Patagonia’s Regulator (R) collection fleeces are high on performance, from the standard R1 pullover (our favorite climbing midlayer for years) to the TechFace series below. What we don’t: Fabric loses its loft and softness over time. What we like: Combination of warmth and breathability makes this an excellent midlayer for performance use. See the Men's Arc'teryx Kyanite See the Women's Arc'teryx Kyaniteīest Performance Fleece Jacket 2. But minor nitpicks aside, you won’t find a better quiver-of-one fleece, giving the Kyanite our top billing for 2023. And finally, the jacket doesn’t include a chest pocket, which can be a handy spot to store a phone or other valuables while skiing. Pilling has also been an issue with the Kyanite, although you’d be hard-pressed to find a fleece that doesn’t show wear over time. What are the downsides of the Kyanite? While undeniably versatile, we’d recommend looking farther down the list if you have a particular end use in mind-a more sweater-like fleece (like Patagonia’s popular Better Sweater) will be a better match for professional settings, while skiers and climbers might want a more weather-resistant or lightweight option. All told, the Kyanite fits the bill as a premium fleece for everything from daily use to resort skiing, shoulder-season backpacking, and more. It excels at temperature regulation, too, with enough warmth for spring and fall weather and the ability to effectively dump heat during high-output activity. The Power Stretch Pro fleece is one of our all-time favorites in terms of comfort: It offers an impressive amount of stretch, has a smooth face (great for layering) and brushed liner that’s soft against the skin, and maintains a high-end fit and finish throughout its lifespan. With equal appeal as a midlayer or standalone jacket, the Kyanite is a fantastically versatile piece that places a premium on performance. What we don’t: No chest pocket slightly technical appearance.įor the top all-around fleece on the market, we give the nod to the sleek Kyanite from Arc’teryx. What we like: Comfortable, highly mobile, breathable, and versatile for both casual and performance use. Best Pullover Fleece Jacket: Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-Tīest Overall Fleece Jacket 1.Best Heavyweight Fleece Jacket: The North Face Denali.Best Weather-Resistant Fleece Jacket: Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody.Best Budget Fleece Jacket: REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece.Best Performance Fleece Jacket: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody.Best Overall Fleece Jacket: Arc’teryx Kyanite Jacket.For more background, see our fleece jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Of note: This article includes picks for both men and women, but we’ve also written a dedicated round-up on the best women’s fleece jackets. Below are our picks for the best fleece jackets of 2023, with options from leading outdoor brands across a range of price points. Fleeces run the gamut from casual to breathable performance pieces for serious adventures. These polyester jackets have been providing cozy warmth for years from campsites and ski resorts to the streets and restaurants of mountain towns. With a wide variety of insulated jackets on the market, the classic fleece still is the most comfortable and affordable.

Patagonia pack in pullover hoodie