Looking for the perfect fleece? Start by considering your activity and performance requirements, the fleece fabric and technologies used, and how the fit supports effective layering. Together, these factors determine how well your fleece regulates warmth, manages moisture, and performs in changing conditions. In this guide, we explain what fleece is, how it works, and how to choose the right option for everyday wear, backcountry hiking, and alpine missions.
What is Fleece?
A fleece is a synthetic, lightweight, insulating, and highly breathable knit fabric designed to mimic the warmth of a natural wool. With a knit construction and brushed finish, fleece has a fluffy texture that traps heat and dries quickly. This makes it ideal for both active wear and cosy apparel.
Why Do I Need a Fleece?
When the temperature drops, a fleece becomes an essential part of your layering system. Whether it’s a warm layer for an outdoor adventure or something cosy on a cool morning, picking the right fleece and understanding how it fits into your layers makes all the difference.
What Are The Benefits of Fleece?
Fleece layers have a number of key benefits that make them ideal pieces of kit, whatever your adventure may be. Let’s explore them:
- Insulation & Comfort: Fleece is a great insulator, trapping warm air within its soft, brushed fibres, offering reliable warmth without weight.
- Breathability: Thanks to its open knit structure, fleece allows air to circulate easily. This airflow helps to regulate your temperature, keeping you comfortable and reducing the chance of overheating.
- Moisture Wicking: Polyester fibres pull moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool when you’re working hard.
- Durability: Fleece is built for adventure, and it’s naturally hard wearing. It holds its shape and softness throughout regular use.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Fleece
There’s a few things to know when finding the right fleece. Depending on your activity and conditions ahead, several performance factors will help you choose the right option. Here’s what to look for:
Activity and Performance Requirements
Your activity guides which fabrics and features matter most, helping you choose a fleece that performs when and where you need it to.
For example, a warm, lightweight, highly breathable fleece would be ideal for a mountaineering, snow sports or alpine trail running. Lower output activities such as hiking is where a heavier (but still breathable!) fleece would shine, balancing warmth, weight and heat management.
Fleece Fabric and Technologies
We’re partnered with Polartec®, and we use many of their advanced fabrics and technologies across our range of fleece midlayers. Each fabric is designed to have specific performance benefits whether that’s maximum warmth, enhanced durability, or improved breathability. Here are the fabrics featured in this blog:
- Polartec® Alpha™– Lightweight warmth for dynamic conditions
- Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™ – Moisture wicking warmth with stretch
- Polartec® Micro Fleece – The classic fleece designed to minimise shedding
- Polartec® Power Air™ – Cosy, durable warmth
Fit & Layering
A fleece should work seamlessly with the rest of your layering system. The fit impacts comfort, ease of movement, and how it pairs with base layers and outer shells.
How Should a Fleece fit?
A good fleece should be comfortable and easy to move in, sitting close to your body with room for a thermal underneath. For most people, a regular fit fleece offers the best balance of comfort, mobility, and warmth.
If you’re looking for a fleece for high output activity, make sure the fleece doesn’t restrict your shoulders or arms. The ideal active layer moves with you on the trail or climb, especially when it’s worn in conjunction with your base and outer layers. A slightly roomier fit can be more comfortable for everyday wear and casual layering.
Now that you know all about fleeces, let’s find the best fit for you:
A versatile fleece inspired by our heritage. It’s a hard wearing, cosy layer ideal for post-hike heat and everyday warmth.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Shed Less
- Weight: 270 g (Size 10)
A cosy, soft layer with plush shearling fleece that’s designed to trap heat when the chilly days strike.
- Main Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester — bluesign® approved
- Weight: 530 g (Size 10)
A versatile, hooded fleece jacket designed as everyday warmth for both exploring and relaxing. Also available without a hood, see Mountain Fleece Jacket.
- Main Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester — bluesign® approved
- Weight: 520 g (Size 10)
A ‘jack of all trades’ mid layer that provides warmth without the weight. Ideal for hikes, travel, and everyday wear, the Tui is breathable, quick drying, and soft to the touch. Also available as a jacket, see Tui Fleece Jacket.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Micro Fleece
- Weight: 200 g (Size 10)
A midweight hiking fleece that shines both on and off the trail. It features a knit construction that encapsulates air to keep you cosy for longer.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Power Air™
- Weight: 450 g (Size 10)
A high-performance mid-layer designed for real outdoor pursuits. Moisture-wicking, durable and warm. Also available as a jacket, see Solitude Jacket.
- Main Fabric: Power Stretch™ Pro
- Weight: 270 g (Size 10)
The ultralight alpinist’s dream, this Alpine Series mid layer matches breathability with superior warmth.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Alpha™ Direct
- Weight: 110 g (Size 10)
Providing outstanding warmth without weight, the Pisa is a breathable, wind and water-resistant fleece layer designed for adventure.
- Main Fabric: 100% Nylon — bluesign® approved
- Lining Fabric: Polartec® Alpha™ Direct
- Weight: 310 g (Size 10)
A versatile fleece inspired by our heritage. It’s a hard wearing, cosy layer ideal for post-hike heat and everyday warmth.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Shed Less
- Weight: 350 g (Size M)
A cosy, soft layer with plush shearling fleece that’s designed to trap heat when the chilly days strike.
- Main Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester — bluesign® approved
- Weight: 580 g (Size M)
A versatile, hooded fleece jacket designed as everyday warmth for both exploring and relaxing. Also available without a hood, see Mountain Jacket.
- Main Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester — bluesign® approved
- Weight: 650 g (Size M)
A ‘jack of all trades’ mid layer that provides warmth without the weight. Ideal for hikes, travel, and everyday wear, the Tui is breathable, quick drying, and soft to the touch. Also available as a jacket, see Tui Fleece Jacket.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Micro Fleece 100% Recycled Polyester — bluesign® approved
- Weight: 250 g (Size M)
A midweight hiking fleece that shines on and off the trail. It features a knit construction that encapsulates air to keep you cosy for longer.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Power Air™ 100% Polyester
- Weight: 520 g (Size M)
A high-performance mid-layer designed for real outdoor pursuits. Moisture-wicking, durable and warm. Also available as a jacket, see Kepler Jacket.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Power Stretch™
- Secondary Fabric: Polartec® Power Grid™
- Weight: 350 g (Size M)
The ultralight alpinist’s dream, this Alpine Series mid layer matches breathability with superior warmth.
- Main Fabric: Polartec® Alpha™ Direct
- Weight: 140 g (Size M)
Providing outstanding warmth without weight, the Pisa is a breathable, wind and water-resistant fleece layer designed for adventure.
- Main Fabric: 100% Nylon — bluesign® approved
- Lining Fabric: Polartec® Alpha™ Direct
- Weight: 380 g (Size M)
How to Care for Your Fleece
Fleece is easy to care for, and with the right care it’ll stay soft and warm for seasons to come. A cold, gentle machine wash (with similar colours!) is ideal, and we don’t recommend using bleach or fabric softener for cleaning. Check the label of your fleece jacket for specific advice.
Shop Our Range of Fleece Jackets & Fleece Pullovers
A fleece is one of those layers you reach for again and again. Reliable, easy‑wearing, and built to handle whatever the day brings. From everyday adventures to time spent in the hills, our fleece range is designed to keep you warm, comfortable, and moving freely. Explore our collection of men’s fleece jackets, women’s fleece jackets, and kids’ fleece jackets, and find the right fit for your next mission.
Need advice? Contact Macpac Customer Care online or visit your nearest Macpac store for personalised assistance. Colours and styles may vary by location and availability.
