Sparkling technology and ideas. A complete review of seven exceptional fleece pieces that give a glimpse into the future of fleece
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Fleece, which was born about 40 years ago and is one of the outdoor products that has had the greatest impact on the world, is still steadily evolving. Now, designers are taking a wide variety of approaches to materials, brushing methods, and even the finer details of construction, creating unique products that match the wide range of uses and complex demands of users, and this season is packed with great new products that give us a glimpse of the future
This time, I purchased seven of this season's hottest fleece items, using my own money as usual, and wore them for a short time. I'll be reviewing these seven gems that will be useful in a variety of situations this winter
table of contents
- The evolution of fleece continues. Featured fleece impressions
- Patagonia R1 Air: A legitimate evolution of the winter classic technical fleece
- Teton Bros. Wool Air Hoody: Hats off to the discreet, carefully crafted comfort
- Houdini Mono Air: A perfect companion for mountain lovers every day
- MILLET Alpha Light Sweat Crew: High-level comfort that seamlessly transitions from mountain to everyday life
- OMM Core Hoodie: The latest material with limitless potential. It's up to you to master it
- Houdini Alto Crew: The ultimate comfort that makes you want to immerse yourself in the warmth of Mother Nature
- STATIC ADRIFT CREW: An ultra-lightweight active insulation layer that fills the gaps in your winter layering
The evolution of fleece continues. Featured fleece impressions
* Ratings from ☆☆☆ to ★★★ are impressions based on the thickness of a thin to medium-weight fleece
Patagonia R1 Air: A legitimate evolution of the winter classic technical fleece
Wearing size S (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort ★★★ Ease of movement ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Weight ★★☆ Mountain wear ★★★ City wear ★☆☆
Patagonia, a pioneer in this field, has introduced a wide variety of fleeces to the world, but it the R1 series is a true "staple" in the world of technical fleece, with the most devotees in the world.
The new addition to the R1 the R1 Air . the R1 's well-balanced versatility, such as its volume and slim silhouette, the R1 Air significantly advances the functionality of the long-selling R1 , in many other respects. It has evolved into a smarter "regulator fleece" that helps to alleviate the body's sense of discomfort and cold.
The main highlight is the use of hollow polyester fibers (100% recycled) and the inclusion of fine zigzag grooves on the surface of the fabric, which give it a unique and sophisticated look, resulting in heat retention, moisture absorption, breathability, and quick-drying properties that are hard to imagine just by looking at it (similar to the Capilene Air, ). The raised areas of the fabric are made of short-pile brushed fleece, which feels soft and warm against the skin. Fortunately, this new pattern has reduced the weight by about 50g while maintaining high heat retention and breathability.
The sleeves are easy to move in and the material is highly stretchable, providing excellent fit and ease of movement. Despite its tight, not-baggy silhouette, it feels as comfortable as a thick T-shirt. The shoulder seams are also carefully placed away from the peaks, eliminating stress when wearing a backpack. This zip-neck jacket has one zippered pocket on the chest, but it's sufficient if you plan on using it as a mid-layer
By the way, I chose the zip neck type because I thought that with its functionality and silhouette, it would work well as a slim-fitting mid-layer or as a second base layer over a lightweight base layer. When I used it as a mid-layer under cold skies, it lived up to my expectations, or rather, exceeded my expectations, maintaining comfort in the cold, neither too hot nor too cold
The durable HeiQ Fresh antibacterial and deodorizing treatment also ensures safety during extended activities. Patagonia's elegant design also makes it suitable for trekking, climbing, backcountry, and even everyday use, making it a versatile piece that's truly appealing. Personally, I don't see myself being without it 24/7 this winter, whether on or off the job
Patagonia Men's R1 Air Zip Neck
Teton Bros. Wool Air Hoody: Hats off to the discreet, carefully crafted comfort
Wearing size M (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★★★ Comfort ★★★ Ease of movement ★★★ Breathability ★☆☆ Weight ☆☆☆ Mountain wear ★★★ City wear ★★☆
Teton Bros. is a Japanese brand that continues to produce practical and innovative outdoor products that meet world-class standards. Polartec over the years , they are often the first in the world to use the latest fabrics that no other brand has yet used.
The WOOL AIR HOODY which was released last season, Polartec Wool Highloft used in this model looks like a traditional synthetic high-loft fleece at first glance, but as the name suggests, it is a blended fabric with 52% wool.
The difference is first apparent in the comfort. Compared to conventional 100% polyester high-loft fabrics, each fiber feels more delicate and soft against the skin, with more volume and elasticity. The comfort of being wrapped in a high-quality blanket will make you happy from the moment you put it on. The perfect fit—neither too tight nor too loose—and the raglan sleeves allow for stress-free movement
Although it is certainly not light, it has a high volume that is unimaginable for its weight. The delicate brushed fabric feels comfortable against the skin
Of course, wool has excellent moisture-regulating and temperature-regulating properties, as well as odor and antibacterial properties, and its ability to prevent overheating and chilling is even greater than that of conventional synthetic fleece. In other words, despite its thickness, it's not too hot, too cold, or stuffy. You can wear it comfortably for hours
The jacket has been carefully designed with the small details that make outdoor activities in cold weather comfortable, such as a fluffy hood that fits snugly around the head, sleeves with thumbholes that help with warmth and make layering easy, and large hand warmer pockets
It's a sturdy, thick jacket that may not be ideal for warmer weather or high-tempo activities, but its overall functionality, including the highest level of warmth among the jackets reviewed this time and a moderate level of adjustability, will definitely make it useful for backcountry skiing and other demanding winter mountain activities. What's more, its sophisticated design, coloring, and texture make it suitable for everyday wear, so you can wear it every day without having to leave it in the back of your closet for special weekend occasions
Am I the only one who thinks that this highly finished piece of fleece, which has opened up a new door in fleece, is great value for money in the long run?
Houdini Mono Air: A perfect companion for mountain lovers every day
Wearing size S (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★☆☆ Comfort ★★☆ Ease of movement ★★★ Breathability ★☆☆ Weight ☆☆☆ Mountain wear ★★☆ City wear ★★★
is probably one of the few outdoor brands in the world that has achieved this season's goal of using environmentally friendly materials such as recycled and biodegradable materials for all of the fabrics it produces
In 2019 Houdini Polartec Polartec® Power Air™ , which is 100% recyclable and reduces the shedding of microfibers, which are known to be harmful to the global environment, by up to five times more than conventional fleece . The Mono Air Houdi is a lightweight, evolved active fleece jacket that is the latest addition to the Houdini family.
The slim and simple look doesn't feel boring, and the minimalist and sophisticated design still exudes the same good taste that is their specialty. Still, it inherits the functional beauty of the previous model, with features like a high collar, a double zipper on the front, and sleeves with thumbholes that make it easy to use while active. But what's most pleasing about this model is that the newly developed " Polartec® Power Air Light " material makes the fabric thinner, eliminating to some extent the weight that was a concern with the previous model.
Polartec® Power Air™, which utilizes cutting-edge technology, an interview we conducted on this site last year , but to explain it again, its mechanism is that insulation is created by a layer of padding and air trapped in small air pockets with a capsule structure. Unlike conventional fleece, which create an insulating layer with exposed fibers on the surface, this fleece material overcomes its environmental weaknesses by significantly reducing the microplastics that are generated when fibers shed. The matte, smooth surface is smooth, resistant to pilling, and easy to layer.
It has a tight, snug fit, but is extremely stretchy so it doesn't feel restrictive at all, and its modest warmth, high breathability, and quick-drying properties make it a great mid-layer for active situations. Its simple yet reliable functionality makes it suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping
However, compared to the other models I tried on, the individual characteristics of this jacket are not outstanding overall, and even just the warmth is weaker than the brushed fleece of the same weight that I've had in the past. The breathability and quick-drying properties are adequate, but not amazingly high, so I feel that its use will be limited to activities in the spring, autumn, and winter when the cold has subsided, and not deep in the mountains
However, make no mistake: this jacket isn't designed for the ultimate in technical performance on ridgelines. Rather, this fleece isn't just for adventures that take place a few days a year (though I don't think that's worthless in itself), but is perfect for those who want a piece of clothing that will enrich their everyday life, whether in the mountains, at a cafe, or at a restaurant, a piece that will accompany them every day
MILLET Alpha Light Sweat Crew: High-level comfort that seamlessly transitions from mountain to everyday life
Wearing UK size M (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort ★★★ Ease of movement ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Weight ★☆☆ Mountain wear ★★★ City wear ★★☆
Polartec® Alpha® is a pioneer in highly breathable insulation and is now synonymous with the high-performance synthetic insulation material as insulation or, sometimes, as a Polartec® Alpha® Direct . Even now, nearly 10 years after its launch, innovative items continue to be produced. Among the items using Polartec® Alpha® Direct the Alpha Light Sweat Crew from MILLET ." When I first saw it, I couldn't help but slap my knee.
Active insulation (highly breathable padded jacket) is a material and product that was originally marketed as "cold weather clothing that you don't need to take off even while on the move" because it keeps the body warm while still and cools the body quickly with its excellent breathability and quick-drying properties when you're moving. The Alpha Light Sweat Crew was developed to maximize this characteristic by eliminating unnecessary elements, resulting in the creation of a sweatshirt without even a zipper or pockets.
What's even more interesting about this highly breathable sweatshirt is that the padding is sandwiched between a highly absorbent lining and a highly breathable, smooth outer layer. While it may be more edgy in terms of functionality if worn exposed, a gaudy appearance is radical and still needs to have a certain unsophisticated feel. However, by giving it a more sweatshirt-like finish, maintaining functionality while making it accessible to a wider range of people and designed to be just about suitable for everyday wear, one can't help but feel the pride and skill of a mass-market brand
Its thin, comfortable weight, not too tight silhouette, and moderate stretch make it comfortable to wear in any situation. It's always comfortable whether you're wearing it as everyday loungewear, at work in front of your computer, or relaxing at a cafe, and there's no doubt that it will prove even more valuable when you go hiking
The smooth, sweat-absorbent lining absorbs sweat to a certain extent, so it can be worn directly against the skin, but to maximize its sweat-management capabilities, I think a more effective layering strategy would be to such as the brand's Drynamic Mesh , or a thin base layer between the skin and the jacket. I tried wearing it between my base layer and ski jacket when I went skiing, and I was able to spend the whole day comfortably, going back and forth between the lift, downhill slopes, and rest houses.
The lineup also includes a jacket type, which is recommended if you mainly go mountain climbing, but I personally recommend this crew type as it offers a new level of possibility and satisfaction that is different from previous Polartec® Alpha® jackets
OMM Core Hoodie: The latest material with limitless potential. It's up to you to master it
Wearing size M (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★☆☆ Comfort ★★☆ Ease of movement ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Weight ★★★ Mountain wear ★★★ City wear ☆☆☆
OMM is always pursuing its own optimal solutions with a unique, unconventional approach, has finally released the ultra-lightweight fleece `` Core Series'' is unconventional yet logical, a piece that is truly OMM- like.
Continuing on from the momentum of releasing a string of personal hits over the past few years, such as the PrimaLoft® Active series and PrimaLoft® Cross Core™ series, this brand PrimaLoft NEXT which was introduced for the first time this season . When I first heard about it at the exhibition, I only vaguely thought it looked like a rival to Polartec Alpha, but when I opened the lid, I was surprised. It turns out to be a material that will stir up excitement both inside and out, overturning previous concepts.
First of all, this new material functions like previous Active Insulations as a "highly breathable insulating material that combines high warmth with breathability and quick-drying properties, making it suitable for continued wear during winter activities." However, what makes it fundamentally different from any other insulating material to date is that when worn alone, directly against the skin, it functions as if wearing multiple layers: a base layer and a mid-layer
To briefly explain how it works, based on what I understand from the release information, the PrimaLoft Next series is made from highly absorbent, quick-drying polyester fibers, which first absorb sweat from the skin and then expel it directly to the outside without retaining it (← functioning like a base layer). Furthermore, the collection of brushed fibers mimics the characteristics seen in animal fur, with fibers of different lengths and thicknesses coming together to create within the material , allowing air to flow when you're moving (breathable and quick-drying) and trapping air when you're stationary (maintaining heat) (← functioning like a mid-layer). The combination of these two functions in a single piece of fabric is what makes this material so innovative, and it's said to overturn conventional wisdom about active insulation.
So what's it really like? I put it on and was surprised at how incredibly lightweight and compact it was. And then, even more surprised at how warm it was, which I immediately felt on my skin, much warmer than I'd imagined. Then, just by moving my body a little, I felt a breeze blow in, and was even more surprised at how breathable it was. Both the warmth and breathability (quick drying) were so vivid that I could almost laugh at how powerful it was
The finely brushed fleece feels incredibly comfortable against the skin, even though it's made from 100% synthetic fibers, and it's recommended as a first layer. It's a very tight fit, but the moderate stretch means there's absolutely no stress when moving around (though you may need to be a little careful with strong pulls. The official website also warns that it's still in the development stage in terms of durability, including resistance to scratches and shedding)
However, because of its uniqueness, it also seems that figuring out the best layering combinations and uses, such as how to best layer it, is not straightforward. To be honest, this is an area where the answer is still unclear. Just because this one piece can act as a base/mid-layer, it obviously cannot handle the extreme heat or cold, so layers are required. So what should you do in those situations (what layers to wear)? This requires experience
Although I haven't actually used it that much yet, the most comfortable and functional experience I've had so far is when the Core Hoodie and layered another mid-layer such as fleece or active insulation on top of it, the Core Hoodie as a thin, warm base layer. The comfort felt limitless at the time. Of course, this is still an early evaluation, so as the product becomes more mature, it's entirely possible that I'll find even more appealing ways to wear it. Furthermore, it's possible that a new, more evolved model will emerge that overcomes these complexities.
In any case, while I have yet to find a perfect combination that fully utilizes this gear's potential, there is also a part of me that would like to master this unruly piece of gear one day. A new piece of gear that is truly worth exploring has appeared
Houdini Alto Crew: The ultimate comfort that makes you want to immerse yourself in the warmth of Mother Nature
Wearing size S (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★★★ Comfort ★★★ Ease of movement ★★☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Weight ☆☆☆ Mountain wear ☆☆☆ City wear ★★★
Houdini has the magic to transform high-tech functionality for the harsh outdoors into a tool to enrich your everyday life, and fleece can be reborn in such a stylish way. The Alto Crew is an item that will shake up your concept of fleece.
It looks more like a sweatshirt than a fleece, and its simple yet luxurious design and texture make it seem as if it came straight out of a high-end brand's showcase, exuding a sexiness that's a far cry from the rugged outdoor fashion
Its extraordinary appeal isn't just in its appearance, of course. The sweater is made from a thick Swedish-made fabric that is a mix of natural merino wool, which goes without saying is useful in the mountains, and Tencel, a recycled fiber. The feeling of happiness you get when you put it on is undeniable
The lining is made of finely brushed fleece, which is soft and smooth to the touch. The slightly relaxed silhouette is also stretchy, so it doesn't feel too tight. The exquisite comfort that synthetic fibers just can't match is something you'll never want to take off once you put it on
Of course, it's made with high-performance natural materials like wool and Tencel, so it's not only warm, but also retains some heat even when damp with sweat. Its natural moisture-retaining, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying properties prevent overheating and chilling from sweat. It also boasts natural antibacterial, deodorizing, and anti-static properties. It's also excellent as a mid-layer for mountain climbing or skiing. It's comfortable to wear next to the skin, but its silhouette and moisture-wicking properties suggest it's best used as a mid-layer
The lineup includes full-zip, half-zip, and crew neck styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Personally, I chose the crew neck style, which is easy to wear from everyday use to skiing and winter mountain climbing, as I felt that this extremely comfortable jacket would be a must-have for everyday wear. It's one of the thickest jackets introduced here, so it may not be suitable for spring and autumn when the temperature hasn't yet dropped, or for activities that cause you to sweat profusely in a short amount of time. However, I highly recommend it for everyday use in the middle of winter, as well as snow activities like snow hiking, light snow trekking, skiing, and snowboarding
Made from 100% natural fibers, this fleece sweater is biodegradable and recyclable, making it one of the few items that can fulfill many of the daily desires of us mountain lovers
STATIC ADRIFT CREW: An ultra-lightweight active insulation layer that fills the gaps in your winter layering
Wearing size L (176cm/64kg)
Warmth ★☆☆ Comfort ★★☆ Ease of movement ★★☆ Breathability ★★★ Weight ★★★ Mountain wear ★★★ City wear ★☆☆
Active insulation (jackets) are becoming a major trend in winter clothing, establishing a firm position within mountaineering wear, and a wide variety of items have now been created to meet a truly diverse range of needs. Developed by STATIC, a Japanese outdoor brand that takes environmental impact seriously in its manufacturing, the ADRIFT CREW is a fleece sweater that combines the basic characteristics of active insulation (dynamic warmth) with many appealing features not found in other models
Above all, it's one of the lightest jackets we've reviewed (even the large size weighs just 111g), so light you'll barely even notice you're wearing it, yet it still provides unimaginable warmth when worn. The reason for this is the "Octa" fabric, developed by TEIJIN. "Octa" is a hollow fiber with eight radially arranged protrusions that can hold more air inside and outside the fiber than regular fibers, and the brushed lining created by these intertwining fibers is able to efficiently create dead air even though it's thin
What's more, the ultra-thin fabric has a fine mesh that allows a large amount of air to pass through when you move or even when there is a slight movement of air.This means that it keeps you warm when you are stationary and promotes ventilation and quick-drying when you are moving, functioning as active insulation
The silhouette is slightly wide in the body and armholes, and the sleeves are a little short, so when I adjusted it to fit my shoulder width and arm length, the L size felt a little baggy. Other than that, the stretch is decent, so you won't feel restricted in movement
This knit boasts functionality comparable to many active insulation jackets and regulator fleeces, yet is surprisingly light. It can be used as a main cold-weather layer when temperatures are high, and as a light addition to your regular mid-layer when the temperature drops, even if you feel like wearing it alone isn't enough. With its slightly loose silhouette and smooth surface, it's perfect as a mid-layer or second layer. Simply slip it into the gap in your backpack and you'll enjoy unprecedented security and comfort
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