What can I say I do own a lot of fleeces as you can expect in fact I sort of hoard them, and when I saw this in a shop my first thought was ‘that looks great’ and then ‘but I already have a load of fleeces’. And then I tried the thing on, and not only did it fit perfectly but it felt lovely to wear. I’ve tested it out on multiple hikes now and even used it just commuting and it’s rapidly become my current favourite fleece.

Pro’s

  • Lightweight
  • All recycled fleece material
  • Great at sweat wicking, I’ve worn this on some more intense hikes and it dries very fast.
  • Looks retro cool without looking like you raided the 70’s
  • YKK front zip
  • It is super comfortable, currently the warmest fleece I’ve owned bar a Mammut Innominata ML Jacket made out of Polartec Thermal Pro.
  • Can be worn casually and for serious adventuring.

Cons

  • Forgive me on this one ME, the elasticated cuffs though a great idea on a few products I’ve found can get caught on things and occasionally come away from the end of the sleeve. I think these could be improved – maybe with a wider elasticated cuff to keep the cuff in place (you see this on other brands) it’s also used on the hem of the fleece around the waist. Maybe personal preference but it’s the only part of the design I think could be better. Just an extra centimetre, anything!
  • This isn’t a downside exclusive to this product more of a downside to fleeces – unless you are wearing this throughout an adventure this won’t pack down super small into a rucksack and of course it’s not wind resistant. If you want something that is both of these you want to look at an insulated jacket.
  • At £110 this is not a cheap option and though Mountain Equipment does make some quality gear, there are other similar pile jackets on the market.

Full Stats From Mountain Equipment Website

Materials

  • 100% recycled high loft fleece throughout for exceptional warmth (250g m-2)
  • Overlays of EXOLITE 125 stretch double weave softshell fabric on shoulders and chest pocket for durability (PFAS-free DWR)

Patterning & Design

  • Alpine fit for complete freedom of movement
  • Overlocked and top-stitched construction throughout for increased next-to-skin comfort

Pocket Configuration

  • 2 zipped hand pockets
  • 1 zipped chest pocket for essentials

Centre Front Zip

  • YKK® moulded centre front zip

Cuffs & Sleeves Configuration

  • Elasticated cuffs provide a warm seal around bare wrists

Waist & Hem Construction

  • Low bulk elastane bound hem

Further Features

  • Designed and developed in the UK
  • Built to last. Backed up by our Product Lifetime Guarantee
  • Mountain Equipment is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation

My Rating

7.5 /10

Great Product, very comfortable, warm and looks great not a fan of the thin elasticated hems however!