Fleece Jacket: Aussie’s Comfy Choice for Chilly Days

Let’s talk fleece jackets, the ultimate ally against the chill on your wild escapades. Not just a snuggly barrier against the cold, these marvels combine fashion with function, offering breathability, insulation, and sometimes even a dash of water resistance. Whether scaling a peak or warming up by the campfire, there’s a fleece for every adventure, balancing cosiness with cool. So, as we zip into the world of fleece, remember: finding the right one is like discovering your go-to camping spot – priceless. Let’s find that perfect fleece fit for your next outdoor adventure!

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Different Types OF FLEECE JACKETS

Lightweight Fleece Jackets

A lightweight jacket is the way to go if you’re after a fleece jacket that won’t weigh you down. These jackets are perfect for layering, as they provide a comfortable level of warmth without adding too much bulk. They’re also great for those in-between weather days when you’re unsure if you need a jacket.

Look for lightweight fleece jackets made from materials like Polartec Microfleece or TKA (Thermal Kinetic Advancement) fleece. These materials are known for their softness, durability, and breathability, making them ideal for outdoor activities like camping.

Midweight Fleece Jackets

A midweight fleece jacket is excellent for those cooler days when you’re roaming around the bush or the city streets. These jackets are bulkier than your more lightweight fleece alternatives, but still offer a fair amount of warmth without dragging you down. You’ll often find midweight jackets in pullover styles, which are easy to throw on when the temperature drops.

Midweight fleece jackets, such as the Amazon Essentials Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket, perfectly balance warmth and breathability. So, whether you’re going for a bushwalk or enjoying a barbie with mates, you’ll stay snug and comfortable.

Amazon Essentials Men's Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
$28.50
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Heavyweight Fleece Jackets

If you’re feeling the frost, you need yourself a heavyweight fleece jacket. The dense material brings extra warmth and proper insulation for those chilly moments Downunder. Watch for The North Face Denali 2 or similar products to keep you warm during the cold weather on your adventures.

Ideal for camping trips or drizzly days, heavyweight fleece jackets are often heavier and bulkier than their lightweight, fleece weight or midweight fleece weight counterparts. But there’s no denying their effectiveness in keeping you warm and toasty.

Paired with a super-warm sleeping bag, and you won’t feel that nippy air.

The North Face Denali 2
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Windproof Fleece Jackets

Blimey, when the southerly wind starts to blow, you’ll need a windproof fleece jacket with added cold weather protection like the 33,000ft Men’s Waterproof Jacket. These jackets are water-resistant, windproof, and have plenty of storage for your belongings.

Whether hiking in the high country or fishing along the coast, windproof fleece jackets provide serious weather protection in the (sometimes) unpredictable Australian weather.

Features

If you’re on the hunt for the best fleece jacket with all the bells and whistles, look no further. In this section, we’ll break down the top features of the best fleece jackets and top jackets to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Breathability and Insulation

Let’s start with breathability and insulation. What’s great about fleece jackets is that they offer great insulation to keep you warm without compromising breathability. This means you’ll stay toasty on chilly days but won’t break a sweat when you’re on the move. Some fleece jackets, like those made by Acmelogy, use synthetic fibres to trap as much warm air as possible, similar to animal fur. This adds extra comfort and helps with airflow, making them perfect for a wide range of activities.

Layering and Fabrics

Fleece jackets are incredibly versatile when it comes to the layering system. They’re often lightweight and packable, which makes them an excellent outer layer of choice for throwing in your duffle bag for camping. Depending on the weather, you can easily slip a fleece jacket over a t-shirt or under a heavier coat. Look for ultralight jackets if you want something particularly easy to layer.

Some fleece jackets are made from different materials, including high-loft and low-loft fleece fabric. High-loft fleece material is super fluffy and cosy, while low-loft fleece material is usually thinner and creates a more streamlined fit.

Hood and Zippered Chest Pocket Designs

Lastly, let’s talk about hood and pocket designs. Fleece jackets often come in both hooded and non-hooded options, so you can choose what’s best for your needs. Hoods are a ripper addition if you’re looking for extra warmth on windy days or just want to keep your head dry if you get caught in a drizzle.

As for pockets, you’ll usually find zippered and non-zippered options. Zippered pockets are ace for keeping your belongings secure, while non-zippered pockets offer easy access. Some fleece jackets even have internal pockets, perfect for stashing your keys or phone without worrying about them falling out.

Alternatives

If you’re in the market for something to keep you warm but aren’t keen on the standard fleece jacket, we’ve got you covered – here are some ripper alternatives that’ll still keep you warm in the cooler months.

First up, we’ve got a wool blend. Wool might not be as techy as synthetic or fleece options, but it’s still a reliable choice with an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio. It’s a natural fibre, so you can feel good about your environmental impact.

Speaking of environmentally friendly options, if you want to be even kinder to the planet, consider a jacket made from recycled material or synthetic fleece. It’ll offer you solid insulation while helping reduce waste in the process.

MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
The North Face Antora Jacket
$200.00 $147.00
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09/11/2024 07:44 pm GMT

Another option is a down jacket. When it comes to the warmth-to-weight ratio, a down jacket is tough to beat. These jackets will keep you toastier than a kangaroo’s pouch on a chilly night, but just be aware: they aren’t the best choice when wet.

Caring for Your Fleece Jacket

Look after your best fleece jacket properly, and it’ll keep you warm and toasty for years. Here are a few tips to help you care for your best fleece jacket without causing damage or losing any of that cosiness.

Pilling Prevention

No one wants their fleece jacket looking daggy with pills all over the fabric, so giving it the right sort of TLC is important. Keep that fabric in top nick by avoiding washing your fleece with lint-producing clothes like cotton flannel or cloth towels. Fleece can attract lint, so wash it separately or with similar materials to steer clear of those pesky pills.

Maintaining the Warmth

Fleece jackets are great for keepin’ you warm outdoors, but they need some lovin’ too. Be extra careful with heat when washing and drying your fleece. It’s best to avoid hot water and high dryer settings to lock that snuggly warmth in.

Weights and Fabric Care

Not all fleece jackets are the same weight, but regardless of fabric weight or how heavy or light your fleece fabric is, follow the care instructions on the tag. Sometimes, your fleece fabric may need extra attention, like spot treatment for stains or soaking in cold water before washing.

Washing and Drying

Giving your fleece a good clean doesn’t need to be a drama. Most of the time, you can chuck it in the washing machine, but again, make sure you’re not using hot water. Oh, and don’t forget that dryers can be a bit harsh on the fleece, so it’s best to let your jacket air dry to keep it in top shape.

Environmental Impact

When it comes to your fleece jacket, you might be in for a bit of a shocker. While they’re known for keeping you warm on a cold day, there’s an unfortunate downside: these cozy jackets can have a significant environmental impact.

Most fleece jackets are made from synthetic materials like polyester or polyethene terephthalate (PET). The thing is, when you wash these jackets, thousands of microplastics are released into the environment. These tiny particles in synthetic materials aren’t great for our oceans and waterways, as they can be swallowed by marine life and even end up in the food chain.

It’s a tough one, but there are ways to reduce your impact:

  • Washing your fleece less frequently

  • Using a microfiber-catching bag during laundry

  • Opting for jackets made from more sustainable materials

Fleece Innovations

Gone are the days of bulky fleeces that feel like you’re lugging around a sheila’s purse with a brick in it. An innovation worth a gander is the grid pattern performance fleece jacket. These performance fleece jackets are designed with a distinctive grid pattern, improving breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. It’s perfect for when you’re working up a sweat setting up the damn camper trailer, or rolling up the sleeping bag!

With these advances in performance fleece jacket technology, durability hasn’t been left in the dust. Innovations like the square meter rating system measure fabric strength and resistance to everyday wear alone, meaning your performance fleece jacket will last longer, even during those rough-as-guts outings.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fleece jackets keep you warm?

You bet! Fleece jackets are designed to trap and retain your body heat, keeping you warm in cold weather conditions like winter. They’re made of soft fabric recycled material that’s perfect for insulation, so you can count on decent warmth from them to keep you cosy

Can you wear a fleece jacket in summer?

While fleece jackets are great for keeping warm in winter, they might not be the best choice for Aussie summers. They’re specifically designed to insulate and keep you warm, so you could end up feeling too hot wearing one on a hot summer day. However, some lightweight fleece jackets are more breathable and might work for cooler evenings or indoors with air conditioning.

Why are fleece jackets so comfy?

Fleece jackets are comfy because they’re made from soft, lightweight fabric that’s easy to move around in. Plus, they’re designed to keep ya warm without feeling bulky or restrictive, which makes them perfect for all sorts of activities, from snagging a barbie to winter hiking out in the bush.

What are some top brands for fleece jackets?

Some top brands for fleece jackets include The North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia. These brands are popular for their quality, durability, and style, so you’re likely to find a good fleece jacket that suits your needs and taste.

How do I choose the right size fleece jacket?

To pick the right size fleece jacket, start by finding a similar go to fleece jacket that already fits you well. Lay the fleece weight of it flat on a surface and measure it from seam to seam, noting the measurements. Use these measurements as a guide when looking for your perfect fleece jacket size. Also, consider checking the sizing chart provided for best fleece, by the brand to ensure the best fit.

How to care for a fleece jacket?

To keep your fleece jacket in tip-top shape, follow the care instructions on its label. Generally, you can machine wash fleece jackets in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can decrease the jacket’s ability to wick moisture and maintain its breathability. Tumble dry on low, or air dry to prevent damage from high heat. Following these steps will keep your fleece jacket looking and feeling great for years to come.


MEET THE WORD-SLINGER

G’day, I’m Stacey, CAW4D wifey, author of all our CA4WD blogs, and builder of all things website-ey. When I’m not writing about our family’s camping adventures, you’ll find me kicking around on social media with the incredible camping and 4wd community we’ve built.

Ohhh, and sometimes, you may find me doing ‘actual work’…which, ironically, is very similar to what I do ’round these parts – marketing. You can find more of my pen-pedalling atrocities here.

In the meantime, kick back, grab a coldie, and check out some more cool camping content I’ve put together for you here. Cheers.

Wanna hear about a tale about an emergency dunny roll and the Mundi Mundi Bash? Read it here.

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19 July 2023

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We’re Stacey and Lee, the creators of Camping and 4wd Downunder. We wanted to create a space to connect with other camping and 4wd enthusiasts who love nothing more than to leave the chaotic, noisy world behind and escape to the bush. If you’ve landed on this website, our guess is you’re one of those people. Our people. Welcome.

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