We consider a fleece jacket an essential part of our clothing system when conditions are wet and cold. Fleece is warm yet breathable, comfortable, and extremely versatile for layering. But when you’re in the market for a new fleece jacket, you’ll quickly find that there are a ton to choose from.
We tested the most loved fleeces on the market to determine which are the best value for the money and which perform the best in challenging outdoor conditions.
Last updated: February 20, 2023
Quick Recommendations
Check out this quick list of our favorite fleece jackets, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Best fleece overall for comfort, durability & style: Patagonia Better Sweater Men’s / Women’s
Comfy & affordable fleece: REI Groundbreaker Fleece 2.0 Men’s / Women’s
Warm fleece for a value price: REI Hyperaxis 2.0 Men’s / Women’s
Best budget fleece: Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 & Benton Springs
Comfortable, lightweight & durable fleece: Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Men’s / Women’s
Most breathable fleece: Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s / Women’s
Warm & stylish fleece for everyday use: KUHL Interceptr
Comfortable & warm fleece with a flattering fit: Arc’teryx Kyanite Men’s / Women’s
Best Minimalist Fleece: Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Men’s / Women’s
High-performance fleece with excellent breathability: Mountain Hardwear Type 2 Fun Men’s / Women’s
What’s Most Important To You In A Fleece Jacket?
USE - To the best fleece for you, consider your personal style, typical local weather conditions, and activity level. If you’ll be using your fleece jacket for backcountry trips, we recommend going with a jacket that breathes well, dries quickly, and has a good warmth-to-weight ratio. If you’ll mostly be wearing it around town, a heavier, more stylish jacket that’s durable enough to stand regular washing is the ticket.
Best fleece jackets for backcountry use: Patagonia R1 Air Men’s / Women’s, REI Groundbreaker Fleece 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s / Women’s, Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Men’s / Women’s & Mountain Hardwear Type 2 Fun Men’s / Women’s
Best fleece jackets for frontcountry use: Patagonia Better Sweater Men’s / Women’s, Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Men’s / Women’s & KUHL Interceptr
Most versatile fleece jackets (great for backcountry & frontcountry): Patagonia R1 Air Men’s / Women’s, REI Groundbreaker Fleece 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, REI Hyperaxis 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0/Benton Springs & Arc’teryx Kyanite Men’s / Women’s
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PRICE - You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great fleece jacket, but we find that spending a little more is often well worth the cost for the increase in comfort, performance, and durability. We recommend fleece jackets at a variety of price points below so you can find a great option that fits your budget.
Best value fleece jackets: Patagonia Better Sweater Men’s / Women’s, Patagonia R1 Air Men’s / Women’s, REI Hyperaxis 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Men’s / Women’s & Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Men’s / Women’s
Best budget fleece jackets: REI Groundbreaker Fleece 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0/Benton Springs & Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s / Women’s
Best high-end fleece jacket: Arc’teryx Kyanite Men’s / Women’s
WEIGHT/WARMTH - Fleece “weight” refers to the loft and thickness of the material. Most companies use the Polartec scale of 100, 200, 300 to describe their fleece - the higher the number, the warmer (and heavier) the jacket will be. Lightweight fleeces (100 to 200-weight) work great for aerobic activities or warmer conditions, while heavier fleeces (300-weight plus) are best for frontcountry use or really cold conditions.
Best ultralight fleece jacket: Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Men’s / Women’s
Best lightweight fleece jackets: Patagonia R1 Air Men’s / Women’s, Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s / Women’s & Mountain Hardwear Type 2 Fun Men’s / Women’s
Best midweight fleece jackets: REI Groundbreaker Fleece 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, REI Hyperaxis 2.0 Men’s / Women’s, Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0/Benton Springs, Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Men’s / Women’s & Arc’teryx Kyanite Men’s / Women’s
Best mid-heavyweight fleece jackets: Patagonia Better Sweater Men’s / Women’s & KUHL Interceptr
Best Fleece Jackets of 2023
BEST FLEECE OVERALL FOR COMFORT, DURABILITY & STYLE
MSRP: $149
WEIGHT (Men's M): 22 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Mid-heavyweight
PROS: Very warm, durable, stylish, good value, notably comfy/warm hand pockets
CONS: A bit heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures, not as breathable as some
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable fleece jacket that will last a long time, we can’t recommend the Patagonia Better Sweater (men’s / women’s) highly enough. This dense fleece is super warm, and the hand pockets are soft on the inside and thick on the outside to keep your hands cozy as well. To top it all off, the Better Sweater holds up incredibly well over time - one of our staff has been wearing hers for almost a decade now, and it’s still going strong! The Better Sweater is hands-down our favorite fleece jacket for casual use, and it’s a phenomenal value for the money too since it’ll no-doubt become one of the most-worn pieces of clothing in your closet. The Better Sweater is available in Full-Zip (men’s / women’s) and Quarter-Zip (men’s / women’s).
MOST VERSATILE FLEECE
MSRP: $119
WEIGHT (Men's M): 12.6 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Lightweight
PROS: Lightweight, highly breathable, quick-drying, easy to layer, odor-control treatment
CONS: Not as warm as some, not as durable as some
BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia R1 Air (men’s / women’s) is great for active people who are looking for a jacket with a good balance of warmth and low weight. Its zig-zag-patterned fabric is super soft, breathable, and comfortable, and it lets excess heat escape to help you thermoregulate. This makes it incredibly versatile and comfortable for the backcountry or for casual use when you’re closer to home. We recommend the R1 Air to those who want a single high-quality fleece they can use for pretty much any occasion. The R1 Air is also available as a Full-Zip Hoody (men’s / women’s).
COMFY & AFFORDABLE FLEECE
MSRP: $50 (often on sale for less)
WEIGHT (Men's M): 12 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Midweight
PROS: Affordable, quick-drying, easy to layer
CONS: On the bulky side for backcountry use, not as durable as some
BOTTOM LINE: If you need a great fleece for layering but don’t want to pay a ton, give the REI Groundbreaker Fleece 2.0 (men’s / women’s) a try. It’s affordable at full price, and you can often get one for a steal since REI-brand clothing regularly goes on sale. While this jacket is basic, we find ourselves reaching for it all the time because it’s lightweight and works well for various year-round activities. It’s budget-friendly and durable, so we don’t have to worry about this jacket as much while playing hard and getting dirty. Plus, it has all the features we like for thermoregulation including a full-length zipper, high collar, and comfy hand pockets. What’s not to love?
WARM FLEECE FOR A VALUE PRICE
MSRP: $149
WEIGHT (Men's M): 19 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Midweight
PROS: Very warm, stretchy, breathable, quick-drying, easy to layer, excellent comfort, good mobility, good value
CONS: Fit isn’t as streamlined as some, heavier than some for backcountry use
BOTTOM LINE: If top-notch comfort and excellent value are what you’re after, the REI Hyperaxis 2.0 (men’s / women’s) is pretty tough to beat. It’s made with super soft stretch fleece with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The Hyperaxis Jacket is capable in the backcountry, and we’ve been pleased with its breathability on challenging cold-weather hikes. That said, we love wearing it in the frontcountry too since the high-pile lining is so warm, comfortable, and inviting. The fit isn’t quite as streamlined and stylish as the similar Arc’teryx Kyanite (men’s / women’s), but the Hyperaxis Jacket is one of the best values on the market for a technical fleece.
BEST BUDGET FLEECE
MSRP: $65 (often on sale for less)
WEIGHT (Men's M): 19.2 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Mid-heavyweight
PROS: Affordable, quick-drying, easy to layer, lots of color and size options available
CONS: Not as warm as some, on the bulky side for backcountry use, not as durable as some
BOTTOM LINE: We’ve been wearing the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 (men’s) and Benton Springs (women’s) jackets for decades and love their classic style and affordable price tag. These fleeces are reliable, comfortable, and warm, plus they come in a ton of size and color choices so it’s easy to find one that suits you. The Steens Mountain/Benton Springs jackets aren’t quite as packable or performance-oriented as some, but they’re still excellent for work, day trips, and everyday wear. We’ve also used them for cold-weather backcountry trips with success. If you’re looking for a great all-around fleece jacket that won’t break the bank, look no further.
COMFORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE FLEECE
MSRP: $129
WEIGHT (Men's M): 18.7 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Midweight
PROS: Comfortable, lightweight, durable, great value
CONS: A bit bulky for backcountry use, loose fit can be a bit tricky to layer
BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T (men’s / women’s) is an incredibly comfortable pullover with iconic style that’s remained unchanged since the 1980s. It’s made with quality, double-sided fleece that’s both lightweight and durable. Plus, it has super comfy spandex-trimmed wrist cuffs and hem to trap heat and help it hold its shape. The slightly oversized fit gives the Synchilla a retro look, and makes it extra cozy and warm - which is why it’s become our go-to for relaxing and nights around the campfire. This fleece costs more than some others, but Patagonia clothing lasts for a really long time in our experience, so it’s worth every penny.
MOST BREATHABLE FLEECE
MSRP: $89
WEIGHT (Men's M): 11.9 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Lightweight
PROS: Affordable (especially for technical wear), lightweight, highly breathable, quick-drying, easy to layer, good mobility
CONS: Not as warm as some
BOTTOM LINE: The Outdoor Research Vigor (men’s / women’s) is one of our favorite fleece jackets to wear when conditions are chilly, but we’re likely to break a sweat. It’s the lightest jacket on our list, and its quick-drying grid fleece provides the perfect amount of warmth and airflow to keep you comfortable even while chugging uphill. Essentially, the Vigor is a beefed-up baselayer, so it’s a great go-to for hiking, snowsports, or anything that requires constant thermoregulation. The price of the Vigor is excellent too - with comparable fleeces costing significantly more. We recommend the Vigor to anyone looking to score a great deal on a versatile, high-performance jacket for their active lifestyle. The Vigor is also available in Full-Zip (men’s / women’s) and Full-Zip Hoodie (men’s / women’s) versions.
WARM & STYLISH FLEECE FOR EVERYDAY USE
MSRP: $139
WEIGHT (Men's M): 22.6 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Heavyweight
PROS: Warm, stylish, durable, good value
CONS: Heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures, not as breathable as some
BOTTOM LINE: The KUHL Interceptr Jacket is a great casual option for those who want to dress comfortably and look good at the same time. The athletic fit, articulated sleeves, and zippered pockets are handsome and technical, but we find this warm, heavy-weight fleece to be better suited for everyday use than the backcountry. If it gets really stormy, it also layers nicely under a winter coat or a rain jacket. The Interceptr is sure to get a lot of use and it’s priced lower than similar full-zip jackets, so it’s an excellent value. The Interceptr is also available in Quarter-Zip.
COMFORTABLE & WARM FLEECE WITH A FLATTERING FIT
MSRP: $179
WEIGHT (Men's M): 16.9 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Midweight
PROS: Very warm, stretchy, breathable, lightweight, quick-drying, easy to layer, excellent comfort, good mobility
CONS: Expensive
BOTTOM LINE: The Arc’teryx Kyanite (men’s / women’s) is the definition of streamlined, stylish comfort. It’s comfortable enough to wear for relaxing, but it’s also a highly versatile layering piece for adventuring in damp, chilly conditions. The Kyanite is one of the warmest fleeces we tested and it works great as an outer layer in mild-weather. If you’ve got the extra money to spend, the Kyanite’s attractive looks and next-level performance are worth the bump in cost in our book. The Kyanite is also available as a full-zip, hoodless jacket (men’s / women’s).
BEST MINIMALIST FLEECE
MSRP: $99
WEIGHT (Men's M): 4.9 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Ultralight
PROS: Ultralight, highly breathable, quick-drying, easy to layer
CONS: Not as warm as some, not as durable as some
BOTTOM LINE: The Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Fleece Pullover (men’s / women’s) is the ultimate light and breathable midlayer. It features alternating bands of fuzzy polyester and airy, open weave for the perfect combination of warmth and breathability when you’re working up a sweat. We love how easy it is to layer this thin fleece under a windbreaker or rain jacket to suit various conditions. And it’s ultralight, weighing in at just 4.2 oz., so it’s excellent for backpacking.
The Super Sevens Fleece is similar to another minimalist fleece we like, the Wren Hoodie by Senchi. The Wren is stylish and made locally in Portland, OR. Unfortunately, it’s only available in limited runs.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE FLEECE WITH EXCELLENT BREATHABILITY
MSRP: $125
WEIGHT (Men's M): 13.7 oz.
FLEECE WEIGHT: Lightweight
PROS: Lightweight, highly breathable, quick-drying, easy to layer, good mobility
CONS: Not as warm as some
BOTTOM LINE: The Mountain Hardwear Type 2 Fun (men’s / women’s) is a great technical layer with lightweight warmth and high breathability that performs well in a variety of conditions. The Type 2 Fun pullover is made with quick-drying material to keep you comfortable during high-exertion activity, and it has an extra-long zipper for ventilation. If things start to cool down quickly, this slim, low-profile jacket is also convenient for layering. We recommend the Type 2 Fun Jacket for hikers, climbers, and runners who need a fleece that can quickly adapt to their ever-fluctuating temperature.
Honorable Mentions
The following fleece jackets didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these fleeces might be perfect for you:
Critical Fleece Jacket Considerations
HOODED VS. NON-HOODED - To hood or not to hood? This choice usually comes down to personal style and how you like to layer for the activities you do. Hoods can take the place of a hat and add built-in neck protection to your clothing system. Non-hooded jackets weigh a bit less and are easier to layer.
FULL-ZIP VS. PULLOVER - Many of our favorite fleece jackets are full-zip, but a lot of them are available in pullover styles as well. Full-zip jackets are easier to vent and put on/take off. They also tend to have more features like pockets and a hood. Pullovers are usually a bit lighter-weight/less bulky for packing, and are often more affordable. They’re also the better option if you want to be able to wear your jacket as a next-to-skin layer without another shirt underneath.
The KUHL Interceptr Jacket is thick, warm, and stylish for everyday use
Need More Gear Advice?
If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:
Why Trust Us?
We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:
Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 & Benton Springs jackets are comy, affordable, and they come in tons of colors/sizes
MORE INFORMATION
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Thanks for reading and happy trails!
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