10 Best Fleece Jackets For Hiking + Backpacking

In cooler seasons and climates, layers are essential for comfort. It’s not just about insulation. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep skin dry, which is just as important to staying warm as wearing a thick jacket. Fleece jackets provide that balance of warmth and breathability for hiking and backpacking.

Invented in the late 70s, fleece was the first synthetic technical fabric. Fleece jackets are versatile hiking gear because they can be worn as a jacket or as a mid layer. In many cold conditions, a base layer, fleece jacket, and a hardshell jacket are all you need.

Fleece fabrics are not all created equal. Some brands include spandex for a closer fit and full mobility. Others use some nylon to provide extra durability. Fleece is a petroleum product but instead of using virgin oil, most modern fleece uses some or all recycled plastic.

The number and type of fleece jackets and hoodies available can be overwhelming. So, where does one begin? Here are our top picks and a quick guide to features to consider when buying a fleece jacket. Keep reading if you’re looking for kids’ fleece too.

Some brands will show up more than once. Patagonia literally invented fleece with the North Face not too far behind. They keep making their best products and working on new innovations.

1. Insulation, Warmth + Heat Retention

Many fleece jackets do not provide as much warmth as you may be led to think. It is very important to examine the technical specifications of a jacket. Some jackets advertise grams/m² which indicates the general weight (heavy vs lightweight) of the fleece. A windproof or wind-resistant fleece jacket will be warmer.

The Polartec scale refers to the weight, loft, and and warmth of the fabric.

• <100 Ultralight – Thinnest, most breathable
• 100+  Lightweight – Thin, highly breathable
• 200+ Medium Weight – Balance of warmth and breathability
• 300+ Heavy Weight – Thick and high loft, warmest, somewhat windproof and breathable.

Grid Fleece

Technical fleece is designed to balance heat retention and breathability. Breathability refers to the transfer of moisture from inside the fabric to the outside.

On the outside, the fleece is smooth. All the magic happens on the inside.

An inner checkerboard pattern of fabric creates air pockets that trap warm air and wick away moisture. The thinner fabric in between the squares allows sweat to evaporate and vent to the outside.

This is what you want to wear for aerobic activities in the cold. The breathability is essential to maintaining warmth. That breathability works both ways, meaning it is the opposite of windproof so keep another layer on hand.

2. Breathability + Moisture Wicking + Thermal Efficiency

Generally speaking, thicker heavier fleece will not breathe as well as lighter fleece layers. Conversely, heavier fleece retains more heat and can be an outer layer in colder conditions than thinner fleece.

A breathable fabric prevents overheating as well as getting cold from a damp jacket.

Lightweight fleece is highly breathable, wicks moisture quickly, and has some stretch for a close fit and full range of movement. They work best for physical activities in moderate weather or as a mid-layer for colder conditions.

Mid-weight fleece is the most versatile. It works well as a jacket for a range of cool temperatures but can also be worn with additional layers above or below. Some mid-weight fleece is more breathable for high energy activities while others have a denser knit to be worn as an outer layer.

Heavyweight fleece jackets do one thing best – keep you warm. The thicker fabric keeps in heat and block most wind, working best as a stand-alone piece for cool weather. Thick fleece doesn’t breathe very well so is better for low impact activities.

3. Zipper Length

Zippers provide another way to manage heat and breathability in a jacket. Fleece jackets are usually available with 1/4, 1/2, or full length zippers. Full length zippers provide the most functionality and are recommended here.

High winds can find their way through zipper areas. Look for a fleece jacket that has wind flaps to keep the wind out and to stay warm

4.  Fit

The best fit for a fleece jacket depends on the use. Performance fleece jackets are usually slim cut to be worn with multiple layers on top. Heavier fleece jackets may be too bulky to add anything over but can be worn with more layers below. Mid-weight fleeces can do both.

5. Mobility

Mobility is a very important feature for hikers or backpackers that are carrying a backpack or who move quickly on the trails. Look for articulated patterning and gusseted underarms for extra mobility. A gusset is a diamond- or triangle–shaped insert in a seam. When placed in the armpit, it adds some room to the upper arm and chest and relieves strain on those areas.

Another factor is the overall fit. Fleeces that are a wider fit or heavier in weight can reduce overall mobility when worn under a hardshell jacket. We recommend a trim fit that falls at the hip in length. You might want to order a couple of options and compare how they feel and just return what is less comfortable. A small percentage of spandex will also increase mobility.

6. Collar vs Hoodie

A collared fleece jacket is a bit more comfortable and easier to layer underneath other jackets. A hooded fleece jacket (aka fleece hoodie) is a good option for extra warmth, especially for those times you forget a warm hat. Some of our top picks are available in both styles.

7. Pockets

Most jackets will have hand pockets to keep warm. Others will include chest or arm pockets which are handy to stash things like phones or keys. Most pockets will have zippers but not all.

Lightweight fleece often have mesh pockets for a flat fit without extra weight. Heavier fleece often have fleece-lined pockets for extra warmth and comfort.

8. Thumbholes

Some people like thumbholes or thumb loops to keep sleeves from bunching up and to keep the wrists fully covered. Thumbholes are handy when taking off or putting on layers.

9. Water Resistance

Fleece is hydrophobic, meaning it will shed water. This is not the same as being waterproof but it does dry quickly.

More breathable fleece is less resistant to wind and water than thicker, denser knits. Some fleece jackets add a coating of Durable Water-Repellant for additional water protection but a fleece will not replace a rain jacket or hard shell.

10. Windproof or Wind-Resistance

Fleece jackets are not really known to be windproof, and perhaps quite the opposite in most cases. This is why you should always carry a lightweight windproof and waterproof jacket in your hiking daypack. However, some do offer wind resistance or windproofing.

Elastic hem and cuffs to keep warmth in and elements out. Some boxier styles may have a drawstring cord.

The Best Fleece Jackets

Okay, now that we know all about the features, let’s now take a look at our top picks! Each jacket is awesome for its own reason or purpose.

Best Fleece Jackets for Kids

If you have kids, a fleece jacket is an easy and comfortable way to keep them cozy on cool days. Fleece is cheaper, more durable, and more packable than many other jackets. I have found that fleece can be a better option for kids that refuse to wear a jacket.

Many fleece jackets are available with a quarter-zipper but we do not recommend that for kids. They are more challenging to put on and take off. Plus, kids are generally warm and so a full zip allows for better and more controlled ventilation. Of course, that’s not always true.

The sizing may not be uniform with some brands using “kids sizing” vs boys and girls.

Here are some of the best fleece jackets available for kids. No surprise, some of these have already been mentioned above.

FAQ

Which brand has the best fleece?

There is no one best fleece jacket – it depends on what you’re looking for and whether warmth or breathability is more important.

That being said, Patagonia was at the forefront of the fabric and continues to innovate today with increasingly breathable and sustainable fleece fabrics. The North Face is another fleece brand with history. The Denali 2, designed for use on Mount Everest, was released in 1986 and updated in the 90s. The plush fabric with nylon panels is an iconic design that is stille popular today.

There are plenty newer entries to the fleece game, mostly focusing on types of grid fleece. Find the one that fits your body and budget.

What is the warmest fleece to buy?

The heavier the fleece, the warmer it will be. Some are listed as 300-weight or heavyweight. Other than that, just give it a feel. Some fleece, especially with a high pile like sherpa fleece, can be as thick as 1/4”.

The aforementioned Denali 2 is one of the warmest fleeces out there, at above 300-weight.

Which is warmer fleece or puffer?

This is more of a question of seasons. Down is ideal in winter while fleece excels in the shoulder seasons. They can also be used together.

No doubt, down will keep you warmer, especially with heavy fill like 400 and up. However, down jackets are pricey, delicate, and ineffective when wet.

Fleece is available at a wide range of price points, durable, and naturally repels water. Fleece is also soft to the touch, breathable, and machine washable.

Is fleece windproof?  

Fleece is not completely windproof. A thicker jacket will block some wind but not all.

It is possible to make fleece windproof but that also makes it less breathable A breathable fleece backed up by a wind jacket offers superior performance to a windproof fleece. Wind jackets are very light and packable.

Does fleece pill?

All knit garments are prone to pilling, although some fleece fabrics claim to resist pills. It’s is an easy fix with a lint remover or fabric shaver.

Does fleece shed microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, finer than a strand of hair. There is still a lot that is not know about microplastics but it is known that they contribute to global plastic pollution and could harm both marine organisms and people who eat them.

Fleece is one of the top domestic sources of microplastics, moving from laundry into water.

Does this mean you shouldn’t wear fleece?

I say no, with a but. 

First, fleece is not the only fabric that sheds plastic. All synthetic fabrics, including polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, and spandex all contribute to the issue.

Second, the majority of microplastics, an estimated 65%, are produced by industry. Corporations often try to push environmental responsibility on consumers when they are the vast majority of the problem. This issue needs to be addressed from the production side as well as consumer use. Microplastics could also be managed along with the water supply.

When I first learned of microfibers, I thought Patagonia would stop making fleece if it was that big of a problem. That was many years ago and that hasn’t happened.

However, Patagonia, and others, are committed to making changes. A study commissioned by Patagonia found that higher quality synthetics shed less micro plastic than low-quality products and recycled polyester sheds less than new polyester. 

Learning this, Patagonia makes 91% of synthetics with recycled plastic as well as making durable, long-lasting products. They do offer a lifetime warranty after all.

Textile producers are also looking for more ways to make fleece to minimize this issue, like the non-brushed fabric and recycled Adidas Flooce, which sheds fewer microfibers.

What can I do about micropastics?

Obviously you can do nothing but if you want to do something, here are 3 ways to reduce micro plastics.

1. Buy a good quality fleece made with/of recycled plastic. Good quality doesn’t have to be expensive.

2. Use a front-load washing machine. Top loaders release higher levels of micro plastics.

3. Add a microfiber filter or bag to laundry.