Fleece Jackets

About

Fleece is the most practical mid-layer for NZ tramping. It's warm, breathable, and quick-drying — and unlike down, it retains warmth when wet. That matters in NZ conditions where you can go from sweating on a climb to standing in rain on a ridgeline within the same hour. A quality fleece earns its place on every multi-day trip, whether that's an evening layer at the hut or an active layer on a cold start. Our fleece range covers 100-weight active pieces through to heavier 300-weight jackets for cold-weather and static use. Key brands are Rab — technical fleeces built for performance — and Peak XV for quality NZ-designed gear at better value. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a fleece jacket used for in tramping?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A fleece jacket is your mid-layer in the three-layer system — worn over a base layer and under a waterproof shell. It provides insulation when you are stationary or in cool conditions, and manages moisture from your base layer. For NZ tramping, a mid-weight fleece (200 weight) is the most practical all-round choice — warm enough for hut evenings and cold ridgelines, breathable enough for active use on the move." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between 100, 200, and 300 weight fleece?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fleece weight (100/200/300) indicates the fabric density and warmth level. 100 weight is lightweight and highly breathable — suits active use as a standalone layer in mild conditions. 200 weight is the mid-range standard for tramping — a good balance of warmth and breathability as a mid-layer. 300 weight is the warmest option, suited to cold conditions and hut use, but can be too warm for active tramping. For most NZ tramping, 200 weight is the right choice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Fleece vs down jacket as a mid-layer — which should I choose?", "acceptedAnswer":