Layering is the way in the mountains, where temperatures can span the range from broiling to freezing in the course of a few hours. The Mclean has been an essential part of my layering system for the mountains. Here is what I wear. First a lightweight vaporwick t-shirt for the roaster sunny moments, followed by a lightweight half zip lightweight underwear piece followed by the McLean. For most of the day the McLean will Stay on, and the Hood is great!! It can be worn under or over the helmet due to it's stretchy but sleek cut. Sometimes I would start up a climb with the helmet over the hood, and then as things heated up, I would yard the hood out from under my helmet without having to take it off...nifty trick I do say! One small pocket on the arm where it doesn't get in the way...nice place for the belay knife and maybe a bar. This is one of my favorite pieces that TNF currently makes and in my opinion is one of the best lightweight fleece rigs on the market. This is the sweater that you will live in. On the scale of one to BOmb-diggity, I give it BOMB DIGGITY.

I love this fleece. The fit is perfect. It is slender, without looking emo-tight. It hugs without constricting; it kisses without the preponderance of tongue. I wear it out on my weekend trips into my local backcountry, and it keeps me warm, and wicks like a candle. The thumb loops are actually more useful than I thought they would be; they keep my hands noticeably warmer than otherwise. The hood actually makes me feel a bit like a ninja.

the most versatile layering piece for any adventure, this is a little bit lighter and has a softer hand than the patagonia R! hoody (a piece I coveted for years) has more stretch and lower profile thumb loops. Such a crucial item!