From unlikely origins in toilet seats, midlayers and fleece jackets have come on leaps and bounds over the decades. Now, there’s a wide variety of designs to choose from, from fleeces to softshell-style ‘active insulation’. The aim is to strike a balance between warmth, breathability and wicking, depending on your activity and expected weather conditions.
Layering is one of the best ways to feel comfortable through a day of hillwalking or mountaineering. Being able to strip down to lighter layers on ascent and then wrap back up for stops, with options in between, stops you getting really sweaty and damp.
Midlayers are often sandwiched between baselayer and a waterproof or insulated jacket. Season and activity will guide your choice of weight and thickness, with colder climes generally needing thicker layers. Some designs employ zoning for increasing warmth around your torso, and thinner areas for breathability on the arms.
Consider the warmth to weight and bulk ratio too – merino and grid synthetics can mean more warmth for less bulk. Price will vary with the range of features included and materials used for the midlayer. Generally, plain fleece is cheaper but bulkier and potentially less breathable.
Look for pockets, whether they’re zipped and where they are. A hood can be useful too. They’re called midlayers, but when the weather is nice or we’re working hard, they often become our outer layer. An element of windproofing can extend the usefulness of a garment – that might be a shell outer or just the weave or knit pattern. Some mids come with a water repellent finish, which again can extend the use case.
The final thing to consider is fit and feel, which will ultimately make a layer work for you or not. Finding something that moves with you, isn’t too tight, and also fits under a waterproof or belay jacket is important.
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The best fleece jackets and midlayers we’ve tested
Our team of experts at The Great Outdoors has tested over a 100 fleece jackets over the years, from the dawn of synthetic fleece as used in outdoor clothing. This includes some of the best fleece jackets and midlayers for men and women which we have put through their paces in mountain environments. In this guide, we round up the best from all these tests.
| Quick List |
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| Best in Test for women: Alpkit Morphosis (available from Decathlon) |
| Best in Test for men: Patagonia R1 Thermal (available from Cotswold Outdoor) |
| Best for three-season use: Montane Fury Lite Hooded Jacket (available from Montane) |
| Greener Choice: Haglofs Mimic Alert Hood (available from Haglofs) |
| Best Value: Highlander Ember (available from Decathlon) |
| Lightest in test: Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody (available from LD Mountain Centre) |
For more, browse all of our reviews of fleece jackets and mid layers – the ones we rated and the ones we didn’t.
Best in Test (women's)
Alpkit Morphosis
Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test
This jacket has been one of the first things I reach for when heading out over the past few months; it’s really light, packs down well, and works well for everything outside.- versatile
- price
- hand pockets are a bit low for a rucksack or harness waist band
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $139.99 / £99.99 (available from Decathlon) Weight: 263g (size 10) Fill: 100% polyester micro-gridded fleece (155gsm) Hood: Helmet compatible, stiffened peak, single rear adjustment Shell: 100% nylon (20d), 6 CFM air permeability, PFC free DWR treatment Pockets: 2 zipped hand, 1 zipped chest Hem: Adjustable drawcord Cuffs: Semi elasticated Sizes: 8 – 20 Men’s version: yes alpkit.com |
The clue is in the name – I’ve used the Alpkit Morphosis midlayer while hillwalking and mountaineering, mountain and gravel biking, and rock climbing, and it works well for all. For winter I double up this with another mid, but for 3 season, higher energy activities like biking, it’s very breathable and I’ve not needed to change layers often to manage my temperature.
The fit is really adaptable – I’ve worn over a long sleeved baselayer and another slim midlayer, but it still feels neat over just a t-shirt. There’s an adjustable hem with a drawcord on each side. The sleeves are close fitting and slim, but even though I’ve got quite short arms, I didn’t feel the extra length. The cuffs are simple elasticated affairs neat and sit well under other layers.
This jacket has been one of the first things I reach for when heading out over the past few months; it’s really light, packs down well, and works well for everything outside.
Read more: Kirsty’s full Alpkit Morphosis review
Best in Test (men's)
Patagonia R1 Thermal
Alex Roddie’s Best in Test & Greener Choice
Patagonia garments are not cheap, but the R1 Thermal has become my go-to lightweight fleece for pretty much everything.- superb breathability
- pong resistance
- quick drying
- comfortable
- looks good
- not the lightest
- sleeves and hem too long
- price
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $199 / £180 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 398g (M) Fill: 6.5-oz 91% recycled polyester/9% elastane flat-faced Technostretch fleece Hood: no Shell: n/a Pockets: 2 zipped external handwarmer, 1 zipped internal chest Hem: no Cuffs: simple Sizes: XS – XXL Men’s version: yes eu.patagonia.com |
The Patagonia R1 Thermal is a superb fleece with a winning combination of performance, features, and sustainable credentials. The fabric is a lightweight flat-faced grid fleece that Patagonia call Technostretch. In terms of performance, it’s up there with the best fleece I’ve ever used, and has a remarkable ability to cope with a wide range of temperatures and conditions. It’s impossible to overwhelm this jacket with sweat or perspiration and it dries quickly.
It’s not the lightest fleece jacket with this level of warmth, but it does seem immune to pong! No odour-control technology is mentioned in the spec sheet, but I’ve washed this twice in five months (including a week of nonstop wear) and it’s fine.
Patagonia have announced that they are moving away from silver-based anti-odour treatments due to environmental reasons. Fewer washes = less microplastic shedding, which is another point in its favour. Finally on the sustainability front, it’s made from 91% recycled polyester.
Read more: Alex’s full Patagonia R1 Thermal review
Best three-season use
Montane Fury Lite Hooded Jacket
Alex Roddie’s Best in Test
I’ve found this the ideal fleece for general three-season use. Although I’ll still reach for the Allez Micro in milder conditions, this one is a bit warmer, a bit cosier, and with more casual styling.- Comfortable and soft
- Good warmth for three-season use
- Hight stretch
- Breathability
- Nothing
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $130 / £100 (available from Montane) Weight: 341g Materials: 51% recycled polyester, 39% nylon, 10% elastane Hood: helmet-compatible, elasticated, no adjustment Front closure: one-way zip with internal flap Pockets: 2x zipped external handwarmer Hem: no adjustment Cuffs: simple Womens/mens version: both Sizes: men: S–XXL; women: 8–16 montane.com |
The Montane Fury Lite is a lightweight, versatile fleece jacket that offers warmth and versatility. It is designed as a standard zipped fleece jacket with a basic hood and two handwarmer pockets, making it a popular choice for its athletic fit. The jacket’s high stretch allowed me to have exceptional freedom of movement, and the outer face moves freely under the shell, while the inner face is soft and fluffy. Although it is less capable in varying conditions than the more technical Allez Micro, the Fury Lite is good at resisting overheating, providing excellent moisture wicking and breathability.
It is also more wind-resistant than the Allez Micro. Montane claims that the abrasion-resistant fabric has been engineered for increased durability, but no evidence of wear has been observed. The hood on the Montane Fury Lite is perfect, providing good coverage for the face without any adjustment. The jacket is ideal for general three-season use, but is a bit warmer, cosier, and with more casual styling. The value is also decent.
Read more: Alex’s full Montane Fury Lite Hooded Jacket review
Best stretch
Outdoor Research Women’s Deviator Hoodie
Lara Dunn’s Best in Test
This is a highly technical and warm midlayer that also works well as a stand alone jacket and doesn’t come with a weight penalty.- Stretchy
- Lightweight
- Very breathable
- Could use a drawcord of some sort
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £200 Weight: 341g (women’s large) Materials: stretch shell 90% nylon/10% elastane, wind resistant shell 95% polyester/5% elastane, lining 100% polyester – VerticalX Octa, ActiveTemp fabrics Hood: same fabrics as body with soft peak Cuffs: soft stretch, same fabrics as body Hem: same stretch fabrics as body Pockets: 2 x handwarmer, 1 x chest Sizes: XS-XXL Women’s/Men’s version: both www.outdoorresearch.com |
Outdoor Research’s Deviator is a lightweight hooded jacket that combines lightweight softshell and insulation fabrics with stretch for reliable warmth and wind resistance. The jacket’s sleek, stretchy fit is not overt, providing excellent mobility and making it ideal for high-energy activities. The jacket’s fabrics are zoned, with a stretch knit fluffy fleece lining backing wind-resistant ultralight softshell panels at the front, hood, shoulders, and tops of sleeves. The rest of the jacket features highly breathable and moisture-wicking stretch waffle knit panels.
The Deviator is light and stretchy, providing a surprising level of warmth for its weight. It is best suited for cool or warmer temperatures on its own, but can layer up under a waterproof shell due to its low bulk fit. It is a lightweight and compact option for rucksacks, and its wind-resistant panels offer protection from rucksack straps. The jacket is a highly technical and warm midlayer that can also be used as a stand-alone jacket without a weight penalty.
Read more: Lara’s full Outdoor Research Women’s Deviator Hoodie review
Salewa Agner Polarlite Hooded Jacket
Fiona’s Russell’s Best in Test
Although the Salewa Agner Polarlite Hooded Jacket was the priciest of the jackets Fiona Russell tested, it’s the one she would choose to buy.- Fabric
- Fit
- Features
- Quality
- Price
- Sizing
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: not available in US | £140 (available from Salewa) Weight: 370g (UK12) Materials: Duratretch PFC-free bluesign 151g/sqm – 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane – and Polarlite Pontetorto bluesign 225g/sqm – 94% Polyester (recycled), 6% Elastane Hood: Yes Front Closure: full zip Pockets: 2 Hem: Plain Cuffs: Elasticated Men’s version: Yes Sizes: UK4 to 14 |
The Salewa Agner Polarlite Hooded Jacket is a high-quality, versatile mid-layer jacket that features a hybrid construction with Polarlite for a fleecy and insulating inner, and Durastretch inserts for abrasion resistance. The jacket is body-mapped, with different fabrics matching body needs, and is made with recycled polyester and bluesign-approved fabrics.
The jacket is windproof and I found it suitable for both casual office wear and outdoor activities. It also has a Durastretch hood with side openings for helmet straps and two high-set zipped pockets. The full front zip is made of chunky plastic. The jacket is designed for an “athletic fit” and offers great freedom of movement. Although I found the sizing to be bit difficult to fit, the Agner is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality, versatile jacket.
Read Fiona’s full Salewa Agner Polarlite Hooded Jacket review
Best shirt
Alpkit Woodsmoke
Peter Macfarlane’s Best in Test
Peter Macfarlane says the Alpkit Woodsmoke is a genuinely do-it-all top with sustainable manufacturing origins and awards it his ‘Best in Test’.- Fit
- Comfort
- Fabric
- No lower pockets
- Poppers won’t suit everyone
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: $99.99 | £89.99 (available to buy from Alpkit) Weight: 386g size L Materials: 95% Thermocore polyester/ 5% spandex fabric, metal poppers Hood: No Front Closure: metal poppers Pockets: two high chest, flapped and poppered Hem: plain Cuffs: shirt style, popper adjustable Sizes: XS to XXL Women version: Yes |
The Alpkit Woodsmoke comes in a light and stretchy polyester fabric with a brushed surface which feels very pleasant against the skin. The Thermocore fabric is described as having hollow core fibres which trap air for insulation and there is good warmth here despite the noticeably thin fabric. during testing I wore the Woodsmoke over short and long-sleeved base layers and often it’s been layered under a shell or windshirt. The insulation level for layering is useable outside of winter temperatures. I’ve found the moisture management very good too. While I can wet out the back area under a pack, it does dry quickly.
Read Peter’s full Alpkit Woodsmoke review
Best merino midlayer
Artilect Quandary Peak Hoodie
Kirsty Pallas recommends
As with all merino items, it comes with a higher price point, but the warmth and longevity are worth it.- warmth
- soft fabric
- price
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $230 / £190 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 300g (Small) Fill: Nuyarn 220g fleece, 78% merino 22% nylon Hood: yes Shell: n/a Pockets: 2 zipped hand pockets, 1 zipped forearm pocket Hem: simple Cuffs: simple with a thumb loop Sizes: XS – XL Men’s version: yes artilectperformance.com |
I’ve used several merino base layers, but this Artilect Quandary Peak Hoodie is my first merino midlayer and I’m converted. The Nuyarn fabric that Artilect uses across their range has a great warmth to weight ratio and dries much quicker than other merino garments. Plus it has all the usual benefits of the fabric: a soft feel and odour resistance, which means it can be worn for longer than a synthetic layer. As it’s a fine knit fabric, it’s not windproof but very breathable.
It’s a neat fit but I was still easily able to get it on over a long sleeved baselayer and it was warm enough for winter days out with another lighter windproof layer on top. It has a longer cut than the others in this test, which means it comes down to almost cover my bum, so it’s draft free.
As with all merino items, it comes with a higher price point, but the warmth and longevity are worth it.
Read more: Kirsty’s full Artilect Quandry Peak Hoodie review
Greener Choice
Haglofs Mimic Alert Hood
Alex Roddie’s Greener Choice
Overall this is a fantastic layering piece for winter mountaineering or a great synthetic jacket for three-season use.- versatile
- good breathability
- freedom of movement
- comfy, soft fabric
- chest pocket too small
| Quick specs |
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| Price: no US shipping / £210 (available from Haglofs) Weight: 437g (M) Fill: 75% recycled polyester, 25% polyester, 60g/m2, Bluesign approved Hood: helmet-compatible, single rear adjustment Shell: knitted fabric: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane; woven fabric & brushed tricot: 100% recycled polyester, Bluesign approved Pockets: 2 zipped external handwarmer, 1 zipped internal chest Hem: adjustable drawcord Cuffs: elastic Sizes: S–XXXL Men’s version: yes haglofs.com |
This synthetic insulated midlayer is a versatile choice in a wide range of colder mountain situations, working well under a shell in all-out Winter as well as doing double duty as a standalone insulated piece. This jacket is filled with Haglöfs’ MIMIC Silver, a partially recycled sheet insulation that offers breathable warmth. The fabric is partially recycled, and some components are Bluesign-approved.
I mostly used it over the top of a lightweight fleece pullover and underneath a shell jacket – a bombproof combo for the worst winter conditions in the Cairngorms, when you need layers to be unrestrictive and breathe well but also a good level of active warmth. The outer fabric doesn’t snag beneath a shell and the inner fabric is wonderfully soft and comfy.
It’s cut like a midlayer, slightly snug around the torso and hips but with enough room for a thin layer underneath. Freedom of movement is fine, helped by slightly stretchy fabric. I really like the hood, which is big enough to fit over a woolly hat and has a snug fleece lining inside the face guard.
Read more: Alex’s full Haglofs Mimic Alert Hood review
Smartwool Women’s Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket
Lara Dunn Highly Recommends
It’s a genuinely versatile jacket and good for a wide variety of temperatures plus it gets a big tick for Smartwool’s ethical and environmental stance.- Very stretchy
- Wind resistant panels
- Good temp stability
- Neat fitting
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £149.99 Weight: 387g (women’s large) Materials: 53% merino wool/21.3% lyocell/21% polyester/5% elastane Features: wide soft collar, wind resistant panels, zoned breathability Sizes: XS-XL Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.smartwool.co.uk |
The Intraknit Active jacket is a versatile layer made from Smartwool’s merino wool, blended with other performance yarns and fabrics. It offers warmth, temperature maintenance, odour tackling, wind resistance, and high levels of stretch. The jacket’s slim fit makes the fabric stretchy and breathable, but it’s important to consider its use as a midlayer under a shell.
In use, it’s a comfortable layer in various weather conditions, delivering stable body temperature in temperatures from mid-single figures to mid-teens. The jacket’s high breathability and moisture transport properties compensate for the wind resistance offered by the front panels. A wind-resistant fabric across the shoulders could be improved for protection from rucksack strap wear.
When worn with a shell layer, the jacket’s sleek fit and cozy collar make it an impressive insulating layer. Although heavier than some midlayers, it’s not heavyweight and can be used as a daypack extra layer on changeable days. The jacket is versatile and good for a wide variety of temperatures, and it aligns with Smartwool’s ethical and environmental stance, pushing for more sustainable outdoor clothing.
Read more: Lara’s full Smartwool Women’s Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket Review
Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody
Alex Roddie Recommends
Overall, I think this is a great choice for Scottish winter backpacking or mountaineering.- Warmth for weight
- Breathability
- Freedom of movement
- Hood could be bettter
- Expensive
| Quick specs | |
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| Price: £260 Weight: 391g Materials: 20D nylon stretch ripstop with PFC-free DWR, Primaloft Gold Active insulation (100% polyester), nylon stretch woven lining Hood: helmet-compatible, single rear adjustment Front closure: one-way zip with internal flap Pockets: 2x zipped external handwarmer, 1x zipped external chest Hem: adjustable drawcord Cuffs: elastic Womens/mens version: both Sizes: XS–XL blackdiamondequipment.com |
The Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody is a perfect synthetic midlayer for winter, offering freedom of movement, warmth without being too warm, and a hood that reduces the need for hats and balaclavas. The jacket has a perfect fit, with room for a light fleece underneath and good coverage for the backside. The outer face fabric is soft and durable, and the inner fabric is soft and cosy, with just the right amount of Primaloft Gold insulation for effective winter use. The materials used are Bluesign-approved and PFC-free.
The First Light Stretch Hoody serves as a great choice for spring or summer backpacking, but its high breathability may not provide as good wind resistance as most dedicated insulated jackets. The hood is helmet-compatible but doesn’t offer enough coverage for the face and mouth, which can result in cold breezes. Despite this, it moves well with the head. Overall, the First Light Stretch Hoody is a great choice for Scottish winter backpacking or mountaineering.
Read more: Alex’s full Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody review
Inov-8 Venturelite Mid Hoodie
Fiona Russell Recommends
I like that inov-8 have paid attention to looks as well as outdoor practicalities, plus there is an extra attention to detail with a small reflective feature at the rear.- Fit
- Weight
- Warmth
- Fiddly zip
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $140 | £110 (available from inov-8 & Sports Shoes) Weight: 267g (UK10) Materials: 92% recycled polyester / 8% elastane Hood: Yes Front Closure: Full zip Pockets: 2 Hem: Elasticated Cuffs: Elasticated with thumb loops Men’s version: Yes Sizes: UK6 to 16 |
The female-specific and athletic fit of the inov-8 Venturelite mid hoodie is well designed and flattering. The neat and tight hood, longer torso and arms with thumb-loops combine to offer extra insulation around the head, hips and wrists. Unfortunately, for me the sleeves are not long enough to make use of the thumb-loops without cutting off circulation. The textured hexagon inner knit fleece is lovely and soft against the skin, while the outer is a smooth polyester that keeps its look after many wears and washes.
Read more: Fiona’s full Inov-8 Venturelite mid hoodie review
Lightest in test
Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody
Fiona Russell Recommends
Fiona Russell finds the Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody a cleverly designed mid-layer with good moisture management and weight-to-warmth ratios.- Lightweight
- Fit
- Technical design
- Thin fabric
- Wind permiable
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $180 | £130 (available from LD Mountain Centre) Weight: 221g (small) Materials: Polartec® Power Dry® fleece Hood: yes Front closure: half zip Pockets: 1 Hem: Plain Cuffs: Elasticated with thump loops Men’s version: No (full zip jacket version for men) Sizes: XS to XL |
The design of the Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody is trim, athletic and figure hugging. The sizing is accurate with the addition of a longer torso and longer arms, plus thumb-loops. The “ScubaHood” fits under a helmet, should you need to wear one, and has a panel that can be tucked behind the head or worn as a neck gaiter or balaclava. This is a clever detail and useful in colder conditions. Note that if you wear glasses, the neck gaiter causes them to steam up if you have it over your nose.
Read more: Fiona’s full Arc’teryx Delta ½ Zip hoody review
Berghaus MTN Seeker ST Jacket
Peter Macfarlane recommends
Peter Macfarlane says the Berghaus MTN Seeker ST Jacket offers good warmth for weight and an incredibly comfortable fit.- Comfort
- Fabric
- Fit
- Nothing
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: International shipping available | £130.00 (available to buy from Berghaus) Weight: 384g (size L) Materials: Polartec Power Stretch Pro Hood: No | Front Closure: full zip Pockets: two zipped mid height Hem: stretch binding Cuffs: stretch binding with elastic thumb loops Sizes: XS to 2XL Women’s version: Yes |
The Berghaus MTN Seeker ST Jacket is part of Berghaus’ Extrem range which is their top end mountain specific collection so I was looking for simple, practical and durable during testing. The fit is close with long arms and long body which is excellent under other layers. The articulation is perfect with no hem movement at all with both of my arms raised over my head.
Read more: Peter’s full Berghaus MTN Seeker ST Jacket review
Haglöfs ROC Flash Mid Hood Men
Peter Macfarlane Recommends
Peter Macfarlane recommends the Haglöfs ROC Flash Mid Hood, saying it is both comfortable and sustainably made.- Fit
- Fabric
- Comfort and hood
- Pocket design
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: not available in the US | £110.00 (available to buy from Haglofs) Weight: 372g size L Materials: recycled polyester grid backed fleece Hood: Yes Front Closure: full zip Pockets: two zipped mid height Hem: plain Cuffs: plain Sizes: S to XXL Women’s version: yes |
The Haglöfs ROC Flash Mid Hood is the only top reviewed this time that has a hood, which proved to be excellent. It has a sculpted, close-fitting shape that moved with my head without restricting the movement or obstructing my view. The warmth was enough to replace a beanie or Buff, plus there’s the added convenience of it always being there. The light fabric means that the hood doesn’t bunch up annoyingly when rolled down under a shell. It also acts well as a collar when the zip is pulled up to the top, where there is welcome chin protection detailing.
Read more: Peter’s full Haglofs ROC Flash Mid Hood Men review
Best value
Highlander Ember fleece
Alex Roddie’s Best Value
Overall, competent performance at low price is the headline here, and it’s easy to recommend for a lightweight fleece that gets the basics right.- warmth for weight
- breathability
- comfort
- value
- fit
- long-term durability
- less temperature regulation than grid fleece
- no known sustainability credentials
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: no US shipping / £24.99 (available from Decathlon) Weight: 250g (M) Fill: 100% Polyester brushed fleece Hood: none Shell: n/a Pockets: none Hem: no adjustment Cuffs: simple Sizes: men: XS–XXL; women: XS–XXL Men’s version: yes highlander-outdoor.com |
This garment is made from standard brushed polyester fleece – no grid backing or fancy face finishings. It’s warm but not too warm, it breathes well but not as well as more modern grid fabric, and it has a degree of stretch. One downside compared to higher-spec’ed fabrics is that basic fleece lacks that temperature regulation magic… so, overheating is possible in some conditions. However, I found it great under a shell in chilly Autumn or average winter conditions, and only found it stuffy above about 10°C.
The feature set is basic. It’s a pullover with a quarter-length zip, no pockets, a high collar, and simple cuffs. A simple design is all you really need in a garment like this, especially when worn beneath a shell. It’s also very lightweight. Overall, competent performance at low price is the headline here, and it’s easy to recommend for a lightweight fleece that gets the basics right.
Read more: Alex’s full Highlander Ember review
How we tested
Kirsty Pallas is a women’s size 8-10 and a regular build. These midlayers were tested throughout winter 2023/24 in the Scottish Highlands while climbing, mountaineering, hillwalking, and biking, and in a range of weather. All weights taken from Kirsty’s own scales.
Alex Roddie tested his midlayers on a series of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Cairngorms, West Highlands, and lowlands of Angus and Perthshire. All weights are as measured on Alex’s digital scale (men’s size Medium).
Lara Dunn usually takes a size UK14 or sometimes a UK16 in high street clothing, depending on fit/shape/purpose of garment. These midlayers were mostly tested on short and longer day walks in the Malvern Hills during a chilly (down to low single digits), wet late winter and through spring (up to around 14 degrees), with additional day trips to the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.
Fiona Russell tested the fleece and light mid-layers on the trails, hills and mountains of Scotland and in a range of weather conditions. She is a keen runner and Munro and Corbett bagger. She usually wears a size small or UK10, although she is fairly tall at 5ft 8in and has long arms. The products were weighed on home digital scales.
Peter Macfarlane began testing these samples on the Munros last winter and they’ve been in constant use through to the summer of this year on hill days, low level tracks and trails, general outdoor exploring and also as regular everyday wear. Peter’s role as a Woodland Trust ranger is important to him for judging the performance and the durability of gear with regular traverses of the Kilpatrick Hills in all weathers and at any time of day or night.
Features of a good fleece or midlayer
Fabric
Fleece is the classic choice and still a great pick – it’s relatively breathable, affordable, and performs well. Synthetic insulated garments offer more warmth for the weight and are worth a look for colder weather.
Fit
A good midlayer is roomy enough to fit over a base layer without discomfort, but not so bulky it won’t fit under your waterproof. Make sure it won’t ride up over your bum (or sit so low it gets wet when it rains). Length helps keep vital organs warm and prevents riding up. A close fit is more efficient at keeping you warm and dry. Arm movement should be unrestricted – important for scrambling or climbing. Fleece has a degree of natural stretch; in other garments, look for a percentage of elastane.
Warmth
In three-season conditions most of us need less warmth when on the move than you might think. A good midlayer will regulate temperature across a range of conditions. Thicker, warmer midlayers are great for full winter conditions (or you could layer two light garments).
Breathability
To transport perspiration away from your body, a midlayer must be breathable even when you’re working hard uphill. Modern grid fleece is typically more breathable than traditional fleece.
Weather resistance
Some midlayers have a light DWR coating to repel showers. Synthetic insulated midlayers are usually more windproof than fleece, which makes them more versatile to use as an outer layer.
Sustainability
Polyester fleece can be a source of microplastic pollution; some brands are working towards reducing this, by engineering fabric to reduce shedding and encouraging consumers to wash clothes less frequently. Some brands offer products made from partially or fully recycled fabric. And a longer-lasting product is (all else being equal) more sustainable.
Pockets
Napoleon or bicep pockets are good for smaller items. Torso pockets are larger but all can interfere with harnesses and rucksack straps so check fit. Zips keep things safe inside.
Hood
Provides extra warmth on cold days, but can be a faff under other layers.
Front Zip
Full length or not… You decide! Some are sold as “interactive” zips that combine with a waterproof to make a padded 2-in-1 jacket. The downside to this system is a cold spot down the front where the zips meet.
Cuffs
Some have a hook and loop tab or thumb loops to deal with drafts.
Hem
Stretchy edge finishing or a drawcord help to keep drafts out and prevent riding up, but check the drawcord/toggle wont chafe under your rucksack.
How to wash a fleece jacket or midlayer
Some midlayers are crafted with a degree of odour-resistance. Less washing preserves the fabric quality and fit and helps to lessen environmental impact. if you do need to wash your midlayers, consult the manufacturing guidelines. If your midlayer has a DWR coating, you can use a reproofing treatment to keep this intact.
Can fleece jackets and midlayers get wet?
Some midlayers have a light DWR coating to repel showers. Synthetic insulated midlayers are usually more windproof than fleece, which makes them more versatile to use as an outer layer.
How warm are fleece jackets?
In three-season conditions most of us need less warmth when on the move than you might think. A good midlayer will regulate temperature across a range of conditions. Thicker, warmer midlayers are great for full winter conditions (or you could layer two light garments). If you seek extra warmth, look for a close fit and features such as hoods, handwarmer pockets or a drawcord hem to keep out drafts.
When you sweat, you can become chilled. To transport perspiration away from your body, a midlayer must be breathable even when you’re working hard uphill. Modern grid fleece is typically more breathable than traditional fleece.
