When you’re heading off on a trip, whether it’s a weekend away or a months-long outdoor adventure, the secret to a successful trip is to pack smart. You want clothes that are comfortable, practical and won’t weigh you down. That’s where fleece jackets come in. Experienced travellers often swear by them and for good reason. Whether you’re trekking through remote trails, camping under the stars, or just exploring a new city, a fleece jacket is one of the most useful items you can have.
Read more about what makes fleece jackets the perfect fit for your next adventure.
What is fleece?
Designed to replicate the warmth and texture of natural wool, fleece is traditionally a synthetic fabric made from polyester, which comes from plastic. However, while some fleece fabrics are made of cotton, wool and other fibre blends, fleece used in outdoor clothing is typically made of synthetic fibres. The polyester fibres are woven into a light brushed fabric to give the fibres their volume and soft, fluffy, wool-like feel on the outside. The other side of the fabric is soft and smooth with air pockets that trap warm air between the fibres to create a thermal barrier that retains body heat.
Why choose a fleece jacket for travel?
The beauty of fleece jackets is that they are one of the most durable and versatile pieces of outdoor clothing. While they have insulating properties that will keep you warm during colder weather, fleece can also draw sweat away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable when it’s warm. This is why fleece is often used in outdoor clothing like jackets and vests to provide a light, mid-layer for outdoor sports and activities like hiking, running, cycling, mountaineering, climbing and skiing.
Lightweight and packable
While the weight of fleece jackets can vary depending on the quality and type of jacket, they are typically lightweight and easy to fit in your backpack. Not only will they keep you warm and cosy, but their lightweight material also means you won’t have to carry heavy luggage around with you. In fact, because they are light and compressible, these jackets are easy to stuff into a bag or tie around your waist when the sun comes out.
Warmth and comfort
While they might be lightweight, fleece jackets are also remarkably warm, which is one of the main reasons they are so popular. Thanks to the structure of the fabric, fleece jackets trap heat close to the body, providing excellent insulation in cold weather without adding extra bulk or weight. This means you can keep warm and cosy on your travels without weighing yourself down with heavy layers. Fleece also feels exceptionally soft against the skin, like a fluffy cloud, making it extremely comfortable to wear.
Low-maintenance and durable
With a fleece jacket, you don’t have to worry about following special washing instructions or finding dry cleaners on your travels. While many traditional winter jackets need to be professionally cleaned, most fleece jackets are machine-washable. Simply put it in a gentle, cold wash cycle with a mild detergent and the jacket will come out as good as new. Fleece is also resistant to wear, tear, piling and wrinkling, so even if you stuff it into a small bag or wear it on countless adventures, it’ll still look good next time you put it on.
Breathable fabric
Wherever your adventures take you, overheating is a surefire way to spoil your fun. While it’s undoubtedly warm and cosy, fleece is also breathable. It allows moisture to escape, helping to regulate body temperature and wick away sweat. Whether trail running, tackling challenging hikes or dashing through the airport, a fleece jacket will help you stay dry and comfortable.
Versatile
You can wear your fleece jacket almost anywhere, as you’re navigating airport terminals, exploring quaint towns and bustling cities or just soaking up the view on a coastal walk. Available as vests, hoodies, half-zip, full-zip, cropped or long styles, they are a great all-rounder for travel, whether dressed up or down. They are also superb for layering. On mild weather days, you can wear it over a base layer or pair it with a waterproof shell on rainy or windy days. Thanks to its slim fit, it won’t feel bulky under other layers, so you can easily adapt to changing weather conditions while on the move.
Thanks to their warmth, breathability, versatility, barely-there weight and effortless style, fleece jackets are a traveller’s dream.