Hiking

Image by engnr_chik via Flickr

Either Under or Over

Fleece jackets are a great addition to hiking wardrobe . . . . because they’re good for wearing both under and over the rest of your gear. Some fleece jackets are actually designed to be zipped into outer jackets which are much more wind resistant and water proof. That’s not to say that some of the best hiking fleece jackets aren’t shower and snow proof, but you need something a little different to withstand a real downpour.

Fleece Hiking Jackets – The Good Bits

Fleece hiking jackets do have lots of qualities which make them perfect for any back packing, hiking or camping trips.

• Fleece jackets are warm – some of them warmer than others, but if you pop into your local hiking equipment store and take a quick peak at the wide range of fleece jackets available you’ll soon realize that many of these jackets are very warm indeed. Mmmm, toasty.
• Fleece jackets are lightweight, compared to many other jackets with a “like for like” in the warmth and other stakes.
• Fleece jackets are very squishable . . . okay, other hiking websites might say “compressible” but I think that squishable is a much nicer word, and you know what I mean don’t you?
• Fleece jackets often have reinforced bits for extra durability . . . elbow patches for example. Good thinking!
• Fleece jackets are often water repellent, I’ve already touched on this earlier in the page . . . good enough to repel light rain showers, even snow but not perfect for when you get caught out in heavy rainfall.
• Fleece jackets are often manufactured with extra ventilation so that you don’t get too hot and sweaty in certain places whilst keeping the rest of you warm. It all goes to keeping your body regulated to a comfortable temperature.
• Fleece jackets generally have elasticated cuffs and either elastic or a draw-chord around the waist . . . stops any little draughts from sneaking in where they’re not wanted.
• Fleece jackets are great for layering . . . they make brilliant top jackets, and can just as easily be used beneath (either zipped in or not) of another top coat.

Good alternative for a fleece hiking jacket eh . . . . interesting!

Caring For Your Fleece Hiking Jacket

One other great advantage which many fleece hiking jackets have is that they are completely washable. Do check on the individual label for instructions, but very often you can simply empty the pockets (always a good place to start), maybe turn your fleece jacket inside out (stops the outer layer getting all bobbly), do up the zippers to avoid snagging and pop it into the washing machine for a delicate wash, a quick tumble dry and you’re ready to go hiking again in a fresh smelling fleece jacket. If you choose not to tumble dry your fleece hiking jacket that’s fine too, it should still be dry in next to no time at all, if you choose to use the environmentally friendly method of drying laundry . . . hang it on a line in the backyard.

Good choice of colors too!