with a streamlined fit and a fast-drying fabric, the Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody. It's not as comfortable as the Ascendor, but it's great for technical objectives when you need your layer to perform rather than provide standalone comfort and warmth.
The Rab Ascendor Hoody is a great technical fleece. It's a perfect in-between layer when it's too cold for a sun hoody and not quite cold enough for a puffy jacket. Credit: Trish Matheny
Product Comparison Table
We hope our experience and testing perspectives help you select the best fleece jacket for your next adventure. Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
Our fleece jacket review began with thorough market research before settling on our final selection of the models discussed here. Once the fleeces were purchased, we identified the vital categories on which to grade the competing jackets during tests. During several months of field testing, we wore these fleece jackets 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 splitboarding and trail running in the backcountry. Once she found rock climbing in 2016, her entire life changed. She quickly took to life on the road to maximize her time on the rock, climbing in many different areas and styles 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 outdoors, constantly evaluating the best ways to layer to stay warm so she can 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.
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.
Worse Value
Better Value
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 offer much higher value for a smaller investment. For example, the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch is an excellent fleece jacket that features a stretchy design for easy mobility, 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. For a similar price, we also like the technical Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip.
The Flash Hyperstretch was a standout as both a casual and technical performance layer. It breathes well, is decently warm, and it's one of the more affordable technical fleece jackets that we tested. Credit: Trish Matheny
On the spectrum of less technical jackets, the REI Co-op Trailmade and Columbia Benton Springs 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.
Although not exactly built for technical performance, we love the Benton Springs for its value for everyday activities like curling up by the fire or a casual hike. Credit: Trish Matheny
Warmth
The primary purpose of any fleece jacket is its ability to add warmth as a standalone layer or with a base layer or jacket. Warmth is significantly influenced by the amount and type of fleece used in its construction, but also by factors like hoods, collars, and draw cords to help seal in warmth and offer the versatility to thermoregulate more efficiently. We also examined how well a jacket can resist the wind and light rain.
The Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan is quite warm and a great standalone fleece thanks to its thick and tightly woven material, which traps body heat without letting the wind take it away.
The Arc'teryx Covert fleece jacket was one of the warmest designs that we tested. Credit: Trish Matheny
Another warm fleece was the The North Face Retro Denali. Even with its cropped fit, this fleece provides lots of warmth thanks to its thick and bulky fleece. It hits right at the hips, and has two adjustable cinch cords on each side of the hemline so you can batten down the hatches and trap body heat while also giving your waistline a little shape. The Denali is still the only true heavyweight fleece in our lineup, and we loved wearing it on its own for standalone warmth on cooler days. While we don't recommend the Denali or the Covert Cardigan for technical use during athletic pursuits where you'll be working up a sweat, they make great casual layers when the temperatures begin to drop.
Even with its cropped fit, the Retro Denali is still one of the warmest fleeces we've tested. There is a cinch cord on both sides of the hemline to give the layer shape and trap a little extra body heat. Credit: Trish Matheny
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 featuring a soft and cozy fleece interior combined with an outer face fabric that's more breathable but still keeps you nice and toasty.
The Arc'teryx Kyanite quickly became our go-to fleece jacket as the temperatures dropped, thanks to a warm design that prioritizes function and comfort. Credit: Rebecca Church
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 cost it a few points in our scoring.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody provides excellent warmth during high-output activities, thanks to its breathable design that harnesses heat and releases moisture. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Cotopaxi Abrazo Full-Zip is a great standalone layer that provides enough warmth during short hikes and casual outings. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Cotopaxi Abrazo Full-Zip is a plush sweater that's perfect for cooler weather. We found the Abrazo fleece quite warm, but the thick fabric is easily permeated by the wind. However, it's easy to wear a thin synthetic base layer underneath, should you need additional protection.
The Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip is among the warmer designs we tested, thanks to its plush and cozy 250gsm MTR polyester fleece fabric. The higher collar and cinch cord at the hemline help trap body heat and provide more protection for the torso, without sacrificing comfort next to skin.
The cinch cord on the Benton Springs jacket is great for trapping more body heat on colder days. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Outdoor Research Vigor is warm for its weight and makes a good activewear layer. Another active layer contender was the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Hooded. The jacket features a mostly recycled polyester construction, with thicker material covering the chest and shoulders and lighter-weight fabric along the stomach, back, and arms. This thin layer is better for active bodies than worn as a casual fleece for cold mornings around camp. Our favorite of the lightweight models is the Rab Ascendor Hoody, with an updated design that's even warmer than before, thanks to the 235gsm fabric weight that comprises the entirity of the jacket, rather than just protecting the core.
The Rab Ascendor Hoody was the top choice of our testing team thanks to its warmth during late season high alpine objectives. 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 Retro 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 that feature a DWR finish through the chest and shoulders, adding another layer of targeted wind protection.
The Retro Denali is the only heavyweight fleece jacket in our lineup, featuring a thicky, cozy, and oversized design that provides excellent warmth during mellow activities. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Patagonia Better Sweater is exceptionally thick, offering protection similar to the Kyanite. However, it's heavier and bulkier, and more suited as a casual fleece than a layer for getting after it in the outdoors. 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 during other typical 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
Comfort and coziness are arguably what a fleece jacket is all about. When out and about for long days on end in these fleeces, we considered several factors. Next-to-skin comfort is worth evaluating, since it's likely that your fleece will be worn over a short-sleeve shirt. After a long day, were we ready to pull it off or keep it on? Is it able to move with us while we 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 The North Face Retro Denali felt so comfortable next to skin that our lead tester slept in this fleece several times during the last cold nights of winter. Although the updated cropped fit is more on-trend and stylish, it remains one of the softest and most comfortable fleece jackets that we've tested. The latest iteration includes large, zippered pit vents to increase airflow within the thick construction, which increases comfort by allowing you to vent some heat if you get too warm.
The cozy 100% recycled polyester fabric of the Retro Denali feels so good next to your skin that one tester found herself sleeping in this fleece a lot as winter turned to spring. Credit: Trish Matheny
When we think of comfort, the Arc'teryx Kyanite and Patagonia R1 Air also come to mind. Both jackets feature soft and stretchy fabric that feels great next to your skin. The R1 Air has three useful pockets, which we love, while the Kyanite feels like wearing your favorite hoody. They both 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 with these high mobility seams, but they're also exceptionally stretchy and pleasant to wear and move in every way.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody has long arms and a long torso, and a material that feels great next to the skin. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T and Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip are comfortable, thanks to their relatively lightweight and cozy constructions that also feel great next to your skin. The Synchilla features a boxier pullover cut, while the Benton Springs is more relaxed, with a full-zip design. Both have comfortable elastic wrist cuffs that function without limiting range of motion.
The Benton Springs is a soft, cozy, and affordable fleece that feels great to wear. Credit: Trish Matheny
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 across a range of activities. The Flash Hyperstretch even has a fabric covering the top of the zipper to prevent discomfort from the zipper teeth rubbing against your chin.
The REI Hyperstretch is a similar yet more affordable version of the Acr'teryx Kyanite Hoody, providing excellent comfort next to skin without limiting your range of motion. Credit: Lisa Coleman
The REI Co-op Trailmade and Cotopaxi Abrazo are comprised of the “classic” fuzzy fleece. The Abrazo's fleece was softer on the outside, while the inside has a waffle patterning. Both are modestly stretchy, with somewhat boxy cuts.
The Abrazo fabric is puzzling because the softest fabric is on the exterior of the jacket, while the interior features a less comfortable waffle patterning.
Breathability
For decades, the outdoor gear industry has been working to produce more breathable fleece. If you're working up a sweat when it's cold out, you want a fleece that will help offload some of that heat while maintaining warmth when you stop moving. A highly breathable fleece jacket offers strategically placed areas of breathable fabrics, thinner construction, and often a less plush design.
Fleeces like the Rab Ascendor and Patagonia R1 Air offer quite high levels of breathability. The Ascendor utilizes a gridded fleece that allows heat to shunt out, keeping the required warmth close to the body. The lightweight design is among the thinnest that we tested, earning it top marks in performance. The R1 has slightly thicker fabrics than the Ascendor, with breathable zig-zag channels and soft exterior material that vents very well, offering excellent performance during a variety of outdoor activities.
We love the Rab Ascendor Hoody for athletic pursuits during cool weather seasons. It harnesses your body heat while releasing sweat through the grid-patterned design. Credit: Trish Matheny
One of our favorite layers for breathable performance is the Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody. Our tester loved wearing the slim-fitting Coefficient while rock climbing or on vigorous hikes during cool weather. It's breathable, grid-patterned Polartec interior allowed air to move through the layer. This ample breathability made it perfect for trail runs or longer rock climbs and approaches. Although not our first choice when it comes to plush comfort and standalone warmth, it's the layer you'll see us out climbing in the most.
The Coefficient features a thin and breathable construction and a Polartec fleece interior with a grid pattern for additional airflow. The breathability makes it an idea fleece for fast-paced outdoor activities in colder temperatures. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Fjallraven Abisko Trail's lightweight design is built to move. It features a breathable grid patterning throughout the majority of the layer, but is combined with a soft fleece hood and shoulders that help strategically trap body heat during high-output pursuits. The Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is another gridded fabric fleece with better-than-average breathability, but the 1/4 zip design doesn't allow heat to escape as readily as full-zip jackets.
The Fjallraven Abisko Trail is a layer built for breathability thanks to the thinner fabric. Credit: Trish Matheny
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. Both jackets also allow airflow through the large teeth featured in the zipper. Although we consider this a weak point in terms of warmth, it does enhance the breathability. And while these fleece jackets are versatile enough to be worn as a casual layer, 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
A fleece can be a great part of your cold-weather layering system. We assessed how well each layer worked with both over and under layers by pulling on multiple shells and jackets to see how well each slides on, and we also noted the fabrics that layered best underneath. Jackets that layered easily did well in this metric, while bulkier, grippier options didn't fare as well.
Slotting the middle ground of layering, with the ability to be worn over base layers and underneath 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 Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is an excellent active fleece jacket option for those seeking next to skin comfort that doesn't sacrifice function and performance in the outdoors. 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 shell or puffy jacket. The latest version of the R1 Air features a longer sleeve and torso length that increases the overall ease of layering, especially when tucked beneath a climbing harness. 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.
Thinner, lightweight fleece jackets make for great stand-alone layers that can also be easily layered over top with a backpack, harness, or outer layer.
The Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody is another great fleece jacket for easy layering, thanks to its streamlined fit and thumb holes on the sleeves that help maintain position while you pull your outer layer on. While not everyone will love the lack of zippered hand pockets, our testers loved how well this allowed the Coefficient to pair with their backpacking waist belts and climbing harness.
The Coefficient is a streamlined and low profile fleece jacket that's lightweight, packable, and easy to layer. It doesn't have hand pockets so it layers nicely with our climbing harness. 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 or folded into an integrated stow-away pocket or how much we could compress it when packing it into a backpack.
We weigh each fleece jacket on the scale to compare the measured weight with the manufacturer's advertised weight.
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.
The Patagonia R1 Air is an impressive option for those seeking an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio without sacrificing that soft and plush fleece feel next to skin. Weighing only 10 ounces for a size small, this is our top pick for women seeking a lightweight performance fleece.
The Rab Ascendor and Patagonia R1 Air offer lightweight and packable designs that are built to provide the most warmth for bodies in motion.
Other stand-out options with super lightweight construction include the Rab Ascendor Hoody and Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip. Even with the latest iteration that features a thicker fabric throughout the construction, the Rab Ascendor remains 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 touch warmer.
From left to right, we have the Rab Ascendor, the Patagonia R1 Air, the Arc'teryx Kyanite, and the Arc'teryx Covert in order to demonstrate the packability and size of each design. Credit: Trish Matheny
The 8.9-ounce Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody is another layer that stood out for its lightweight performance. The Coefficient is one of the layers you'll see us wearing on big walls in Yosemite Valley and or backpacking in the mountains, thanks to its technical and packable design.
The Coefficient provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. This is an ultra-packable layer that's ready for your next adventure.
While some of the fleece jackets we tested feature heavier designs that prioritize style over performance and packability, they are often cozier and best worn during casual activities close to home, rather than on long backpacking trips or jaunts up a mountain. Options like this include The North Face Retro Denali, Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip, Cotopaxi Abrazo, the REI Co-op Trailmade, and the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan.
Although the Arc'teryx Covert doesn't prioritize a lightweight construction that's built for outdoor performance, it is perfect for casual outings near home. Credit: Trish Matheny
How to Choose a Fleece Jacket
Before purchasing your next fleece jacket, consider the following.
What Kind of Fleece Do You Need?
It's important to consider exactly what types of activities you'd like to use your fleece for. Outdoor companies now specialize in many different types of fleece jackets. Do you prioritize warmth, comfort, breathability, style, or some mix of these? If you are planning on wearing your fleece for casual outings or low-output activities, you likely just need a jacket to keep you warm and can save some money by selecting a fleece with fewer technical features like grid patterning, drawcord hemlines, or thumb loops. For those seeking a fleece to wear as an integral part of their cold-weather kit or for high-output missions in the mountains, choosing a fleece that prioritizes breathability and wicking performance will be important. No matter the activity, consider the fabric weight or overall thickness. 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.
There are many different styles of fleece jackets designed to meet different needs. We've highlighted the styles that are best for casual use and those that we'd select when we need breathability and performance. Credit: Trish Matheny
Which Features Will Serve You Best?
Fleece jackets are now constructed with a ton of additional features, which can increase the performance of the jacket (but also the cost). These features are not always necessary depending on your chosen activity. Hoods 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-zip or partial zip jackets are another consideration, as the length of the zipper can aid in offloading excess body heat during high-intensity activity. 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 feature small chest pockets perfect for a gel during a trail run, and some designs even feature internal pockets. If you run extra cold, elastic wrist cuffs and drawcords along the hemline of the jacket can help reduce unwanted airflow through the jacket and provide additional warmth.
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. Many women's-specific designs 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 key considerations, especially for those considering a technical fleece that will need to move with you during various outdoor activities like skiing or rock climbing. 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 hope our review has steered you towards the perfect fleece for your needs. Credit: Trish Matheny
