Whether you're coming down off a ski tour and making a quick meal, or summiting a mountain, the Patagonia R1 is one of our favorites. Looking for a new fleece to add some extra warmth to your Are you looking for your next long underwear bottom? We also noted which fleeces we simply didn't want to take off or looked forward to putting on at the end of the day. The colors are gush-worthy with a versatility that is hard to beat. While the jackets mentioned above will surely hug your bottom if you're long and thin, the Outdoor Research Vigor Hoody and Patagonia R1 Hoody will probably be the best. For the last six years, the Patagonia R1 has continued to hold the top spot in our review for its unrivaled performance, quality, and style. We also love the Kangaroo pocket that you can access from either your left or right side. By far and away, the Voormi High E Hood offers the best weather protection that we've seen so far in a fleece jacket. All designed to keep you protected in poor weather. And finally, if funds are a bit tight, we get it check out our budget women's fleece jacket review to find the best affordable fleeces. We stood in wind storms and dumped water on the fabric to see how well it resisted absorption. With over seven years of testing experience under our belts, we can say that we're experts in the field, and you can trust our recommendations. How does it fit? It has performance similar to the top dogs at a fraction of the price. There are so many different (and nice!) This is a nice construction detail and selling point, but not an immediately obvious difference. The Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover's material is more lofted with microscopic holes throughout to allow moisture to escape. We really love nuzzling into it. She's been an outdoor educator and science teacher for the last five years, spending hours in the backcountry on rivers, climbing rocks, and summiting mountains. Not breathable enough for active pursuits, A little bulky if trying to layer or wear under a backpack. On trail runs, ski tours, lounging around the house, and resort skiing with friends, these jackets were worn daily. For more shipping rate information, click here for our rate table. Those that didn't bunch, catch, ride up, or make us feel claustrophobic did the best in this category. Plus, it's made by a local Colorado company that puts customer service first. The pockets are plentiful and huge with storage large enough for your chia bread vegan sandwiches. The most significant factor in a jacket's warmth is the amount and type of fleece used in its construction. The Lululemon Fleece Furry offers great movement with its super stretchy fabrics. Ready for anything, this is truly a fleece for all occasions walking (even jogging), everyday trips or relaxing at home. The Patagonia R1 series also does well in this metric. No matter what category of jacket you need for the outdoors, odds are good we've tested it. Made with merino wool and polyester, it provides the best amount of insulation when wet. The jackets with stretchier materials and seams typically will accommodate most women with more curves. The Ortovox Fleece provides a narrow and thinner cut that slimmer ladies will appreciate. 4) Overnight: Packages are sent via UPS Overnight, street address is required (add $20). Unlike other outdoor garments that might not sit next to the skin, like, say, a rain jacket, this metric is important to consider. We also note which works best with thicker base layers and which scrunch up. bottles for each jacket), it's also gentler on our planet and unbelievably soft. Great for yoga, climbing, and more. As the cold weather settles in, a midweight fleece jacket like this becomes an indispensable part of your everyday wardrobe. The North Face Denali 2 Jacket is another stand-up protector from the weather. All of these jackets offer high nuzzling collars and large pockets. Features shapely princess seams, elasticized cuffs and hem, a stand-up collar, and a full zipper. The Voormi High-E Hood is another with more rigid fabrics but exceptional protection. While our testers like the fit that hugs the hips, it may not be for every woman. The Patagonia R1 is most definitely an upfront investment, but after years of owning the same piece, it still looks new, making it a high-value buy even though the upfront cost is larger. Light and cozy in 100% recycled fleece that wicks moisture, dries quickly and breathes well. Outdoor Research Vigor Full-Zip - Women's, Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover - Women's, rigorously wearing each model during three months of field testing, Arc'teryx Kyanite has a high set of pockets, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Breathable, durable, helmet compatible hood, awesome thermoregulation, high value, Warm, extremely breathable, cuts the wind, soft and cozy fabrics, stretchy and great mobility, Super breathable, great price, wind resistant, quick to dry, long arms and torso, thumb loops, stretchy, Super cozy materials, stylish, lightweight, warm, amenable fit, Fabrics are cozy, thick, and stretchy, great thumb loops and pockets, fully fleece lined hood, very mobile, weather resistant, Pills after washing, style isn't for everybody, breast pocket is small and seemingly unfunctional, Lacks water resistance, fit constricts under arm pits for some, Expensive, zipper slips down, shorter sleeves, Expensive, lacks breathability, thicker fabrics, The reigning champion that simply can't be beat for versatility, Our go-to layer when a balance of breathability and warmth are key, Highly breathable and built for the backcountry, The lightweight and stylish fleece is built for town and leisurely hikes, If comfort is what you crave, this fleece has it all but will cost you, Polartec PowerGrid (93% recycled polyester/7% spandex), Hidden zippered pocket, balaclava hood fits under a helmet, brick-patterned insulation balances breathability and warmth, Ultra breathable and windproof face material that is stretchy and comfortable, Stretchy, abrasion-resistant fabric, gussets for movement, concealed neck gaiter, Thumb loops, hidden phone sleeve in pocket, "Cuffins" that fold over fingers for warmth, 2 hand, 1 hidden zippered pocket (right hand), The perfect fleece that will take you from the grocery store to the mountain tops, This fleece is best when it comes to thermoregulation, Built for adventuring and sweating, this breathable fleece offers superb value, A stylish and comfortable fleece best for relaxed hikes and wearing around town, This non-technical piece is cozy, comfortable, and stylish but expensive, A great fleece with classic styling for camp or around town, Cute, weatherproof, and fully featured - everything you'd want in a cold weather fleece jacket, A non-technical fleece that boasts value and comfort, A fun and colorful technical merino fleece that presents poor value, A super warm and bulky fleece that does its best on its own. The Lululemon Fleece Furry offers a cute cut that adds to its coverage, comfort, and warmth. You can wear it on its own when its a little chilly out or you can layer it under a heavy coat when the temperature dips below freezing. It's breathable and will layer easily, with a fit that's stretchy, long, and true. Instead, they usually have functional pockets. All of these jackets are suitable for keeping you cool when you start to sweat. Other than that, we believe this is a staple piece that should reside in every adventurer's closet and comes highly recommended. It has nylon panels on the shoulders and water beads up and rolls off, so it will keep you dry in light rain. Not surprisingly, the lightest and thinnest pieces with mobile fabrics, like the Patagonia R1, Outdoor Research Vigor Full-Zip, and Arc'teryx Kyanite offer the best movement. Bulkier layers like the Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover, Columbia Benton Springs, and The North Face Denali 2 are a little too bulky to fit under a jacket but still layers easily with base layers and outerwear. The thicker models with weights over 300 g/m, like The North Face Denali 2, are also much warmer than some thinner models, like the Arc'teryx Kyanite. Not only is it ripe with comfort features, but it's also relatively weather resistant. Another feature that helps to seal in warmth was a cinch cord hem like the one found on The North Face Denali 2 Jacket. The Voormi High Hood E is a zip jacket featuring a merino wool-polyester construction, kangaroo-style front pocket, and a huge balaclava hood. We use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience. After over one year of using it regularly around the house and on leisurely hikes, it still looks fresh and ready to keep you warm and cozy on any cold day. The Patagonia R1 Full Zip Hoody offers a long fit, excellent thermoregulation, and warmth that'll perform during any technical or non-technical mission. Talk about convenience! To evaluate this, we wore each with a layered system. This jacket is built for speed and doesn't offer the best stand-alone warmth, nor is the exterior shell water-resistant. A technical fleece that feels good against the skin is a huge plus; all the models we tested fit this bill. We then commenced by rigorously wearing each model during three months of field testing. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested women's fleece jackets from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, and more to find the very best. Those who layered easily did well in this metric, while bulkier, stickier options didn't fare well. With the advent of newer hi-tech materials, those days are a thing of the past. While this jacket is warm, it doesn't thermoregulate as well as other high-end options. Sign up to receive the latest info on new products, special offers, and exclusive sales. Let's start with the Outdoor Research Vigor Full-Zip; it has some of the longest materials in both the torso, arms, and widthwise through the chest. The fit through the arms is thinner and less stretchy and quite complementary to any small frame. It has a thick, soft 100% polyester construction with excellent wind and water resistance. In our testing, we try to keep an objective brain around fit. This can lead to feeling colder, especially if you sweat during winter use. Our Soft Anti-Pill Fleece Jacket Keeps You Warm and Looking Good Throughout the Season, Two handwarmer pockets with hidden zipper closures. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Even though the fit may not work for our testers, we realize it may work for other women out there. Rain jackets, winter jackets, insulated and down jackets, even windbreakers and ski jackets we can help you find one that suits your needs. Unfortunately, the 100% polyester blends used in the Columbia Benton Springs are not as breathable as more technical layers. Those that are thin and narrow in shape require a different fit than those that are long and narrow. Comfort is a function of how the product feels when out and about for long days on end. Please click here for The Vermont Country Store 100% Guarantee and Return Policy. A girl's trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the many ways we test our fleeces; side-by-side with input from all sorts of women. This classic climber favorite is just at home in the mountains as it is lounging around the house. It's not as breathable as the more "hi-tech" options that we tested, and the cut doesn't give it the best movement. Comfortable and cozy are so important if you plan on wearing your fleece all day long. Enjoy exclusive offers, the latest on products, and new ways to get outdoors. We paid attention to how fit affected our comfort and recorded which fleeces had cozy thumb loops and hoods. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. This pullover is warm and cozy, which gives you more breathability than other heavier fleeces. Prancer the dog sure is! While the fabric offers some water resistance and will stave off a mist, it won't keep you dry in light rain. In addition to field testing every single garment, we also perform a series of objective tests, like pouring water on each, to determine nuances of each textile that you'd never be able to decipher on your own without all in hand at the same time. These less bulky layers provide a greater range of motion in the shoulders and arms without you feeling like a stuffed sausage. Read review: Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover - Women's. 1) Standard: Delivery estimates provided during checkout. This is the jacket we reach for when winter running, cross country skiing, and heading into the backcountry. We take the OR Vigor out on a trail run in the middle of winter in Ouray, Colorado. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. When choosing a fleece jacket to wear under a pack or climbing harness, our testers found that the more streamlined the fit with high hand warming pockets (or none), the better. A tremendous technical fleece can both insulate while off-loading heat efficiently so you don't get cold when standing still. The coziest and most comfortable fleeces are loaded with plush materials and typically feel super soft against the skin. While many of our top performers can be pricey, some options have a much higher value. We climbed up rocks and skied down mountains. Fleece keeps you warm by trapping warm air around your body in the spaces between the fibers. Read review: Columbia Benton Springs - Women. The hood is huge, which allows you to burrow in when met with a cool, windy breeze. A major purpose of any fleece jacket is its ability to add warmth as either a stand-alone layer or with a base layer or jacket. This hoody is awesome, but there are a few mentionable caveats. Of the three, the Columbia Benton Springs is most likely the one that'll fit under a super roomy shell best, while The North Face Denali 2 is meant to simply wear on its own. We absolutely loved this feature that kept the hair out of our faces! Those with integrated thumb loops help the process to pull it on and off. If lavish comfort and silky fabrics are your thing, this thicker fleece will have you humming. Read review: Patagonia R1 Full Zip Hoody - Women's. No sponsored content. When evaluating for comfort, we considered each product's details, like whether the zippers scratched the skin and if the pockets are lined with fleece. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Jackets with the ability to seal in warmth through drawcords or thumb loops are much warmer, with the versatility to thermoregulate more efficiently. Less technical jackets like the Benton Springs by Columbia are cheaper. This ensures that you have a full range of motion so you can tackle your goals with ease. The hoodless design of the OR Vigor Full-Zip layers seamlessly under jackets and overtop base layers. Read review: Voormi High-E Hoodie - Women's. Yom! Got feedback? The Lululemon is our favorite because its fit hugs the body, wrapping you in lavish comforts, while others feature a boxier fit. All of these jackets are bulkier than the Arc'teryx Kyanite, which is a lightweight, less technical jacket that's super cozy. Technical fleece jackets like the Patagonia R1 Hoody are relatively warm for their weight, thanks to increased coverage from long sleeves and a full face balaclava. Many of the models that we tested have a raglan style sleeve construction, where the seaming at the shoulder cuts across horizontally off the shoulder, moving the seams out of the way of pack straps; this is to avoid having the straps of your pack dig the seams into your shoulders. It's a great loungewear piece and a good option when you're not getting too sweaty. Another option is to place a nylon panel on the shoulders, which also shifts the seams off to the sides and helps minimize pilling and abrasions in that area. Once you have enabled JavaScript, please refresh (or "reload") this page. Zippered pockets make it easy to secure essentials. In our testing, we compare structural details, textiles, fit, general comfort, and water resistance to see which performs the best for different niches in the outdoor world. It only weighs a pound and is easily stashed in your day or backpack for an extra summit or evening layer. The Patagonia R1 Hoody is another well-fitted stretchy hoody that'll accommodate longer limbs, but the torso and arms aren't as long as the above three contenders. Looking to play all day? Details, L.L.Bean is a registered trademark of L.L.Bean Inc. Here, our main author sits upon a 12,700-foot perch high up in the Red Mountains of Ouray, Colorado wearing the Patagonia R1 Hoody. For fit, the Patagonia R1 has the longest lengths in both the arms and torso. The Lululemon Fleece Furry is a thicker model with excellent mobility. The Artc'teryx Kyanite comes with a full balaclava hood and concealed gaiter to keep you warm on icy cold chair lifts. Both know the value that a good fleece jacket adds to any collection of outdoor clothing. While this jacket is highly durable and protective, the fabrics are somewhat stiff and a tiny bit itchy. A piece that layers well is one that'll fit easily under a jacket but provide enough room through the arms and torso to put on a long-sleeved base layer. All trademarks property of their respective owners Thicker jackets that offer breathable functionality use a different method. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. It is fashionable enough to be worn casually to work and technical enough for body-smearing slot canyons and cool days at the crag. Your money matters, and most of us seek high-value options. The long fleece fibers on the Snap T are warm and fuzzy, trapping your warmth while still offering a bit of breathability. While you might start to feel the seams digging into you after hours on the trail with a heavy pack, we weren't able to discern a difference during a 30-minute hike with a 25-pound pack. A look at the breathable PowerGrid design that offers excellent heat off-loading. As a classic for long trips, it doesn't retain smells even after being unwashed for a week or so (trust us, we've tried it), and its thin, fitted design is stretchy with excellent mobility. This review offers a comparison of 10 of the highest performing fleeces on the market, integrating style, comfort, and utility. Either way, the fleece wont pill so the jacket will remain neat and stylish for years to come. For example, the Outdoor Research Vigor Full-Zip is an excellent technical fleece that moves with the body, looks good, breathes, and provides exceptional warmth. It's one you'd choose if you appreciate a high level of comfort that's incredibly soft against the skin (even more so than other technical fleeces) but doesn't carry the bulk of the jackets mentioned above. Here we take a shot of some serious colouirs we got to ski while backcountry exploring in the steep and mountainous San Juans. The simple fleece has now morphed into many new and different kinds, from hi-loft and silken "raschel" fleeces to gridded fabrics. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Your current browser is no longer supported on llbean.com. Our unbiased insights offer excellent recommendations to help you find exactly what you are looking for. It earns a top pick for its fit that wraps the hips, thick silky fabrics, and excellent features that'll keep you lounging in style. The hi-loft fabrics have thousands of hairs that trap and retain warmth, and even a relatively thin jacket. The fabrics are stretchy and mobile, with enough length through the arms and torso to fit even the longest of torsos. Amber King has been a climber for over 20 years, tackling high peaks all over North America in places from Rocky Mountain National Park to the North Cascades. She's also a five-year veteran of Yosemite Search and Rescue and an accomplished climber, racking up over 20 years of experience, including El Cap big wall routes on her resume. The raschel fleece jackets (the high-pile Muppet-like fur), like the Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T, are some of the warmest models in our test group. Other bulkier jackets like the Columbia Benton Springs and the Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover still offer decent movement but are not recommended for use while on the move. Under it all, we don the Patagonia R1 Full-Zip hoody which provides all the warmth needed on the high ridges above. Polartec, the leading synthetic material manufacturer, now makes more than two dozen different types of fleece fabric and is seen in most of the fleeces that we've tested in this review. Each is tested over a series of rigorous tests with a focus on evaluating key metrics that include warmth, ease of layering, comfort, movement, breathability, and weather resistance. Unfortunately the comfy handwarmer pockets become unusable with a harness or a hip belt from a backpack done up. FREE SHIPPING with $50 Purchase - or - FREE with the L.L.Bean Mastercard Details. You can find Cam in the sandstone landscape around Las Vegas with her two boys. We can help point you in the right direction of finding exactly what you need using these factors. For example, the Arc'teryx Kyanite has a high set of pockets that can be fully accessed while wearing a harness or backpack. Once the fleeces were purchased, we identified key categories to grade the competing jackets on during tests. Merino wool "HardFaced technology" offers superior wind and water resistance, Stiffer fabrics limit sizing and mobility. Which one will you buy? That said, having a good rain shell on hand can fix that problem. It also has two handwarmer pockets with hidden zipper closures. A great fleece jacket is a must-have piece for an adventurer. The heavier weight makes this fleece less breathable than most and heavier to don. While the materials do stretch, they are much stiffer than any traditional fleece we've tested, which means sizing correctly is imperative. Check out our. Let us know! The hood also fits nicely either over or under a helmet. The Columbia Benton Springs is a bulkier midweight fleece jacket that's simple and keeps you warm and cozy all day. Some products provided better resistance to wind or water than others, but inherently, a mid-layer is designed to be layered in conjunction with a shell or windbreaker. Silky smooth on the outside and plush on the outside, you won't be able to stop touching your sweater.