The Best Fleece Jackets of 2024: Staff Picks

Hikers need a mid layer that's as insulating as it is stretchy and breathable. Enter the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch, our top pick for staying toasty on chilly trail starts. With this jacket, you get the soft interior you'd expect with fleece but also a more durable wind-blocking outer finish that's flexible and breathable. A cozy scuba-style hood with elastic binding hugs the face for extra heat-retention, and gusty weather can try all it wants but there’s no budging this good-hair-day protector. Zippered hand pockets keep hands warm or snacks close—or both.

A fitted silhouette is another reason to love this layer. A touch of spandex helps the jacket conform to your body more so than traditional fleece, trapping heat while providing some give, but it doesn’t bunch or feel bulky over an under layer. “Wore the jacket over a base layer on cool nights around the campfire, about 50°F,” said one Utah customer-reviewer who loves how soft and warm the Flash Hyperstretch is. “[Just] right fit on the wrists and hood. Great fleece!” Women’s sizes extra-small to 3XL and men’s small to XXXL make this even more REI Co-op Members’ favorite versatile, go-anywhere zip-up.

Raglan sleeves allow range of motion and elastic cuff binders hold fabric in place, but note that this jacket won't stand up to more rugged adventures like rock climbing or trekking through prickly brush (reach for the Arc’teryx Kyanite for those outings). Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

Movement and temperature regulation are key to a solid day on ski tours—luckily the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoodie features Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro fabric to aid with both. A stretchy silhouette and gusseted underarms mean the Kyanite moves with you, whether you're carving turns or catching air. And its air-permeable construction helps prevent overheating, making it a solid pick for layering beneath an insulated jacket or waterproof, breathable shell. The newest version of this favorite maintains the features we love, like a low-profile hood that fits snugly under helmets to seal in heat while shredding. "Since I got this hoodie, I stopped wearing my beanie, because this one always stays put, no matter how you move," wrote one customer. Adds Wichita, Kansas–based REI department manager Carlos Rodriguez: "It's formfitting, so it keeps that warmth in."

Kyanite wearers also rave about the jacket's cozy brushed fleece interior and fitted design that layers well. "It's really the perfect all-around hoodie," wrote another customer. "I've been using it during cold morning runs, during my climbing warm up and just as a comfortable layer during work. The material on this hoodie is the first technical fleece layer that feels cozy and wicks sweat." Buy women's. Buy men's.

When warmth and packability matter a lot, reach for the Patagonia R1 hoodie, which has been dialed in for playing hard in cold weather. The hoodie’s stretchy recycled polyester jacquard fleece breathes as hard as you will when you’re carrying a load uphill or racking up fast miles. A zigzag texture helps the hollow-core yarns wick moisture and dry faster, which is a must in snowy and slushy weather. A slim-fitting scuba hood keeps the chill away from your neck and face while fitting comfortably under a bulkier hooded layer or a helmet. Vent heat out quickly thank to the full-zip front. 

“Perfect light insulation layer for high output activities,” said one customer-reviewer who especially likes the closer fit on this R1 Air. “Many reviews say these run small, but I disagree. My guess is people buying it as a street coat say that, but this is a technical fleece and should be slim fitting to layer well. Sleeves and body length [are] sufficiently long. My only suggestion for improvement would be adding thumb holes.” Another customer-reviewer who wore this on a 5-mile summit with temperatures just above 30°F says, “This is an amazing mid layer that can also serve as an outer layer when you’re really working hard, provided there’s no precipitation. It is extremely light, breathable, and warm for the weight/thickness.” 

Backpackers appreciate the off-shoulder seams, which help prevent chafing from pack straps. When you don't need it, the hoodie balls up to the size of a grapefruit, leaving more room in your pack for snacks. There's also a small chest pocket for an energy bar or gel and two sleek zippered hand pockets designed to keep the jacket’s profile slim. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

If jackets could talk, the Denali fleece jacket from The North Face could tell some impressive tales: Over its 30-plus year history, it’s been there for everything from wind-chapped Everest summits to gnarly nor’easter snow dumps. This latest take on the classic 1995 Denali fleece jacket combines form and function for a timeless, relaxed-fit full-zip layer that can handle a long day of shoveling or an evening by the campfire with ease. 

Heavyweight 100% recycled polyester fleece body provides breathable warmth, and 100% recycled nylon overlay on lower sleeves, collar and back yoke adds durability to areas that see more movement and abrasion. Generous pit zips let you shed heat quickly when needed, but a stand collar helps retain warmth when you’d rather stay snug. The chest pocket’s covered zipper blocks the draft from sneaking in, while exposed zippers on front hand pockets means easier access for gloved hands when they need the extra coverage. Adjust the fit in a pinch with the elastic hem drawcord; the jacket hits at the hip, making it a perfect under layer for a waterproof shell. Buy here.

For the days when you want a fleece that looks as good as it performs (for trail to town ease), consider the KUHL Interceptr Full-Zip Jacket. "It looks like a sweater, but behaves like a fleece," says Paige Frederick-Pape, a sales specialist at the REI in downtown Austin, Texas.

The Interceptr's tailored, classic profile is just as stylish on the trail as it is paired with jeans for an evening out or a day running errands. A micro-suede collar ups the cozy factor on chilly outings, and thumb loops keep your sleeves in place. Its inset chest pockets make for convenient storage (like keys) that won't get in the way of pack straps, should you wear the fleece on a post-work hike or morning commute.

And while the Interceptr's stylish design will keep you looking sharp, its technical aspects will keep you warm. The jacket features more than 300 grams of moisture-wicking fleece to help you maintain your core temperature, plus performance polyester and acrylic side panels to increase breathability and reduce bulk.

"It's got a little trail, a little bit of casual, blended together with some technical aspects. It looks good," says Ed Zebrowski, a product information specialist for REI. Buy here.