READ: Your Guide To The Layering System
Let’s talk about being smart with your layers. For those high-energy days when you're moving from the second you leave camp, the men's half-zip fleece is your best friend. Think of it as your primary thermal regulator. You pull it on in the pre-dawn chill and it provides that core insulation you need, but in a streamlined package that’s built for motion.
There’s less bulk and less fuss, meaning it disappears under a rucksack or shell jacket.
The real genius is in the construction. The best ones use a gridded fleece fabric on the inside; those channels are fantastic for pulling moisture away from your skin as you build a head of steam. That deep chest zip is the key feature—it’s a massive vent you can use to dump heat instantly without breaking your stride. Because there’s no full-length zip, it sits smoothly under a climbing harness or a pack’s hip belt without bunching up. For fast-paced hiking and climbing, it’s the intelligent choice.
Take a look at the options. Getting the right half-zip fleece makes all the difference when you’re on the move.
