Men’s Hiking Fleece

Men’s Hiking Fleece at Arc’teryx

A men’s hiking fleece has to stay breathable on the climb and still keep you warm at the top, without taking over your pack. This range leans on that brief, from the Kyanite Lightweight Hoody and the hollow-core Delta Jacket to the Covert, which we list for hiking, and the softer Emblem for camp.

Which lightweight hiking fleece jacket suits the climb?

The Kyanite Lightweight Hoody is the lightweight hiking fleece jacket here, made from Torrent fleece that stretches four ways and manages moisture, with an anti-odour finish for longer trips and a trim, slim fit made for breathability on hard climbs. The Delta Jacket is the hollow-core option, with a smooth face and low-profile seams that reduce chafing, listed for alpine, rock and hiking use. The Kyanite Jacket brings four-way Polartec Power Stretch Pro for colder starts.

Which men’s hiking fleece suits cold starts and camp evenings?

The Covert Cardigan and Covert 1/2 Zip are the midweight hiking fleece here, made from Alpenex II, a recycled polyester fleece with a heathered face that looks like wool. The cardigan has laminated hand pockets and a zip sleeve pocket for small essentials, while the 1/2 Zip has a high collar and a deep front zipper that vents fast when the sun comes out. Pair either with hiking pants and merino wool hiking socks for a warm, low-bulk trail kit.

Is a men’s hiking fleece good for summit stops and the drive home?

The Emblem range is the comfortable end of the collection. The Full-Zip Hoody is listed for hiking and is a cotton-poly blend with a full front zip to open as you warm up, and the Emblem Fleece Hoody adds an adjustable hood and a kangaroo pocket big enough for a phone and gloves. The Emblem Fleece Jogger carries the fleece into pants, with stretchy cuffs that keep your hiking shoes in view. The Emblem Full-Zip Hoody is a heavyweight knit, so keep a lighter technical fleece for the steep sections.

Men’s Hiking Fleece FAQs

Should a men’s hiking fleece have a hood?

A hood on a hiking fleece adds warmth at camp and on windy ridges. The Kyanite Hoody has a low-profile hood that layers easily under an outer jacket, while the Covert 1/2 Zip skips the hood and relies on a high collar for warmth. Choose the hood for cold, exposed walking, and the collar if another hood will be going over the top.

How should a men’s hiking fleece fit?

A hiking fleece fits best when it matches the layers around it. The Kyanite Lightweight Hoody has a trim, slim fit that sits comfortably over a first layer or under an outer layer, while the Kyanite Jacket and Kyanite Hoody are a regular fit with room for layers. The Covert 1/2 Zip is also a regular fit, with articulated patterning for freedom of movement.

When does a men’s hiking fleece earn its place on an Australian trail?

In Australia a hot climb can end at a cold, windy summit, which is where a hiking fleece earns its place. Arc’teryx describes the sudden cold that hits when the sun falls below the ridgeline as the moment to reach for the Covert 1/2 Zip. Wear the Kyanite Lightweight Hoody through the climb, since its Torrent fleece manages moisture, and put the Covert on at the stop.

How do I layer a men’s hiking fleece on the trail?

Wear a hiking fleece as your midlayer and keep an outer layer within reach. Arc’teryx suggests layering the Covert Cardigan under a jacket for wet-weather hiking, so a waterproof hiking jacket goes on top when rain sets in, a hiking jacket handles wind, and waterproof hiking pants cover steady rain.