Ski Fleece Jackets, the essential mid-layer on the slopes!

“In the midst of winter, I discovered within me an invincible summer.” In light of the incredible thermal properties of the Ski Fleece Jackets available on the market today, Albert Camus' saying takes on a whole new meaning! Indeed, outdoor clothing manufacturers are multiplying technologies and innovations in their Ski Fleece Jackets, aiming to provide ever more efficient fleece jackets to their customers. And that is indeed the case: Ski Fleece Jackets and their various technologies abound on the shelves, and have become true technical garments, whether for winter sports or for outdoor activities such as hiking or trail running. Fleece jackets, sweaters for skiing, second layers, or even mid-layers: there are many names for the Ski Fleece Jacket, but the utility remains the same, namely to keep you warm and dry for your sporting activities. Once considered outdated, the Ski Fleece Jacket has made a comeback and has even become a key piece in everyone’s wardrobe. Originally worn as a sports garment, the Ski Fleece Jacket can also be worn in town, seamlessly fitting into your daily life, at home and in town as well as in the mountains. In short, the fleece is a true winter must-have! However, faced with the countless choices available, how do you know which fleece is right for you? Important moisture-wicking or high thermal capacities, your heart is torn and you don't know which characteristics to prioritize! Functioning, composition, usage, types: you will soon know everything there is to know about Ski Fleece Jackets!

Ski Fleece Jacket: how does it work?

It’s all well and good to wear a Ski Fleece Jacket under your ski jacket, but you need to know why we do it! Thus, a fleece is made of a hollow fiber, obtained from brushed polyester to create an insulating fluffy surface. Originating from the fabric created by the brand Polartec®, the Ski Fleece Jacket was a true revolution, especially in the outdoor world. Thanks to the discovery of the power of these synthetic fibers, many brands have followed in the footsteps of Polartec® to offer their own Ski Fleece Jackets. Moreover, the functioning of a Ski Fleece Jacket is simple: the hollow fiber offers great insulation properties, allowing you to stay warm in your sweater for skiing! However, a Ski Fleece Jacket does not have waterproof or windproof properties. Therefore, it does not protect you from wind or rain! Its role is to provide you with warmth while wicking away as much moisture as possible. If this presentation of fleeces seems straightforward, why then such a variety of Ski Fleece Jackets on the shelves? You might guess, since the 1980s when Ski Fleece Jackets first appeared, these technical garments have evolved significantly, particularly to adapt to your various sporting practices and needs. Thin fleece, thick fleece, intermediate fleece: how to navigate such a plethora of products? Don’t panic, we will reveal all the secrets of a Ski Fleece Jacket and its different types in the following article.

Ski Fleece Jacket: the different types

In practical terms, it’s quite simple: there are actually 3 different types of Ski Fleece Jackets, classified according to their weight, which is also an indicator of their thermal capacities. Thus, you can find thin fleeces, intermediate fleeces, and thick fleeces.

For Ski Fleece Jackets that are thin (known as lightweight), the weight is 100 g/m2, which corresponds to use during the summer period (mainly spring and summer) or for very intense activities such as ski touring or Nordic walking, for example. A thin Ski Fleece Jacket is generally compact and breathable, and can be easily packed in your backpack. You will also often find micro-fleeces in the category of thin Ski Fleece Jackets, which are particularly appreciated for high-intensity sporting activities.

The intermediate Ski Fleece Jacket (midweight) is the most common as it is the most versatile. The weight for this type of sweater for skiing is 200 g/m2. This weight is ideal for activities of moderate intensity, or in relatively cold weather between 0°C and 5°C. Loose or fitted, Midweights offer many formats to satisfy all tastes and needs!

Finally, the last type is that of the thick fleece (heavyweight). The weight in this case is equal to or greater than 300 g/m2, which is aimed at activities performed in very cold weather or with little mobility. In this regard, alpinism and bivouacking particularly favour this type of Ski Fleece Jacket. Extremely warm, this fleece is, however, very little breathable. Highlofts are notably part of this category.

Thin, intermediate, or thick, you will have understood that Ski Fleece Jackets have as many types as you have needs! They cater to all types of activities and all types of seasons. Therefore, depending on your winter sport, your Ski Fleece Jacket will not be the same! So how do you find the ideal model for your sporting activity? Freeride skiing, ski touring, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing: the following sections will guide you in choosing your Ski Fleece Jacket for each of these activities. Powder snow, here we come!

Ski Fleece Jacket: how to choose it according to your practice

Ski Fleece Jacket for piste skiing

For piste skiing, there are 2 options to consider in terms of Ski Fleece Jackets. The first concerns beginners or even intermediate levels. For this category of skiers, the intensity of effort will generally be moderate, and your falls in the snow may be quite frequent! In this case, a thick fleece may be recommended, especially if you belong to the category of eternal cold-blooded individuals. On the other hand, more experienced skiers who are not afraid to tackle black runs or off-piste may prefer an intermediate Ski Fleece Jacket. Breathable enough during your exhilarating descents, but also warm enough when you are on the chairlift or the T-bar, this type of sweater for skiing is ideal for this practice! Obviously, the choice of your Ski Fleece Jacket also takes into account the type of ski jacket you are wearing. If the latter is particularly thick and warm, unless you are skiing in the far reaches of Canada or Norway, an intermediate Ski Fleece Jacket is more than sufficient! Our selection of Ski Fleece Jackets for piste skiing:

-Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood -Icebreaker

-Jorasses Bubble Loft Jkt -Millet

-Access Micro T-Zip -Lafuma

Ski Fleece Jacket for freeride and ski touring

For these intense and committed practices, breathability is key. Indeed, especially for ski touring, the ascents make you sweat and your body heats up significantly. To avoid ending up with a completely soaked finger before starting the descent, a breathable Ski Fleece Jacket is essential. Likewise, choose your Ski Fleece Jacket to be compact and lightweight, so you can easily stow it in your backpack if needed. Finally, the freedom of movement of your Ski Fleece Jacket should also guide your choice for this type of sport. A “stretch” range with a composition of elastane (notably at the wrists and under the arms) is particularly recommended to avoid hindering your movements! Our selection of Ski Fleece Jackets for freeride and ski touring:

-Shift Micro Zip In -Lafuma

-Seneca Tecno Jacket -Millet

-K Lightgrid Jkt M -Millet

Ski Fleece Jacket for cross-country skiing

Facing temperatures much less cold than other winter sports, cross-country skiing involves high intensity, and thus high body heat. Therefore, there is no need to equip yourself with a thick fleece that will make you sweat excessively after just 10 minutes of skating! For such a practice, a thin fleece is ideal. As with ski touring, a stretch fleece is preferable to provide your arms with a good range of motion for using the poles. In this regard, Ski Fleece Jackets from the Polartec Power Grid® range are particularly suitable. Made from bi-component mesh, these Ski Fleece Jackets use different types of threads for each side of the garment. Thus, one side quickly wicks moisture away from your skin, while the other side offers quick drying. Our selection of Ski Fleece Jackets for cross-country skiing:

-Technostretch Po -Millet

-Discovery FZ W -Salomon

-Technostretch Zip -Millet

Whether for cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, ski touring, or alpine skiing, each practice requires a different type of fleece depending on its intensity and the surrounding cold. Beyond your practice, the environmental impact of your Ski Fleece Jacket can also be an interesting choice criterion. Like Patagonia and its recycled polyester made from recycled plastic bottles, many brands today offer eco-responsible fleeces, made from recycled and/or recyclable materials. You thus have plenty of choices among the many models of fleeces available to you!

Find your Ski Fleece Jacket on Hardloop.co.uk

Thin, thick, or intermediate, recycled and/or recyclable: Ski Fleece Jackets are in the spotlight at all outdoor equipment suppliers! You can choose it according to your practice and the environment in which you engage in your winter sport, to make the most of your activity. The Ski Fleece Jacket is indeed a top choice second layer to keep you warm and dry, thanks to its breathable properties. Millet, Lafuma, Patagonia, Black Diamond…: you will find on Hardloop.co.uk a selection of fleeces from the biggest outdoor sports brands to meet all your needs. If you have any questions regarding a type of fleece mentioned in this article, or simply wish to know more about the Ski Fleece Jacket, do not hesitate to contact us at 01 48 58 30 28 (free call) or send us an email at hello@hardloop.fr. Our team of passionate specialists will be delighted to assist you!

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