How to distinguish light vs. mid-weight vs. heavy fleece?

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insulated-outerwear.html

Scroll down and read about fleece.:-)

^ Interesting page, but it doesn't address how to determine whether a particular garment is light, mid, or heavy. It says:

"Its Classic fleece categories—100 (lightweight), 200 (mid) and 300 (heavy)—are in widespread use."

OK…how do I determine the weight of what I've got? My garments are not labeled 100, 200, or 300. Some have lost their labels altogether.

I would weigh the fleeces and then compare the weights with the published online weights of similarly designed fleeces. The weight differences are significantly different so it should work, I think.

Go out to a store. Feel and see for yourself. You need a point of reference. 100w is thin like a sweatshirt.

I think 200 weight is 9 ounces/square yard

Vest has maybe 1 square yard, jacket 1.5 square yard

The basic Polarfleece categories are 100/200/300W. In a basic pullover or front zip, lighter stuff is 10-12oz, 200w is about 16-20oz and a 300w front zip jacket like a TNF Denali in a men's XL size runs 32oz.

Then there are all kinds of specialty fleeces like Patagonia R1 (Power Dry) and Power Stretch. Power Dry is the gridded style stuff and comes in several weights. There are also the longer fiber high loft fabrics like Thermal Pro and Thermal Pro High Loft (Patagonia R2 and R3).

There can be some overlap between the heavier base layers and lighter fleece types.

There are several windproof fleece fabrics that in my mind tend to overlap with some soft shell types. IMHO, the windproof fleece fabrics are too heavy and lack the versatility of the fabrics without a wind blocking layer.

I like the medium weight stuff like 200w Classic Polarfleece, R1 and Power Stretch. I would rather use the thicker base layers like Capilene 3 than 100w fleece. I think that once you cross the 200w line, you are better served with light insulated jackets.

In practice, I use fleece in conjunction with a rain shell or windshirt, just like an UL version of a 3-in-1 jacket system. I can wear each item separately or in combination.

But why fleece vs a very light down or polyester fill jacket?

*As above, it can be worn alone or in combination with other garments. It does not add duplicate and less breathable shells in the way that a down or polyfill garment does. This does assume that you will be carrying wind and rain shells already.

*The weight and type can be chosen for the conditions and activity level

*Fleece breathes well and transfers moisture in a base layer/mid layer/shell system.

*Fleece can be rung out and dried in the field if wet. This is a primary reason for my use of fleece in cool wet climates, with temperatures above freezing, rain and high humidity.

*Fleece can be worn next to the skin if base layers are soaked or being laundered. It is soft and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for adding to a sleep system.

*Fleece tends to be less expensive and is fairly tough. It won't leak insulation if torn. It is easy to launder.

Cons of fleece: it is heavy for the loft provided and bulky to pack. It relies on an outer shell for full warmth.

Summation: In the UL world, fleece doesn't look like a good option on a spreadsheet or considering packing volume, but in practical use in cool wet climates it excels for warmth and safe layering options.

Yeah, fleece provides very little warmth compared to synthetic or down.

But, if you're exercising and need a little warmth, you don't want synthetic or down because they're too warm and you'll sweat, unless it's below 0 F and windy, so fleece can be okay

I'de rather just wear my long sleeve shirt and WPB jacket, and walk briskly enough to stay warm. Good down to 20 F or so.

if its thin … its basically a 100wt fleece, or one of those grid variations

if it feels like a normal sweater or sweatshirt … its 200 wt

if it thicker and a heavier … its 300 wt

all in general terms of course …

as to fleece … here is the most relevant quotes youll find

Fleece clothing is often poo-poo’d because “puffy” clothing (insulated with goose down or synthetic fill) is much warmer for the weight. But in prolonged wet environments, I will inevitably get wet. And a wet puffy is cold and uncomfortable, regardless of the insulation type. The warmth of fleece is less effected: it retains less moisture and its loft is less effected. I longed for a fleece mid-layer to sandwich between my active layer and rain shell during the Alaska-Yukon Expedition, during which numerous storms overwhelmed my rain gear.

I left my fleece mid-layers at home during my Alaska-Yukon Expedition, thinking their warmth didn't justify their weight. Bad move. Fleece would have extended my comfort range during wet stretches even after my rain shells failed. Out of desperation, I began wearing a trash compactor bag over my rain jacket.

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/stupid-light-not-always-right-or-better/

fleece is

CHEAP – buy the stuff at lands end, discount stores, etc … on sale … it work basically the same as those $$$$ brands … shouldnt cost more than 20-40$ for a good fleece, you can often find em for under 10$

DURABLE – you can abuse fleece for years and decades … and i mean ABUSE construction, bushwhack, wrap your dog in it, etc … and itll keep on ticking … even full of holes it wont fail you … unlike a down jacket where fluffy feathers can come out .. wash it anyway you want

WET – you can wring it out and put it back on … you can dry it with a hawt nalgene even when theres no sun … you can wear is when its soaked … you dont have to worry about moisture

BREATHABLE – thin fleeces especially you can wear when active in very cold temps and not sweat it out … when yr moving slow with less energy on wet days (read descent) it can keep you from being chilled on the move

IMO one of the first things any beginner hiker should buy is a fleece, just pick one that youll be fine wearing around town … if you decide the sport isnt for you there no loss, yr out 30$ or so, less if you shop … i GUARANTEE youll use it around the house, around town, or anywhere else …

;)

While we're talking fleece, does anyone find 100w fleece feeling clammy when worn alone? Most examples are really soft and inviting to wear alone without a base layer, but all the brands I have tried feel clammy if I perspire much at all, almost like the inside of a rain shell.

I haven't had the same experience with R1/Power Dry or Power Stretch fabrics.

Anyone else?

if yr perspiring … take off that fleece !!!

100 wt fleece covers alot of things … theres that thin fluffy stuff you can buy at lands end/EB … and then theres something thats almost R1 like that dead bird used to sell

the one thing about the grid style fleeces is that they theoretically minimize the contact point on the skin and wick out the the moisture … also large grid patterns seem to allow "more" breathability …

one thing i wished they still sold at MEC was the powerdry t-shirts … i bought 2 of em for 8 smackaroos … theyve lasted years of serious abuse, dry really quick, never feel clammy even when wet, breath very well, arent overly hot or cool … etc ..

the only bad part is that they really show off your fatty flanks as you can see below ;)

"if yr perspiring … take off that fleece !!!"

or, better yet, just don't take the fleece and you won't have to take it off : )

True about taking it off. Come to think of it, I wouldn't be wearing much more than base layer and shell when hiking uphill unless it was below freezing. I fm have to say that 100w is more of a town thing for me.

I have a light Power Dry long sleeve tee from REI. Good stuff. I also have a 1/2 zip vest from MEC in the heavier Power Dry like R1. Great in cold rainy weather with a shell.

My favorite mid layer fleece is a Power Stretch hoody. That is just a great all-around layering piece and excellent as pajamas.

I should do a quick survey post on fleece tops and weights :)

speaking of MEC …

it would be interesting to see how all those people who bought the MEC T2 cap4 copy for 25 smackaroos are doing …

;)

HI Eric,

I have used a T2 on every trip this year and love it :-)

http://www.fabricdiva.com/Facts-About-Fleece-W2.aspx has good info.
FLEECE TYPE AKA* GRAMS PER YARD OUNCES
lightweight/microfleece 100 200-240 7 TO 8.5
medium/regular weight 200 320-380 11 TO 13.5
heavy weight 300 400 & OVER 14 TO 17

*AKA column refers to Polar Fleece weight classification from Malden Mills
I always assumed, incorrectly, that 200 weight fleece was 200 grams/square meter.

…

Once you've seen them all, you'll know.

300 weight fleece is really thick heavy stuff. Like those classic North Face Denali fleece jackets. Too heavy to wear indoors.

200 weight fleece is the standard fleece jacket/pullover. Go to any store and pick up a fleece 1/4 zip. That will be 200 weight.

100 weight fleece is very light. Comfortable to wear inside. Almost shirt like. You don't see much 100 weight fleece in stores like Marshalls or Target. I occasionally see a 100 weight Columbia fleece — I think they call there's Fast Trek or something.

I actually think 100 wt is the most versatile fleece. Great stuff for general use instead of a sweater around the house in winter. Not too heavy to wear as a mid layer.