Fleece Advice?

D

DWK2

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Nov 3, 2003
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I'm looking for a new fleece jacket of moderate to heavy thickness. Here are the two features I most want:

(1). Knit sleeves/cuffs that seal well around my wrists. I hate having cold air rush up my arms and I live in a windy area;

(2). Hood. Not nearly as important as (1) but sometimes I forget my wool cap.

Has anyone seen a fleece jacket with these two features?

Thanks for your advice,

DancesWithKnives
 
My favorite fleece continues to be Columbia's Steens Mountain and similar predecessors. Seems every year Columbia releases small improvements to the original fleece and ups the model name. You should take a look at the Columbia web-site as they have an interesting line up of fleece and soft-shell (which might be a better choice for you).

Here's a Craghoppers Kiezo that might work also:
http://www.us.craghoppers.com/buy/keizo-hooded-fleece-jacket-297001

CMA1112__1ME.jpg


Columbia Grade Max.
Doesn't have the knitted cuffs, but does have the velcro to sinch down around your wrists.
http://www.columbia.com/Men’s-Grade-Max™-Hooded-Jacket/WM2143,default,pd.html

They even made a vid about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM53_RpV3CA

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I had a dickies hoodie that was super nice. It had full front zip, and quilted arms for extra warmth. Donated it to the Sally-anne when I moved south, hopefully its keeping someone warm.
 
Thanks, those are some great suggestions! I'll look them over carefully.

I can live with velcro sleeve cinches. Right now I have a Browning jacket that is made of Gore Windstopper fleece. Unfortunately, it is baggy and has drafty wrist openings. Got it ultra cheap on sale, so I use it in camp, for driving my drafty old truck, etc. No regrets.

One sad observation: I'm 6' and 225 lbs (46 jacket). Since when did manufacturers start putting out XL jackets that are too baggy for ME?

DancesWithKnives
 
For $40 at several online vendors you can get a black 300 weight military issue surplus fleece jacket brand new.

It does not have a hood.

However, I suspect with the money you save buying surplus you can buy four cold weather caps, one for each pocket of the surplus jacket, and you will be good to go. :D

I have worn this style of jacket all over the world including at Mount Fuji in January and I can say they work very well. The interior pockets are sized for canteens so they stay close to your body and don't freeze.

-Stan
 
I have a Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man fleece jacket. They don't come with hoods. The cut is more of an athletic cut which makes it great for use as a layer under a rain shell.
The fleece is thick and very warm but definitely not wind proof. That's fine with me because it's cooler when you're moving and warmer when you're stationary.
Another nice feature is the size of the pockets. They have a normal size opening but they're taller inside than they appear. I can take a water bottle or even my sheathed Swamp Rat 711 and stuff it completely in a pocket.
 
Thanks for mentioning both the military and Mountain Hardware fleece, which I'll check out.

I agree that the Windstopper fleece is a mixed benefit because it doesn't breathe as well as regular fleece. A friend has some of the Cabela's hunting fleece that is highly wind AND water resistant but doesn't seem to let moisture evaporate as readily.

I appreciate your advice,

DancesWithKnives
 
I have a Columbia guide series fleece jacket with a wind stopper lining. It has elastic cuffs and a draw tight bottom. It is one of the best jackets I've ever owned.
 
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