Best Fleece Hiking Hoodies Of 2025

Fleece hoodies have been super popular for a very long time now, and for good reason! They're versatile, comfortable and make for a great do-it-all layer. The best fleece hiking hoodies of 2025 come in every color under the sun, and they come in a huge array of styles and grid patterns to suit your adventure needs.

For hiking in the Southwest, fleece hoodies are a must. Whether you find yourself in the surreal world of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, or the highest summit in San Juan National Forest! Wherever you plan to hike, your favorite fleece hoodie is sure to be an essential. That's why we've rounded up the best fleece hiking hoodies of 2025!

What Makes the Best Fleece Hiking Hoodie?

When you're out on the trail, the right gear can make or break your adventure. A good fleece hiking hoodie is more than just a warm layer—it’s a versatile piece of outdoor clothing designed to keep you comfortable, mobile, and protected from the elements. Here’s what to look for when choosing the perfect fleece hoodie for your hiking adventures:

Warmth Without Bulk

A quality fleece hiking hoodie provides excellent insulation without feeling heavy or restrictive. Look for hoodies made from midweight or lightweight fleece to trap body heat while allowing freedom of movement.

Breathability

Hiking can be a sweaty activity, especially during uphill climbs. The best fleece hoodies are made from breathable materials that wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even during high-energy hikes.

Durability

Trail conditions can be unpredictable, so durability is key. High-quality fleece hoodies are constructed with reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant panels to withstand wear and tear from backpacks, branches, and rocky terrain.

Packability

A good hiking fleece should be easy to pack when you’re layering up or down. Compact and lightweight designs are ideal for stuffing into a daypack without taking up too much space.

Weather Resistance

While fleece hoodies aren’t fully waterproof, some come with water-resistant coatings or windproof panels for added protection against light rain and gusty winds. This feature can be a lifesaver during unpredictable weather.

Comfort and Fit

An excellent fleece hiking hoodie should feel cozy and fit well without being too tight. Features like stretch fabric, articulated elbows, and adjustable hoods ensure maximum comfort and functionality on the trail.

Eco-Friendly Materials

As sustainability becomes more important to outdoor enthusiasts, many fleece hoodies are now made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Choosing an eco-friendly option not only helps the planet but also aligns with Leave No Trace principles.

The Best Fleece Hoodie for Scrambling

R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie By Patagonia

• Weight: 12.8 ounces for a men's medium
• Cost: $179
• Best For: Intense output days, scrambling and climbing. Variable weather.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie is hands down one of the most popular active fleece in the world. It's a staple in most Southwest hikers' closets. Not only is it excellent for a huge array of adventures, it also looks super stylish. The R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie features Polartec Power Grid, which is insulating and feels good against the skin. It allows for ample breathability as well.

This hoodie features two zippered hand pockets and one zippered chest pocket. The hood fits snug and the thumb-holes fit comfortably. The R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie is Fair Trade Certified and the fabric is bluesign approved.

The Best Fleece Hoodie for Warmth

Sweetwater Hoodie / Wilcox Hoodie By Stio

• Weight: 20 ounces for a men's medium
• Cost: $159/$139 for zipper-free Sweetwater option
• Best For: Extremely cold hikes, and low-effort hikes. Great for road trips and mountain town adventures, too!

Stio is great company known for it's stewardship! They also happen to make really warm fleece hoodies. Their warmest option being the Sweetwater Fleece Hoodie for women, and the Wilcox Fleece Hoodie for men. Both of which fall under Stio's Second Turn program, which allows previously-used items to be traded in, cleaned, repaired and circulated back into use.

Both of these hoodies combine the great look of wool with the technical benefits of fleece for a very versatile, warm and durable hoodie. If you're looking for a more oversized fit, be sure to size up as these both have a trim fit for easy layering.

The Best Natural Fleece Hoodie

The Hoodie By PAKA

• Weight: Under 10 ounces for a medium
• Cost: $139
• Best For: Folks who prefer natural fleece but still want high quality warmth, sweat-wicking and breathability.

If you're someone who likes to wear natural fleece, PAKA's The Hoodie is the perfect fleece hoodie for your hikes. This is a unisex fit hoodie, which means men should order their usual size and women should size down. The Hoodie is temperature regulating, odor resistant and super breathable. It's a great stand-alone layer and can easily be layered up!

The Hoodie is hiking workhorse in the Southwest as it can be worn in most conditions comfortably, including the low desert.

Check out our review of The Hoodie by PAKA

The Best Ultralight Fleece Hoodie

Alpha 60 Hoodie By Senchi Designs

• Weight: 3.7 ounces for a medium
• Cost: $85
• Best For: Ultralight hiking and backpacking where every ounce matters!

With a cult-like following of ultralight backpackers, Senchi Designs has taken the alpha fleece world by storm! And their Alpha 60 Hoodie is far and away their most popular piece. This fleece hoodie has no frills, a very breathable weave and a weight that seems too light to be true! It also is a good mild insulation piece and can be layered up easily.

Getting your hands on the Alpha 60 Hoodie is the challenge. These hoodies sell out extremely fast, as they are made in small batches and really popular! To get one, I suggest you sign up for Senchi's email list, which will alert you to restocks.

The Best Fleece Hoodie for Backpacking

Convict Canyon Hoodie By Ridge Merino

• Weight: 9.2 ounces for men's medium
• Cost: $149.95
• Best For: Backpacking in the mountains and day hiking in shoulder season.

Don't let the "merino" in Ridge Merino fool you when it comes to this fleece hoodie! It's constructed from Polartec Power Wool, which is a patented bi-component knit fabric that combines the best of both natural and synthetic fibers. This construction pairs a soft and odor-reducing Merino wool in an open grid pattern with a lightweight polyester exterior that is durable and quick-drying. So it's a mix of fleece and merino, making it really innovative and versatile.

This is a lightweight and packable fleece hoodie that is great for Southwest adventures in shoulder seasons, when you may experience very cold mornings, but quite sunny and hot afternoons. The Convict Canyon Hoodie has a slim fit, which makes it a nice mid-layer for winter adventures.

The Best Custom Fleece Hoodie

Custom Grid Fleece Hoodie By SAMBOB

• Weight: Varies by custom options, fleece is 6 ounces per yard
• Cost: $120+
• Best For: Those who love to show off their unique personalities with clothing, and those who like a custom fit!

SAMBOB's custom microgrid fleece hoodie is a midweight powerhouse that is truly the hoodie you've always dreamed about, because you get to design it! From the fit, to the patterns and pockets, it's all customizable so that you get the hiking fleece of your wildest fantasies. The grid fleece they use is durable and warm, and available in 10 colors.

The lead time on a custom SAMBOB fleece hoodie is generally 4-6 weeks. If you want a hoodie from them now, you might find one of their Ready To Ship fleece hoodies is perfect for you!

The Best Budget Fleece Hoodie

The Squak Grid Fleece Hoodie By Squak Mountain

• Weight: 12 ounces for men's medium
• Cost: $59.99
• Best For: Hikers that want a great fleece hoodie, but don't want to break the bank.

Squak Mountain's The Squak Grid Fleece Hoodie is a great grid fleece hoodie made in Utah. And it sure comes in at a great price! For $60 it really cannot be beat. It's certainly not the lightest option on our fleece hoodie round up, but it's not the heaviest, either. And it has everything you'd expect on a grid fleece hoodie. A spacious kangaroo pocket, a nice fitting hood and thumb holes!

Check out our review of The Squak Grid Fleece Hoodie by Squak Mountain

Honorable Mentions

CAMP Hoodie By SkyGOAT

• Weight: 10.1 ounces for a men's medium
• Cost: $99

Hailing from Summit County in Colorado, SkyGOAT grid fleece hoodies use a unique fleece to the company, called GOATgrid. GOATgrid fleece is one of the softest on this guide, and of course still offers excellent breathability and performance. These grid fleece hoodies are made sustainably, and SkyGOAT even offers local pick-up if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

Check out our review of the CAMP Fleece Jacket by SkyGOAT

PAKACLOUD Fleece

• Weight: 14.4 ounces for a medium
• Cost: $165

Designed as a unique alternative to synthetic fleece, PAKACLOUD provides twice the warmth while using less material, resulting in natural cloud-like comfort. It's the perfect piece for easy hikes, brisk walks and skiing. PAKA's PAKACLOUD features natural odor resistance and moisture-wicking properties thanks to alpaca wool. You may note that this piece doesn't have a hood. We just couldn't resist adding it to this guide!

Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie V2

• Weight: 10.7 ounces for a medium
• Cost: $86

You know we couldn't end this guide without including Melanzana, right? This is the fleece hoodie to rule them all. A classic. The classic. Created in small batches in Leadville and Alamosa Colorado, you'll have to snag one of these fleece hoodies in person! Yes that's right, you can only buy the Melanzana Micro Grid Fleece Hoodie V2 in person at their Leadville shop. Which ummm... you need a reservation for pretty much. And ummm... those reservations are generally needed at least half a year in advance. So you could say this is the fleece hoodie with the most demand to ever exist.

And it's for good reason. They're designed thoughtfully and it's fun to be a part of the Melly Cult! Err... Melly Club! But seriously, don't let the Melly haters fool you, these hoodies are great. And the crew here at SouthwestHikes have our Leadville shop reservations all set for May of 2025!

FAQ: Your Fleece Hiking Hoodie Questions Answered

1. What’s the difference between fleece and wool for hiking?

Fleece is a synthetic material designed to mimic wool's insulating properties while being lighter, faster-drying, and easier to care for. It’s an excellent choice for active hiking as it wicks moisture and offers great warmth without the weight.

2. Are fleece hoodies good for cold weather hiking?

Yes! Fleece hoodies are perfect as mid-layers for cold-weather hiking. Pair them with a base layer for moisture management and a waterproof shell for wind and rain protection to stay warm and dry in freezing conditions.

3. Can fleece hoodies replace a jacket?

In mild weather, a fleece hoodie can often serve as your outer layer. However, for harsher conditions, you'll need a windproof or waterproof jacket to pair with your fleece for complete protection.

4. How do I care for my fleece hoodie?

To extend the life of your fleece hoodie, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and avoid fabric softeners, which can affect its performance. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent pilling.

5. Are fleece hoodies environmentally friendly?

Many brands now produce fleece hoodies using recycled polyester and eco-conscious manufacturing practices. Check product descriptions for sustainability certifications like Bluesign or Recycled Content Standards.

6. Do fleece hoodies block wind?

Standard fleece is not windproof, but some hoodies feature wind-resistant panels or coatings for added protection. Look for these features if you’ll be hiking in exposed or windy areas.

Wrapping Up: Find Your Perfect Fleece Hiking Hoodie

The best fleece hiking hoodies of 2025 offer a combination of warmth, breathability, and durability to keep you comfortable on any trail. Whether you’re tackling a brisk morning hike or layering up for a winter trek, a good fleece hoodie is a must-have in every hiker's wardrobe. With so many innovative designs and sustainable options available, there’s never been a better time to invest in this trail essential.

Start exploring our top picks, and you’ll be one step closer to your next outdoor adventure—comfy, cozy, and ready for anything.

This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund Southwest Hikes. When you click on the links to purchase the gear we get a small commission that goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and content.