Choosing the Right Type of Fleece for Your Outdoor Activities

Fleece is soft, fuzzy and warm—it's a popular choice for outdoor gear, winter apparel and blankets. It insulates by trapping air, which also helps it resist moisture and odor. Fleece is also breathable, which makes it an excellent choice for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities in cold weather. However, it's important to choose the right type of fleece for your activities. Some varieties don't breathe as well as others, and they can cause overheating when worn in strenuous physical activity, such as a hike or marathon. In addition, some types of fleece are susceptible to pilling (small balls of flufff that form on the surface), static build-up and water absorption.

When selecting a fleece, look for trusted sustainability and product certifications. These ensure that the materials are ethically sourced and that the manufacturing process meets environmental standards. You should also consider the build quality of the fleece, which is a good indicator of durability. Look for sturdy seams and zippers that are made to last.

Lightweight fleeces are best for use as a mid-layering piece under other garments, such as wind and rain jackets. They can also be worn as a standalone fleece in cool-to-cold weather. However, they don't work as well in windy conditions because air that isn't moving doesn't conduct heat very well.

A lightweight, tightly fitted fleece like Eddie Bauer's Super Sevens Ultralight Fleece Hoodie is ideal for long-distance backpacking trips and multi-day climbing adventures. Its inner-facing fabric is soft against the skin, and it has a balaclava-style hood that zips to cover the nose and mouth for additional warmth. It's also light enough that you can wear it while biking, since the movement of the body helps regulate temperature.

Mid-weight fleeces are ideal for meandering hikes, town tours and other slow-paced adventures in moderate temperatures. They're also a great choice as a layering piece in colder weather, and they work best with a waterproof shell. Mid-weight fleeces are thicker and warmer than lightweight options, but they still have decent breathability.

Heavier-weight fleeces are primarily designed as an outer layer. They are thick, bulky and warm—much more so than the other types of fleece. They're usually not as breathable, and they don't work as well with other layers.

Many manufacturers produce their own versions of fleece, with various constructions and thicknesses. Typically, they are based on synthetic fabrics that mimic the properties of wool. These fabrics can be woven in different ways to create distinct characteristics, such as the amount of stretch and breathability. Some types of fleece are also manufactured from bamboo pulp, an eco-friendly material that's also incredibly soft and breathable. Others are made from recycled polyester, which is a good choice for those concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. The thickness of a fleece fabric can also affect its weight, with thinner fabrics being lighter and more packable. Some are double-sided, with napped, push surfaces on both sides, which makes them exceptionally warm and soft.