Last updated on February 1st, 2023 at 02:01 pm
If you’re a winter adventurer, you know how important it is to keep warm during camp. Aside from having the right tent and sleeping bag, you may be wondering which jacket fabric is the warmest. At the top of the cozy list you’ll find fleece. This is because fleece helps retain body heat, wicks away water and sweat, and dries quickly. Here we overview the top 5 best fleece jackets for winter camping so you can camp in comfort.
Our Favorite Fleece Jackets for Winter Campers Are...
As you can see, a fleece jacket isn’t just a fleece jacket. Each unique feature contributes to a jacket’s overall comfort and warmth. After comparing on these points and selecting our favorites, we found the following deserved special mention:
The Best Overall: Patagonia Men’s R2 Techface Jacket and Patagonia Women’s R2 Techface Jacket
Close Second Place: Arc’teryx Women’s Covert Cardigan and Arc’teryx Men’s Covert Cardigan
Best Budget Fleece: REI Men’s Groundbreaker 2.0 Fleece Jacket and REI Women’s Groundbreaker 2.0 Fleece Jacket
Join us as we go into more detail on our favorites below.
Comparison Table of Fleece Jackets
Firstly, we’ve placed all of our contenders in the table below for easy and quick reference.
As you may have expected, most fleece jackets look relatively similar. However, it’s really all about the performance and fit, which we o over in detail below.
1. Patagonia R2 Techface Jacket
First, our favorite overall foro winter camping is the Patagonia R2 Techface Jacket. The R2 Techface offers not only warmth and weather resistance, but also breathability.
As a result, campers find it to provide comfort even in shifting mountain weather conditions.
High Loft, Double Weave Fabric
In addition, the R2 Techface maximizes warmth with high-tech design.
First, it features high loft fabric.
In fact, this fabric contains lots of perfectly spaced air pockets that retain more warmth and breathability against your skin.
However, don’t worry: the fabric is very compressible, so it isn’t bulky.
In addition, the Patagonia R2 fabric features a double weave, which offers more insulation to keep warmth in.
As a result, this jacket is ideal as a mid-layer, to adequately trap in your body heat while still being breathable.
Abrasion and Water-Resistant Fabric
Additionally, durability is essential as you encounter branches and other harsh elements.
Fortunately, the R2 Techface’s fabric is also durable and abrasion-resistant.
Furthermore, this jacket also features durable water repellent (DWR) that provides a defensive layer against moisture.
So, even if you run into heavy wet snow, you’re protected.
Skin Comfort Essentials and Hand Warming Pockets
Finally, possibly the best feature, this is a supremely comfortable jacket.
In fact, have you ever zipped up a jacket to your neck, and been irritated by the end of the fabric scraping your skin?
Well, the R2 Techface addresses this with a soft kissing-welt zipper garage at its chin.
As a result, this jacket removes the poosibility of that irritation.
In addition, the Patagonia R2 also offers two high handwarmer pockets 2 interior mesh pockets for storage and warmth.
Pros and Cons of the R2 Techface
R2 Techface PROS
- Great heat retention
- Very breathable
- Abrasion and water-resistant fabric
- 2 interior mesh pockets
- Soft kissing-welt zipper garage at chin for skin comfort
- 2 high handwarmer pockets
- Snag-resistant cuffs
- Hem features partial binding to seal in warmth
R2 Techface CONS
- Pockets are too small for some
Who is The R2 Techface Perfect For?
The Patagonia R2 Techface Jacket is an ideal mid-layer women’s jacket for cold weather adventures. Its breathability is great for hiking in shifting mountain weather. If you’re looking for a jacket that can double as ultra-warm, but still breathable to wear on its own during a cold hike, the R2 provides.
2. Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan
Next, coming in at a close second, the Arc’teryx Covert Men’s Cardigan and the Arc’teryx Covert Women’s Cardigan combines high-end style with cold-weather functionality.
For example, the Covert is meant to mimic the look of a stylish cardigan. So, you can wear it into town or on the trail.
If flexibility in your fleece is for you, then the Arc’teryx provides.
Versatile Design
First, for the Covert Cardigan, versatility is where it really shines. Many outdoor fleece pieces can be wonderful for the trail, but aren’t exactly stylish to wear anywhere.
However, the Covert Cardigan fleece fabric looks like wool and offers a stylish fit, so you can wear it wherever you go. Talk about a two-in-one.
So, if youneed to go into town for provisions or a dinner, you won’t look like you just crawled out of the wilderness.
High-Quality Heathered Fleece Fabric
Furthermore, this jacket is designed to look and feel similar to wool.
However, it’s actually constructed out of 200-weight Alpenex heathered fleece with brushed back knit.
As a result, this zip up is high-quality and provides a soft texture against your skin.
In addition, heathered fleece is also very breathable, so you won’t feel uncomfortable.
Campers work up a sweat even in winter. Especially if you’re snowshoeing or cross county skiing.
However, with the breathability and moisture wicking properties of the Covert Cardigan, you’ll stay the perfect temperature and remain dry.
Fair Trade
Finally, Arc’teryx also prides itself on producing in a Fair Trade Certified facility.
So, you can purchase the Covert Cardigan and ensure you’re spending your money on ethical gear.
Fair Trade ensures workers are treated with quality standards in a safe and healthy environment.
Pros and Cons of the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan
Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan PROS
- Versatile design
- Heathered fleece fabric for warmth and breathability
- Fair trade
- Two hand-warming pockets
Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan CONS
- Taller men may need to choose a size larger
Who Will Love The Covert Cardigan?
The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan is excellent for campers who desire stylish fleece that goes anywhere. Not only will the Arc’teryx keep you warm during your hike, but you can also wear it into town. The stylish wool-like appearance is meant to mimic a high-end cardigan.
3. REI Groundbreaker 2.0 Fleece Jacket
Another great option for the winter trails, the REI Men’s Groundbreaker 2.0 Fleece Jacketand the REI Women’s Groundbreaker 2.0 Fleece Jacket is our favorite on a budget.
Campers love that the Groundbreaker 2.0 features lighter fleece with a trimmer fit for year-round use.
We found it to be plush, durable, and an excellent companion in the cold.
Plus, for intensely cold temperatures, it doubles as an underlayer.
Great for Year-Round Use
Firstly, the REI Groundbreaker isn’t as heavy-duty as many competitors, but its thinner fleece offers more versatility.
Because this REI isn’t as thick as its counterparts, it can be worn year-round and within layers if the temperature really dips.
In fact, I like this one for late season kayaking trips as well as beneath my outer shell coat when winter hiking.
Stretch Bindings at Cuffs and Waist
Furthermore, this jacket also offers a few great style features for keeping cold water or snow out of your clothes.
For instance, the Groundbreaker 2.0 has stretch bindings at its cuff and waist to keep cool air and snow out.
As a result, campers can perform many winter jobs while keeping warm and dry.
Lightweight and Aims to Prevent Chafing
Finally, thanks to the Groundbreaker’s thinner fleece, it’s a lightweight option to wear and pack.
In addition, this jacket also features shoulder seams that are rolled forward to prevent your pack straps from chafing.
If you’ve ever been on a hike and had a strap and seam digging into your shoulder, you’ll appreciate this addition.
Pros and Cons of the REI Groundbreaker 2.0 Fleece Jacket
Groundbreaker 2.0 Jacket PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Zippered hand warmer pockets
- Great for year-round use
- Stretch binding at cuffs and waist keep cold out
- Shoulder seams rolled forward to prevent pack strap chafing
Groundbreaker 2.0 Jacket CONS
- Relatively thin; not for extreme cold
Who Will Love The Groundbreaker 2.0?
The REI Groundbreaker 2.0 is excellent for campers on a budget who still want quality warmth. And, to it being lightweight with thinner fleece, it serves well in all conditions year-round. Now, it isn’t as warm as its heavy-duty counterparts, but it still offers warmth retention and breathability as a layering option.
4. Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece Jacket
Next, we have a great option for the style conscious. The Cotopaxi Women’s Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece Jacket and the Cotopaxi Men’s Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece Jacket provides a unique pattern and pop of color.
Camping is just more comfortable and more fun in the Abrazo, which is Spanish for ‘hug.’
In all, the Cotopaxi offers warmth with 100% recycled style.
Statement Pattern Design
Firstly, the Abrazo not only provides warmth, but makes a statement with its colorful yet sophisticated pattern design.
Plus, the Cotopaxi also features a half-zip design that allows for easy removal and pulling-on.
As a result, this is excellent when you’re in varying temperatures.
Moreover, we found this to be very comfortable during snowshoeing, which requires the occasional removal of layers.
Made With Recycled Fleece
Additionally, Cotopaxi is also to sustainability.
For example, the Abrazo is made with soft, supple, 100% recycled fleece, so you can feel good about your purchase.
External Chest Pocket
Finally, this jacket provides plenty of pockets.
For instance, the Abrazo features a zippered, stretchy chest pocket.
We found that is great for stashing small valuables like car keys, a wallet or lip balm quickly and safely.
Plus, two large hand pocket are perfectly placed for warming hands casually.
Pros and Cons of the Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece
Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece PROS
- Stylish
- Half-zip design
- Made with recycled fleece
- External chest pocket
- Soft and supple
- Two hand pockets
- Elastic collar and cuff binding
Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece CONS
- Not as soft as you’d expect
Who Would This Jacket be Perfect For?
The Cotopaxi Abrazo will be loved by campers looking for a little extra style and statement from their fleece. It features a unique pattern design that is eye-catching. Plus, the half-zip design also allows for easy removal and pull-over.
5. Fjallraven Keb Fleece Hoodie
Finally, the Fjallraven Men’s Keb Fleece Hoodie and the Fjallraven Women’s Keb Fleece Hoodie are functional, durable, and comfortable to wear in all types of conditions.
Furthermore, it’s a snug hoodie that helps protect your head, while the fabric around your torso is extra-insulating.
For instance, the Keb’s functional blend of polyester, wool, and elastane is comfortable and insulating, while also remaining lightweight.
Insulating and Moisture-Wicking
Firstly, the Keb is warm and comfortable.
For instance, the Keb is made with a blend of partly-recycled wool, polyester, and elastane.
Furthermore, this blend is designed to efficiently wick away moisture while simultaneously providing superior insulation.
Plus, the Keb functions well as a midlayer due to its breathability.
Snug-Fitting Hoodie
Moreover, when you’re camping or hiking in rain or snow, a hoodie can provide some serious warmth.
Fortunately, the Keb is snug-fitting and also has elastic edges in order to lock out the cold air.
Front Zipper with Protective Chin Flap and Elastic Edging
Finally, this hoodie is warm and keeps out the elements.
For instance, the Keb zips up to your chin and features a protective chin flap.
This flap helps protect your chin from the zipper, which can be irritating if it’s rubbing against your skin.
In addition, the Keb also has elastic edging around its cuffs to help seal in warmth and keep out cold air.
In fact, quite a bit of heat can escape through open cuffs and necks or hoodies, so this helps cut down the loss.
Pros and Cons of the Fjallraven Keb Fleece Hoodie
Fjallraven Keb PROS
- Snug fit
- Protective chin flap
- Insulating and moisture-wicking
- Comfortable
- Low friction outside and brushed inside
- Vertical chest pocket with zipper
- Two hand pockets
Fjallraven Keb CONS
- Pockets are a little high
Who Would This Jacket be Perfect For?
The Fjallraven Keb Fleece hoodie is perfect for campers and trekkers who need a durable and moisture-wicking jacket. Extra details like the protective chin flap and elastic edges add to your comfort and warmth.
Other Great Fleece Jackets That Almost Made Our Top 5:
Are Fleece Jackets Good for Cold Weather?
Firstly, there’s a reason fleece jackets are still considered staples for cold weather: they are masters at retaining warmth.
In fact, fleece is made from polyester, and its unique fabric properties were initially designed to mimic warm wool.
However, unlike wool, which is dense, holds water, and isn’t very breathable, fleece retains its insulating properties with added breathability.
Plus, it is also moisture-resistant and durable.
Furthermore, fleece jackets can also be versatile depending on the climate you’re in.
And, “Fleece weight” describes how thick and tightly woven the fleece is. So, the higher the fleece weight, the warmer the jacket.
Finally, fleece weights are generally broken down into three weights: lightweight (100 g/m2), midweight (200 g/m2), and heavyweight (300 g/m2).
What Temperature Should You Wear a Fleece Jacket?
Additionally, the temperature at which you should wear a fleece jacket depends on the fleece weight we mentioned above.
Generally, fleece is a good option in temperature ranges between 45 to 64 degrees.
However, fleece jackets can also be worn as an insulating yet breathable mid-layer under a heavier jacket.
Lightweight fleece is thinner and less insulated, making it great for high-energy activities, such as hiking, biking, and running.
Midweight fleece are considered the most versatile, since they’re slightly thicker but still breathable.
For activities on cooler days, midweight can keep you warm while remaining comfortable.
And, heavyweight fleece is as it sounds: heavier-duty warmth.
This weight is, in fact, much more insulated and bulkier than lower weights, making it a good outer layer for cold days.
Should a Fleece Jacket be Tight or Loose?
In addition, the fit of your fleece can impact your comfort level while camping in the cold.
Whether your fleece jacket is tighter or looser depends on how you’re planning to use it.
For instance, if it will be worn over other layers, there should be enough room underneath so that movement isn’t restricted.
Plus, if you plan on wearing your fleece as your top layer, you may prefer it to be a mid-weight or heavy-weight to keep you even warmer.
Additionally, if you’re wearing a fleece jacket as a mid layer, however, it should be decently snug to maximize insulation.
What Makes a Great Fleece Jacket for Winter Campers?
There are several important factors that make a great fleece jacket. Aside from simply being “warm,” a jacket should have several other features. These include breathability and durability, to name a few. In our selections, we took these considerations into mind:
- Full Zip vs Pullover: this comes down to preference, but we generally prefer a pullover. Especially when layering it beneath a down coat. However, for ease of bathing or changing clothes, lots of campers prefer a full zip.
- Warmth: Fleece is a fantastic fabric that can be worn from fall through spring as it keeps warmth in while wicking away moisture. However, a low-quality fleece with a loose weave will shed not just warmth through the season, but lint all over your clothes. We chose and reviewed the highest quality fleece jackets and weeded out the low-quality weave for you.
- Breathability: While you’re searching for a warm fleece, it should also maintain some breathability either through the fleece itself or by way of ventilation panels.
- Durability: As mentioned before, a quality jacket will remain whole and hold up through the season, let alone through your winter camping trip. Areas that are prone to fault in winter jackets are usually cheap and thin shedding materials, low quality stitching, and faulty elements like weak zippers and snaps. However, all the reviewed jackets met our specifications for quality.
- Comfort: It seems obvious, but you should be comfortable in your winter fleece. Especially if you’ll be bringing it to camp.
- Other Features: We especially love fleece jackets that combine wind resistant elements such as nylon, wind breaking patches, a comfortable hood and lots of zippered pockets.
Regardless of the fleece you bring to camp, be sure to wear layers and pack a nice warm sleeping bag. And, if you are heading into really cold climates, check out our post How to Increase Sleeping Bag Warmth.
Suit Up, Set Out
Braving the cold requires more than a quality tent and blanket – it also requires an optimal jacket! Fleece is one of the best jacket options due to its insulating and moisture-wicking properties. If you need something to layer up with to beat the frigid cold at camp, consider our top 5 picks fleece jacket for winter camping.
Regardless, make sure to bring enough water and always tell someone where you’re going when camping in the winter or at high altitudes.
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