Fleece vs

Is this the model you are talking about?

It will be warmer, lighter and resists moisture quiet well. Much more versatile as a mid layer than a heavy base layer.

+1 to what Paul S said.  A light Polartec fleece usually makes it into my kit, especially if there is rain in the forecast.  It’s great to wear under your shell while hiking in a cold rain.

+1 on Paul’s comments. A light fleece layer can handle any condition you’ll likely encounter in 3 season use in CA. Light enough to wear while hiking on cold days, warm enough to provide insulation in camp, and can handle damp weather very well.

That REI fleece top looks like a perfect winter sleeping top.

I hate to wear my daily base layer in my new LL Bean down winter bag or my old WM Megalite 3 season bag.. After a few days the daily use the base layer has an “odor” I don’t want to get on my bag.

Here’s hoping it’s still for sale.

a deep/full zip fleece is generally more flexible than a heavy base layer …  for all the reasons everyone above listed

one thing it might not be as good at is wicking away moisture (due to the less snug fit and it wont be powerdry) … but for a mid layer thats not a real issue

fluffy like a bunny and fuzzy like a bear … it works better for normal folks in wet conditions

;)

A thick polypro base layer or a mid-weight polyester fleece layer can serve the same purposes.  The polypro wicks a bit better, but smells worse over time.

Having both in your closet is great because you can bring both for a shoulder-season trip.

For a short trip, or a trip where there was an option to wash it with real detergent (not biodegradable soap), I’d bring either.  Otherwise, for the stink factor, I’d go with polyester fleece over polypropylene.

Standard fleece has a better warmth per weight ratio than base layer fabric. At 6 ounces, that’s a very light way to have extra insurance against extended wet/cold storms. While most of the time in the high sierras during summer it’s warm/sunny, I have been hit by storms that chilled me wearing just a base layer + rain jacket and had to retreat into my shelter and my sleeping my back.  I am more weary about bringing a mid layer now especially knowing I get cold easily.

I like to wear my fleece next to skin to sleep in. The fleece doesn’t get worn enough while hiking to develop significant body oils or funk.

If your goal is not too insulate while actively moving, a down jacket provides much better warmth for the weight but is better as a stationary layer. I typically bring both a down jacket (camp use) and a fleece (hiking use) if there is a chance of bad weather, or only a down jacket if there is no chance of bad weather. If you only carried a fleece for bad weather, it would mean needing to change out of your damp fleece when you stop at camp and have no insulating layer at that point – then get into your sleeping bag immediate. That’s a more hardcore approach.

Justin, you are a man after my own heart on winter clothing choices for various situations.

If my arms are slightly cool while traveling then I probably and layered just right.

Posted this then forgot to watch it! Many thanks for all the insightful replies, which mostly agree with my observations/experience. I’ve brought both on my last few trips, and wound up pretty much exclusively using the fleece, so there’s that.

Also I was wrong on the weight, it’s up at 9oz for my XL (which is a fairly loose fit). Still, only 1oz heavier than the cap3. I’ve been finding it a very comfy next to skin layer for sleeping actually. It is polyester so I was a bit concerned about moisture management, but it’s done fine on the few nights I wore it NTS.

Matthew, that looks like the one I got but I got it a few years ago and the green color I have is not shown, so there’s a chance it is a slightly different material, but most likely that’s it.

My base weight keeps creeping up oz by oz but I’m finding that it’s worth it to take a few luxuries that really improve my comfort level, like an actual pillow, large pad, small sit pad, steam baking materials and ingredients, etc etc etc. The steam baking has really been a game changer for me. And the fleece, to keep the thread on track ;)