A fleece jacket is an essential part of a clothing system when conditions are wet and cold. Fleece is the ultimate hiking and backpacking layer: it’s warm, comfortable, and dries quickly. Our team of professional gear testers has put over 30 of the most promising fleeces on the market through the wringer from thru-hikes to day trips to determine which are the best value for the money and which perform the best in challenging outdoor conditions.
Keep in mind that a complete layering system also includes a high-quality rain jacket. If you prefer a lighter option, there are plenty of top-tier down jackets to choose from, but we also have you covered for seriously cold weather with our reviews of winter jackets for women and men.
Quick Picks for Fleece Jackets
Take a quick peek at these top fleece jackets, or keep scrolling to explore our full list with detailed reviews below.
Best Fleece Jacket Overall: Patagonia Better Sweater Men’s ($159) / Women’s ($159)
Most Versatile Fleece: Patagonia R1 Air Men’s ($129) / Women’s ($129)
Super Soft & Warm Hoodie Fleece: REI Hyperaxis 2.0 Men’s ($149) / Women’s ($149)
Best Budget Fleece: Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Men’s ($65) / Benton Springs Women’s ($45)
Comfortable, Lightweight & Durable Fleece: Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Men’s ($139) / Women’s ($139)
Most Breathable Fleece: Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s ($99) / Women’s ($99)
Warm & Stylish Fleece for Everyday Use: KUHL Interceptr ($139)
Comfortable & Warm Fleece with a Flattering Fit: Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie Men’s ($200) / Women’s ($200)
Best Minimalist Fleece: Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Fleece Hoodie Men’s ($99) / Women’s ($99)
What’s new
The Clever Hiker team has been testing fleece jackets in chilly conditions to find the top performers for men and women – and we’ve overhauled our list in a major way for 2024.
- The warm, trendy, and stylish Patagonia Better Sweater (men’s / women’s) is our top pick for an outstanding value in chilly weather.
Patagonia Better Sweater
Best Fleece Jacket Overall
Price: $159
Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Mid-heavyweight
Pros
- Very warm
- Durable
- Stylish
- Good value
- Notably comfy/warm hand pockets
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- A bit heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures
- Not as breathable as some
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. Thanks to burly construction, attention to details, and an athletic fit, this fleece is an Editor’s Pick for good reason.
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. We can’t emphasize enough how well the Better Sweater holds up over time – one of our staff has been wearing hers for over a decade, 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 since it’ll no-doubt become one of the most-worn pieces of clothing in your closet. The Better Sweater is also available as a slightly more affordable Quarter-Zip (men’s / women’s).
Patagonia R1 Air
Most Versatile Fleece
Price: $129
Weight: 12.6 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Lightweight
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly breathable
- Quick-drying
- Easy to layer
- Odor-control treatment
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as warm as some
- Not as durable as some
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 – whether you’re walking the dog through the neighborhood or hiking through a cold, misty afternoon on a fall backpacking trip. The R1 Air is also available as a Full-Zip Hoody (men’s / women’s).
REI Hyperaxis 2.0
Super Soft & Warm Hoodie Fleece
Price: $149
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Midweight
Pros
- Very warm
- Stretchy
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Easy to layer
- Excellent comfort
- Good mobility
- Good value
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Fit isn’t as streamlined as some
- Heavier than some for backcountry use
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 more than capable in the backcountry, and we’ve been pleased with its breathability on challenging cold-weather hikes. That said, we love wearing this Editor’s Pick 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 below, but the Hyperaxis Jacket is one of the best values on the market for a technical fleece, and we love the cozy hood when the wind picks up.
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs
Best Budget Fleece
Price: $65
Weight: 1 lb. 3.2 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Mid-heavyweight
Pros
- Affordable
- Quick-drying
- Easy to layer
- Lots of color and size options available
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as warm as some
- On the bulky side for backcountry use
- Not as durable as some
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.
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T
Comfortable, Lightweight, & Durable Fleece
Price: $139
Weight: 1 lb. 2.7 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Midweight
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Great value
- Inclusive sizng
Cons
- A bit bulky for backcountry use
- Loose fit can be a bit tricky to layer
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 and funky, unique colorways 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.
Outdoor Research Vigor
Most Breathable Fleece
Price: $99
Weight: 11.9 oz.(Men’s M)
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
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, so when it comes to high-output activities, we reach for the Vigor. 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 everything from hiking to snowsports – 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 as a Full-Zip Hoodie (men’s / women’s) versions.
KUHL Interceptr
Warm & Stylish Fleece for Everyday Use
Price: $139
Weight: 1 lb. 6.6 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Heavyweight
Pros
- Warm
- Stylish
- Durable
- Good value
- Easy to Layer
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures
- Less breathable than some
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 jacket is a bit heavy for the backcountr. It’s heft and impressive warmth are also better suited for everyday use. If it gets really stormy, the Interceptr also layers nicely under a winter coat or a rain jacket. The Interceptr is easy to love, so it will get a lot of use. We’re big fans of the lower price tag versus similar full-zip jackets, so it’s an excellent value. The Interceptr is also available in Quarter-Zip.
Arc’teryx Kyanite
Comfortable & Warm Fleece with a Flattering Fit
Price: $200
Weight: 1 lb. 0.9 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Midweight
Pros
- Very warm
- Stretchy
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Easy to layer
- Excellent comfort
- Good mobility
Cons
- Expensive
- Slim fit isn't for everyone
- Bulky packed size
- Rigid handwarmer pockets
The Arc’teryx Kyanite (men’s / women’s) sets the bar very high when it comes to streamlined, stylish comfort and unrivaled craftsmanship. This premium fleece jacket is comfortable enough to wear for relaxing evenings, but it’s also a highly versatile layering piece when 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, making it an outstanding choice for any inclement storm. 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.
Eddie Bauer Super Sevens
Best Minimalist Fleece
Price: $99
Weight: 4.9 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Ultralight
Pros
- Ultralight
- Highly breathable
- Quick-drying
- Easy to layer
- Comfortable
- Hoodie Design
Cons
- Not as warm as some
- Not as durable as some
- No zipper / pull-on only
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. Those looking for a warm, comfortable, and featherlight fleece, this Eddie Bauer model is a slam dunk.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Weight | Fleece Weight | 0 |
Patagonia Better Sweater View Men's View Women's 
|
$159 | 1 lb. 6 oz. (Men’s M) | Mid-heavyweight | 1 |
Patagonia R1 Air View Men's View Women's
|
$129 | 12.6 oz. (Men’s M) | Lightweight | 2 |
REI Hyperaxis 2.0 View Men's View Women's
|
$149 | 1 lb. 3 oz. (Men’s M) | Midweight | 3 |
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs View Men's View Women's 
|
$65 | 1 lb. 3.2 oz. (Men’s M) | Mid-heavyweight | 4 |
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T View Men's View Women's |
$139 | 1 lb. 2.7 oz. (Men’s M) | Midweight | 5 |
Outdoor Research Vigor View Men's View Women's |
$99 | 11.9 oz. (Men’s M) | Lightweight | 6 |
KUHL Interceptr View At REI View At Backcountry |
$139 | 1 lb. 6.6 oz. (Men’s M) | Heavyweight | 7 |
Arc’teryx Kyanite View Men's View Women's |
$200 | 1 lb. 0.9 oz. (Men’s M) | Midweight | 8 |
Eddie Bauer Super Sevens View Men's View Women's |
$99 | 4.9 oz. (Men’s M) | Ultralight |
|---|
What’s Most Important To You In A Fleece Jacket?
USE
To decide on 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, consider a heavier, more stylish jacket that’s durable enough to stand regular washing.
Best fleece jackets for backcountry use
- Patagonia R1 Air Men’s / Women’s
- Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s / Women’s
- Eddie Bauer Super Sevens 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 Hyperaxis 2.0 Men’s / Women’s
- Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs
- Arc’teryx Kyanite Men’s / Women’s
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 worth every penny for the meaningful 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 best fits your budget.
Best mid-range 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
- Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs
- Outdoor Research Vigor Men’s / Women’s
Best high-end fleece jacket
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
Best lightweight fleece jackets
Best midweight fleece jackets
- 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
INCLUSIVE SIZING
Every body deserves high performance gear that makes them feel great and look great. The outdoors are for everyone!
Fleece jackets with inclusive sizing
- Patagonia Better Sweater Men’s / Women’s
- Patagonia R1 Air 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
Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)
How to Choose a Fleece Jacket
HOODED VS. NON-HOODED
To hood or not to hood? This choice usually comes down to personal style and how you prefer to layer for different activities. 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, although you may need to bring a hat or a buff for full head coverage.
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.
