Thick, warm fleeces?

[John RB]

I'm looking for a thick, warm fleece with a relatively athletic fit, but with minimal branding and "tech look". Almost like a blanket that has a good fit. Essentially something I can wear both under a rain shell, but also on its own, in restaurants as well… The reason I want a fleece and not down is varied, but it has to do with my history with the product (including abrasion, etc).

For example, I like the MH monkeyman thickness, but its too technical. I like the Patagonia synchillas thickness, but those have the worse goddamn fit known to man. Any recommendations?

[Max Dilthey]

The Mountain hardwear Men's Microchill is a basic half-zip pullover with no pockets or softshell sections:

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-MicroChill-Zip-T/OM4050,default,pd.html

If you want something even more dinner-appropriate, The North Face makes this fleece sweater:

http://www.zappos.com/the-north-face-mens-gordon-lyons-crew-neck-l-s-shirt-asphalt-grey-heather

[Maris L]

MEC Amenity:
http://tinyurl.com/aav3dtj

Patagonia Los Lobos:
http://tinyurl.com/b25s2jg

[James holden]

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/Fleece/PRD~5016-717/mec-incumbent-2-jacket-mens.jsp

i own and use one daily for everything … it aint light but its as warm as a fleece gets, its fuzzy on the INSIDE, and its durable as hell

i know people who wear it for construction when its dry out … i would put it up against even a MB UL down jacket on a damp day in terms of warmth …

65 smackaroos

[Raquel Rascal]

Did you check out their website? I can usually find some good discounted pieces there. Just picked up the Terramar microgrid jacket based on another recommendation.

[Brett Peugh]

I wear my Patagonia R2 everywhere.

[Ron D]

The thickest, warmest fleece I've ever seen is the Melanzana High Loft Hoody, I don't own one but I've seen it in their Leadville store and it's impressive.
http://melanzana.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/38/products_id/68?osCsid=ee3417c0565bb8e4ac3f61208d60953d

[John RB]

For all the replies. Do all of the above have a pretty good "athletic" fit? I never find good fits with Patagonia.

[Five Star]

The Melanzana piece is described on their website as having a fairly close fit, expect to layer it only under a loose-fitting shell. Have never worn but have seen, and they LOOKED very thick and warm.

[Brendan Swihart]

Polartec high loft is what you want (used in R2/R3, the Melanzana, monkey man, etc). Don't know about fit, but this one's dirt cheap: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kenyon-high-loft-polartec-fleece-pullover-zip-neck-for-men~p~3201x/?filterString=s~high-loft-fleece%2F&colorFamily=02

Looks like there's also a vest and full zip available as wel.

[John RB]

i wonder if anyone does a custom, basic Polartec high loft (or 200g) jacket. Beyond fleece used to be attractive priced, now its a bit overpriced IMO.

[Jim Jessop]

I have a Melanzana Inferno Hoody and it is just that. Very warm!

Needs to be worn under a windshirt or shell of some kind if there is any kind of breeze.

My size medium weighs 15 1/2 oz – pretty light for such a crazy thick hoody.

It's certainly quite a bit warmer than the 2012 iteration of the R2 and longer in the body too. Yes, fit is snug enough but not tight. Great hood and kangaroo-pouch hand warmer pocket.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/Fleece/PRD~5016-717/mec-incumbent-2-jacket-mens.jsp

+2

[Jeffs Eleven]

Incumbent looks sweet!

I know this has been asked 1M times but MEC in the US?

Sorry…

[Steve K]

> i wonder if anyone does a custom, basic Polartec high loft (or 200g) jacket. Beyond fleece used to be attractive priced, now its a bit overpriced IMO.

Given the realities of sewing custom work I was surprised they kept their prices so low. No matter, on cycling forums I discovered this guy ( http://foxwear.net ) who apparently does nice work for not too much money. Polartec high loft isn't listed, but I'm sure if you asked you could find something that works for you.

[Paul Hatfield]

The 66° North Viti Polartec Thermal Pro Jacket is probably the lightest Thermal Pro fleece jacket out there. Not sure if it is still made though.

Basically the only feature it has is a full-length zipper. It doesn't even have pockets.

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