Which fleece to choose for comfort and warmth during an expedition?
Fleece, more specifically a fleece jacket, is a versatile wardrobe essential that is worth wearing during outdoor activities. It works well on mountain trails, during camping trips, or evening walks in the forest. It functions excellently as a standalone outer layer or as additional insulation under a jacket on winter days.
Read our guide and find out what fleece is made of. We will also explain what fleece weight means, and most importantly, advise on which features to pay attention to when choosing a model for an expedition.
What is fleece made of? Where do its properties come from?
Fleece is a material composed mainly of polyester. It is often enhanced with blends of other fibers such as acrylic, elastane, or cotton. Its main characteristics include:
- Excellent thermal insulation — it insulates heat very well, providing comfort on cold days.
- Lightweight — it is lighter than many other materials like wool or traditional heavier fabrics.
- Doesn't absorb water — it absorbs moisture up to about 1% of its weight, making it wearable without issues during light rain.
- Easy care — fleece is easy to care for, can be machine washed, and doesn't need to be washed too often.
- Soft to the touch — the material is very pleasant to the touch, making wearing fleece clothing comfortable and enjoyable.
- Durable — fleece material is highly resistant to wear, so garments made from it retain their properties and aesthetic appearance for a long time.
- Breathable — it allows air to pass through easily, making it suitable for wearing while playing sports, as the body does not overheat in it.
- Environmentally friendly — fleece jackets can be made from recycled plastic bottles, helping to reduce waste and support sustainable development.
What is the weight of fleece?
The weight of fleece is an indicator that defines the density of the material. It is measured in grams per square meter (g/m²). Simply put — the higher the weight, the thicker the fleece is. Thicker fleece usually provides better protection against the cold, though this is not without exceptions. Fleece weights can be divided into:
- Fleece with a weight of 100 g/m² - microfleece
This is the thinnest type of fleece, which works excellently in spring and autumn, as well as the first layer of winter clothing. Despite its thin structure, it effectively retains warmth and protects against the cold. It is characterized by its light weight and small size when folded — it easily fits into a backpack or bag. For this type of fleece to best fulfill its function and "breathe" properly, it should fit well to the silhouette.
- Fleece with a weight of 200 g/m² - medium thickness
This is the most popular fleece weight, providing very good protection against the cold. Fleece with this weight works both as standalone outerwear and an additional insulating layer under a jacket. Usually, these are classic jackets with a full-length zipper, at least two pockets, and a high collar.
- Fleece with a weight of 300 g/m² and more
Fleece with a weight from 300 g/m² are among the thickest and are intended for people particularly sensitive to the cold or planning activities in very low temperatures. This type of fleece is especially effective during the coldest winter days. Fleece of this weight provides excellent protection against frost, but it's important to note that it is the least flexible and heaviest of all types.
What features should a good fleece for an expedition have?
Before deciding to purchase fleece for an expedition, it's worth considering the conditions you'll need it for. Take into account the thickness of the material — whether the fleece should be the only outer layer for autumn or potentially an additional layer in winter conditions. Next, pay attention to features such as:
- Hood — it's best if it is large enough to wear a hat underneath, especially when it's very cold. It's worth having a hood with a drawstring, allowing for a fit to the shape of the head. Some models are also equipped with peaks that prevent water from reaching the face during rain. However, if the fleece is to be an inner layer, a hood is not necessary as it may interfere under other layers of clothing.
- High-quality zipper — during an expedition, fleece will be zipped and unzipped many times, so the quality of the zipper in the chosen model is worth noting. It should work smoothly and not get stuck.
- Drawstrings — an important element allowing adjustment of the fleece jacket. For instance, if it's cold, they can be tightened so that cold air does not get under the fleece.
- Internal and external pockets — for anyone going on an expedition, the pockets in clothing are important. Especially if the fleece is to be the only outer layer, it's worth choosing a model with capacious external pockets and small internal pockets for a phone or wallet. It's important that the pockets are fastened, preferably with sturdy zippers, ensuring the safety of stored items.
- DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating — a special protection that ensures that during rain, water droplets do not penetrate the fabric but run down its surface. This coating is used, for instance, in Columbia fleece.
How to wash fleece to avoid damaging the material?
Fleece is a material that requires proper care to retain its thermal insulation properties. It does not require frequent washing — even with regular wear, washing it a few times a year is sufficient because it is resistant to dirt and unpleasant odors. However, it's important to wash it in the machine at a temperature of 30-40°C, using mild detergents, without bleaches and enzymes — good choices are specialized cleaning agents for fleece that restore fabric softness and refresh its color.
It's best to avoid spinning the fleece in the washing machine. Instead, it's recommended to gently squeeze it by hand to avoid damaging the material. High spin speed can distort the structure of the fleece, making it unpleasant to the touch.
Fleece offer at MILITARY.EU
If you're looking for a new fleece, we warmly invite you to explore the offer at MILITARY.EU We offer fleece jackets from brands such as: Helikon, Military Wear, Rexar, Brandit, and Columbia. The models available with us are distinguished mainly by their high durability, solid zippers, and excellent thermal insulation.
Fleece jackets from our offer are a great choice both as one of the layers of clothing during winter excursions and as standalone cover on cooler autumn days!