Choosing the Right Fleece

It seems there are a million different types of fleece out there, and we know choosing the right one can be tough; that’s why we put together this guide. To simplify things, we have broken fleece down into four main categories: Lightweight, Midweight, Heavyweight and Windproof. While not every fleece will fit neatly into the definitions below, there should be enough information here to set you on the right path.

Lightweight	Midweight	Heavyweight	Windproof

Popular Materials: 100-Weight Fleece Polartec® Thermal Pro® (lightweight) R1® TKA 100®	Popular Materials: 200-Weight Fleece Polartec® Thermal Pro® (midweight) R2® TKA 200®	Popular Materials: 300-Weight Fleece Polartec® Thermal Pro® High Loft R3® TKA 300®	Popular Materials: Polartec® Wind Pro® R4® WindStopper® WindWall®
Description & Use: Bridges the gap between heavy base layers and mid-layer insulation. Low bulk, highly breathable. Good for active athletes who generate lots of body heat.	Description & Use: The most versatile and highly used fleece. Commonly used as a mid-layer over your base layer and under a shell. Often used as an outer layer in moderate temperatures. Still breathable enough for aerobic activities in cold weather.	Description & Use: The choice when warmth represents a larger concern than weight and breathability. Often worn as an outer layer in cold weather without precipitation, and still breathable enough to be used as a mid-layer. A good choice for relatively stationary, cold-weather activities like camping, belaying, or easy skiing.	Description & Use: Can be light, mid, and heavyweight fleece. A sandwich of materials with a windproof membrane layered between two fleece layers. Less breathable than standard fleece, so it feels a bit clammier in highly aerobic pursuits Usually worn as an outer layer in place of a traditional shell. Good for relatively stationary activities in cold or windy weather.
Backcountry.com Picks: Mountain Hardwear Microchill Fleece Zip Tee - Long-Sleeve Men's \| Women's Patagonia R1 Flash Pullover Men's \| Women's The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip Pullover Men's \| Women's Marmot Reactor Zip Men's \| Women's The North Face SDS 1/4 Zip Pullover Men's \| Women's	Backcountry.com Picks: Mountain Hardwear Microgrid Fleece Zip T - Long-Sleeve Men's \| Women's The North Face Khumbu Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's Arc'teryx Apache AR Zip Men's \| Women's The North Face Pumori Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's	Backcountry.com Picks: The North Face Denali Jacket Men's \| Women's Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man/Woman Jacket Men's \| Women's Patagonia R3 Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's Arc'teryx Hercules Hooded Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's Cloudveil Gridlock Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's	Backcountry.com Picks: Mountain Hardwear WindStopper Tech Jacket Men's \| Women's The North Face WindWall 1 Jacket Men's \| Women's Arc'teryx Fugitive Hoody Jacket Men's \| Women's Patagonia Windproof Leeway Jacket Men's \| Women's The North Face Pamir WindStopper Fleece Jacket Men's \| Women's

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If you don't see what you're looking for here, we have a much larger selection.

Check 'em out:
Men's Fleece Jackets | Women's Fleece Jackets

Softshell Jackets

If you’re seeking the breathability of a fleece, but you need some added protection from the elements during your high-output exploits, you might find the perfect balance in a softshell.

Softshells are garments that feature some of the weather resistance found in waterproof hard shells, using durable stretch woven fabrics to block wind and rain while maintaining the softer hand and enhanced breathability of fleece.

Check 'em out:
Men's Softshell Jackets | Women's Softshell Jackets

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Choosing the Right Fleece

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