Layers Of Escapism: Polartec® Fleece

Peaking since ‘91, Polartec® are purveyors of top-notch fleeces and thermal wear within the outdoor space. We’re good buds and hiking partners at this point, with a good few pieces born out of the collab.

We’re stoked to have them on our sleeve, treading the line—with perfect balance—between performance needs and stylish design. Pushing the standards of high-quality durable fabrics and kicking our Outdoor Active range up a gear.

Let’s get into it. 

At its core, a lightweight Polartec® micro fleece fabric that performs as a mid or top layer to suit any weather and all-year wear. It’s breathable, super soft, and can easily be stored away if things warm up. For women, we have the well-loved Ayla Recycled Micro Polartec® Fleece cut in a classic fit with soft elastane binding on the hem and cuffs. The Switchback Recycled Micro Polartec® Fleece is on the men’s side, perfectly suited to travel with a velour brush-feel that’s super soft to the touch.

These sit in the mid-range of our Polartec® offering, great roadtrip companions for all seasons and escapes. If you’re looking for an added layer for hiking, to wear around camp or slip on post-surf or cold dip, Polartec Fleece Micro Series® is a solid option - if unsure, check the specs on the individual product pages for clarity.

The Polartec Thermal Pro® fabric offers a unique knit structure, creating a super warm, resilient, and lightweight end product. The premium polyester yarns are 100% recycled, producing a soft texture with nifty air pocket technology for thermoregulation and increased breathability—That’s tech speak for “you won’t get too sweaty or too cold when on the move”, keeping you in that sweet spot for a full day’s roam. 

We see our Thermal Pro® fleece range as a great option for long hikes in sketchy weather, as an added bit of warmth after a few waves, or as a day-to-day wearer that can be relied upon when needed. The fast-drying fabric and improved breathability are lifesavers when camping in wet weather or travelling in the van. The Hudson Recycled Polartec® Fleece and Snowdrop Recycled Polartec® Fleece come to mind.

For colder weather, we have the Crest Recycled Polartec® Fleece Hoodie for women and the Pinegrove Recycled Polartec® Fleece Hoodie for men. These are full-zip styles with hood, thumb holes and a heavier feel to the Microfleece. Classed as ‘mid-weight’, the form is slightly tapered compared to the Microfleece; this keeps in the warmth and encourages free movement when wearing a hiking backpack or on a bikepacking trip. This is a great option for cycling as the fabric is nice and breathable, super cosy, and the thumb holes keep the sleeves from riding up your arms.

Layer under a waterproof or insulated jacket with an added base-layer for the coldest months. As with all Polartec® fleece, they keep their form and feel after multiple washes; ideal for multi-day trips and travel when you need a solid mid-layer that’ll go the distance. They shouldn’t stink too bad either. 

The Solitude (worn by Matt Chung above) and Wintergreen collections are a back-and-forth collab using their Power Stretch® technology. Stripped back, they’re 4-way stretch, breathable and moisture-wicking layers for men and women, built as a core staple for the roamer. We’ve lined up a classic 1/2 zip fleece, a hooded version, pair of active leggings, thermal neck gaiter and headband. Layered underneath a favourite jacket or oversized fleece, the fabric is durable and built to last. We’re talking your everyday wearers, escapism staples and cosiest outer layers—all made better with Power Stretch® underneath.

Made for resilience and comfort with a low-friction, highly breathable and moisture-wicking dual surface. We thought long and hard about colour, but opting for black means you can seamlessly slip the Solitude or Wintergreen collection into your already built-out autumn / winter ensemble.

When it comes to outdoor wear, you want something that keeps you comfy no matter the weather. That’s exactly what Polartec® fleece does.

Here’s why we swear by it:

• Warmth without the weight: Polartec® fleece traps heat effectively, so you stay toasty without feeling weighed down. Whether you’re hitting the trails or camping under the stars, this fleece gives you warmth without the bulk.

• Breathability that keeps you cool: No more sweating it out on the climb or hike. Polartec® fleece is designed to let your body breathe, so it wicks away moisture and keeps your body temperature in check. Perfect for when you’re working up a sweat, stop for a break and slow it down.

• Made from 100% recycled polyester: Less waste and a smaller carbon footprint while still delivering top-notch performance. It's a smart way to reduce your impact while staying cosy in the great outdoors.

• Durability for the long haul: Whether you're trekking through forests or navigating rocky terrain, Polartec® fleece holds up to wear and tear while keeping its soft feel, year after year.

• Quick drying and moisture-wicking: If you get caught in a sudden downpour scrambling for your waterproof, or you’re in the van and want just one fleece to see you through, Polartec® dries fast and keeps its snug feel with minimal washes required.

Not all fleece is made equal, and if you’ve tried a few, you’ll know that not every fleece can handle the demands of the great outdoors.

Here's why Polartec® stands out:

• More than just warmth: Unlike some traditional fleece, which can trap moisture and feel heavy, Polartec® has moisture-wicking technology that helps keep you dry even during high-energy activities. It regulates your temperature better, so you don’t overheat.

• Better breathability: Polartec® is designed with breathability in mind. Other fleece fabrics may leave you sweating like crazy when you're working hard, but Polartec® lets your body release heat while keeping the warmth you need. It’s the ideal balance for those long, demanding days out on the trail.

• Lightweight but tough: While some fleeces might feel bulky, Polartec® provides warmth without unnecessary weight. It’s a great choice for backpacking when you need to keep your pack light but still want something that can take on tough conditions.

• Pill-resistant and long-lasting: One of the most frustrating things about fleece is when it starts to pill or wear out after a few trips. Polartec® fleeces are pill-resistant, so they’ll keep their soft texture and strong performance even after multiple washes.

• Responsibly made: Polartec® use 100% recycled materials, which means less waste and a smaller carbon footprint without sacrificing fleece performance.

Out there amongst the tall trees and trail markers, escaping from the humdrum if only for a few minutes. Time and time again. These fleeces are built to last a lifetime of wanders, with Polartec® tweaking and testing their fabrics to guarantee their performance. Sharp eyes will have seen them feature in Our Active Outdoor Range, What To Wear Backpacking, Hiking Essentials Checklist, and Made To Roam: A Guide To Trail Running journals.

With our collab range, we didn’t want to go heavy on one style as we know everyone roams a little differently. The Ayla, Switchback, Highland and more made better with Polartec®—hood wearers, half-zippers, and button upper-ers take note…

How do I care for my Polartec® fleece?

Polartec® fabrics are known for their easy care and lasting durability. Polartec® recommend machine-washing cold and getting the fleece out on the line to air dry. This approach is the most gentle for the fabric and is also the most energy-efficient.

What is Polartec® fleece made from?

Polartec® fleece is primarily made of post-consumer recycled polyester from recycled plastic water bottles. The brand was the first to bring a recycled fleece to market in the early 90s and they’re still always reviewing and updating their practices to ensure a planet-first approach.

How durable are Polartec® fleeces?
Polartec® are known for their durability, toughness and long lifespan. Your fleece should feel and perform the same after a good few years of wear, tear and roaming far and wild. It’s worth investing in a Guppy Friend Washing Bag, which will also help your fleece last longer. Find out more on our Recycled Polyester page.

What does ‘pill resistant’ mean? 

All of our Polartec® fleeces are pill-resistant. This means the fabric will not form small fleece balls (bobbles) on the surface, which come about by regular wear and abrasion.

Why choose Polartec® over other fleece fabrics?

Polartec® leads the way in recycled performance fabrics. Lightweight, breathable, and highly durable, they’ve set the standard for fleece technology since the beginning.