Patagonia Higher Sweater

a man with a cap on wearing a patagonia fleece zip jacked in green overlooking a flat body of water — Patagonia’s Higher Sweater ought to actually be referred to as Finest Sweater. – Picture Credit score: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Backside Line

When you’re waffling on a basic, comfy fleece jacket that received’t exit of favor, the Patagonia Higher Sweater is the top of your deliberation. That is one in all our favorites because of its strong building, consideration to element, and timeless, athletic match. We love its heat, dense fleece, which gives heat and lined pockets to maintain your palms toasty. Our gear analysts have put his by way of the wringer for over twenty years, and it’s nonetheless holding up like a champ!

The Higher Sweater is hands-down our favourite fleece jacket for informal use. It’s an outstanding worth for the cash because it’ll undoubtedly grow to be one in all your closet’s most worn items of clothes. The Higher Sweater can be obtainable as a quarter-zip (males’s / ladies’s). And for the complete lineup, try our information to the most effective fleeces.

Fast Specs

Finest Fleece Jacket Total

Worth:

$159

Measured Weight:

1 lb. 6 oz.(Males’s M)

Fleece Weight:

Mid-heavyweight

Execs

Very heat
Sturdy
Trendy
Good worth
Notably cozy/heat hand pockets
Inclusive sizing

Cons

A bit heavy and hulking for backcountry adventures
Not as breathable as some

A man carrying a pack stares into the distance while wearing a green hat and fleece jacket. — Being one of many bulkier sweaters on our record made with 100% recycled polyester fleece materials, it’s nonetheless works on the path. – picture credit score: David Younger (cleverhiker.com)

Heat

From fall hikes to round city, the Higher Sweater is unphased in cooler climate. The sweater is flexible, working properly from 60°F all the way down to 30°F in snow, wind, and rain. Patagonia works its material magic with a sweater-knit exterior and breathable fleece inside, protecting in heat whereas not overheating. In freezing temperatures, the Higher Sweater additionally works properly as a layer underneath an outer shell.

A close up of a fleece pocket on the chest with a backpack strap on the other shoulder. — The Patagonia Higher Sweater carried out properly in on and off path testing. It’s versatile sufficient for nearly any exercise or situation. – picture credit score: David Younger (cleverhiker.com)

Consolation

The Patagonia Higher Sweater is equally comfy lounging on the sofa or watching a film in a chilly theatre as it’s mountaineering up a mountain with a pack in your again. The flat-seam building not solely makes it much less cumbersome but additionally eliminates chafing. The sweater’s building strikes with you, not towards you, on or off the path. The raglan sleeves make it straightforward to maneuver in, particularly whereas carrying a pack. And a zipper storage on the collar presents a snug delicate material in your face, not an ice-cold zipper.

Man walks down a path looking down with an unzipped fleece jacket. — The Patagonia Higher Sweater is an equally comfy and classy fleece jacket that may final a very long time. – picture credit score: David Younger (cleverhiker.com)

Weight

The Higher Sweater isn’t the lightest mannequin on our record, at simply over one pound. Packing it right into a pack or bag takes up some valuable actual property. However that bulk gives thermal safety, and we don’t take this on backpacking journeys, so we don’t thoughts it. It’s splendid for informal put on, quick jaunts, and journey/leisure put on. If you’re chopping weight for an extended hike or journey, contemplate a extra technical, light-weight possibility such because the Patagonia R1 Air.

A man with hands in pockets wearing a green hat and fleece. — The Higher Sweater is a heavyweight possibility at simply over one pound, however works properly for shorter hikes and round city. – picture credit score: David younger (cleverhiker.com)

Sturdiness

The Higher Sweater might put Patagonia out of enterprise with how lengthy it lasts! The recycled polyester is each heat and robust. We wore it by way of dense thickets and scrambled up sharp rocks sporting it. The force-field-like materials will undergo something with out snagging, ripping, or tearing. Washing the fleece doesn’t harm it both, though air-drying is beneficial.

The premier Plus aspect of the Higher Sweater is its power. We have now worn the identical Patagonia Higher Sweater for almost twenty years, and it seems to be pretty much as good because the day we purchased it (and no, it isn’t a lightweight colour). – picture credit score: David Younger (intelligent hiker.com)

Options

The Higher Sweater has been a Patagonia icon for over 4 many years. Whereas its colours could change from season to season, this basic piece doesn’t want bells and whistles—its enduring success speaks for itself.

The micro polyester jersey trim on the cuff provides a pleasant contact of consolation and sturdiness. The refined hem in the back of the neck withstands put on and tear whereas retaining its form. Two zippered hand pockets and a headphone-compatible zippered left-chest pocket are match for a pockets or keys. The fleece, made with recycled supplies, is Honest Commerce Licensed.

A man's hand in his hip pocket wearing a green fleece. — raglan sleeves make Motion Unhindered, particularly whereas carrying a pack. The micropolyester cuff, hem, and collar trims assist hold the fleece delicate but robust. – picture credit score: David younger (cleverhiker.com)

Ought to You Purchase The Patagonia Higher Sweater?

The Patagonia Higher Sweater is the go-to outerwear for frontcountry adventures and automobile tenting, constructed to face up to a lifetime of use in various situations. As a midweight layer, it shines in spring, fall, and blustery winter days. Whether or not battling a drafty workplace or organising a glampsite, this versatile piece delivers dependable heat. It’s equally efficient as a standalone or a part of a layering system.

Whereas it doesn’t pack down and isn’t as light-weight as a technical fleece, the Higher Sweater’s basic design and dependability make it the layer you’ll instinctively seize when the temperature drops.

A man wearing a hat stares into the distance with his hands in his pockets. — The Patagonia Higher Sweater aspect pockets are heat and handy for protecting your palms heat and dry. – picture credit score: David Younger (cleverhiker.com)

What Different Fleeces Ought to You Take into account?

North Face Denali Fleece: The North Face Denali seems to be and feels just like the Higher Sweater. It’s a little softer, bulkier, and fewer low-profile.

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece: Just like the Patagonia Higher Sweater, the Cotopaxi Teca is a go-to fleece that you would be able to put on all day in varied situations. From around-town to day hikes, the Teca will work properly. It’s a little much less sturdy and extra of a way of life fleece than the Higher Sweater.

The zipper on a green fleece. — The Patagonia Higher Sweater is available in many variations, together with a full-zip and a quarter-zip. – picture credit score: David Younger (cleverhiker.com)

Patagonia Higher Sweater | CleverHiker

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Fast Specs