Image courtesy Patagonia, All Rights Reserved. Will it be redundant? There may be some cotton fabrics out there that will outperform fleece when it comes to warmth. Below you’ll find every element of fleece jackets explored, from the oil-drenched history to best uses for different Backpacker Types. Updated On: September 28, 2017 Contrary to popular belief, the fleece fabric on a warm, cuddly hoodie does not come from a warm, cuddly sheep. Staying warm during those cold days and nights helps keep you healthy. Make sure to shop carefully and know what purpose the liner will serve before you buy. Buy 2. » Fleece Warmth Ratings: Is Fleece Warm Enough For Winter? A good R3 fleece rating equals a 550 fill down if you understand the warmth levels between the two ratings. There are several reasons for that failure. Does Bamboo Fabric Stretch? The scientists took polyester yarn — already a thing, called PET, or polyethylene terephthalate — and wound it into a dense fabric. Most commonly, though, it starts to rain. All brands of fleece are good at keeping you warm except the tightly woven options. Balaclava style hood keeps in the most warmth AND makes you look like a ninja. The plush teddy fleece finish makes the bedding set super soft to the touch whilst being irresistibly warm and cosy. Yes, that’s a tautology, but it’s very different from other types of jackets, like down jackets, in which there are entirely different layers that make up the whole coat. These fleece jackets are more like outer coats, and do more to fend off wind and cold by themselves. Both of these are in direct relationship to water in terms of how to stay dry from rain and sweat. But do not think that fleece makes a good cover from the rain. Super Soft Air-conditioning Quilt Coral Velvet Fabric Throw Rug Fleece Blanket. 1 decade ago. It carries the same properties as other fleece options. The moisture absorption rate is about 1% for most fleece fibers. Unlike dumping petroleum all over your body, the synthetic fibers, when spun and lofted, magically turn into a jacket that traps your body’s heat in small pockets. The reason for that switch is that the tightly woven fleece material does not include those vital air pockets that trap body heat inside its fibers. Warm and thick, polar fleece is your friend in cold weather – just as the name suggests – and it's probably what your women's fleece jacket is made from. Buy 3. We sprayed this fleece with a hose. Fleece is warm but it doesn't beat out down-filled clothing or sleeping bags. For those who can’t resist the feel of fleece and want a much warmer layer, go with heavyweight. And down jackets suffer from a serious lack of breathability…. This is one of the biggest drawbacks that fleece comes with. If you’re confused, no, fleece is not elastic. Although fleece dries quicker than wool so you stand a better chance of being warmer wearing fleece than wool if you are going inside a lot. Your email address will not be published. Fleece is a good material that has a lot of positive characteristics. It looks great! There are plenty of technical fleeces that come with hoods, or super heavyweight fleeces that come with hoods. The good news is that these liners are made in several sizes. Polar Fleece creates a comfortable layer of insulation by trapping air in the pockets between its fibers (see diagram above). AU $36.79 each . Two zippered chest pockets on this fleece jacket and a burly full-length main zipper. High loft fleece is, on the whole, warmer. Polartec and others have taken this to the next level and offer a wide range of fleece fabrics, each of which have a slightly different texture and end result. Polar Fleece is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, hunting, or any other active cold-weather endeavor. The hood and waist may even have adjustable toggles to tighten the elastic band to you, thereby trapping in warmth. Some fleece jackets have all three pockets, some have just the chest pocket, and some have no pockets at all. However, it’s not waterproof at all, and should not be mistaken for a rain shell, ever. A fleece that has been lofted greatly will have larger pockets for air. When you decide to get (or not get) a hood, think about the rest of your layering system. But if you plan to snowboard or ski then this is a terrible idea. That extra protection is absent from cotton. The naturally made fleece may not be warmer than polyester made fleece because polyester does not breathe as well. There’s oil in the ground and it will be clothes! Which is the fleece that offers you so many different ways to wear it, that you'll be reaching for it every day? Similar to the Wilderness Backpacker, the Ultralight Backpacker’s fleece layer should be thin, easily packable, and fit well in a layering system. That said, fleece can wet out completely, and it’s usually pretty soppy and gross when that happens. Of course, the quality of the fabric will play an important role in keeping you warm. This fleece can easily be worn as an outer layer on hikes and treks when the weather is chilly. These are different due to the way the fleece was brushed, lofted, and knitted together. You can zip it open if you heat up, or tie it around your waist when the sun peaks out. Softest fleece Handy side-seam … Midweight is a medium-thickness fleece. This means its threads cannot absorb water. You need a fleece you can take to the bar and the post office. Food can run out, an ankle can twist, and you might get lost. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, manufacturers throw elasticity into parts of a fleece jackets fleece to increase their warmth. The most important aspect is the fabric weight: a Wilderness Backpacker fleece jacket needs to be lightweight or midweight to layer correctly, pack small, and provide an even amount of warmth and breathability. Warm Fleece Jacket. That construction also helps block the cold from getting through to your skin. Warm Soft Plain Fleece Throw Faux Fur Decorative Smooth Blanket Solid DR. See more. Polartec and others have managed this by making very lightweight fleece and making uniquely shaped fleece like the microgrid. That factor will play a role in your decision. This means that you will be more comfortable at night and can sleep more peacefully. Jersey cuffs are elastic, feel soft, and keep in heat. Be the first to write a review. Fleece will trap the heat better than flannel making it a warmer fabric to have on your bed but fleece also makes you sweat so you may not be as comfortable as you would like. With the breadth of knowledge above, it’s time to discuss how Backpackers.com looks at fleece jackets for its different Backpacker Types. We aim to offer some very specific questions too: What is fleece fabric? (How to Stretch Bamboo Socks), What Is Ramie Fabric? It’s not always easy to spot this number on a given product, which is an industry issue. Wool doesn't have that capability. Not all of these are used by the outdoor industry; Polartec manufactures for all sorts of applications. Unlike dumping petroleum all over your body, the synthetic fibers, when spun and lofted, magically turn into a jacket that traps your body’s heat in small pockets. That experience will depend on the quality of the fleece lining, the quality of your sleeping bag, and how warm you keep your cabin or snow tent at night. So this is like comparing which apple is better when both apples come from the same tree and branch. The warm hood means your fleece jacket is an ideal ultra-warm garment for hiking in very cold weather. And before you ask, no, “half off” isn’t an exaggeration. Malden Mills did all this because, in the first half to the 20th century, it was known for manufacturing high-quality wool garments for general and military use. The good news here is that a top-quality fleece liner can add about 25 degrees more warmth inside your sleeping bag. While the fleece fibers repel water, they are not waterproof. This helps to warm air, created by your natural body heat, next to your body. Not form-fitting at all, these fleece hoods are oversized, incredibly soft, and can be found running amok on college campuses. Thicker, often cut baggier, and usually paired with other fabrics for extra wind and water resistance. Microgrid fleece is thin, lightweight, and breathes extremely well. As you can probably surmise, tightly woven fleece is not as warm because it doesn’t have huge pockets for air. Lightweight fleece as an outer layer for cool temperatures. They then brushed the fibers out, which greatly increased the volume, and modern fleece was born. There is a saturation point that when reached will make you cold, have you shivering, and then reaching for some other fabric to get warm. FREE Delivery. Stretching of the fabric will also contribute to this loss of warmth. Then think about what you need the jacket for: do you want a piece that layers with all your other gear, a jacket that can serve as an outer layer, or a super cozy coat for watching movies on the couch? Fleece has a pile surface on both sides of the fabric, meaning each side has a layer of cut fibres. There are other fleece manufacturers, but most of the big brands choose from the delicious smorgasbord that Polartec now offers. If it is raining or snowing then you may have better luck staying warm by wearing wool. This can save your ears when it’s brisk and keeps you from finding your beanie in your pack. This fabric is the foundation upon which all past and present fleece is built. Because the hairs interlock, it is also possible to remove fleece whole, using a pair of shears or an electronic clipper to quickly snip the mat away from the animal's skin. Besides styling, the are lined with duo-fold, interlock-knit of high-quality velvet and fleece. This is a licensed fabric and not intended for commercial use. Zip Style: Full Zip. In general I use hood-less fleeces because I like beanies, and have hooded down or synthetic jackets. (What petroleum-based product does?) Due to fleece’s general measurement system (grams per meter squared), most fleece is in a similar weight range: between 8-11 oz. How we love thee, and how we fear thee. Polartec makes a specific High Loft fleece, which is used in popular jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man 200. You’re just hiking for the day and are on the move. Made from soft … Most Car Campers relax late into the night around the campfire and drink cocoa in the mornings — our fleece jacket picks reflect this. Free shipping. Backpackers.com has chosen certain fleece jackets over others for our different Backpacker Types. Also, you need to determine if you are a hot or cold sleeper. In winter it becomes even harder to decide as you need warmer fabrics but they do not always come in the right colors. The Magnificent Characteristics of Fleece The characteristics of fleece make it incredibly useful for keeping warm, particularly while being active. This quality prevents the cold air from finding its way through your clothing protection and stops it from cooling your body. Quantity: 4 or more for AU $35.99 each. A lightweight fleece can be soft and fuzzy or very smooth and gridded. We cover so much there’s a handy table of contents below to help you navigate the high loft (inherently treacherous) waters of fleece: If you’re a history buff with a penchant for synthetic clothing, this will fascinate you. Who doesn’t love features? It's available in different thicknesses and the thicker it gets, the less flexible it becomes. Yes! Is fleece warm? Much of a backpackers’ life is making sure they are prepared. AU $37.99 each. The winner of this competition will depend more on your preferences than anything else. 700 fill down is by far the best for staying warm when the temperatures hit extreme levels. That may be a good thing when you are inside a nice warm and cozy home and not outside braving the elements. Our process of research, testing, and recommendation is based on best use scenarios and is outlined below. One advantage that cotton has over fleece is that it breathes better. The Warm Company, manufacturer of the world’s favorite polyester quilt batting, Soft & Bright and the equally popular fusible web, Steam-A-Seam is pleased to present Fusible Warm Fleece – the quick, easy way to add dimension and loft to projects. Other reasons are those aforementioned air pockets that just block the cold by trapping the warm body heat inside. The hair keeps the animal warm and dry, allowing it to live in cold, harsh climates. That moisture can combine with the wind or cold temperatures and cool down making you cold as a result. A tight weave lacks those air pockets that help keep you warm. Traditionally, it's a 100 percent synthetic material that is derived from plastic, and can even be made from recycled plastic convenience items. If you use a high lofted heavyweight fleece it will not breathe, and you will not want to hike up a hill with it, let alone trek miles with a fully loaded backpack on. Wool will provide better protection from the wind so the choice is yours to make when winter comes. In other words, while the fleece is warm, it is better when the temperatures don't hit extreme levels. Go for the highest quality you can afford as the lower levels are not as good as they should be when it comes to insulating your body. While the fleece fibers repel water, they are not waterproof. However, this warmth is coupled with what weight the fabric is, so you can’t be sure about that warmth until you try it on. Other than that, you should stay nice and warm this winter wearing fleece. Fleece is commonly used to make blankets. It’s the tale of Malden Mills, a synthetic fabric manufacturer, who, between ’79 and ‘81, created Polar fleece. Warm layers are essential during the winter, which is why you shouldn’t miss your chance to snag a warm Columbia fleece jacket on sale for half off right now. 32. When it comes to fleece, you need to consider your layers. 03, 2020 6:17PM ET / Published May. Cotton fleece is also used for baby towels and possibly other baby clothing items so you know it has warming power. Fabulously lightweight and so warm and cosy. Fleece that is made from cotton or a combination of cotton and wool will be very soft to touch and feel. It takes up less room and breathes a lot better than high loft fleece. Pretty much as it was in 1985. Remember that fleece is technically little strands of oil, so the process of transmuting it into insulating clothing can vary a good amount. With an anti-pill face this soft warm and cozy fleece is perfect for throws stadium blankets seat cushions hats scarves pillows vests pullovers and much more. In other terms, a good quality fleece fabric will beat out merino wool for warmth but falls very short of goose down fills or high-end synthetic fills. Beyond orchestrating the daily flow of Backpackers.com, Daniel writes surrealistic short fiction and novels, adventures into the backcountry and abroad, surfs, reads, drinks tea, and obsesses over gear. Yes, that’s right — instead of being greedy and exclusionary, he opened up fleece to the masses, allowing for the incredibly wide-spread adoption and innovation of fleece for the future. The pile surface provides space for air pockets between the threads, and this goes for both sides of the fabric. The bad news for cotton lovers is that cotton is not warmer than fleece. This fact allows the fleece to be warmer than the average wool sweater, including those made from merino wool. If there’s one all-important aspect of fleece, it’s the fabric itself. With its loose fit and lightweight component, your fleece favours freedom of movement, essential for hiking on snow. A. This knitted fleece is actually closer to 280 g/m2, but it feels like a midweight. This one is fuzzy. That is important when you have a vital appointment the next day that you need to be fully awake to handle. There are also sleeves that have longer stretchy material; these are even nicer, and keep in more heat. If you are a winter outdoor camper then this added liner makes sure you can have a great time in the cold and not get sick. WARM & COZY. The only thing you have to do is avoid tightly woven fleece and material that is of low quality. Thumbholes: No. Image Zoom . The ability to store stuff in a jacket is almost essential. Because of the structure of the fibres, fleece is extremely warm and breathable and allows air to flow through it easily. Keep in mind that fleece jackets don’t have nearly the amount of complexities that backpacks do, so we chose many of the same jackets for different Backpacker Types. And rain sucks when you’re miles away from civilization. Heavyweight fleece is, well, heavy. It got wet, but it also beaded off water better than you might think. This four piece layering system should get you through most temperatures and weather scenarios when paired with a hat, gloves, and solid shoes. One of the biggest issues with fleece in the early years was that it simply could not be used for intense activities because it was so warm that it made users sweat profusely, and that sweat was trapped. On a backpacking trip these pockets are typically empty until you set up camp; then they hold a headlamp, map, or lighter. Sherpa is warm and is known to retain the heat to keep you warm during the colder, winter months. High loft also changes the nature of the fabric, creating a more plush, cozy, and fur-like material. Polartec and Patagonia (still in cahoots) began to make polyester fabric out of recycled material, specifically plastic soda bottles, in 1993. In 2007 the company went bankrupt, had their assets purchased, and were rebranded into Polartec LLC. As a rule of thumb, I recommend checking the fabric weight, then feeling it and wearing it before purchase. It can also give off a very warm feeling to the wearer hence its use in many sweatpants, sweatshirts, and baby towels. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. £23.64 £ 23. Mid-weight fleece covers the middle ground of the spectrum. This helps them breathe, and the general populace has come to expect a zipper in a coat. The opposite of high loft is tightly woven fleece, which, for lack of a better description, is closer to the feel of cotton. Will it be uncomfortable under your rain shell hood when the storms pour overhead? 0 0. Q. If you’re looking to truly pinch pennies (beyond our Budget Picks), check out your local thrift store. Malden Mills and then-owner Aaron Feuerstein used petroleum as polyester to create the fabric. Fleece definition is - the coat of wool covering a wool-bearing animal (such as a sheep). When the right fleece jacket is paired with the right activity your problems are solved. It’s optimal for high-output activities, like hiking, running, or biking. Yes, stuff that’s polluting the planet. You are buying a fleece to increase your warmth overall, or to get a more breathable insulating layer. If you need a fleece that works for some high-output activities but can still function as a warm layer on cool days, midweight is your best bet. You want something that layers well for inclement weather, and, most importantly, breathes. Four layers that should keep you prepared in the backcountry. It is a tough decision and maybe fleece can help out. Brew up a cup of hot tea and start scrolling our best warm pajamas, including flannel, fleece and thermal. The answer to that question is yes. When it’s significantly cold I find fleece to be an excellent secondary midlayer, and put it over a baselayer, under a down or synthetic jacket, which is all under a wind or rain shell. Sweatpants and sweatshirts are also made from this fabric to keep you from catching a cold after a hard work out. Is fleece breathable? It gives you the information you need so you can start planning your winter wardrobe now. Yes, 400. But what is fleece fabric? Hood: Yes. How you care for your fleece material will play a large role in that loss as well. Fleece hoods are usually balaclava style, come up past your chin, and cinch tightly over your head. Colors include black grey golden yellow white and red. Fleece is generally broke up into three main weights: Lightweight, as you can probably guess, is a thinner material. Obviously the lighter weight the better, and our recommended fleece jackets reflect that. What to wear. Using thinner fleece material underneath your exterior clothing helps your body maintain a comfortable temperature that remains on the warm side. Tightly woven fleece is used in jackets that need to be seriously compressed for, say, a backpacking trip, or for those who want a very slim layer. That is the question so many people ask when looking at a closet full of clothes. It is one of the best fabrics to wear when you want to go outside and enjoy the cold weather or snow. It is possible that the wear and tear that comes from using fleece often, the friction it endures as well as other hazards that fleece will lose its warming ability. close. But if a decision had to be made, we would go with sherpa fleece if it is of good quality. Condition: New with tags. In the outdoor industry Polartec reigns supreme. Made from cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers, fleece is durable, lightweight, and very soft. Base and Insulation are most common in the outdoor industry. Select styles really are 50 percent off, with prices as low as $30. High loft equals high warmth and maximum coziness. T-shirt, lightweight fleece, down or synthetic puffy, and rain shell. You are making sure your body remains at a constant temperature that is not too hot and not too cold. What is the style of the blue Marmot shell jacket in the layering images, and is it still being produced? A solid fleece jacket will have elastic cuffs, elastic around the hood, and elastic at the waist. Arc’teryx Fortrez. No, fleece is not warm when wet. Is Sherpa warm? There is one caveat though. The degree of warmth you experience may be greater or smaller than what has been noted here. If they do, you have better options available to stay warm. This is more critical for backpackers that head into the backcountry for extended trips, as you’ll want to pack sufficiently to be comfortable in all weather scenarios. These fleece jackets can serve as an outer layer when standing around camp, and still fit under a heavy rain shell if it starts to pour. Daniel Modlin . The moisture absorption rate is about 1% for most fleece fibers. Quick View. Our recommended fleece jackets reflects this, with a change in the Budget Pick to be more casual and provide pockets for the more casual user. I don’t recommend trying it out unless you’re close to home. Air pockets can sit between the threads in this pile surface, meaning the material can hold in that bit more warmth. Stay snug in our beautifully soft fleece. Often a down jacket is too warm for 60-degree weather and up — a fleece jacket is a great option. The arguments of the previous sections will apply here but in the long run, sherpa fleece is warmer than regular fleece even if they are made from the same materials. Thanks for reading and commenting! This may be a hard decision to make as everyone’s experience is slightly different. The zipped pockets keep everything that needs to be at hand safe (tissues, lip balm, gloves, keys, etc.). Getting to know fleece as a fabric and how it’s marketed is simple at the start, and very complicated by the end. High lofts and tight weaves are the extremes; there are plenty of fleeces that have a more classic feel, like the fleece jacket you grew up with (from Gap) or the fleece throw blanket on your couch. Otherwise the jacket will dangle well past your hands, or pull against your thumbs uncomfortably. That means once that level has been reached expect to get wet and uncomfortable. Well, if humans can create miracles — fleece is made from petroleum, and was engineered by the fabric gods of the 1970’s. Malden Mills was riding high for a while, but went through various financial troubles as the years wore on. Water from the sky, water from your skin — it’s all water to fleece. I Look Like a Blob in This Fleece, But I’m a Comfortable, Happy Blob. They need to be decently warm, serve in a simple layering system, and look good. The reason for that is the fluffiness of the sherpa style material. Champion New Mens Thick Warm Padded Anti Pill Fleece Jacket Quilted Coat Full Zip Zipped Pockets Inside Pocket Adjustable Drawcord at Hem Premium Quality Walking Outdoors Countrywear Glen Navy. $26.99 $ 26. Commerce Staff Writer. It will depend on the thickness of the fleece, the quality of the fabric, and the weave but fleece is warm enough for winter if you get all three requirements in one go. These pockets add a little more insulation and make sure the cold air doesn't get through to your skin. What that means is that if the material is not warm enough, changes can be made to the formula to produce a fabric that is warmer than wool. Polyester fleece is extremely warm because of its structure. When hiking you want a layer to fend off a morning or evening chill, but you don’t want to sweat so much you’re hot and gross. With fleece you don’t get much more than that, but each of those is essential. In some models the sleeve actually comes up quite far, providing a glove-like experience for your hand. Due to the structure of the fibers, fleece is extremely warm and and allows air to flow through it easily. Fusible Warm Fleece 1 keeps everything together reducing time spent getting ready to sew or quilt! That means when you are looking for a fleece jacket or blanket for the winter season, you need to look for those fabrics that are not tightly woven but have those air pockets. It goes over a t-shirt or baselyer when it’s cool out. Long story short: owner Yvon Chouinard teamed up with Malden Mills, got the fabric dialed in, and debuted Synchilla fleece in the legendary Snap-T Pullover. However, if you want a fleece that also serves as a decent outer layer, heavyweight is where you’re at. A fleece jacket is 100% fleece — except for those things I mentioned above. Zippers, pockets, hoods, and elasticity. We stand by these jackets and feel they are suited to most people. The weight is easier to feel when worn. Fleece is rare in that most jackets on the market use Polartec, and therefore come with decent materials, often Polartec Classic. AU $39.99 each. Spicing up your winter style with extra warmth! Fleece jackets for the Urban Hiker have a solid combination of all the above elements, except for extreme layering. It’s called Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) and is used almost exclusively in the outdoor industry. The bummer of a company’s slow death aside, these “assets” allowed Polartec to rise to prominence in the field of innovative synthetic fabric, specifically with fleece. Source(s): https://shrinke.im/a9Kmd. Fleece fabric is weighed in grams per meters squared (or ounces per yards squared, if you’re American), and the categories below are broken up by that specific metric. Arguably the most important aspect of fleece is the fabric weight. If you already own a Columbia fleece jacket, then you already know how cozy they are. It will depend on the thickness of the fleece, the quality of the fabric, and the weave but fleece is warm enough for winter if you get all three requirements in one go. Polartec® 200 provides optimal warmth and versatility in a midweight soft fleece. Paw Patrol Toss Antipill Fleece 60'' Red Fabric. Sometimes, however, it can incorporate natural fibers. AU $12.03. Right around this time super-hip and little-known outdoor company Patagonia was sniffing around for some new fabric that would outperform wool and other fabrics for backcountry alpine use. Fleece jackets for the Wilderness Backpacker are part of the overall layering system in the backcountry. The main points of engineering for fleece over the last three decades have been about making it more breathable.