Best Fleece Jackets for Hiking the Camino de Santiago

The best fleece jacket will as a great mid-layer. That means it will be breathable. At the same time, the best on the market will be great at keeping you warm as a top layer when it is not so cold.

I’ve tested all the jackets below with the ultimate goal of assisting you in finding an ideal fleece jacket for your needs. While each of the jackets I’ve reviewed down below is good in its own way, I consider the Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece Hoody to be the best of them all.

Best Fleece Jackets Reviewed

1. The North Face Men’s Campshire Pullover Hoodie

The North Face Mens Campshire Pullover Hoodie

Features:

  • 300-weight Sherpa pile fleece
  • Elbow patches
  • Kangaroo pocket
  • Front pocket with a zip

The North Face Campshire Hoodie celebrates luxurious warmth and comfort over outright performance. Weighing nearly a full pound, its thick polyester sherpa fleece enveloped me in plush coziness akin to nuzzling under a blanket. One thing I particularly liked was the expansive integrated kangaroo pocket, which kept all of my small essentials within my hand’s reach. Its ribbed cuffs and oversized hood managed to easily seal precious heat in place around me.

The cuddly build and the abovementioned pocket make this fleece jacket perfect for campsite lounging by the fire or strolls along the beach in the evening. On the not-so-bright side, I found that its boxy cut complicates mid-layering under my shells and restricts my range of motion, which may not come in very handy when it comes to long walks, such as the Camino. Moreover, wet conditions can easily compromise the insulating loft. Nevertheless, as someone who’s always prioritized comfort over insulation – especially when I’m hiking in mild weather conditions – the poor moisture protection did not bother me. The model is not as technically versatile as some of the other fleeces on my list, but it’s still a genuinely worthy investment in lifestyle coziness.

PROS:

  • Blanket-like fleece brings next-level coziness
  • Oversized hood and cuffs trap warmth
  • Roomy pouch for campsite snacks

CONS:

  • Poor moisture protection
  • Boxier cut restricts layering
  • Heavyweight excludes high-output use

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2. Cotopaxi Men’s Teca Fleece Jacket

Cotopaxi Mens Teca Fleece Jacket 

Features:

  • Stretchy cuffs
  • Recycled materials
  • Four spacious pockets
  • DWR finish

The Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip Fleece utilizes thick, recycled polyester fleece to deliver low-cost, eco-friendly warmth that I found to be ideal for my casual winter wear. Stripes of polyester taffeta with a DWR finish add weather protection, while four roomy pockets provide me with more than enough storage space. Still, I did not like how the jacket’s dense insulating fabric sacrificed breathability while I was hiking in it.

I did, however, find that the jacket manages to keep my warmth when I’m stationary around camp or just walking around town – the main culprits are the model’s wind-blocking density and its high collar, as they work together to trap as much of my body heat as possible. The soft, pill-resistant fleece felt comfortable against my skin and layered smoothly under some of my roomier shells. However, whenever I did anything more active than walking, the moisture accumulated rapidly, causing me to overheat in just 20 minutes. Compared to knit-style stretch fleeces, mobility also suffered – a consequence of the jacket’s limited stretch.

PROS:

  • Made from thick recycled polyester fleece
  • Wind-resistant structure seals in warmth
  • Shockingly light, given high insulation

CONS:

  • Poor wicking and breathability when active
  • Restricted mobility from minimal stretch
  • Highly bulky, limiting backpack space


3. Arc’teryx Men’s Kyanite Fleece Hoody

Arcteryx Mens Kyanite Fleece Hoody

Features:

  • Polyester & Elastane blend
  • Zippered hand pockets
  • Warm to 45 °F
  • Slim fit

The Arc’teryx Kyanite Fleece Hoody utilizes an 84% polyester, 16% elastane blend to deliver unmatched mobility and surprising warmth in a feathery 10.9-ounce package. Strategically placed stretch side panels and gusseted underarms gave me full mobility, while an athletic-cut hood, high collar, and slim cuffs sealed in all the warmth I needed. Ideal as a mid-layer or standalone piece during high-output pursuits – like walking the Camino – this fantastic fleece jacket sacrifices outright cold weather insulation for breathability.

The model’s stretch-woven construction retains warmth to 45°F during aerobic activities. What the thin fleece lacks in the outright loft, it offsets through wind resistance I found to be beyond impressive, and the same goes for the consistent next-to-skin comfort without any sort of zipper, sleeve, or hood chafing. The fact that the model’s ventilation surpasses heavier options (and thus successfully prevents me from overheating), as well as the model’s mesh-lined hand pockets and an agile, above-the-waist fit, make the Kyanite the best fleece jacket I’ve ever worn.

PROS:

  • Unparalleled stretch mobility from elastane-infused fabric
  • Surprisingly warm given wispy weight and slim fit
  • Athletic hood and collar seal in heat around the head

CONS:

  • Limited insulation for truly cold temps
  • Short cut exposes back when reaching
  • The high price point for its warmth class


4. RAB Men’s Ascendor Fleece Hoody

RAB Mens Ascendor Fleece Hoody

Features:

  • Lightweight design
  • Helmet-compatible hood
  • Zippered chest pocket
  • Wind-resistant overlay

The Rab Ascendor Hoody utilizes strategic brick-and-canal polyester fleece construction to deliver lightweight warmth, ideal for all types of outdoor activities, including my favorite one – hiking. The lofted “bricks” did a great job insulating my upper body, while breathable canals vented heat along my back and underarms. Technical features include a helmet-compatible hood, zippered chest pocket, and wind-resistant overlay. However, minimal insulation relegates the jacket best as a mid layer versus a standalone piece.

Still, the Ascendor was more than capable of keeping me warm while I was hiking and climbing in 40°F temps, but it struggled to do so in chillier environments. The fleece wields moisture and breathed well during high exertion thanks to the strategic venting zones, and it also dried quickly afterward. Slim cuffs and an athletic hood kept me warm without restricting my motion and worked smoothly beneath the two outer layers I tested the jacket with. But keep in mind that the model’s thin fleece lacks plushness and the loft required for true cold-weather use or stationary chilling.

PROS:

  • Strategic venting breathes well during aerobic use
  • Streamlined layering with outer garments
  • Surprisingly light and transportable

CONS:

  • Lacks insulation for true winter use
  • High price given warmth limitations
  • Minimal plushness next-to-skin


5. Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0

Columbia Mens Steens Mountain 2.0 

Features:

  • Full-zip jacket
  • Casual & Inexpensive
  • Two zippered pockets
  • Collared neck

Focusing on delivering core insulation and making it available to budget-conscious needs, the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 skips fancy frills. Polyester fleece brings basic warmth at a low price, and I really liked how its deep handwarmer pockets pampered my numb fingers in cold weather. Its hems cinch in order to trap accumulated heat, and I also found that its oversized fit allows quick and easy layering.

However, to keep the cost down, the model foregoes sophisticated technical touches – broad raglan sleeves bunched every time I was carrying a heavy backpack. What is more, breathability proved only moderately sufficient during some of my more high-output activities, which makes this model less suitable for those who’d like to avoid sweating on the Camino at all costs. Nevertheless, the straightforward design delivers exactly what I – a budget-conscious shopper – want the most for shoulder season warmth. If you’re looking to save some money, this Columbia fleece jacket is an excellent option.

PROS:

  • An affordable fleece jacket
  • Hand pockets pamper numbness
  • Hems cinch to contain heat

CONS:

  • Raglan sleeves bunch when wearing packs
  • Lacks technical touches
  • Fits boxily even when sized precisely

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6. Outdoor Research Men’s Vigor Hoodie

Outdoor Research Mens Vigor Hoodie

Features:

  • Lightweight fleece jacket
  • Hybrid construction
  • Performance style
  • Excellent breathability

The Outdoor Research Vigor Hoodie is one of those jackets that rely on breathable polyester fleece to regulate warmth during outdoor activities, including long walks like the Camino. Weighing 13 ounces, it sports the ubiquitous raglan sleeves and concealed thumb loops that layered smoothly beneath my outer shells. The model’s full-length zipper, on the other hand, increases ventilation options, which made it significantly easier for me to dial in the right temperature.

This jacket’s lightweight build effectively blends insulation and air permeation. However, I should point out that its gridded texture felt a bit irritating against my skin, especially when I was climbing uphill. Furthermore, the shortened stand-up collar leaked precious warmth multiple times during testing – something I did not expect from an Outdoor Research product. Nevertheless, the model stands as an excellent investment due to its reliable reputation – it successfully blends technical touches with ethical insulation, all of that at a reasonable cost. It’s great for aerobic activities, but I’d make sure to combine it with protective layers in case of very poor weather.

PROS:

  • Lightweight and highly packable
  • Breathable wicking build
  • Generous stretch enables freedom

CONS:

  • Gridded texture is somewhat annoying
  • Short collar leaks heat unexpectedly
  • Lacks casual versatility


7. Arc’Teryx Men’s Delta Fleece Jacket

Arcteryx Mens Delta Fleece Jacket

Features:

  • Stretchy & warm fleece
  • Minimalistic, stylish design
  • Athletic fit
  • Relatively affordable

The Arc’teryx Delta is yet another fleece jacket sporting breathable Polartec fleece, a material that always managed to keep me sufficiently warm in all but genuinely freezing conditions. Weighing under a pound, the model features an athletic cut, with its gusseted build sliding smoothly beneath my outer layers while causing no snagging whatsoever of any kind. The thumbholes, on the other hand, layered seamlessly under my shells, while the dropped hem sealed out cold air every time I was done hiking/running.

The model’s wicking efficiency and lightweight warmth deserve special praise, but I found its lone chest pocket a bit impractical for carrying my phone and similar small essentials. Moreover, the recent design decisions have eliminated hand warmer pockets, previously welcomed by all Arc’Teryx fans – myself included. But despite that, as someone who values lightweight reliability with a few technical touches, I consider this fleece jacket to be yet another excellent Arc’Teryx garment. The relatively affordable price (for a product made by this brand, at least) is a huge bonus.

PROS:

  • Lightweight and highly packable
  • Gusseted build allows a dynamic range of motion
  • Thumbholes ease layering without snags

CONS:

  • Lone chest pocket is a bit impractical
  • Lacks hand warmer pockets
  • Boxy cut may annoy some wearers


8. Mountain Hardwear Men’s High Loft Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Mens High Loft Jacket

Features:

  • Polartec High Loft fleece
  • Hybrid style – casual/performance
  • Stretchy side panels
  • 1 chest pocket & 2 hand pockets

The Mountain Hardwear High Loft Jacket is a revised version of the brand’s classic Monkey Man fleece, updated with strategic stretch panels for mobility. It utilizes warm, ultra-soft Polartec High Loft fleece with integrated stretch sides, cuffs, and hem, all of which gave me full freedom of movement. Practical features include a zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets. Intended uses span casual wear to hiking and travel, making the jacket suitable for walking the Camino on colder days.

Yet despite the jacket’s soft feel and lightweight warmth, it was difficult for me not to note some of the changes from the original version that impacted its fit and function. Whereas the classic Monkey Man hugged my wrists and waist for heat retention, the current High Loft Jacket has a boxier fit with loose, baggy cuffs letting in cold air. I found the thinner fleece to be far less wind-resistant and warm than I expected, becoming ineffective below 50°F if I don’t add layers. I didn’t really like the new zipper either – it sat oddly on my torso. It also lacks the flexibility of the original.

PROS:

  • Ultra-soft High Loft fleece fabric
  • Strategic stretch panels enhance mobility
  • Zippered chest and hand pockets

CONS:

  • Poor wrist cuff design reduces warmth
  • Thinner fleece lacks wind resistance
  • Cheap, ill-fitting zipper


9. The North Face Men’s Denali 2 Jacket

The North Face Mens Denali 2 Jacket

Features:

  • 300g heavyweight fleece
  • Abrasion-resistant nylon
  • Horizontal chest pocket
  • High collar

The North Face Denali 2 is a revised version of the brand’s iconic 1988 Denali jacket – one of my personal favorites – now updated with modern styling and performance tweaks. Constructed with 300g heavyweight fleece, its roomy cut accommodated my multiple layers without any issues, while four zippered pockets provided enough space for all of my small essentials. Strategically placed abrasion-resistant nylon reinforced my chest, shoulders, and forearms against wind and weather. Features like a high collar, elasticized cuffs, and adjustable hem sealed in the precious warmth during a late-autumn hike. Therefore, I can safely say that Denali 2 is more than suitable for walking the Camino in chilly weather.

During my testing period – both in town and countryside – I found that the model delivers exceptional coziness and protection in temperatures down to 40°F thanks to its lofted insulation. Its lined pockets kept my hands toasty, and the jacket’s bulk didn’t restrict my movement in any way. Though too warm for high-output aerobic activities, the Denali 2 excelled as a plush outer layer during the aforementioned cold-weather hike. Enhanced touches include easy-to-use waist adjusters and a horizontal chest pocket, which provided me with convenient item access.

PROS:

  • Extremely warm heavyweight fleece construction
  • Weather-resistant abrasion panels on chest/arms
  • Roomy fit layers smoothly over multiple garments

CONS:

  • Bulky and not very breathable
  • Oversized collar can bunch uncomfortably
  • Fleece lacks plush feel of similar models


10. Fjällräven Women’s Keb Fleece Hoodie

Fjallraven Womens Keb Fleece Hoodie

Features:

  • Casual/performance hybrid
  • Reinforced G-1000 Eco shoulders
  • Microfleece-lined pockets
  • Protective hood

The Fjällräven Women’s Keb Fleece Hoodie blends wool and polyester fleece for a warm, quick-drying layer. Key features include reinforced G-1000 Eco shoulders, a hood, zippered chest and hand pockets, and elastic trim for a slim fit. The wool blend adds durability yet retains next-to-skin softness against the brushed interior. The jacket performs well-regulating temperatures during cold weather hiking thanks to its wind-blocking, breathable fleece. Some design details deserve special praise, like microfleece-lined pockets and a leather zipper – they elevate the model’s overall quality and practicality.

While the Women’s Keb Hoodie certainly offers a stylish take on wool-blend fleece, it is not without issues – problems like premature wear and poor fit diminish its value over time. Furthermore, despite its slim cut, you may find the hoodie’s shoulders and arms overly snug, restricting movement. Finally, the color monotony reduces visual appeal, failing to reflect the well-known Scandinavian design principles. So, despite the positives in materials and craftsmanship, Fjällräven still has room to improve this jacket’s construction, palette, and silhouette.

PROS:

  • Warm & quick-drying wool blend fleece
  • Wind-resistant with good breathability
  • Quality details like reinforced shoulders

CONS:

  • Elbows and seams prone to holes
  • Limited color selections
  • Slim shoulders and arms restrict motion

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Best Fleece Jacket Buying Guide

Man wearing a fleece jacket

What is Fleece?

Fleece is a synthetic insulator designed to mimic wool’s natural properties using petroleum-based fibers. First produced commercially in the 1970s, fleece shares wool’s ability to trap air and body heat while repelling moisture for quick-drying performance.

Unlike wool, fleece proves hypoallergenic and machine-washable. It falls short of down or synthetic fills’ superior warmth-to-weight ratios but provides greater breathability and affordability. Having worn fleece jackets for many years, I’ve also found that this material withstands abrasion, resists pilling, and does not retain moisture like down.

Common applications include skiing, climbing, hiking, and casual wear, where packability and weatherproofness become less critical. While not as compressible or water-resistant as technical synthetic fills, fleece’s traction-gripping softness and heat-trapping versatility anchor it as an enduring mid-layer staple across ages and adventures alike thanks to its easy care, durability, and inherent coziness, which amplifies enjoyment throughout every excursion.

Types of Fleece

Polar Fleece

Polar fleece provides a classic high-pile construction for all-purpose comfort and warmth, albeit with pilling issues from friction. Affordable, cozy, and versatile, it lacks technical additions like weather resistance or specialized breathability. In thinner microfleece forms, it retains versatility for flexible layering.

Knit Fleece

Knit fleeces feature soft, brushed interiors and resilient, wool-resembling exteriors, offering elevated lifestyle looks perfect for loungewear. However, while they’re warmer and more pill-resistant than regular sweaters, their casual focus and bulkier build limit outdoor versatility.

Gridded Fleece

Gridded fleeces utilize moisture-wicking channels backed by insulation to optimize lightweight warmth, breathability, and quick-drying performance. Smooth exteriors aid precipitation dispersal, while raised inner grids seal in heat. Maximizing technical specs over the casual appeal, they breathe remarkably better than other fleece classes.

Sherpa/Faux-Shearling Fleece

Sherpa fleeces approximate shearling’s high insulation through lofty double-sided pile construction. Epitomizing cozy comfort for lifestyle use, their textured richness and bulk impede performance versatility.

Other Dual-Surface Fleeces

Some dual-face fleeces offer stretch exteriors for unimpeded mobility, much like sweatshirt material. Pairing soft inner fleece with abrasion-resistant, low-friction exteriors enhances shape retention, range of motion, and durability over traditional constructions.

Fleece Warmth & Weight

Fleece weight ratings, expressed as grams per square meter or proprietary brand scales, indicate insulation levels.

Lighter 100-weight fleeces provide marginal warmth gains over baselayers, optimizing breathability for aerobic output. Versatile 200-weight fleeces better regulate warmth across shoulder seasons and milder winter activity. Heavy 300-weight fleeces supply substantial insulation down to freezing, yet their bulk erect breathability and mobility barriers.

Generally, increased weight brings heightened warmth and wind resistance while sacrificing packability and ventilation. But as brands expand proprietary fabrics, rating integration grows inconsistent. Still, checking fabric density remains insightful when paired with identifying the best context: lightweight suits aerobic endeavors, midweight adapts across conditions, and heavyweights boost static warmth best in cold, dry climes.

Water & Wind Resistance

Fleece lacks innate weatherproofing to block wind or heavy moisture. Its porous, hydrophobic synthetic construction resists light precipitation contact but remains permeable to gusts and rainfall over time.

Some lifestyle fleeces incorporate limited nylon chest panels for basic precipitation protection. However, most rely on DWR-coated hardshell pairings to seal out harsh elements since fleece itself omits a durable water-repellent finish.

Some hard-face fleeces reinforce standard fleeces with woven softshell materials for enhanced wind resistance and light weather durability while retaining signature inner warmth. These specialized hybrids deliver better precipitation protection than traditional options, creating weather-ready insulation perfect for blustery shoulder conditions.

But even hard-face fleeces remain summertime solutions, leaving truly stormy adventures to proven hardshell defenses. So fleece prevails as a fair-weather friend unless backed by barrier reinforcements when gales and rain enter the forecast.

Breathability

Fleece’s breathability makes it shine as a mid layer, enabling heat regulation other insulators can’t match. Tiny perforations throughout the synthetic fabric promote considerable airflow and ventilation. Hence, fleece works well aerobically.

Thinner constructions enhance this moisture-wicking and temperature control further. However, breathability depends on porosity; some weather-resistant hybrid fleeces prioritize wind-proofing over ventilation using tightly woven shells. So, traditional fleeces better release heat during high exertion, while specialty outer layers provide better elemental protection despite trapped sweat.

Sizing & Fit

Fleece jackets vary widely in fit and cut, catering to performance or casual contexts. Slimmer profiles focus on mobility, maximizing ventilation, and packability for vigorous activity. Roomy silhouettes, however, prioritize lifestyle comfort and cozy looks over technical optimization. Hence, casual fleeces work well while relaxed but fail to match their slimmer-cut counterparts’ agility.

Some balanced models bridge both worlds, with enough insulation for warmth and sufficient athletic tailoring while avoiding excess that might sacrifice versatility. Considering prospective use and layering plans will allow you to find the optimal fit.

Features to Look For

Hood

Hood availability comes with both advantages and disadvantages, depending on context. Hooded versions seal in warmth better across cold weather adventures, with under-helmet fits ideal for activities like skiing. However, midlayer hoods can bunch uncomfortably beneath slim shells.

Thumbholes

Some performance fleeces feature thumbholes assisting sleeve security during high-activity layering. Still, keep in mind that unpatched holes also risk cold air intrusion when inactive. Therefore, ensure that the thumbhole material of your fleece jacket provides stretch, avoiding rigidity that impedes much-needed mobility.

Full-Zip vs Pullover

Most of the fleece jackets on my list sport full-zip designs, offering unparalleled versatility and effortless wearability. Full-zip variants often boast additional features like hand pockets and stretchy side panels.

In contrast, pullovers embrace simplicity, functioning akin to a cosy sweatshirt. Fleece pullovers have their perks, though – they’re lighter, more compact when packed, and are also typically more budget-friendly.

Related:

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiker in a red fleece jacket

Are fleece jackets better than down and synthetic jackets?

Fleece is more breathable and comfortable than down or synthetic jackets but lacks their packability, weather resistance, and warmth-to-weight ratio. Each insulation type has tradeoffs.

How do I care for a fleece jacket?

Fleeces are low-maintenance if cared for properly. Prevent pilling by line-drying and washing gently. Always keep your fleece jacket away from direct heat.

Is fleece sustainable?

Fleece sheds microplastics during washing. However, fleece can be made from plastic bottles, a lot of today’s brands use eco-friendly materials, and wash bags catch shed fibers, improving sustainability.

For what activities should I use a fleece jacket?

Fleece jackets work well aerobically as breathable midlayers under shells for activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking.

Is a fleece good in the rain?

Specialized water-resistant fleeces can work under rain jackets in the cold rain. They can’t, however, replace proper rain protection.

What are the disadvantages of fleece?

Fleece pills, over time, lack innate weather resistance, hold odors more than wool, and can melt near high heat sources. It also loses insulation value when wet.

Do fleece jackets shrink?

Quality fleece jackets typically don’t shrink if washed in cool water as instructed. However, high heat can severely damage fleece apparel, causing shrinkage.

Conclusion

I’m speaking from experience when I say that a reliable fleece jacket is essential for creating an ideal layering system that is suitable for a variety of climates. Still, there are countless fleece jackets on today’s market, and I’m fully aware of how difficult it is to choose just one. I am confident that my roundup of the market’s most popular offerings will assist you in narrowing down which model works best for you.

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