For most countryside walkers and hill hikers who enjoy four-season strolling in Britain, a good fleece jacket is the best midlayer option to wear while out wandering.
These insulating jackets made of synthetic fibres are held together in a lightweight napped fabric that resembles wool or felt. A fleece fits perfectly over the top of a baselayer and beneath a waterproof shell.
Before buying your fleece, think about the kind of layering you're after. Are you looking for a lightweight and breathable fleece for active hikes, or a warmer design for evening campsite wear? Here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, we've put a number of fleece designs to the test - at varying price points - to help you find a suitable match for your outdoor pursuit of choice.
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If you're looking to upgrade your footwear too, take a look at our review guides of the best walking boots and the best walking shoes.
Reviews by Pat Kinsella, Joe Pontin and Rachel Howatson
Best fleeces reviewed for 2024
Montane Protium Lite Hooded Fleece Jacket
Best for high-energy activity
- Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane
- Weight: 215g
- RRP: £90.00
New for the season, Montane’s Protium Lite Hooded Fleece Jacket is designed for wear in the mountains and hills, and on test we found it made for a great running jacket too in particularly chilly climes. The fit is true to size and the close-fitting style allows you to move freely, and we were impressed by its lightweight nature. The brand has cut down on fabric to make a ‘super-lightweight’ design, and as a result you’ve got a breathable, stretchy and packable fleece on your hands.
There are plenty of welcomed touches which make the Protium Lite a great choice for high-energy activity: the sleeves stay securely in place when rolled up; the hood fits snugly for helmet wear and the fast-drying, anti-odour fabric means you can wear this fleece again and again before chucking it in the wash.
While the £90 price tag sounds a lot, this is a technical design you can wear in all seasons and for a range of activities, whether that’s a weekly tennis match, or a weekend’s climbing.
Pros: Incredibly lightweight, breathable, versatile design
Cons: Expensive
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CO2 Renu Half Zip Fleece
Best innovative eco design
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Weight: 260g
- RRP: £80.00
Craghoppers’ CO2 Renu Half Zip Fleece has a compact, rather than overly fluffy, feel. This makes it an ideal choice for winter walks as we found the design fits well under both waterproof jackets and down jackets. Layer up in cooler climes, without feeling overly stuffy.
The fleece is very wearable thanks to a straightforward yet stylish aesthetic. The lining of the shoulder is slightly off, with the hem sitting a few inches down the arm rather than neatly on the shoulder, but this doesn't cause any discomfort or irritation.
The elasticated cuffs and hem result in a snug, yet not restrictive, fit. If you’re looking for a relaxed fleece that’s not too baggy, we’d recommend the CO2 Renu Half Zip.
You’re covered for warmth, storage (thanks to two large front pockets) and comfort with this fleece, plus the innovative green design used to create the garment makes it an appealing purchase.
Pros: Good insulating properties, innovative eco-design, comfortable
Cons: Not the most exciting of styles in a competitive market
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Finisterre Axiom 1/4 Snap Fleece
Best durable fleece
- Materials: 100% Recycled polyester fleece
- RRP: £95
While designed for hardy surfers, you don’t have to be on a beach to spot the Finisterre label. The brand's sustainable approach to fashion paired with its durable and good-looking designs have made it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s hard to fault Finisterre’s newly released Axiom 1/4 Snap Fleece. Well-fitting; soft and comfortable, this is a wearable design you’ll end up reaching for again and again, suitable for camping, casual walks and day-to-day wear. Plus, we are fans of the fleece’s boxy style.
The Axiom 1/4 Snap Fleece is not overly baggy, so you can easily layer with a waterproof, and we'd say it's suitable to wear as a jacket on dry spring walks.
We particularly appreciate the underarm panelling. Made from a more hardwearing, non-fleecy material, the panels remind you this is a fleece designed to handle life outdoors. There are also flatlock stitches for added durability.
Pros: Fully recycled materials, soft, eye-catching design, good fit
Cons: Bulkier than other designs for packing
- Check availability at Finisterre
Rab Capacitor Hoody
Best lightweight fleece
- Materials: Recycled knit face brushed fleece
- Weight: 398.5g
- RRP: £85.00
Made with double brushed fleece and stretchy side panels, this ultra comfortable, mid layer fleece will keep you warm on mountain days. Thanks to the effective thermal protection, you could wear this fleece when you are hill walking, hiking, biking and climbing. The cut is sporty, with stretchy side panels to keep it close to your body.
We also like the thin hood which fits under a helmet and keeps ears nice and toasty on chilly days.
Pros: Lightweight, stretch fit for comfort, made from recycled polyester
Cons: The close fit may not appeal to everyone
Our verdict: Smart, technical, tidy and made with recycled polyester, the Capacity is a featherlight fleece boxing well above its weight
Read more in our full length review
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Adidas Terrex Xploric High-Pile-Fleece Pullover
Best for a loose fit
- Materials: 86% recycled polyester, 14% polyester towel
- RRP: £130
The Adidas Terrex Xploric is made with high-pile-fleece so expect a towelling texture, similar to that of a dressing gown, rather than a super soft, cosy design. This makes the fleece more suitable for high-energy activities such as hiking than you may imagine, plus it’s lined on the inside rather than fleeced, allowing for added breathability.
We were a fan of the relaxed, loose style — a great choice for lounging around a campsite after a busy day in the hills. The large hand pockets feature snap buttons, so you can effortlessly warm your hands up, or reach for a map or phone, when on the move.
The decent eco credentials are another plus, as a minimum of 70% of this product is a blend of recycled and renewable materials.
Pros: Large pockets, available in standout colourways, comfortable fit
Cons: Expensive, not the softest material
Our verdict: A wearable and comfortable fleece with a relaxed style, ideal for both low-level hikes and lounging
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Berghaus Prism Polartec InterActive Fleece
Best for value
- Materials: Polartec micro fleece
- Weight: 295g
- RRP: £70.00
This 200-weight midlayer fleece is designed to form part of a multi-garment all-weather walking system, attaching directly to interactive Berghaus waterproof jackets to keep you warm and dry all winter long, and as such it has a fairly tight and tailored fit. However, it also works perfectly well as a stand-alone fleece.
As is typical with Berghaus, there are few bells and whistles, you just get a sensibly priced garment that works. The Prism has a full-length zip, two zipped side pockets on the outside and a pair of generously proportioned mesh pouches on the inside, for extra carry capacity. It has thumb loops, so the sleeves don’t bunch up when you add the outer layer, a high collar to stop you getting a cold neck and a slight longer hem at the back to help keep your behind warm and stop drips from dropping in.
Pros: Budget-friendly, decent pockets, optional matching jacket
Cons: Not the most technical on review
Our verdict: An interactive fleece designed for walkers, which works in conjunction with Berghaus outerlayers
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Craghoppers Spindle fleece
Best for style
- Materials: 100% polyester
- Weight: 640g
- RRP: £65.00
If the unisex Spindle looks like a throwback to the 1980s when the fleece was in its infancy, that's 100% deliberate. Retro is, of course, all the rage, and vintage clothing shops up and down the country do a brisk trade in these seemingly indestructible garments.
The fabric is thick, soft and warm. Semi-elasticated cuffs and a cinch at the bottom hem keep out drafts; though you may find the collar isn't the most close-fitting, so on freezing days you may want to fill the gap with a scarf.
It's great for camping, watching the sun set on the beach, and all manner of outdooriness... as well as cosying up on the couch to watch Countryfile on iPlayer.
If you want to buy a fleece for hiking, the Spindle has some drawbacks. It's bulky, so when you warm up and want to shed a layer, you'll need a spacious pack to accommodate it.
Pros: Good-looking design, soft fabric
Cons: Bulky
Our verdict: A loose-fitting warm and soft fleece well suited to camping trips
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66˚North Tindur
Best technical fleece
- Materials: Polartec Wind Pro Stretch and synthetic shearling
- RRP: £255.00
Made with Polartec Wind Pro Stretch and synthetic shearling (all 100% recycled), the Tindur Fleece offers the kind of thermal performance capable of keeping you warm in the most extreme conditions, from Arctic adventures to skiing escapades and serious sailing endeavours, especially when used in conjunction with a waterproof shell.
But you don’t have to be Ranulph Fiennes to feel the benefits of this terrific top – it also makes a brilliantly protective mid and outer layer for winter hill hikers. It boasts a bunch of features that make it impressively dynamic, ideal for wearing while engaged in high-intensity activity, including smart venting, high-reach sleeves and seamless shoulders. There’s no hood, but both the hem and the collar have elastic drawcords to keep the elements out, and the cuffs are tailored tight to avoid roll-up issues.
Pros: Impressive technical design, designed for high-intensity activity, warm
Cons: No hood, expensive
Our verdict: A seriously expensive shearling fleece – but it will literally take you to the end of the earth
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Quechua Hiking Fleece SH500 X-Warm
Best for battling the elements
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- RRP: £39.99
Available for a very pocket-friendly price, this warm, mid-weight (280 g/sqm) fleece from Decathlon's homebrand Quechua offers several intelligent features missing from far more expensive garments. We were particularly impressed with the reinforced panels on the shoulders, where backpack harnesses rest (and, sometimes, rub), which really adds to the longevity of this hardwearing top.
It also has a surprise waterproof hood, which is stored in a zip pocket on the back of the neck – it’s not the most stylish lid, but it’ll keep your ears warm in a storm, and it’s almost unnoticeable when put away. With a full-length zip, it has two zipped hand pockets, elasticated cuffs with an extra insert to stop wind and snow from getting in, and stretchy side panels to allow good freedom of movement. The main drawback of this otherwise excellent fleece is that it’s not made with recycled polyester – a great shame.
Pros: Great price, hardwearing design, waterproof hood
Cons: Not made from recycled materials
Our verdict: A budget-friendly fleece packed with plenty of technical and desirable features
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Artilect Men's Halfmoon Bio Pullover
Best midweight fleece
- Materials: 100% Recycled Primaloft Bio Fleece
- RRP: £100
Available in three colours, including an incredibly bright sun-yellow option, the Halfmoon Bio is a midweight fleece with a half-zip that ends in a tall collar with a chin protector, which keeps the wind off your neck. Except for the Lycra in the cuffs, which helps banish breezes, this stylish garment from Artilect, a brand based in Boulder, Colorado, is made entirely from PrimaLoft Bio, which is 100% recycled.
Comfortable and very soft to the touch, this material is reliably warm, breathes brilliantly and dries quickly. The manufacturers also claim that most Primaloft Bio fibres – though possibly not all – will biodegrade more rapidly in landfill and ocean environments than conventional polyester. This hoodless fleece features two zipped hand pockets and a generous vertical chest pocket. We found the fit to be slightly on the small side, so sizing up is recommended.
Pros: Plenty of pockets, great eco-credentials, very soft
Cons: Sizing on the small side
Our verdict: An eco-conscious, high-performing, midweight fleece
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Craghoppers Frey Overhead recycled fleece
Best for chilly walks
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- RRP: £50.00
This pullover-style unisex microfleece has an unusual design, with an ultra extended neck tube that – like a snood – can be worn loose, folded over or pulled right up over your nose to supply protection against wind, rain, sandstorms, plagues of locusts – whatever goes down around you. Not everyone will like this design, but others will absolutely love it.
The lack of a front zip helps keep this top very light, but its warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent, and the additional neck and lower face cover can really be a bonus on frosty morning walks and chilly evening strolls. The Frey also features elasticated cuffs and an adjustable hem. On the front there are two enormously deep pockets for plunging hands in, which near-enough meet in the middle and zip shut.
Pros: Great warmth-to-weight ratio, additional neck cover for added neck warmth
Cons: Unusual style may not suit everyone
Our verdict: A quirky unisex microfleece with in-built snood-style neck protection
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Thrudark Men's Mantra Fleece
Best for extreme conditions
- Materials: Polartec Thermal Pro (synthetic fleece fabric)
- RRP: £195
Made with 100% recycled Polartec Shearling material, the Mantra is at once a classic fluffy fleece and a cutting edge modern garment designed and ready to serve in really quite extreme conditions, if the need arises. And this brand, launched by former soldiers, keeps its marketing muscular and its products firmly focused on serious stuff, like staying hidden in the shadows.
The Mantra is only available in obsidian black, but the traditional knit, napped and sheared finish of the top makes you feel a tad black-sheep-like when you’re wrapped in its embrace. However, it is windproof, durable and has sensational thermal properties, keeping you warm in the coldest conditions.
Wearable as an outer or a midlayer when things get wet, it has a full-length zip, which ends up parked in a good size garage to avoid the risk of beard or skin snags. On the outside there’s a pair of hand pockets and a chest pocket, all zipped, while inside you’ll find deep pouches on either side. Additional features include thumb loops and elasticated cuffs and hem to keep the cold and wind at arm’s length.
Pros: Impressive thermal properties, versatile, lots of storage options
Cons: No bright colourways
Our verdict: A premium-quality, highly protective fleece that’s always ready for action
- Check availability at Thrudark
How we tested
Our team tested the fleeces in the great outdoors, taking the following factors into consideration:
- Comfort - does the fleece feel nice against skin, and is it comfortable to wear, free of irritations around sensitive areas such as wrists and neck?
- Warmth - how are the insulation properties, and is the fleece suitable for its intended use (e.g. casual wear, hiking, skiing)?
- Material - are the materials durable, sustainable and breathable?
- Layerability - if designed as a midlayer, can the fleece easily be worn with waterproof and down jackets?
- Design and features - are there enough technical features to justify a hefty price tag such as hoods, ventilation, security pockets and thumbholes? Is there suitable range of movement for high-energy activities? Is the sizing accurate?
What to consider when buying a fleece
Weight
Fleeces are available in a variety of thicknesses, and bulk can sometimes be a downside. However, you'll find many fleeces are bulky, but still lightweight, so while taking up a fair bit of pack space, they'll not weigh you down.
In terms of weight, you'll find lightweight, midweight and heavyweight fleeces available, so you can find the right garment depending on whether you're trail running, layering up for a casual walk or wrapping up warm for extreme conditions.
Eco credentials
Right from the beginning, most fleeces were made using recycled plastics, and brands are continuing to refine this process. Many fleeces are made from polyester, and it's easy to spot whether your design is made from 100% recycled materials thanks to clear labelling. You can even find fleeces that are recyclable themselves.
Additional features
If you're wearing your fleece for hiking and camping, a few trusty pockets are sure to come in handy for snack and map storage. Plus, a cosy fleece pocket is an easy way to keep your hands warm in the evening when you're huddled around a campfire.
For added warmth, look out for a close-fitting hood. An effortless way to retain warmth, a hood helps block out chilly winds. If you're a cyclist or climber, make sure to opt for a hood that'll fit under a helmet.
Who invented fleece?
The first fleece was made in the US state of Massachusetts in 1979, the fruit of a collaboration between Polartec (then Malden Mills) and US outdoor firm Patagonia. The researchers were looking for a cheap and effective alternative to wool. Malden Mills CEO Aaron Feuerstein chose not to patent the new invention, allowing other brands to cheaply produce their own versions of the fabric, and soon fleeces were selling by the million worldwide.
For more winter gear, check out our favourite down jackets, reviewed by our team.
