Fleece jackets have been around for decades now, and in that time, they’ve become an essential part of any outdoor wardrobe. Prior to fleece (which is made from synthetic fibres), wool was the number one material for keeping you warm outdoors, a job which it still does remarkably well. Just like with down, we still can’t beat nature at its own game. However, although wool is fantastic at keeping you warm even in wet conditions, it’s heavy and bulky. Fleece works in a similar way to wool, using ‘fuzzy’ bundles of fibres (pile) to trap air and create pockets of insulation, but by switching to synthetic fibres and using clever fabric technology, we’re able to mimic nature’s insulation with less weight and bulk.
The Norwegians (who know a thing or two about cold weather) pioneered this idea, with Helly Hansen and Norwegian Fiber Pile Inc co-developing the first synthetic fleece fabrics, which was soon adopted by fishermen trawling in the North Atlantic. Across the pond, Malden Mills in New England and Patagonia introduced their own version in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, which was the first time fleece reached a mass market of outdoors-minded people. Since then, fleece jackets have become almost ubiquitous.
What’s the key to a great fleece jacket? As always, the answer depends on your intended use. Many fleeces work best as a mid-layer in a three-layer system, worn above a base layer and below a waterproof shell. Some fleeces, however, are better as an outer layer, whether it’s because they use heavyweight pile that’s designed for warmth and not for living under a shell, or because they feature waterproof membranes which reduce breathability.
As a general rule, you should want a decent amount of breathability at a minimum. Many fleeces use a plain fabric pattern which emphasises warmth, while more technical ones tend to use a grid pattern which increases breathability. Most fleeces for hiking and climbing tend to feature snug fits to minimise bulk and maximise insulative effectiveness. You probably won’t need any water resistance (although wind resistance is something to look for), and in most cases a quick-drying fleece is better than a waterproof one. It should be lightweight and packable since there will be plenty of times you’ll want to take it off and stash it in your pack while you’re in the move. Other useful features include pockets, a cosy high collar, and easy-to-use zips. Elastic cuffs and hems can help seal out draughts, too.
With all that in mind, we’ve tested 16 of the best men’s and women’s fleece jackets for all kinds of adventures. Find out which one is right for you below.
Best Men’s Outdoor Fleeces for 2026
Jack Wolfskin Prelight Trail Crew
£65
This lightweight fleece from Jack Wolfskin can be layered over a shirt or worn as a shirt itself. The fabric is soft and stretchy, so it moves with you comfortably, but if worn as a shirt, some of the seams in the arms are a little abrasive and it doesn’t have the level of moisture wicking that you’d want from a performance base layer.
When worn on top of a base layer it adds a level of insulative warmth that’s just about right for moving in brisk, windy conditions in the hills while maintaining breathability.
In a line: A comfortable base or mid layer that’s great for hiking.
Warmth: 3/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
Montane Protium Fleece
£70
A straightforward grid fleece option that’s warm and minimalist, ideal for wearing while on the move. As with most grid fleeces it’s not very windproof, but it’s very breathable and effective at keeping warmth in cooler temperatures whether you’re hiking, climbing, or skiing. There are not really many features apart from the half-zip, but the lack of features keeps bulk down and makes it a dead reliable mid layer for an attractive price. I reckon everyone’s wardrobe could use at least one of these in winter.
In a line: An excellent layer that’ll keep you warm for any activity
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Helly Hansen Daybreaker Snap Pullover
£75
The Daybreaker is a versatile layer that’s ultra soft and very cosy. It’s not a super technical garment, with a looser fit and not many features, but it’s ideal for throwing on at camp, while having lunch on a hike, or activities where you’re not working up too much of a sweat. Windproofing is very good especially with the high collar, and it dries quickly too. The buttons are a bit fiddly, and the one large pocket lacks any zips to keep valuables safe.
In a line: Cosy and comforting for use around camp
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 3/5
Packability: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Rab Ramshaw Hoody
£90
The Ramshaw is comfortable in every sense. It uses warm grid fleece that’s not so breathable as to render it ineffective in a stiff breeze, but it’s still breathable enough for activities like hiking and climbing. The fit is relaxed – almost a little baggy if you’ve got a slimmer build – but cosy, with a similar feel to a normal cotton hoody. It’s easy to layer, although it’s a little heavier than most other fleeces in the test by around 100g. Easy to wear everyday.
In a line: A technical take on the classic hoody
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 3/5
Overall: 4/5
Keela Genesis
£104.95
This big burly fleece is an impressive shield against the elements: it’s very warm, windproof, and waterproof. It’s also got reinforced shoulders and elbows, and two zipped hip pockets. The trade-off for all this weather protection is two-fold: it weighs about double any other fleece in this test at around 900g in the mid-sizes, and breathability is significantly impaired. I found sweat doesn’t escape well, and once the inside is wet it takes a long time to dry. In undemanding situations, it’s quality.
In a line: An effective barrier against the elements
Warmth: 5/5
Breathability: 1/5
Packability: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
Cotopaxi Teca
£110
The Teca is designed as an all-round layer that’s best suited to slow-moving or stationary activities. It’s warm, soft, and lightweight, and can be easily worn under or over other layers. It’s not particularly breathable, and the fit is a little restrictive in the chest, so I’d avoid wearing it while trekking or climbing, but for around town or camping it’s a comfortable and insulative option. Decent windproofing too, especially with the taffeta panels on the chest, and funky colours is a bonus.
In a line: A warm, soft fleece that’s great around town
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 2/5
Packability: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Patagonia R1 Air
£130
The R1 Air’s grid fleece excels in breathability: it’s basically see-through. This makes it ideal for layering and activities when you’re on the go, and sweat isn’t an issue with the fleece, particularly since it dries fast. Unsurprisingly, it’s not the most insulative, but it manages to hold in warmth when you’re generating it to the level that’s ideal for winter mountain adventures when worn under a shell. It packs away easily, but still comes with a chest pocket and two hand pockets with zips.
In a line: Superb breathability for active winter adventures
Warmth: 3/5
Breathability: 5/5
Packability: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Montbell CLIMAAIR Reversible
£175
One side is soft fleece, the other is water-resistant and windproof ripstop. How well does it work? Superbly. Worn with the fleece on the inside, this reversible jacket is warm and impressively weather-proof, although it won’t stand up to very heavy rain. Fleece side out, and it becomes a little less warm (but still toasty) for when you’re on the move. For a half-shell fleece, it’s impressively breathable, and for everything up to demanding technical activities it’s a fantastic option.
In a line: A jack of all trades that’s hard to fault
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 3/5
Overall: 4/5
Best Women’s Outdoor Fleeces for 2026
Craghoppers Miska VI
£25
The Miska VI keeps things simple. It’s lightweight, keeps you warm when you’re on the go, and it has a comfortable fit that’s neither too loose or too snug. The features are minimal: you get a half-zip and mid-rise collar, but no pockets. The quality is good for the price, and if you’re after a fleece for layering beneath your waterproof jacket on a stroll, you don’t need to look much further than this. It won’t keep you warm on its own when you’re not moving, however.
In a line: Very soft and warm, it’s all you need in many situations
Warmth: 3/5
Breathability: 2/5
Packability: 4/5
Overall: 3/5
Ayacucho Thirlmere
£60
Roomy and comfortable, the Thirlmere is a great layer for throwing on around camp or after a hike. It’s bit too bulky to work effectively as a mid-layer, but on cooler days when the sun’s out, it’s a cosy and functional jacket. There’s a big roomy front pocket, elasticated hem and cuffs to keep the wind out, and a snug collar, although I’d like the pockets to be lined to keep your hands warmer. The bold prints give it personality, which I like.
In a line: A cosy option with fun designs for everyday usage
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 3/5
Packability: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Keela Nairn
£79.95
A classic outdoors fleece, made with Polartec Thermal Pro which provides excellent insulation with minimal bulk. A true midlayer, breathability is good and the Nairn is effective at regulating moisture on active hikes. It’s a minimal design but the inclusion of a zip chest pocket, thumb holes, and a zip guard on the collar are nice touches. It has a slim, body-hugging fit, and although it’s insulating, it’s not as soft and cosy as others. Another fine example of Keela’s excellent value-for-money.
In a line: An ideal midlayer for winter hikes
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Berghaus Kinetic Powerstretch Hoody
£140
This hoody from Berghaus has plenty of features that gear it towards active, technical outings like ridge scrambling and winter trekking. The fit is very snug but the Polartec Power Stretch Pro fleece allows for unrestricted movement, and the hood and thumb loops help keep the jacket close to your body. Warmth is just about spot on for British winters: enough to keep you toasty while moving on exposed summits but breathable enough that you won’t need to take it off in milder conditions. Two zip pockets seal the deal.
In a line: Perfect for when you’re moving quickly in tough conditions
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Peak Performance Fleece Half Zip
£140
A proper classic fleece that feels great to wear, with a relaxed fit, half zip, and cosy pockets. It’s best worn as a standalone layer but does fit under a shell, although it’s more of an everyday piece rather than a technical hiking or climbing layer. Windproofing and warmth is very good, although it lacks some breathability when you’re working hard, and there are better options if you need a fleece for layering. It runs a little on the larger size, particularly with the length.
In a line: Hard to beat when you just want pure comfort
Warmth: 4/5
Breathability: 3/5
Packability: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Columbia Arctic Crest Hybrid
£145
The Arctic Crest fleece is a technical layer that excels when you’re moving in properly cold environments: it’s very insulating yet still breathable, but can often be a bit too warm for milder British winter conditions. It uses some clever technology, including ‘Omni-Heat Arctic’ which apparently absorbs solar heat for extra warmth, inspired by polar bears. It seems to do the trick, and besides being toasty, it’s very lightweight, packable and comes with three zip pockets. An excellent choice for cold conditions.
In a line: When the temperature really drops, you won’t regret having this
Warmth: 5/5
Breathability: 3/5
Packability: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Montane Sirocco Lite
£160
Combining fleece with thin insulated panels and stretch fabric, this is a smart hybrid jacket that is incredibly lightweight: just 245g in UK 12, and it packs down into a tiny size too. Despite this, it’s very insulating, particularly when you’re on the move, and the athletic fit and stretchiness gives it a cosy compression, although you can start to feel moisture build up inside when you’re working hard. Loses marks on quality, with the zips and logo details not quite what you’d expect from the price.
In a line: An impressive technical fleece that’s slightly let down by quality
Warmth: 5/5
Breathability: 4/5
Packability: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
Mammut Tamaro Pro ML
£185
The Tamaro Pro ML exudes quality. It’s an ideal midlayer in colder conditions, being warm enough for subzero temperatures but remaining breathable when you’re hiking. The fit is relaxed if a little boxy, but it’s still snug enough to fit under other layers and easily stash away when needed. Details like the embroidered logos, lined pockets, and quality stitching make the price more palatable, and it really is incredibly soft and comfortable. If you buy one, you probably won’t take it off all winter.
In a line: Combines both cosy comfort and technical performance
Warmth: 5/5
Breathability: 5/5
Packability: 4/5
Overall: 5/5