Merino Cloudripper Fleece

The Cloudripper Fleece targets active backcountry users who want the climate-control benefits of natural wool without sacrificing the structural resilience of modern technical fleece. By co-knitting merino wool with polyester and elastane, Ridge Merino created a piece that resists packing out, dries reasonably fast, and avoids the clamminess typical of fully synthetic fleeces. It functions best as an outer layer during high-output winter ascents or as a dedicated midlayer beneath a hardshell in bitter conditions.

On the trail, the hybrid fabric balances warmth and airflow effectively across steep grade changes. The interior traps warmth without suffocating, while the exterior stands up well against backpack straps and light abrasion. Unlike pure merino garments that tend to bag out or snag easily over time, the synthetic core provides essential dimensional stability and wear resistance. Still, wool fibers naturally retain moisture longer than pure polyester grids, making active mechanical venting via the front zipper necessary during sustained anaerobic pushes.

Packability is solid for a wool-content garment, though it rolls up noticeably thicker than minimalist ultralight fleeces. Against comparable market options, it lands in an appealing space: it outperforms standard polyester midlayers on multi-day trips where odor buildup is an issue, while offering a more practical, durable build than fragile pure wool alternatives. It is an honest, hardworking layer for skiers, hikers, and climbers who prioritize multi-day comfort over absolute gram-counting.