What are the best fleeces for active outdoor use?

There’s nothing better than that comfy, cozy feeling of putting on a nice, warm fleece during cold weather. Whether it’s a fleece hoodie or a fleece pullover with a quarter zip, that super soft feeling on your skin will never stop being a source of comfort. And if you’re an active, outdoorsy person, you might wonder what are the best fleeces for active outdoor use.

The best fleeces for active outdoor use are ones that balance warmth with breathability, doesn’t restrict your mobility (i.e., can stretch), windproof, and have excellent warmth weight ratio. Bonus points if the fleece jacket is anti odour, anti pill, and has zippered pockets.

We realise that answer can apply to multiple fleece jacket types, and that’s fine. We’ll guide you through different types of fleece jackets, explaining each option in detail so you know how to tell them apart before you buy one. Then, we’ll tell you which qualities to look for in an active outdoor jacket, so you can decide which one is perfect for your active outdoor needs.

Table of contents

What kinds of fleece jackets are available?

Qualities to look for in a fleece jacket for outdoor use

Shop our range of fleece jackets today

What kinds of fleece jackets are available?

At Columbia Sportswear®, we offer three different types of fleece jackets:

• Sherpa fleece jacket: A heavyweight fleece with superior insulation. It’s thicker than some of the jackets we have, this may not be a good option if you’re prioritising packability. These also have a looser fit than the other types.

• Technical fleece jacket: Made from lightweight fleece with excellent insulation and packability. But don’t let that fool you: it can still deliver the same level of comfort and warmth as the thicker ones, but with a breathable and wicking base layer built in. The priority is not just to help you keep your body heat in cold conditions, but also to regulate temperature so you don’t overheat.

• Casual fleece jacket: By no means a budget fleece (compared to the other two), this type is still a reliable addition to your winter wardrobe. They may not boast the same breathability rating and moisture wicking capabilities as a technical fleece, but they can still keep you warm in cooler temperatures.

Qualities to look for in a fleece jacket for outdoor use

Once you’ve settled on a jacket type, it’s time to see if it has the qualities you need to conquer the outdoors. Here are some things to consider:

• Fabric weight: Whether you’re going camping or climbing a mountain, consider the jacket’s weight not only on yourself, but also if you need to pack it in your bags. If it’s heavy and/or takes up a bulk of your bag space, pick mid weight fleeces or microfleece to keep weight down on the trail.

• Jacket material: Decide what you want your jacket’s outer fabric to be made from. Stretchy jackets are usually made from elastane, while fleece jackets waterproof will likely be made from nylon or polyester. A knitted soft fabric will have a different composition, too.

• Fleece material: Jacket thicknesses vary depending on the material. Traditional wool like Merino wool or other wool blends are known to be thick and heavy. On the other hand, modern fleece made from synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are designed to be ultra-light while offering the same thermal capabilities as ones made with natural fibres.

• Tip: If you’re looking for jackets with recycled fabric, we offer synthetic jacket made from recycled materials like recycled polyester.

• Weather conditions: Everyone knows the weather dictates your layering during your hiking adventures. If you’re hitting the trail during the rainy season, your long sleeved fleece becomes a midlayer jacket underneath a waterproof jacket with sealed seams to protect you from the wet weather. If it’s windy, you’ll need a versatile layer that's windproof or wind resistant. And in the winter, hiking fleeces should serve as an insulated midlayer between your inner shirt and water resistant/waterproof jacket.

• Tip: Check out our guide on which Columbia jackets are best for winter hiking to see how you can pair your fleece with winter hardshell and softshells. And to explore your wind-proofing options, our guide on are windbreakers suitable for all seasons has you covered.

• Additional options: A jacket isn’t truly yours unless it has your preferred options like articulated sleeves, chest pocket, elasticated hem, helmet hood, and hand pockets. Don’t forget to consider practical additions like odour resistant properties, a snug hood, and sweat regulation. Zipper options also differ; you can have a full zip or a half zip hoodie.

• Cut and fit: Our men fleece jacket and women fleece jackets can either be snug fits or slightly loose. If it’s a slim fit, we always make sure it can stretch so it doesn’t restrict your movement while doing something intensive, like climbing a mountain or hitting the ski slopes.

Shop our range of fleece jackets today

Now that you know what to look for in a fleece for active outdoor use, start exploring our range of quality men’s fleeces and women’s fleece jackets. Our jackets are made true-to-size, so all men size and women size we offer are sure to fit you well. With several practical options and handy features in each jacket, you’ll be sure to buy one that’ll suit your outdoor plans.

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