Fleece Jackets

High-end fleece jackets tend to use materials that resist pilling--those hundreds of fuzzy little balls that accumulate on fleece fabrics and other outerwear garments over time. If there's a pill-proof fleece jacket out there we're still looking for it, but the better designed "anti-pilling" fabrics look better and last longer, so you'll probably be more concerned about the colors going out of style before the fabric actually wears down (big outerwear fashion hint: opt for basic solid colors like black, red and blue and you should make it through a decade or more). When you're wearing that logo-design fleece top from the amusement park, look for plenty of pilling around the arms, shoulders, and sleeves--all the places where friction occurs, especially if you're swaping out backpacks during a hike. Not that pilling won't occur on fleece clothing, but the best ones like The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket use nylon reinforcement panels. Other brands such as Patagonia and Arcteryx will also hold up well over time. Outdoor Research and Mountain Hardwear have nice garments that protect against pilling. These include the Specter Fleece Pullover from OR and the popular Windstopper Tech Jacket from Mountain Hardwear.

If you layer a waterproof, breathable outerwear shell or wear a climbing or backpacking harness, consider choosing a fleece jacket reinforced with nylon fabric panels along the chest and sleeves. Arc'teryx, Columbia, Patagonia and The North Face offer an extensive selection of jackets with panels specifically placed to suit various applications like climbing, backpacking, skiing and mountaineering. Again, consider how you'll use your jacket before you narrow down your prospects on fleece pieces. The North Face Momentum Jacket is an excellent garment which can be used as a mid layer for skiing, or as a softshell for warmer conditions are general "around the town" applications.

The Extras Matter

Versatility is one of the key reasons that fleece material remains the contemporary king of outerwear jacket designs. If you have the luxury of acquiring three or four fleece jackets over several years, you'll quickly discover that the features are just as important as the fit. Some fleece jackets feature stretch panels along the sides for optimal range of motion while climbing or running. Other designs integrate panels with four-way stretch properties like Polar Tec 200 Stretch and Power Stretch materials. If you plan on wearing fleece clothing beneath a climbing harness, consider the outerwear from Arc'teryx or Patagonia with elevated pocket zippers that allow access even when you're loaded down with gear. If you're looking for a hiking jacket that keeps you comfortable in transitional conditions, a water-resistant design with zippered vents beneath the sleeves should be high on your shopping list. If you're looking for an embroidered design with an amusement park character that the kids will wear for a season--we don't carry it, but we know it's out there. Just don't spend too much on your purchase at the sales counter.