Introduction
Fleece jackets are a popular choice for outdoor activities because they are lightweight, warm, and comfortable. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great value for the price.
What is a Fleece Jacket?
A fleece jacket is a type of jacket that is made from fleece fabric. Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is made from recycled plastic bottles. It is soft, warm, and breathable, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.
Why Choose a Fleece Jacket for Outdoor Activities?
There are many reasons why you should choose a fleece jacket for outdoor activities. Here are a few of the benefits of fleece jackets:
- Lightweight: Fleece jackets are lightweight and packable, making them easy to take with you on your adventures.
- Warm: Fleece jackets are warm and comfortable, even in cold weather.
- Breathable: Fleece jackets are breathable, so you can stay cool and comfortable even when you are active.
- Durable: Fleece jackets are durable and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Inexpensive: Fleece jackets are relatively inexpensive, making them a great value for the price.
If you are looking for a warm, comfortable, and durable jacket for your next outdoor adventure, a fleece jacket is a great option.
The Top 9 Fleece Jackets for Outdoor Activities
1. Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying technical fleece for high-exertion activities in cold conditions. Fabric is made of 100% recycled polyester and is structured for comfort during movement. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features
- Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying technical fleece
- Made of 100% recycled polyester
- Structured for comfort during movement
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Offset shoulder seams
- Three zippered pockets
- Soft cuffs and hem
- Zip hoody design
Pros
- Lightweight and packable
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as water-resistant as some other fleece jackets
Overall
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a great choice for outdoor activities. It is lightweight, warm, comfortable, and breathable. It is also durable and Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. The only downside is that it is a bit expensive.
2. Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan
The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is a midweight fleece cardigan that is perfect for layering on cold days. It is made from 100% recycled polyester and has a heathered face that gives it the look of wool. Gusseted underarms provide freedom of movement, and laminated pockets secure small essentials and give the Covert its iconic Arc’teryx aesthetic.
Features
- Made from 100% recycled polyester
- Heathered face that gives it the look of wool
- Gusseted underarms for freedom of movement
- Laminated pockets for secure storage
- Simple design with clean lines
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros
- Lightweight and packable
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Cons
- Expensive
- No chest pocket
Overall
The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and stylish fleece cardigan. It is lightweight, warm, and comfortable, and it is made from recycled materials. The only downside is that it is a bit expensive.
3. The North Face Denali 2
The North Face Denali 2 is a classic jacket that has been around for decades. It is a great choice for outdoor activities, as it is warm, comfortable, and durable.
The Denali 2 is made from 100% recycled polyester fleece. It is soft, warm, and breathable. The jacket has a relaxed fit, so it is comfortable to move around in. It also has a hood, which is perfect for keeping your head warm on cold days.
The Denali 2 is water-resistant, so it can withstand light rain or snow. It also has a durable construction, so it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
The Denali 2 is a great choice for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. It is also a great choice for everyday wear.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the The North Face Denali 2:
Pros:
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as stylish as some other fleece jackets
Overall, the The North Face Denali 2 is a great choice for a warm, comfortable, and durable fleece jacket. It is a classic design that has been around for decades, and it is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.
4. REI Co-op Activator Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
The REI Co-op Activator Full-Zip Fleece Jacket is a warm, comfortable, and versatile jacket that is perfect for a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. It is made from 100% recycled polyester fleece, which is soft, breathable, and water-resistant. The jacket has a relaxed fit, so it is comfortable to move around in, and it has a hood for added warmth. It also has two zippered hand pockets for storing small essentials.
Features
- 100% recycled polyester fleece
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Zippered hand pockets
- Water-resistant finish
- Durable construction
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Pros
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Water-resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Zippered hand pockets
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as stylish as some other fleece jackets
- Not as durable as some other fleece jackets
Overall
The REI Co-op Activator Full-Zip Jacket is a great option for those looking for a warm, comfortable, and versatile fleece jacket. It is affordable, available in a variety of colors and sizes, and perfect for a variety of activities.
5. Columbia Steens Mountain 2
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2 Full Zip Fleece Jacket is a warm, comfortable, and versatile fleece jacket that is perfect for a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. It is made from 100% recycled polyester MTR filament fleece, which is soft, breathable, and water-resistant. The jacket has a relaxed fit, so it is comfortable to move around in, and it has a hood for added warmth. It also has two zippered hand pockets for storing small essentials.
Features
- 100% recycled polyester MTR filament fleece
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Zippered hand pockets
- Water-resistant finish
- Durable construction
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Pros
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Water-resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Zippered hand pockets
- Affordable
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Cons
- Not as stylish as some other fleece jackets
- Not as durable as some other fleece jackets
Overall
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2 Full Zip Jacket is a great option for those looking for a warm, comfortable, and versatile fleece jacket. It is affordable, available in a variety of colors and sizes, and perfect for a variety of activities. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
6. Marmot Reactor Zip Neck
The Marmot Reactor Zip Neck is a lightweight, mid-layer fleece that is perfect for layering on cold days. It is made from 100% recycled polyester and has a relaxed fit, so it is comfortable to move around in. It also has a hood for added warmth.
Features
- Made from 100% recycled polyester
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Zippered hand pockets
- Flat-lock seams for chafe-free comfort
- Durable construction
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Pros
- Lightweight and packable
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Cons
- Not as stylish as some other fleece jackets
- Not as water-resistant as some other fleece jackets
Overall
The Marmot Reactor Zip Neck is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, warm, and comfortable jacket. It is affordable, available in a variety of colors and sizes, and perfect for a variety of activities.
7. Outdoor Research Vigor Hoody
The Outdoor Research Vigor Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable, and stretchy fleece jacket that is perfect for a variety of activities, such as hiking, climbing, and backpacking. It is made from a grid fleece fabric that is both warm and breathable, and it has a relaxed fit that is comfortable to move around in. It also has a hood for added warmth and protection from the elements.
Features
- Grid fleece fabric
- Relaxed fit
- Hood
- Zippered hand pockets
- Thumb loops
- Durable construction
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Pros
- Lightweight and packable
- Warm and comfortable
- Breathable
- Stretchy
- Durable
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Cons
- Not as stylish as some other fleece jackets
- Not as water-resistant as some other fleece jackets
Overall
The Outdoor Research Vigor Hoody is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, warm, comfortable, and versatile jacket. It is affordable, available in a variety of colors and sizes, and perfect for a variety of activities.
8. Rab Microlight Alpine
The Rab Microlight Alpine is a lightweight, packable, and highly compressible down jacket that is perfect for use in the mountains. It is made from recycled materials and insulated with 700-fill power down, which makes it both warm and compressible. The jacket has a relaxed fit that allows for easy layering, and it has a number of features that make it ideal for use in the mountains, such as a helmet-compatible hood, pit zips for ventilation, and a water-resistant finish.
Features:
- 700-fill power recycled down
- Recycled Pertex Quantum outer fabric
- Water-resistant finish
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Pit zips for ventilation
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
- Two hand pockets
- Stuff sack
Pros:
- Warm and comfortable
- Lightweight and packable
- Highly compressible
- Made from recycled materials
- Durable construction
- A variety of features that make it ideal for use in the mountains
Cons:
- Not as stylish as some other down jackets
- Not as water-resistant as some other down jackets
Overall:
The Rab Microlight Alpine is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, packable, and highly compressible down jacket that is perfect for use in the mountains. It is made from recycled materials and insulated with 700-fill power down, which makes it both warm and compressible.
The jacket has a relaxed fit that allows for easy layering, and it has a number of features that make it ideal for use in the mountains, such as a helmet-compatible hood, pit zips for ventilation, and a water-resistant finish.
9. Black Diamond First Light Hoody
The Black Diamond First Light Hoody is a lightweight, breathable, and highly compressible insulated jacket that is perfect for use in a variety of activities, such as hiking, climbing, and backpacking. It is made from a synthetic insulation called PrimaLoft Silver Active, which is both warm and breathable.
The jacket has a relaxed fit that is comfortable to move around in, and it has a number of features that make it ideal for use in the mountains, such as a helmet-compatible hood, pit zips for ventilation, and a water-resistant finish.
Features:
- PrimaLoft Silver Active insulation
- Schoeller DryVent 2L fabric
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Pit zips for ventilation
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
- Two hand pockets
- Stuff sack
Pros:
- Warm and comfortable
- Lightweight and packable
- Highly compressible
- Breathable
- Durable construction
- A variety of features that make it ideal for use in the mountains
Cons:
- Not as stylish as some other insulated jackets
- Not as water-resistant as some other insulated jackets
Overall:
The Black Diamond First Light Hoody is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, breathable, and highly compressible insulated jacket that is perfect for use in a variety of activities. It is made from a synthetic insulation called PrimaLoft Silver Active, which is both warm and breathable.
The jacket has a relaxed fit that is comfortable to move around in, and it has a number of features that make it ideal for use in the mountains, such as a helmet-compatible hood, pit zips for ventilation, and a water-resistant finish.
Comparison and Analysis of Fleece Jackets
Comparison Chart for the 9 best Fleece Jackets:
| Jacket Model | Material | Weight | Warmth | Breathability | Wind Resistance | Water Resistance | Style |
| Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody | Polyester | 8.6 oz | Moderate | High | Low | Low | Hooded |
| Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan | Polyester/wool blend | 15.5 oz | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low | Cardigan style |
| The North Face Denali 2 | Recycled polyester fleece | 24.7 oz | High | Moderate | High | Low | Hooded |
| REI Co-op Activator Full-Zip Fleece Jacket | Polyester/elastane blend | 14.1 oz | Moderate | High | Low | Low | Hooded |
| Columbia Steens Mountain 2 | Polyester | 16 oz | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Zippered pockets |
| Marmot Reactor Zip Neck | Polyester fleece | 10.8 oz | Moderate | High | Low | Low | Zip neck |
| Outdoor Research Vigor Hoody | Polyester/spandex blend | 11 oz | Moderate | High | Low | Low | Hooded |
| Rab Microlight Alpine | Nylon | 13.4 oz | High | High | Moderate | Low | Hooded |
| Black Diamond First Light Hoody | Nylon/polyester blend | 14.3 oz | High | Moderate | High | Low | Hooded |
Note: All weights are for men’s medium sizes. Warmth and breathability are subjective and can vary depending on personal preference and weather conditions. Water resistance is based on DWR treatment.
Analysis of which fleece jackets are best suited for different types of outdoor activities
Overall Best Fleece Jacket
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is the overall best jacket for outdoor activities. It is warm, breathable, durable, and affordable. It is perfect for a variety of activities, such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, and camping.
Best Fleece Jacket for Warm Weather
The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is the best fleece jacket for warm weather. It is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for activities such as hiking and backpacking in the summer.
Best Fleece Jacket for Cold Weather
The North Face Denali 2 is the best fleece jacket for cold weather. It is warm and durable, making it perfect for activities such as camping and winter hiking.
Best Affordable Fleece Jacket
The REI Co-op Activator Full-Zip Fleece Jacket is the best affordable fleece jacket. It is warm, breathable, and durable, and it is a great value for the price.
Best Fleece Jacket for Hiking
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2 is the best fleece jacket for hiking. It is lightweight, breathable, and durable, and it has a relaxed fit that is comfortable to move around in.
Best Fleece Jacket for Backpacking
The Marmot Reactor Zip Neck is the best fleece jacket for backpacking. It is lightweight, breathable, and compressible, making it easy to pack.
Best Fleece Jacket for Climbing
The Outdoor Research Vigor Hoody is the best fleece jacket for climbing. It is lightweight, breathable, and stretchy, making it perfect for moving around on rock.
Best Down Fleece Jacket
The Rab Microlight Alpine is the best down fleece jacket. It is lightweight, packable, and highly compressible, making it perfect for high-activity outdoor activities.
Best Down Alternative Fleece Jacket
The Black Diamond First Light Hoody is the best down alternative fleece jacket. It is lightweight, packable, and highly compressible, and it is made from recycled materials.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the top 9 fleece jackets for outdoor activities. We have considered factors such as warmth, breathability, durability, and price when making our recommendations.
The overall best fleece jacket for outdoor activities is the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody. It is warm, breathable, durable, and affordable. It is perfect for a variety of activities, such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, and camping.
However, it is important to consider your personal preferences and needs when selecting a fleece jacket. If you are looking for a lightweight and breathable fleece jacket for warm weather, the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is a great option. If you are looking for a warm and durable fleece jacket for cold weather, the The North Face Denali 2 is a great option. And if you are looking for an affordable fleece jacket, the REI Co-op Activator Full-Zip Fleece Jacket is a great option.
No matter what your needs are, there is a fleece jacket out there that is perfect for you. So get out there and enjoy the outdoors!
Here are some additional things to consider when selecting a fleece jacket:
- Fit: The fleece jacket should fit snugly but not too tightly. You should be able to move around comfortably in it.
- Features: Some fleece jackets have features such as hoods, pockets, and thumb loops. Consider which features are important to you and choose a jacket that has them.
- Brand: There are many different brands of fleece jackets available. Do some research to find a brand that you trust and that has a good reputation for quality.
Read more articles here.
