Beat the chill on your autumn and winter outdoor adventures with a cosy and lightweight wind-cheating fleece. Here’s our pick of the best
Rab Capacitor Hoody, £75
Despite being very lightweight (under 400g), the new Capacitor fleece from Rab uses clever design to supply comfort, performance and thermal protection when you’re on the hills. There is a lovely tailored feel to this top, which has stretchy side panels to keep it flush to your body and prevent any material flapping around during outdoor activities. If you don’t mind a close-hugging hoodie, then this is a fantastic fleece that’s available in men’s and women’s versions, and works on its own or as a midlayer. The thin hood fits under a helmet and keeps ears toasty. It has a full-length zip, two side pockets and a chest pocket on the outside (all zipped). The mesh panels on the inside look like pouches, but – weirdly – are open-bottomed. Aside from the side panels, it’s made entirely from recycled polyester, a material that breathes easily and wicks moisture away from your body.
VERDICT: Light and smart, this boxes well above its weight. 9/10
66˚North Tindur, £250
Made with Polartec Wind Pro Stretch and synthetic shearling (all 100% recycled), the Tindur will keep you warm in extreme conditions. It also makes a good protective mid- and outer layer for hill hikers. Ideal for high-intensity activity, it has smart venting and high-reach sleeves. The hem and collar have drawcords to keep the elements out. There are two zipped hand pockets and a chest pocket. There’s only one downside: the price. However, it should last a lifetime.
VERDICT: A durable, quality fleece. 9/10
Berghaus Prism Polartec InterActive Fleece, £65
This 200-weight midlayer fleece is designed as part of a multi-garment system, attaching to Berghaus waterproof jackets, so has a fairly tight, tailored fit. However, it also works well as a stand-alone fleece. It has a full-length zip, two zipped side pockets on the outside and a pair of generous mesh pouches on the inside. It has thumb loops, a high collar and a longer hem at the back to keep your bum warm.
VERDICT Designed for walkers. 6/10
Thrudark Men’s Mantra Fleece, £195
Made with 100% recycled Polartec Shearling material, the Mantra is a cuttingedge garment for extreme conditions. Only available in black, it is windproof, durable and has sensational thermal properties. Wearable as an outer or midlayer, it has a full-length zip. On the outside there are two hand pockets and a chest pocket, all zipped. Additional features include thumb loops and elasticated cuffs and hem.
VERDICT: Premium quality fleece. 8/10
Mountain Warehouse Men’s Relic Fleece, £59.99
This is a no-frills fleece that does exactly what you want it to do without costing a fortune. This midweight top is made from recycled polyester, and it offers all the essential features, including wonderful warmth. It has a full-length zip, two outer hand pockets with zips, and a couple of pouches on the inside, big enough to take an OS map. There are stretchy panels on the arms and shoulders, and the cuffs are elasticated to keep out drafts.
VERDICT: Unflashy but warm. 7/10
Craghoppers Frey Overhead recycled fleece, £50
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This pullover-style unisex microfleece has an unusual design, with an ultra extended neck tube that can be worn loose, folded over or pulled right up over your nose. The lack of a front zip helps keep this top light, but its warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent. The Frey also has elasticated cuffs and an adjustable hem. On the front there are two deep pockets for hands, which nearenough meet in the middle and zip shut.
VERDICT: A quirky neck-warmer. 7/10
Artilect Halfmoon Bio Pullover, £100
Available in three colours, including a bright sun-yellow, the Halfmoon Bio is a midweight fleece with a half-zip that ends in a tall collar with a chin protector. Except for the Lycra in the cuffs, this stylish garment from Artilect is made entirely from PrimaLoft Bio, which is 100% recycled. Comfortable and soft, this material is warm, breathes brilliantly and dries quickly. It has two zipped hand pockets and a vertical chest pocket. I found the fit to be small, and suggest sizing up.
VERDICT: An eco-conscious choice. 7/10