#6 on this list
Steens Mountain 2.0
Columbia
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 is designed for car campers, casual day hikers, and budget-conscious outdoorspeople who want straightforward, reliable fleece insulation without paying for high-end alpine features. It excels as an everyday campsite layer, a cool-weather neighborhood walking jacket, or a supplemental insulating piece for non-technical winter recreation. Constructed from traditional, dense polyester fleece, the Steens Mountain 2.0 weighs roughly 14.4 ounces in men’s sizing and 14 ounces in women’s sizing. The jacket uses classic, double-sided brushed fleece that traps a significant amount of ambient dead air, providing solid static warmth for around $65. The construction is famously durable and forgiving, tolerating rough laundering, campfire embers, and heavy everyday abuse without losing structural integrity. The trade-offs are directly tied to its non-technical design. The dense, traditional fleece fabric lacks the moisture-wicking channels of modern grid fleece, meaning it breathes poorly during strenuous ascents and gets uncomfortably clammy under sweat. It is also bulky, taking up considerable volume inside a backpacking pack, and the loose-knit construction offers virtually zero resistance to chilly wind gusts. **Highlights** - Accessible price point around $65 delivers exceptional warmth per dollar - Rugged, low-maintenance polyester fleece withstands years of heavy laundering - Full-length front zipper and stand-up collar provide classic, draft-free coverage - Zippered hand security pockets keep small personal items safe and hands warm - Relaxed cut allows effortless layering over heavy flannels and base layers **Watch-outs** - Bulky and heavy compared to modern technical alpine midlayers - Traps sweat and dries slowly during strenuous, high-output aerobic activity - Wind cuts directly through the fabric, demanding a shell in breezy weather
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#7 on this list
Merino Cloudripper Fleece
Ridge
The Ridge Merino Cloudripper Fleece is built for backcountry skiers, resort riders, and cold-weather hikers who desire the full-zip convenience of a traditional midlayer jacket enhanced with the high-performance attributes of merino wool. It is well suited for active days on snow where fluctuating body temperatures require frequent venting adjustments without shedding layers entirely. Classified as a midweight midlayer, the Cloudripper utilizes a balanced blend of merino wool, polyester, and spandex. The natural wool fibers provide reliable thermal regulation across shifting temperatures and resist the buildup of unpleasant body odors, while the synthetic polyester fibers deliver structural strength and accelerate dry times. The interior brushed finish feels remarkably soft against exposed skin or over a lightweight base layer, while the spandex content ensures full range of motion for poling and scrambling. On the downside, the Cloudripper is noticeably heavier and takes longer to dry than 100% synthetic grid fleeces once it is completely saturated with moisture. While the wool blend provides excellent everyday durability for trail and snow use, it still requires more thoughtful laundering care than pure polyester fleece to maintain its elasticity and prevent fabric degradation over time. **Highlights** - Merino wool, polyester, and spandex blend balances warmth, stretch, and durability - Natural antimicrobial properties resist odor buildup across multi-day wear - Full-zip front allows precise, quick temperature dumping on steep ascents - Soft brushed interior provides excellent comfort directly against base layers - Secure zippered pockets accommodate mountain accessories and warm chilled hands **Watch-outs** - Retains moisture longer than purely synthetic active fleece when saturated - Bulkier in a pack than minimalist ultralight half-zip midlayers - Needs gentle washing cycles to avoid degrading the natural wool fibers
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Steens Mountain 2.0 | Merino Cloudripper Fleece |
|---|---|---|
| Midlayer Type | Full-zip fleece jacket | — |
| Insulation | 100% polyester brushed fleece | — |
| Published Weight | 14.4 oz (men's) / 14.0 oz (women's) | — |
| Standard MSRP | Approximately $65 | — |
| Pockets | Two zippered handwarmer pockets | — |
| Fit Profile | Regular, relaxed cut | — |
| Fabric Blend | — | Merino wool, polyester, and spandex |
| Weight Class | — | Midweight midlayer |
| Closure Style | — | Full-length front zipper |
| Odor Control | — | Natural merino wool resistance |
| Primary Recognition | — | Best Full Zip Midlayer (Treeline Review) |
| Care Requirement | — | Gentle wash cycle, line dry recommended |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Steens Mountain 2.0
- High thermal warmth output for an accessible price point
- Rugged polyester fleece withstands rough use and frequent laundering
- Relaxed fit accommodates thick underlayers without binding
- Deep zippered hand pockets keep small items secure
- Bulky packed size takes up substantial pack space
- Zero wind resistance requires an outer shell in breezy conditions
- Traps moisture and breathes poorly during steep, aerobic ascents
Merino Cloudripper Fleece
- Merino blend regulates temperature and resists multi-day odor buildup
- Full-length front zipper enables rapid mechanical venting on steep climbs
- Spandex component provides unrestricted mobility under technical shells
- Soft brushed interior feels comfortable directly over bare skin or base layers
- Dries slower than fully synthetic grid fleeces when heavily soaked with sweat
- Pack volume and total weight exceed minimalist ultralight midlayer pullovers
- Requires gentle laundry care and line drying to avoid damaging wool fibers
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