What is fleece and what is it made of?
The material explained
Fleece is a synthetic fabric, most commonly made out of polyester or polyamide. It is woven into a lightweight mesh and brushed on the inside and/or outside . This creates a soft, fluffy texture which traps body heat while wicking away moisture. High-quality models often come with an additional mix of polyamide and elastane: Fleece made from polyamide offers increased durability, while the added elastane boosts elasticity and comfort. As a more recent trend, many fleece jackets are also made from recycled polyester.
The warmth of fleece doesn't just stem from the material itself, but its structure. The soft, brushed texture ensures maximum wearing comfort while providing effective insulation – even when you’re moving a lot. At the same time, fleece is quick-drying, low maintenance, and will reliably keep you warm in changing weather conditions.
But especially when it comes to fleece jackets , the material truly shines. Functioning as midlayer when dressing in layers , they take on a highly important role: insulating and wicking away sweat while ensuring maximum freedom of movement.
What makes fleece jackets so unique?
Fleece jackets boast a very unique combination of wearing comfort, versatility, and insulating qualities.
Insulation: The brushed texture creates insulating air pockets, which trap body heat and improve breathability.
High wearing comfort: Fleece jackets are flexible and lightweight, allowing you to move freely – perfect for all types of sporting activity.
Versatility: Whether as a midlayer under your hardshell jacket or worn on its own – fleece effortlessly adapts to all your adventures.
One thing to keep in mind before buying a fleece jacket: It won't protect you from wind or rain – that’s why you'll need an additional soft- or hardshell outer layer. Speaking of which: Make sure to check out our in-depth guide to hardshell vs. softshell for a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of each material.
Choosing fleece: Yay or Nay?
Fleece jackets provide good insulation without compromising on wearing comfort or breathability – making them the perfect midlayer in cool and dry conditions.
Softshell jackets , on the other hand, offer a good balance between protection against the elements and freedom of movement – ideal for windy days and light rain, as well as for dynamic sports like ski touring or running.
For wet conditions and long tours in the rain, hardshell jackets are the most robust choice. But while they are wind- and waterproof, they do offer less flexibility and breathability than fleece. Depending on the demands of your favorite activity and weather conditions, mixing and matching layers with purpose can go a long way – for example, combining a fleece jacket with a hardshell for maximum protection in wintery conditions.
Which types of fleece can I find at Mammut?
From practical midlayers to comfy jackets: Our wide selection of fleece jackets covers all your outdoor sport needs. So whatever tour you’re planning, whatever the outside temperature, whatever the freedom of movement you need – we’ve got a range of materials, cuts and features to help you reach your goals in style.
Mammut Aenergy Fleece – Polartec® Power Grid™
Lightweight, quick-drying, super breathable and highly compressible – the ideal choice for high-intensity activities like ski tours, trail running or speed hiking. Thanks to flexible materials and a sporty cut, Aenergy Fleece offers optimum freedom of movement while keeping you warm and dry.
Mammut Aconcagua Fleece
Durable, functional, form-fitting – and incredibly warm: Our Aconcagua Fleece is made from durable Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro, and designed with alpine tours and expeditions in mind. Plus, it’s resistant to abrasion, keeps its form, and works particularly great underneath climbing harnesses and backpacks .
Mammut Innominata Fleece
The ideal midlayer: made from exceptionally soft high-loft fleece, and brushed on both sides. The fluffy texture not only provides great wearing comfort, but also keeps you warm all around.
Mammut Chamuera Fleece
The Chamuera Fleece combines functionality and versatility in one stylish design – perfect for those who need to move swiftly between urban spaces and the great outdoors.
Mammut Taiss Light Fleece
Lightweight and quick-drying: The Taiss Light Fleece is designed for demanding mountaineering activities. It offers maximum freedom of movement, great breathability, and a durable, abrasion-resistant outer layer.
Mammut Massone Fleece
Resistant to abrasions, breathable and flexible: Our hardwearing Massone Fleece has been specifically designed for rock climbing and bouldering. The resilient and abrasion-resistant double weave fabric ensures the best possible protections when navigating rocks, crags and more. Plus, midlayers made from this hightech blend usually come with a number of extra features to work in perfect harmony with your climbing gear .Â
[product carousel: fleece jackets - Aenergy, Aconcagua, Innominata & Co.]
Which fleece jacket for which occasion?
Depending on the intensity of your tours, the temperature you’ll be exposed to, and how freely you want to be able to move, it can come in handy to take a closer look at different types of fleece. At Mammut, our range is categorized with specific activities in mind – whether you’re navigating the highest mountains or enjoying a relaxing walk in the valley.
Intense tours with lots of movement: Our Aenergy Fleece is lightweight, highly breathable, and comes with a flexible fit – perfect for ski tours or brisk ascents.
Alpine activities and technical use: Our sturdy Aconcagua Fleece will keep you warm and comfy while being highly abrasion-resistant.
Low-intensity winter activities and relaxing outdoor adventures: Our Innominata range is particularly soft and insulating – perfect for alpine tours or relaxed winter hikes.
Casual hikes and everyday life: Our Chamuera Fleece combines function and comfort in one timeless look – perfect for both everyday life and the great outdoors.
Challenging mountain tours and versatile uses: The Taiss Light ML Jacket is built for maximum performance – lightweight, breathable and durable. It's perfect for high-intensity tours with changing weather conditions.
Caring for your fleece jacket
Whether you're on a long ski tour, conquering mountaintops or hiking on a rainy day – your fleece jacket has to work in different settings, providing warmth and proper insulation every step of the way. To ensure the best possible functionality for many years to come, the right care is essential:
Wash your fleece jacket on a gentle cycle at 30–40 °C.
Stay clear of fabric softeners and chlorine bleach to maintain the fabric’s breathability.
Let the fleece air dry and avoid putting it in the dryer
Don't iron your jacket, as the fibers are heat-sensitive.
With the right care, your jacket is sure to maintain its functionality, shape and wearing comfort – even after many adventures and washes.
Checklist for your purchase
And last, but not least – here’s a list of things to consider before picking out your next fleece jacket:
Type of activity: Which outdoor activity do you need your fleece for – skiing, hiking, climbing or day-to-day errands?
Freedom of movement: Choose a form-fitting, but not constricting fit – especially when you’re engaging in high-intensity mountaineering activities.
Warmth: The colder the day, the thicker your fleece should be. Choose high-loft for colder tours, and a lightweight fleece for high-intensity activities.
Materials and breathability: Functional fleece fabrics with stretch will ensure added comfort when you’re moving around a lot.
Layering: The jacket should fit comfortably under a hardshell and over a base layer.
Pocket placement: Make sure you’re still able to reach the pockets of your jacket when wearing a backpack with a hip strap, or a climbing harness.
Hood or no hood? A tight-fitting hood can come in handy in alpine settings, whereas a raised collar is usually fine for regular everyday use.
Maintenance & Care: Models with a sturdy outer layer are easier to maintain and more durable.
Whether you’re navigating wind, rain or dizzying heights: If you choose the right jacket, your fleece will be there to support you every step of the way. Tip: Explore our Mammut Stories & Guides for more info on layering systems, innovative materials, and the right gear for your next tour.