What to wear to climb? This problem that occurs every time you pack the day before or at the morning trailhead, reaches its peak during this time of year from spring to summer.
Looking at the weather forecast, it was relatively warm, but when I went there it was chilly than I expected. On the other hand, there are many cases where the winter clothes I brought with me to be careful were left on my backpack throughout. That's how difficult mountain layering is. In particular, when it comes to choosing a middle layer (intermediate clothing), which plays a role in balancing heat retention and dryness between underwear and outerwear, many people find it troublesome to choose a wide variety of types.
Fleece jackets were born in the late 1970s and quickly gained explosive popularity from the outdoors to casual scenes, making them synonymous with middle layers. In recent years, the high-performance insulation jacket made of synthetic fiber padded material, which has undergone significant technological innovation, may have been taken away from its main role, but there is no doubt that it is still a "useful" item. For me, fleece jackets are a piece that I can't let go of all year round, from the field to everyday use.
The scene where the fleece comes into play is a course with a gentle temperature (with a course) where the fleece is active. Fleece, which generally allows the wind to pass through more vigorously than synthetic fibers, is not only used as a warm clothing when you feel chilly, but also allows for the most enjoyable mountain hiking in a place where it is a little hot but the wind is breeze. It is dangerous to cool your body with the wind, but in spring, autumn, or summer, where you want to actively utilize this cooling function, the balance between the amount of sweating and the speed of diffusion is just right. Compared to synthetic fibers, the bulky weakness is not bothering you when you keep wearing them. If this feels too cold, you can just put on a shell.
As you know, there are many models, from authentic outdoor use to casual, with a wide range of features, including not only thickness, pile length, density, surface texture, and elasticity.
This time, we have picked out five models that have been released this season, and compared the wearable thin, lightweight fleece jackets that are perfect for this warm season and are versatile and can be used all year round.
table of contents
- table of contents
- About the fleece jackets compared this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- No.1 in overall strength: Patagonia R1 full zip hoodie
- Once you put it on, you will never forget the ultimate comfort: HOUDINI Outright Houdi
- Excellent sweat processing ability to dry out: MILLET Rocka Hoodie
- A lightweight and warm piece that can be used all year round: NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket
- A reasonable model with a shrewd, high performance that is safe: mont-bell trail action parka
- Detailed reviews of each item
- summary
- Looking for reviewers
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- Detailed reviews of each item
- summary
About the fleece jackets compared this time
The fleece jackets we compared this time are of course not fashion models, but rather models for mountaineering and hiking that have a distinctive feature. Depending on the thickness and weight of the fleece jacket, there are many models for autumn and winter that can be used for winter cold, but this time we have selected lightweight fleece for the three seasons, spring to autumn, and weighing less than 500g, all of which have been selected from the latest models of this season. Furthermore, we have chosen a full zip model with a hood as much as possible due to its ease of use and versatility.
- 2019 S/S model
- It is intended to be worn as a middle layer when climbing.
- Weight: 500g or less
- Full zip model with hood as much as possible
- Stylish enough to be used for everyday use as much as possible
Here are the five models chosen in this way.
- Patagonia R1 Full Zip Hoodie
- HOUDINI Outright Houdi
- NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket
- MILLET Rocca Hoodie
- mont-bell trail action parka
Test environment
Hokkaido from April to May. It can be worn over a base layer or as an intermediate under the shell, and can be worn for mountain climbing, running, camping, or everyday use. The following five points were set as indicators for review of the evaluation items.
- Comfort and mobility: Fleece with a relatively tight silhouette is most important to have a comfortable feel and fit, and to be comfortable to wear even when moving around violently. A sense of material, elasticity, and overall comfort through cutting and sewing are required.
- Thermal insulation: Blocking out the cold outside and keeping body heat away is essential as the basic role of the middle layer. It's not too hot, but even if it's for mountain climbing in the spring and summer, you need to have a minimum level of insulation.
- Moisture absorption and quick-drying...How to efficiently expel the moisture absorbed by the base layer and keep your body dry? This is also the reason why it doesn't get stuffy when hiking.
- Weight: If it is the same performance, it would be better to have a lighter one.
- Usability: The number of pockets, location, arrangement, hood, sleeves, and zippers make them comfortable to use.
Test results and spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AAA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
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![[Millet] LOKKA HOODIE](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81t3K5MJ7JL._SS300_.jpg) |
![[Norona] Fleece Jacket 333014](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51YQ8j3PdEL._SS300_.jpg) |
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| Reference price | 22,680 yen | 28,080 yen | 15,120 yen | 19,440 yen | 7,776 yen |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Comfort and mobility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Moisture absorption and quick drying | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Easy to use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||||
| Actual weight (g) | 401 | 363 | 298 | 319 | 410 |
| material |
6.9 oz Polartec Power Grid Recycled Polyester 93%/Polyurethane 7%. Polyzine is permanently deodorizing. Blue Sign certified. Fair trade certified sewing is adopted |
Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro Light | Thermal Bi-Face Ultralight Polyester 100% | warm™1 / Polartec® Power Stretch® | Stretch Clima Plus® [47% nylon + 36% polyester + 17% polyurethane] |
| Zippered chest pocket, 2 hand pockets | 2 zippered hand pockets | 3 zippered pockets (1 chest, 2 hands) | 2 zippered hand pockets | 3 zippered pockets (1 chest, 2 hands) | |
Impressions of each model
No.1 in overall strength:
Patagonia R1 full zip hoodie
This is ◎
- touch
- Breathable
- Durability
- Fit
This is △
- weight
- Storageability of left and right pockets, snag
- Poor pills easily
- It gets bulky when stored
It's understandable when you wear it. The uneven pile fabric inside is brushed material, and the texture is indescribable and comfortable. The gap between the body is minimized, and the fit is excellent, making it excellent in heat retention and has a quick-drying ability to absorb moisture and dry quickly of the five models.
The fabric uses Polartec Power Grid™, making it extremely good at preventing sweat from getting cold. In fact, it's not a problem to wear it as a base layer. Thanks to the highly elastic cuffs, rolling up the sleeves is stress-free. The back of the left chest pocket is made of mesh material, and by releasing the zipper, it acts as ventilation.
The downside is that there are no zippers in the hand warmer pockets on both sides, so I often felt very stressed when my hands were caught in the pockets while I was operating. I look forward to the next update. And the rest is weight. The actual size is unexpectedly over 400g. The fabric itself is thick and has excellent heat retention, so it may be a point that you have to sacrifice, but it is not recommended for those who want to wear light fleece. Also, pilling will stick to more than you think, so you will need to carry out regular maintenance.
I've added a few negative points, but the author's favorite out of the five models was the "R1". This item has a high rating of comfort, mobility, heat retention, moisture absorption and quick drying, and functionality, making it the most well-balanced item, and is sure to be useful in any season.
Once you put it on, you will never forget the ultimate comfort:
HOUDINI Outright Houdi
This is ◎
- touch
- Stretchable
- Thermal insulation
- Hood fitting with drawcord
- A wide range of colors
This is △
- Moisture absorption and quick drying
- price
This time, there is a drawstring on the hood and hem, which can be fitted. Furthermore, the cuffs are designed to be longer on the back of the hand and the cutting of the cuffs and sufficient heat retention, so it can handle sudden changes in weather. If the fabric is so soft, we were concerned that it would lose its shape when worn and washed, but it is also highly durable and surprisingly does not lose its shape. There are a wide range of colors available, with six colors, and the vibrant colors unique to Scandinavians are rarely overlapping with those around you.
The negative point is that it has excellent heat retention and moisture absorption and quick-drying performance are relatively poor, so you will want to release the zipper and ventilate it immediately when you are exercising. It is the most expensive out of the five models, but I think it's understandable if you wear it.
Excellent sweat processing ability to dry out:
MILLET Rocka Hoodie
This is ◎
- lightweight
- Very compact
- Breathability
- Moisture absorption and quick drying
This is △
- Thermal insulation
- Durability
The back is made of 3D honeycomb fabric, and the ventilation and moisture absorption and quick-drying performance are extremely excellent. With excellent fit, flat seams and raglan sleeves, cutting makes it easy to move in, providing comfort in running tests that involve a lot of movement and sweating. The zippered pockets on the left chest and both sides are just as effective as ventilation. Also, although there are no drawstrings, elastic is provided on the sleeves and hem that tightens with moderate force, so there is no need to worry about the raised sleeves slipping off. It's easy to use, with hand pockets on the left and right sides as well as chest pockets that can hold smartphones.
Instead, this is the type with the lowest heat retention performance out of the five models. Recommended for summer activities, especially those who are serious about trail running.
A lightweight and warm piece that can be used all year round:
NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket
This is ◎
- Thermal insulation
- Hand gaiter
- lightweight
- compact
This is △
- Moisture absorption and quick drying
Polartec® Power Stretch® was used from the armpits to the upper arm, making it highly elastic and no stress in movement. The zippered hand warmer pockets on both sides have large openings, allowing for smooth in and out, and also serve as a ventilation system. Also, the pockets are located at the top, making it difficult to interfere with harnesses and other items, which is a highly rated point. It also comes with a hand gaiter with a thumb hole, making it a very useful specification when used as a middle layer in winter. This is the only model of the five models that do not have a hood. The lack of a convenient hood is a disadvantage, but I also felt that there was no stiff back when wearing hard shells or rainwear.
After trying it out, I realized that it can certainly be used widely throughout the year, just as the slogan says. I think this item will really show your true potential, especially as a middle layer from autumn to winter.
A reasonable model with a shrewd, high performance that is safe:
mont-bell trail action parka
This is ◎
- price
- Durability
- Thermal insulation
- Easy to layer
This is △
- The zipper is stiff
- Large storage size
From the multiple fleece jacket lineups released by Japan's proud Montbell, we chose this time a trail action parka, which is said to be suitable for active scenes. To be honest, this item was not something I noticed much until I checked it this time. After trying out all the methods, it's truly a Montbell. I want to be even more proud of my Japanese brand.
The fabric is made of Stretch Clima Plus, which is excellent in elasticity and heat retention. Even after trying it out, it didn't get too tight and was stress-free throughout. In addition, the overall construction is sturdy and is highly durable. The surface is made of smooth jersey material and is slippery, so there was no stress when wearing outerwear. In addition, the pockets under the arm are placed high, making it easy to access even when the waist belt of the backpack is closed, making it a very highly rated point.
However, there are many attractive points when viewed as a stand alone, but in this comparison, it is difficult to say that the points that stand out and are particularly excellent compared to other models. However, despite this quality, it must be said that the incredible price of 7,200 yen is truly excellent in value.
Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item
On the previous page, we introduced a ranking of the models we compared, a list of ratings and specs, and recommendations based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation, and why it was evaluated in that way.
Detailed reviews of each item
Comfort and mobility
The method for evaluating comfort is evaluated from the perspective of comfort, such as texture, fit on the cuffs, and around the mouth. Mobility is mainly evaluated from the perspective of accuracy of cutting and ease of movement due to stretching.
Basically, each model is designed to improve mobility, and we have all the elasticity in addition to the combination, and none of the models felt stressed because they were tight while they were doing things.
As a result, the model that best suited both comfort and mobility was the HOUDINI Outright Houdi As mentioned above, the magical comfort is unforgettable once you experience it, and it is also highly elastic, so it is almost completely free from stress.
Furthermore, even when I tightened the front zipper, the zipper didn't touch my chin, and it was very pleasant to be wrapped in a soft fabric from my neck to my chin. This item will make you want to wear it forever. Also, regarding the feel of the Patagonia R1 the pile-like fabric is also quite comfortable and I recommend it.
Thermal insulation
Thinning the fabric will make it lighter, but on the other hand, the heat retention performance will inevitably deteriorate. As with all outdoor gear, this balance is extremely difficult.
This time, I was already surprised that all of them have a certain level of heat retention, even though they are under 500g, but the NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket was the best. While the fleece material improves heat retention, stretch fabrics are used everywhere, providing an exquisite balance of heat retention and mobility. Thin and light, the original fleece brushed material still remains warm. Also, although it is quite heavy, the mont-bell trail action parka is one of the best models with excellent heat retention performance. I think it will be useful in early spring and autumn and winter.
Quick drying performance
Despite being quite a sweaty, I have neglected to select items and have experienced several times getting sweaty and getting a cold after getting sick. Sweat and cold during action can reduce physical strength and sometimes increase the risk of danger. It is extremely important to choose items that have excellent moisture absorption and quick drying performance, not only for base layers, but also for middle layers and outerwear, as much as possible, and will also improve comfort.
The one I found to be the most absorbent and quick-drying property this time was the MILLET Rocka Hoodie The 3D honeycomb fabric inside absorbs sweat more and more. At the same time, it also ensures breathability, dries the fastest speed, allowing even the author, who is sweaty, to act comfortably. The fabric itself is very thin, so it's understandable that it dries quickly. However, this tends to be inversely proportional to heat retention, so I think it depends on the user to decide which one to prioritize.
On the other hand, the Patagonia R1 has some heat retention, but was also excellent in moisture absorption and quick-drying performance. This shows that the Polartec® Power Grid™ used for the fabric has extremely high specs.
weight
The high specs of this model are already surprising at just under 500g, but what's even more surprising is the lightness of the MILLET Rocka Hoodie The catalog number is 390g, but the actual size is 298g, which is unexpectedly under 300g. Naturally, the storage size is small and there is no stress when packing.
The NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket is also quite light at 319g for its heat retention performance, which is attractive. It's certainly light because it doesn't have a hood, but even so, when you pick it up on the balance between heat retention, durability and weight, you can see that it has quite high specs.
Easy to use
the NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket have hoods, and when you close the zipper you can tighten it all the way to the mouth, making it perfect for use as a balaclava. It can handle sudden changes in weather, so I think it's best to have a hood. the HOUDINI Outright Houdi, which allows you to adjust the hood and hem with a drawstring, is highly rated for ease of use.
Regarding pockets, "Left and right hand pockets only <Left and right hand pockets + chest pockets" and it is better to have a zipper, so the MILLET Rocker Hoodie and the mont-bell trail action parka are the most convenient. the Patagonia R1 which do not have a zipper , are for warming your hands rather than storing things.
The NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket felt a bit slippery when opening and closing the zipper
So, each model has its pros and cons in terms of fine details, but overall, the Patagonia R1 felt the easiest to use. Apart from storage, the combination of the hand warmer pocket and the chest pocket that can also be used as ventilation is quite adequate for me personally. In addition, the zipper has a smooth movement and a hood that can be used as a balaclava. As mentioned at the beginning, what captivated me this time is the comfort of wearing, but one of the main reasons is that it is easy to use.
summary
So, we've checked out some lightweight fleece that can be used at this time of year. Each model has a range of evaluation points, including comfort, mobility, heat retention, moisture absorption and quick drying, weight, and ease of use. Among these, each item is specialised in different items, so I think that by choosing the item that suits your purpose, you will be able to put your strength into the field. We hope this article will help you choose your items.
We also recommend this article about fleece jackets.
- 3 questions to choose insulation wear that won't make a mistake and 15 recommended items
- It's about time to summarize how to choose a middle layer
TAC
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