This article is part of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Sandal Battle. Vote for your all-time favorite here.

My earliest memory of Birkenstocks is of my mom鈥檚 chunky, classic two-strap leather sandals sitting by the sliding door to the back patio of our house. It was baking hot outside鈥攖oo hot for bare feet on concrete鈥攕o I slipped them on. They were too big, and the leather sole was worn satiny smooth from years of use, so my feet slid around in them as I walked. At the time, Birks seemed profoundly uncool鈥攁 symbol of my crunchy, outdoorsy, embarrassing mom who I swore up and down I would never turn into.

I am now the proud owner of not one but two pairs of Birkenstocks, and I wear them almost every day from March to October if the weather allows. At campsites and on beach days, you鈥檒l catch me lounging in my ($50), whose tread has been worn down (but isn鈥檛 smooth) from three summers of intensive use. While I鈥檓 writing this, I鈥檓 wearing the ($160) model, which looks classy but has a sole you could hike in. They鈥檒l come with me on errands later today and then on a date.

Birkenstocks are the perfect apr猫s-outdoors/summer casual shoes. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also have supreme staying power: the two-buckle style my mom wore in the 鈥�90s is nearly identical to the pair I wear today. But the real beauty of these shoes is how they wear with time, only becoming more comfortable and more beloved over the years until they reach the satiny-smooth ideal of the first pair I tried on.

For me, other sandals just don鈥檛 cut it. I want something comfortable and functional that I can slip on at a moment鈥檚 notice and be ready for almost anything a summer day has to offer. No bending over to fasten straps, please. And I will not stand for flip-flop chafe between my toes. Just give me the outstanding arch support and casual style of my two-buckle friend, the Birkenstock.

I鈥檝e chosen my side in the Sandal Battle, and I will passionately defend the 鈥渆arthy鈥� looks of the Birkenstock to the last. Sometimes, during shoulder season, I even pair my 鈥檚tocks with socks. Don鈥檛 tell tweenage me, but I鈥檓 definitely turning into my mom鈥攁nd I鈥檓 not mad about it.

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We love the feeling of wrenching off our ski and snowboard boots at the end of a long day almost as much as we love putting them on in the morning to score first tracks. These fresh kicks offer comfort, warmth, and steez for hitting the bar, exploring a new downtown, or relaxing back in the lodge.听

Salomon Vaya Blaze Thinsulate ClimaSalomon Waterproof ($140)

Maximize your ski-trip 颅packing list with this lightweight winter boot, which doubles as a dependable hiker鈥攊t features serious traction fit for snowy and icy conditions. The 颅insulated interior is like a sleeping bag for your foot, keeping cold out and warmth in, and the plush faux-fur lining brings the shoe鈥檚 comfort factor to a whole new level, so it鈥檚 perfect for apr猫s hangs that last into the wee hours. One tester raved that these were some of the coziest shoes she鈥檚 ever explored in.

Birkenstock Bryson Shearling ($220)

Nothing says recovery like soft shearling. Slip on the high-top Brysons with the leather pull tabs and enjoy your adventures in style without worrying your feet will get cold. The fleece lining kept us warm down to temperatures well below freezing. You can鈥檛 go wrong with any of the three neutral colors.

Rossignol Apr猫s-Ski ($150)

We鈥檙e pretty sure this boot is a gift from the apr猫s gods. We love the cinchable speed laces, which make it easy to slip on and off one-handed, whether you鈥檙e changing standing up in the parking lot or hurrying to grab a post-run beer. The plush upper and cushioned midsole make them ultracomfortable, and the extra-supportive inserts allow you to stand around the fire pit for hours without suffering sore feet the next day.

Kodiak Moncton ($180)

Those with hot feet will appreciate this breathable-leather insulated boot, which one tester found to be extremely wicking鈥攊t鈥檚 as comfortable to wear in the toasty indoors as in the frigid outdoors. A pair of eyelets at the ankle allow you to lace the boots all the way up. Add to that the undeniable appeal of classic lived-in leather and, well, you can thank us later.

On Cloudrock Edge Raw ($250)

On鈥檚 new winter shoe perfectly marries style and tech. It鈥檚 great for those who like a futuristic aesthetic but want 颅something slimmer than a Moon Boot. A plastic plate in the midsole is designed to maximize forward propulsion, resulting in a smooth walking stride. Plus, the boot is fully waterproof and sustainably made, with 40 percent recycled content and no dyes.

Vans Mountain Mule MTE Slides ($60)

All successful ski trips involve a heavenly, cushioned cabin slipper, and this luxurious model raises the style standard for the genre. We love that it鈥檚 颅water-resistant, insulated, and equipped with a rubber snow-boot outsole for quick, slip-free missions to the hot tub. The 颅grippy leather footbed ensures it鈥檒l reliably stay on your foot despite the open-back design.

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Apr猫s means something different to everyone. Whether you like beers or 鈥檅ooch, a successful post-adventure hang has two key ingredients everyone can agree on: good food and good entertainment. We spent a month testing accessories for cooking, drinking, and relaxing and came up with a list with something for the whole crew.听

Swissmar Classic 8 Person Raclette Party Grill ($125)

A Swiss raclette meal involves melting cheese in small shovel-like drawers that rest under a heating element. Slide the resulting gooey goodness onto a plate filled with potatoes, cold cuts, vegetables, or pickles. Then repeat. Swissmar鈥檚 grill has eight trays and a nonstick top for preparing additional fixings like vegetables or brats right at the table. In the morning, flip the top over and use the crepe molds to make breakfast.听

Rumpl Merino Softwool Twin Blanket ($199)

Rumpl鈥檚 first blanket designed for the home doesn鈥檛 disappoint. Made from a warm, buttery blend of merino wool and 颅organic cotton, this throw begs to be cuddled under on a snow day.

Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit with Sear Plate ($349 and up)

We love this pit鈥檚 versatility: add the wide sear plate to the rim to cook shrimp or add a finishing crust to steak. Want to add some smoky flavor to your chili? The kettle hook (from $80) can hold the chili pot over the pit. Add the Outpost ($140 and up) to grill directly above the flame. Beyond these bells and whistles, the pit looks good too, thanks to small yet sturdy legs and either stainless- or Corten-steel finishes. It can be your go-to outdoor hang spot in any season.

Field No. 8 Dutch Oven ($295)

Cast iron is renowned for its durability and its power to spread and retain heat evenly. The downside: it鈥檚 heavy. Field鈥檚 4.5-quart Dutch oven is the lightest we鈥檝e ever used, and thus easy to handle. If your only concern is dialing in a perfect, crackling, gold-brown crust on your sourdough loaves, we鈥檇 suggest a heavier-bottomed pot. But this was the one we reached for most on a daily basis because it鈥檚 easier to handle but still delivers superior heat conduction. If you鈥檙e looking for one cast-iron pot to do it all鈥攕tews, soups, loaves, whole roasted chickens鈥攖his is it.

Poetry for Neanderthals Board Game ($20)

The company that brought us the cult-classic board game Exploding Kittens now has a new and improved take on charades. Pick a card and get your teammates to guess the phrase on it. The catch: you鈥檙e limited to one-syllable words. Score points if you succeed. Fail, and get bopped with an inflatable bat. It鈥檚 jolly good fun鈥攁nd a great way to get your blood flowing after a long day on the slopes.听

Lodge 15″ Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan ($43)

After a long day of skiing, few things taste better than fresh pizza. A sheet pan will do the trick, but the crust just doesn鈥檛 turn out the same as the pros鈥�. That鈥檚 why we love this simple cast-iron tool, which lets you cook like an Italian gourmand for about the same price as a month鈥檚 worth of base-lodge slices. Preheat the pan so your crust will crisp just as your cheese bubbles. Handles make for easy transport from the oven.

Snowe Cocktail Shaker ($120)

While an integrated lid on a cocktail shaker (rather than using two separate cocktail-shaker cups) is good in theory, a lot of times shoddy construction leads to leaks, sticky hands, and wasted drinks. Snowe鈥檚 handsome shaker is made of durable stainless steel and shuts tightly. No liquid escaped during testing, even with vigorous shaking, so drinks came out perfectly chilled and strained with no mess.

Hirsch Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Whiskey ($90)

Those who like a whiskey that fights back will appreciate this spirit, which has a fiery flavor reminiscent of a Highlands malt. We like it straight or as a classic Manhattan.

OluKai Ku鈥檜na Slippers ($120)

OluKai鈥檚 Ku鈥檜nas are splendidly fleecy, with a cushy insole and just-right arch support鈥攕ublime after a day in ski boots. Our narrow-footed testers especially liked these for their slim silhouette. Where many plush slippers tend to feel like clown shoes, these fit snugly, like a bear hug for your feet.听

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鈥淭wo more runs, skip the last?鈥� is universal skierspeak for 鈥渓et鈥檚 wrap it up and head to apr猫s.鈥� You could go to a bar, or you could just gather around a truck bed prepped with lounge chairs, comfy shoes, and a cooler full of goodies. A well-stocked parking-lot apr猫s can make the difference between a good day and a great one.听

HitchFire Forge 15 Grill ($549)

A grill that attaches to your car hitch? Strange, we thought, until we were cooking slopeside in seconds.听The fast and simple design鈥攋ust fold out the prep tables and turn the auto-ignite knobs to start grilling鈥攕aved our testers from frozen fingers when we tested it out at 10,000 feet. And we didn鈥檛 have to wait long for our food to cook. The 355-square-inch grate fits about ten burgers and puts out 7,500-BTUs per burner, powered by two standard propane bottles.

Marmot Avant Featherless Hoodie ($225)

When you get back to your car, swap your ski shell for something warmer. This jacket鈥檚 synthetic fill 颅replicates the warmth-to-weight ratio of real feathers. It鈥檚 also 75 percent recycled. It kept us warm down to 15 degrees but weighs just over one pound. The durable 20-denier nylon fabric held up to ski runs and shot skis. (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L / men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL)

Muck Originals Duck Lace Boots ($130)

After a long day on the hill, changing out of boots and back into pretty much any other pair of shoes is bliss. But these fully waterproof kicks are more than comfortable. The Duck Lace鈥檚 full-grain 颅leather upper kept our feet warm and dry during sub-zero powder days and muddy tailgates alike. The antimicrobial footbed neutralized odor, even if we鈥檇 been in sweaty ski socks all day.

Rumpl Stash Mat ($79)

This 52-by-75-inch mat turns snowy lots and dirty car bumpers into plush spaces for boots, butts, and gear. The laminated bottom fends off dirt and moisture, and the soft 颅microsuede top is luxurious against bare feet. 鈥淚 loved not having to hop around on one foot to keep my toes dry while trying to get my boots off,鈥� said one tester. The fun patterns also create a backdrop for your apr猫s charcuterie board.听

Sierra Nevada Dankful IPA ($11 for six-pack)

We love good beer; it鈥檚 even better when that brew benefits a great cause. Seven types of hops give this IPA a bitter yet herbal flavor, that鈥檚 balanced by hints of citrus. One million dollars鈥� worth of sales goes to nonprofits supporting communities around the country. (In past years, Sierra Nevada has donated to food-security organizations in communities around the country.)

Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair ($300)

The Yeti Trailhead may be one of most expensive camp chairs on the market, but you certainly get what you pay for. This seat marries trademark durabilty with a high back, wide armrests, and snow-shedding mesh that make for seriously comfortable lounging. The wide feet create a stable base even when perched in a snowbank.

Hydro Flask 18L Day Escape Soft Cooler Tote ($150)

At 18 liters, this cooler is the perfect size for stashing snacks and beverages in the car while saving trunk space for ski gear. The waterproof zipper prevents melted ice water from leaking out if the rig tips over, yet it still runs smoothly, without any yanking鈥攁 rarity. Increased insulation at the bottom鈥攖he place most susceptible to thermal transfer鈥攌ept beers cold (but not frozen) during midwinter and chilled in a toasty car on closing day.

Hibear All-Day 国产吃瓜黑料 Flask (from $85)

Calling all parking-lot mixologists! This 32-ounce growler moonlights as a cocktail shaker and pour-over coffee maker. Simply add the necessary attachments, which all come inside the vessel. An electropolish prevents tastes and smells from hanging around, so you can transport wine one day and cold-brew the next. It鈥檚 the multitool of bottles. The removable silicone base makes a great doggie bowl in a pinch.

Stillhouse Peach Tea Whiskey ($20)

A day in stiff boots calls for a stiff drink. This 69-proof corn whiskey is infused with peach tea liquor鈥攇reat for straight sips or for crafting unusual cocktails. The screw-cap stainless-steel vessel听offers the recyclability of a can but the portability of a screw-cap water bottle. Broken glass no more!听

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I like being warm when it鈥檚 cold outside鈥攜ou probably do too鈥攁nd nothing kills a fun day faster than shivering. Which is why we have fleece: Technical fleeces wick away moisture so you don鈥檛 get chilled when you sweat, and nontechnical fleeces are soft and toasty. A great fleece will keep you comfortable during a range of situations in cool and cold temps, from slow ski lifts to multi-pitch sport climbs. For this article, I spent two months researching and testing fleeces, taking them climbing, ski touring, running, and walking around town. My favorite was . It鈥檚 a technical layer鈥攎ore on the differences between technical and casual fleeces below鈥攖hat worked well in every activity I used it for. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it might be worth adding an R1 to your layering system.

How We Tested听Fleeces

I鈥檝e been testing and writing about gear for 国产吃瓜黑料 for four years, but I鈥檝e been wearing fleece since I was a kid. It鈥檚 a key layer for all the activities I do, from mountaineering and ultrarunning to skiing and coffee-shop lounging. For this test, I combed the internet and browsed brick-and-mortar stores. I was on the hunt for a range of fleeces that I could test while doing the sports I participate in yet still feel comfortable wearing to run errands. Then I called in a bunch of fleeces and started testing them. For two months, every day, I wore nothing but fleece. My mornings began with a seven-mile run to gauge how the layer performed as the sun rose and the temperature crept from below to above freezing. I also took those layers to our local crag and on skin laps at Ski Santa Fe. Test conditions ranged from 30 mph winds and heavy snow to temps in the single digits. (And unseasonably warm weather鈥擭ew Mexico has had several 60-degree days this February.) I took the nontechnical pieces on walks, easy hikes, and bike rides and wore them out to coffee shops and bars. In a couple cases, I also gave pieces to friends and collected their feedback.

• Best Overall
• Best Cozy-Technical Crossover Fleeces听
• Best Wet-Weather Fleeces
• Best Cozy Fleeces
• Best Apr猫s Fleeces

Best Overall

Patagonia R1 Hoody听($169)

Pros: A cross-discipline workhorse that is lightweight, warm, stretchy, and durable
Cons: Currently, the hooded option only comes with a full zip; there鈥檚 no more three-quarter zip听pullover
Size Range: XXS to XL

Iterations of have been on the market for two decades, and it remains an ideal layering piece for a variety of activities, which is why it鈥檚 our pick for the best overall fleece. This garment听uses Polartec鈥檚 Power Grid fabric: tiny raised squares of thicker fleece arranged in a grid pattern designed to wick away moisture, increase breathability, and minimize bulk. The R1 was my go-to听when I knew I鈥檇 be working up a sweat but needed protection from the cold, and at 12.7 ounces, it was听among the lightest and most packable pieces I tested. I wore it for chilly morning runs and shady crag days听and under a shell for breezy predawn skin laps. When we first rounded up the best women鈥檚 fleeces, in late 2017, the three-quarter zip R1 Pullover Hoody took听the top spot. Sadly, Patagonia no longer sells that silhouette in the women鈥檚-specific fit (you can get a men鈥檚 one, though). Thankfully, the new full-zip version听is almost as good.

During hard exercise, I didn鈥檛 notice it, which meant it was doing its job. This piece sits flat,听is stretchy, breathes well, and dries quickly. It also has an odor-control treatment, though I typically take that feature听with a grain of salt;听it听makes me want to throw something in the wash less often, but if it鈥檚听not going to totally prevent BO from embedding in the garment, it听simply takes听the edge off.

The R1 is comfortable in a range of conditions. Fully zipped and with the hood up, it听provided full-coverage warmth听when I needed it, yet allowed for maximum venting when I didn鈥檛. Thanks to its stretchy cuffs, I could push the sleeves up above my elbows when I started getting toasty. Both the previous and current versions dump听heat quickly, but now it鈥檚 easier to take off the fleece, even when wearing a backpack. I frequently unzipped it most of the way while听running or skinning so it wasn鈥檛 flapping around excessively, then zipped it back up when ripping skins or cruising windy ridgelines. The balaclava-style hood doesn鈥檛 have an around-town aesthetic, but it fits under a climbing helmet听and offers functional protection, covering your nose and providing neck-tube-style protection from the elements. (It also sports听a zipper garage, which kept it from pinching any chin flesh.)

I鈥檓 five foot seven, and a size small was long enough to stay put beneath听my harness and even offer a bit of extra bum coverage. The fit鈥攕lim but not tight鈥攄idn鈥檛 restrict my motion, and worked comfortably with a pack, a harness, or tucked into ski bibs. When I needed a brief respite from cold or wind, the sleeves were听long enough to pull down over my hands (though they lack听thumb holes). A small zippered pocket inside the main right-hand pocket is perfect for storing keys and credit cards.

There are many iterations of fleeces under the R1 umbrella at any give time: as of publication, it鈥檚 available in a 听and听a , and there鈥檚 an 11.9-ounce one with a . There鈥檚 also a new (the hooded version is 10.9 ounces), which is a little thicker, warmer, and more breathable than the standard R1 due to its higher-loft,听hollow yarn听(this听soft and fuzzy face fabric will pill faster, however). If you鈥檙e not doing any rock or alpine climbing, the Air might be your best bet.

Runner-Up

Rab Filament Hoody听($125)

Pros: Ridiculously听light and stretchy
Cons: Not as warm as the R1
Size Range: XS to XL

This wears more like a base layer. It has a streamlined, no-frills fit鈥攖here are no hand pockets and only a zippered chest pocket鈥攎aking it听unnoticeable under ski bibs or a harness听and elastic听enough for comfortable climbing. It鈥檚 super听light, at just eight ounces, and the thinnest fleece in our test听but still plenty warm to wear in听mild winter temperatures. When the mercury hovers in the twenties听and thirties, I reach for this layer for aerobic pursuits and leave it on all day. The sleeves are nice and long (easily to my knuckles), and thumb straps keep them in place.

Best Cozy-Technical Crossover Fleece

Norr酶na Powerstretch Pro Zip Hoody ($189)

Pros: Supersoft and durable, a welcome combination
Cons: Heavier, at 14.5 ounces
Size Range: XS to L

It鈥檚 not the lightest piece, but the has become my preferred听midlayer for resort days spent riding the lifts, because it鈥檚 comfortable and made for sweating. The back and sides, cuffs, and underarms are made from Italian Pontetorto fleece, which incorporates wool to produce both a luxury feel and odor resistance. The rest of the piece is constructed of Polartec Power Stretch, a dual-surface fabric that鈥檚 soft and wicking on the inside yet durably hard faced on the outside. I appreciated the length of this model, which covered my butt. It has two zippered hip pockets, two zippered chest pockets鈥擨 liked having this many accessible storage options (even with a harness)鈥攁s well as a thumbholes and a helmet-compatible hood. The size small fits a bit looser than the Alaris, below, but without looking baggy.

Runner-Up

La Sportiva Alaris听Hoody ($129)

Pros: Soft, cozy, and durable
Cons: A harness impedes full pocket access
Size Range: XS to XL

Of all the fleeces we tested, only the Rab Filament is stretchier than this 11.5-ounce full-zip hoodie. The is best suited for light to moderate activity in cold temperatures听(20听to 30 degrees) or high-output activity in very cold temperatures听(10 to 20 degrees). Thanks to recycled Italian Pontetorto听fleece, it鈥檚 also among the softest technical layers we鈥檝e tried鈥攕o much so that I felt compelled to rub my face against it. Still, the smooth outer is durable without sacrificing any elasticity. I struggled with the Euro-style color blocking and fit (size up unless you like your midlayers snug), but fashion matters little when function is so on point. I wore the Alaris for several backcountry ski days on the notoriously windy Continental Divide and stayed warm on the ski track even when weather dropped to the near single digits. It has a helmet-compatible hood that鈥檚 great for climbing or ski mountaineering, a high collar to help shield the听wind, and zippered hand pockets (which we like, but they aren鈥檛 accessible when wearing a harness).

Best Wet-Weather Fleece

Patagonia R2 Techface听Hoody ($189)

Pros: Light but durable
Cons: A harness impedes full pocket access
Size Range: XXS to XL

I鈥檓 a big fan of pieces that feel indulgently cozy but also serve a purpose, which is why I鈥檓 a sucker for fleece-type听soft shells with weather-resistant exteriors. Sometimes you don鈥檛 want to mess up a layering system by having pieces听that do too many things at once, but these crossover tops are nice as stand-alone jackets when the weather calls for it. This thick, DWR-treated fleece made me听feel like a fast, athletic teddy bear. As with the Keele, below, is essential听when I need help getting out the door for single-digit, drizzly, breezy winter runs. It鈥檚 hefty, with higher-loft fleece on the inside, so it鈥檚 a little warmer than Mountain Hardwear鈥檚 version. That said, it鈥檚 not bulky听and has a stretchy DWR outer to repel moisture. It鈥檚 also durable enough to withstand scrapes against rock.

For all these reasons, the R2 was my chosen layer for a few days of shady, cold fall multi-pitch climbing in Las Vegas鈥檚 Red Rock Canyon. I also like it as part of a resort layering system听for low-octane hikes, cold belays, and as a shoulder-season piece for adventures that might involve a little chill and precipitation. I even tried it in lieu of a puffy during a chilly 1 A.M. start on Mount Rainier鈥檚 Kautz Glacier听and was able to keep it on nearly all day, even as temperatures increased. It鈥檚 on the heavier side for a midlayer, so it鈥檚 not necessarily going to be your pick when weight matters, but as a two-for-one piece that offers coziness and weather resistance, it鈥檚 great.

I also used the R2 for moderate aerobic activities in the five-to-twenty-degree range鈥攖he high loft fabric makes it warmer than other midlayers on this list. Our only gripe for those uses: the sole听option for dumping heat is the full-length zipper, since the sleeves don鈥檛 roll up much past the mid-forearm. Temperature regulation aside, as someone who has longer arms, I appreciated the long听sleeves.听And with听two zippered waist pockets, my phone and snacks were quickly accessible. The stretchy, nose-high collar helps batten down the hatches when things get windy.

Runner-Up

Mountain Hardwear Keele Ascent Hoody听($175)

Pros: Zippered hand pockets are usable while wearing a harness
Cons: Not as stretchy as the R2 Techface
Size Range: XS to XL

is so fuzzy on the inside, it almost feels like it鈥檚 too indulgent for technical activity. But a DWR finish means it stands up to light precipitation. It has thumbholes (the R2 doesn鈥檛) and a helmet-compatible hood, which is nice听because the soft lining in the hood feels like a built-in hat. Note: it fits tighter than the R2 in the same size. If you鈥檙e looking for听a roomier hard-faced fleece with a bigger, brimmed hood designed for everyday use rather than just under a helmet, consider the .

Best Cozy Fleece

The North Face Campshire听2.0 Hoody ($149)

Pros: Feels like wearing a blanket
Cons: People will want to touch you a lot (so this could also be a pro, though not so much during the pandemic)
Size Range: XS to XXL

Just one touch is all you need to know how nice the is. Made from 300-weight fleece (think: lofty, luxurious, heavy, thick, and blanket-like), the Campshire pullover is a heavyweight full-zip layer that comes in a relaxed fit. The hood, cuffs, and zipper are elasticized, meaning they鈥檙e both stretchy and soft against skin. At 20.8 ounces, this is听not a light garment;听then again, it鈥檚 designed for comfort, not tackling big objectives鈥攗nless your objective is to be ridiculously cozy. We love the big hood and zippered kangaroo pocket.

This is by far the most comfortable fleece I tested听and probably听the coziest fleece I鈥檝e ever worn. Anecdotally, I got the most compliments when I was wearing the Campshire. People wanted to know what it was, they wanted to feel the material, and they went googly-eyed when they realized how soft it was.

A fleece of this weight is not ideal for aerobic activities, but it is perfect for light activity in cold temperatures. The Campshire is very warm and thick enough to block a good bit of wind. I took it camping, on a short and easy stroll to an alpine lake, and moseying听around town. It bordered on too toasty听when I was walking uphill but was perfect for sitting still in a camp chair. An online reviewer who bought this jacket for their girlfriend said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of like her own personal Cookie Monster outfit. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a warm, cozy jacket to wear inside and outside.鈥� I agree with that.

Runner-Up

Houdini Alto Hoody听($250)

Pros: Natural-wool fleece, with a sleek, simple design
Cons: As heavy as the Campshire, but nowhere near as fuzzy
Size Range: XXS to XL

The has a cool, urban vibe about it, but it also boasts technical functionality. We liked that it鈥檚 made of wool, which is naturally thermoregulating and odor-resistant, rather than the synthetic fibers used for construction in the other pieces on this list. This soft merino zip-up is fuzzy and gentle against your skin. I wore the Alto for three straight days on a sport-climbing trip (walking to the crag, hanging around camp, sweating in it, sleeping in it), and it never started to smell. It even has a two-way zipper for belaying. Plus, Houdini鈥檚 intentional manufacturing鈥攁ll of its fabrics are now recycled, recyclable, renewable, biodegradable or 鈥攎ight help take the edge off the very high price tag.

Best Apr猫s Fleece

Lululemon Scuba Light Cotton Fleece Hoody ($118)

Pros: A basic sweatshirt at heart, but with a flattering cut
Cons: A little bulkier than the Sweetwater (below)
Size Range: 0 to 20

This piece is like those butt-lifting, make-you-look-good yoga pants, but for your upper body. Sure, it鈥檚 the stylish and admittedly more expensive version of a cotton zip-up you could get for $35 from a department store. But while we love our cheap cotton hoodies, we鈥檙e also suckers for good design and inclusive sizing. The 听is light, soft, and close-fitting but comfortable. It鈥檚 structured without being restrictive, thanks to ribbed side panels; long enough to cover your butt to keep you warmer; and has thumbholes and thick cuffs and a thick hem to keep everything in place. The large hood feels extra protective, like your very own turtle-shell hideout. It鈥檚 not a technical piece鈥攖he hood will not fit under a helmet, and the fabric isn鈥檛 quick-drying (the body is 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester)鈥攂ut it鈥檚 the jacket you want to put on after you鈥檝e taken off your sweaty R1.

Runner-Up

Stio Sweetwater Fleece Hoody听($159)

Pros: Soft, with a cowl-necked design
Cons: The slim fit isn鈥檛 for everyone
Size Range: XS to XL

This is cute, comfortable, and certainly chic by mountain-town standards. It鈥檚 less rigid than the Scuba hoodie听and has a wide neck with an offset zipper (no metal hitting you in the chin). We particularly liked that it has thumbholes and a long hem for added coverage. The Sweetwater is now made with 100 percent recycled polyester.

What To Know Before Buying

First, a primer on layers. There are three basic components in an active layering system: a base layer, insulation, and an outer layer. The base layer鈥攏ever cotton!鈥攑ulls moisture away from your skin; the midlayer provides insulation and won鈥檛 absorb moisture; the outer layer repels elements like wind and rain while letting water vapor escape through vents or a permeable membrane. Fleece is usually a midlayer, though sometimes it鈥檚 the only layer you need. In my experience, no single fleece works perfectly for every activity, but there鈥檚 usually a perfect type of fleece for anything you want to do outdoors.

It鈥檚 worth mentioning that there鈥檚 no rule that says your midlayer has to be fleece, but I find myself reaching for fleece over other materials, like merino wool or a light soft shell, because it breathes so well and dries quickly. Merino insulates better than fleece when wet and has better odor regulation, but its warmth-to-weight ratio is worse, and it鈥檚 generally more expensive. Soft shells are ideal in windy conditions, but they don鈥檛 breathe as well.

Most fleeces on the market are made with a synthetic fabric from Polartec, the dominant fleece manufacturer since 1981. There are other fleece manufacturers, but Polartec鈥檚 fabrics are durable, lightweight, and washable, and they鈥檙e used by nearly every apparel company you鈥檝e ever heard of.

Polartec fleeces typically come with ratings of 100, 200, or 300. A 100-weight fleece works best for aerobic activities like trail running or uphill skiing, whereas the heavier 200-weight fabrics are better for moderate activities like resort skiing. If you鈥檙e sitting around ice fishing all day in the bitter cold, you鈥檒l need a very thick fleece and probably some other layers as well.

Once you鈥檝e identified an ideal fabric weight, you鈥檒l need to sort through features, and those will also depend on your activities. My review leaned toward technical fleeces, and the small details ended up mattering a lot. The Patagonia R3, for example, my favorite fleece for skiing inbounds, has hand pockets and a chest pocket, which are great for storing snacks and lip balm. (Chest and interior pockets are nice if you鈥檙e going backpack-free, and hand pockets are best when they鈥檙e placed high and don鈥檛 interfere with a harness.) I prefer quarter-length zippers over full-length; they save a bit of weight and are more comfortable. I鈥檓 an advocate of thumbholes that keep sleeves in place when layering, and I get really excited when those sleeves also stretch enough in the forearm to roll above my elbows. Climbers and mountaineers should look for hoods that fit under helmets and reinforced nylon or soft-shell sections to prevent abrasion from harnesses or backpacks. Other details to keep an eye out for are packability, coziness, and, of course, price. Technical fleeces tend to run more than casual fleeces.

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There are few things as comforting as a well-worn hoodie. I鈥檝e been wearing them all my life, but after being pitched some intriguing updates to the old standby, I thought it was time put a handful to the test. The following hoodies have been under scrutiny for ten months. I wore dozens of different styles to get here, ranging from highly technical soft shells to heavy-duty hemp pullovers, and ended up winnowing the candidates down to simple cotton or cotton-hybrid pieces. Why? Because although I听had a 32-gallon plastic bin stuffed with dozens of hoodies, I gravitated toward these听again and again.听All听fit effortlessly into my day-to-day life and worked for everything from runs to family walks.

The Test

Mobility

I ran in each of these hoodies at least twice. One was an ambling stroller run that likely included park play and a doughnut-eating session with my three-year-old daughter. The other was an hourlong trail run in forty-degree听temperatures, with听around 1,000 feet of elevation gain. I also wore听each of these through a workout circuit in my garage in which I performed burpees, push-ups, and kettlebell clean and presses.

Usability

Not only did I use the testing hoodies as my sweatshirts of choice for months, but I also performed more focused usability tests by wearing each piece for a full week straight听and taking notes on its features.

Comfort

I made notes on comfort details during my mobility and usability tests and also slept in each of these hoodies for at least one night, recording听my thoughts about them afterward.

Durability

On top of nearly a year of wear, I also washed and dried each hoodie ten times and noted how well they held up.

The Winner: Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatshirt ($98)

I may wear more than any other piece of clothing. It鈥檚 simple and perfect. The fit is athletic without feeling restrictive, and the ribbed cuffs and waistline helped it move with my body rather than riding up during burpees, cleans, and kid tosses. From armpit to waistline, there鈥檚 a four-inch strip of听ribbing that improved arm mobility, which made this the most comfortable hoodie听for exercise. That detailing on the sides also added a low-key style hit that looked nice听but wasn鈥檛 flashy. Thanks to small details, like a little stash pocket in the kangaroo pouch that fit my iPhone11 snugly, it was highly functional, especially for listening to podcasts while chasing my daughter听around. Finally, the 80 percent cotton, 20 percent polyester weave was supple against my skin and after a few washes felt even more so. Plus, a year on, it shows zero signs of pilling or shrinking.

The Runner-Up: Patagonia P6 Label Uprisal Hoody ($79)

Patagonia must have used some type of alchemy to create the . Ninety-five percent of its听source materials are recycled (each hoodie听uses almost 15 plastic bottles and nearly a pound of cotton scraps), which must have translated to some good karma, because this garment听moved like a dream and was the most comfortable of听the test. I spent days in it鈥攆alling asleep in it, waking and spending the day in it, and falling asleep in it again鈥攚ithout complaint, a result of听its medium-light weight and incredibly supple feel. It also offered听plenty of stretch, despite looking identical to the 100 percent cotton hoodies of my youth, and didn鈥檛 hinder my movement during my runs. The wrists barely pulled down on my arms during burpees, and it didn鈥檛 tighten on my back during push-ups. There was no pilling through the washes, and it didn鈥檛 lose shape over the long test period.

Best for Workouts: Prana Cardiff Full Zip Fleece ($99)

In hindsight, it feels a little unfair to put a hoodie made of more advanced materials into a cotton-hoodie听test. But this blend鈥�55 percent hemp, 25 percent recycled polyester, and 20 percent Tencel Lyocell鈥攆elt so much like downy brushed cotton that I didn鈥檛 know the truth until I looked at the tag months after I鈥檇 started wearing it.听 dressed up handsomely with jeans or slacks, and felt like a running jacket, with its incredible stretch. It moved so well during both jogs and workout circuits that I found myself grabbing it for exercise on days when I was supposed to be testing other items. It was plenty comfortable on my skin, and the full zip made for nice temperature control. My only complaint is that the waistline pilled after a handful of washes.

Best Around Town: American Giant Classic Full Zip Hoodie ($118)

completely American-made and -sourced hoodie听is听a beautiful piece of both clothing and engineering. Made of听100 percent cotton and designed with a ribbed waistline, side panels, and cuffs, it听moved听fluidly during exercise testing. The arms rode up less than two inches during burpees and kettlebell presses, and they never felt too restrictive during a run. While that ribbing helped with mobility, however, the lack of stretch in the fabric was notable on longer runs, as well as while听doing push-ups. My wife liked this sweatshirt on me the best, though: 鈥淵ou look like a rich guy who works in tech鈥攊n a good way,鈥� she said. The extra length at the hem was slimming, and the tailored cut made it look less casual. Two oversize听pockets and an incredibly sturdy and smooth zipper gave it high marks in usability. It was very comfortable, especially after a few washes, and barely looked different on the exterior after tenth load. I feel like it could last ten more years.

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My husband recently asked why I never wear the robe he bought me. It鈥檚 a lovely one, made of plush bamboo terry cloth, and it garnered so many online raves that he spent what we both consider to be a ridiculous sum for something you wear after a bath. But for two years it鈥檚 hung unused on our shower-room door, and I figured I just wasn鈥檛 a robe person. Turns out I am鈥攂ut only if it鈥檚 made of fleece听and doesn鈥檛 actually look like a robe.

What converted me? The 听hoodie听($100), an extra-long zip-up made of high-pile polyester. From听above the waist, it looks like a typical听casual midlayer. There鈥檚听a drawstring hood, a zippered chest pocket that鈥檚 big enough for my phone, and the stretchy, striped cuffs of a track jacket. It just so happens to extend down to my knees, like a snuggly lap blanket. That presentable aesthetic is key. I can wear the R酶the for various Zoom meetings and online work appearances, and no one on the other side of the screen has any idea that my jacket is actually the length of a bathrobe鈥攁nd just as comfortable. It allows me to feel cozy without looking like a full-time loafer.

No surprise, I鈥檝e been wearing the Kari Traa R酶the nonstop since November, when temperatures in my hometown of Steamboat, Colorado, dipped into the teens.听Its extended coverage makes me feel like I鈥檓 still snuggled in blankets when I zip it up over my pajamas to go about my morning chores. Later, when I come home from skiing, I slip it over my base layers and settle down at the computer to resume my workday. That鈥檚 the R酶the鈥檚 genius: it behaves like a robe, but it doesn鈥檛 look like one.

On trips to backwoods cabins and huts, I鈥檝e appreciated the modesty the Rothe鈥檚 unusually long cut provides. I鈥檓 not particularly comfortable wearing nothing more than base layers as I lounge with听groups of people, so听the R酶the delivers the coverage I crave. Meanwhile, I welcomed its warmth on听trips to the听outhouse and while听shoveling snow off the deck.

To be clear, this is not a supremely technical piece of apparel. The old-school polyester fluff is warm but bulky, with no DWR finish to repel precipitation, and no moisture-wicking grid or lining to battle sweat. But it鈥檚 positively brilliant for mountain living. Just don鈥檛 call it a robe.

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I got my ($89) on a Monday. Within a week, I put over 60 miles on them鈥攔iding fast jump laps at a local Santa Fe trail system, putting in听a massive cross-country day on the Colorado Trail鈥檚 highest segment, and spinning through fields of Crayola-colored wildflowers off Durango鈥檚 Engineer Mountain. Within a month, I鈥檇 worn them pedaling听up many of Santa Fe鈥檚 relentless forest roads, down my favorite trails, and听on a backpacking trip. I听received听more compliments on them than I could听count. I听spelled out the brand鈥檚 Instagram handle a dozen times for friends and strangers alike. I also wore them on a first date and鈥攄uh鈥攇ot asked on a second.

But before I pulled them on, I had my doubts. The only other time I鈥檇 tried to ride in denim cutoffs, my spandex-less Calvin Kleins soaked up sweat and left me with a brutal wedgie鈥攆ar from the casual vibe I鈥檇 been aiming for. From the very first time I tried on Ripton and听Co.鈥檚 lightweight shorts, however, they felt as breezy as they looked.

You could argue that riding in jorts sends a certain听message: you鈥檙e so comfortable in what you鈥檙e doing that听you don鈥檛 need fancy gear to make you feel at home, that you have nothing to prove with a neatly coordinated kit. But honestly, you鈥檇 probably be overthinking it. These shorts simply rule鈥攁nd just because they don鈥檛 look technical doesn鈥檛 mean they aren鈥檛 ready for whatever you can throw at them.

Thanks to a generous, five- to six-inch inseam (depending on the size) and super-stretchy denim, you could high-kick to your heart鈥檚 content and never bust a seam. They comfortably fit over a chamois and my quads, which can be notably difficult to get into other shorts. Though they were designed with bikes in mind, these are听climbing-harness-, ski-tour-, ridge-traverse-, and beer-in-town-approved jorts, too. And they come in both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 versions.

Despite the听name, Ripton and听Co. is actually just one guy: Elliot Wilkinson-Ray, a Vermont-bred skier and biker now based in Aspen, Colorado. After working in marketing in the cycling industry for years, and watching traditionally rebellious听counterculture companies grow into large brands听hemmed in by slightly stricter rules and a bigger market, Wilkinson-Ray decided it was time to do his own thing. He cites California鈥檚 cycling culture as a big inspiration. 鈥淚 started seeing high school kids in Santa Cruz on the latest mountain bikes riding in Hawaiian [shirts] and jorts, because they felt like the mountain-bike clothing options were really limited,鈥� Wilkinson-Ray says. 鈥淲hen the outdoor industry saw stretch elastane and polyester come into classic cotton fabrics like denim, I realized something could look really timeless and retro听but be really comfortable.鈥�

It鈥檚 still a small operation: the shorts drop in batches that routinely sell out. (You can currently听 the brand鈥檚 new Black Acid jorts.) Wilkinson-Ray packages them by hand and delivers them to the post office via听bicycle. The product line will likely expand to include a few new silhouettes in the coming year, but for now, Ripton is focused on doing one thing really well. And it听does.

When I first started trail riding, I felt like I was putting on a costume every time I went out; dressed in baggy clothes I would never wear off my bike, my roommates nicknamed my alter ego Tanner. Ripton is one of just two brands I鈥檝e found creating听anything outside the norm in bike apparel (the other is , which is听successfully designing听feminine silhouettes in technical fabrics). The jorts scratch a personal itch: they feel like my own clothes, something with character听that builds a personality over time,听as Wilkinson-Ray explains.

鈥淭he outdoor enthusiast is counterculture in essence. It鈥檚 a group of people that are doing things a little differently,鈥� he says. 鈥淩ipton is an ode to the past and to being a little bit more rebellious in how you think about the world and the powers that be.鈥� For those who don鈥檛 feel like putting on the bike-bro uniform, he鈥檚 created an option with a classic, iconic look and legitimate functionality.

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Naadam Cashmere Solid Scarf ($175)

Naadam uses traditional hand combing to source fibers, which is less stressful for goats than shearing, and they work directly with Mongolian herders to ensure living wages. The unbelievably soft result is a gift anyone will love鈥攂ut that you鈥檒l want to keep for yourself.

Kari Traa 颅奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Molster Knit Sweater ($95)

This toasty wool-blend sweater is ideal for a winter cabin getaway. With dropped shoulders, a jacquard Norwegian pattern, and a cropped cut, it pairs well with jeans for apr猫s or leggings for game night by the fireplace.

Levi鈥檚 Ultimate Western Shirt ($60)

You don鈥檛 have to be a cowgirl to love this shirt. Snap the buttons all the way to the top and pair it with high-rise jeans to turn some heads at the saloon.

Filson 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Down Cruiser Vest ($325)

The Cruiser is built tough, with its workwear-inspired chest pocket, cover-cloth-lined interior, and water-resistant waxed-cotton shell. But the ethically sourced detachable shearling hood lets you show your soft side, too.

Friends of Friends Hat Co. Paloma Dia Hat ($130)

The Paloma Dia is made by a fourth-generation hatmaker outside Mexico City. We love the extra-stiff brim and interior elastic band, which made it comfy to wear all day.

Apiece Apart Denim Merida Pants ($295)

A high waist and nearly invisible front pockets make for a clean, flattering look, and the slight flare at the bottom of the wide leg keeps the Merida playful. It also comes in 11 sizes for nearly every body.

Electric 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Crasher Sunglasses ($200 and up)

It鈥檚 no surprise that the Crasher is Electric鈥檚 bestselling women鈥檚 frame鈥攖he oversize square silhouette will flatter any face shape. Cut from thick Italian acetate and available with a polarized or standard lens, it complements a dress and heels beautifully, but it鈥檚 hardy enough for rough play.

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Rab Khroma Kinetic Pants ($300)

Comfort is where the Khroma Kinetic shines. The wide waistband makes the legs lie flat, and the woven soft-shell fabric鈥攁 flexible, waterproof membrane sandwiched between a wicking inner layer and an outer shell that blocks precipitation鈥攊s both protective and delightfully stretchy. A beacon pocket and waterproof zippers bolster utility.

听

Arc鈥檛eryx Sabre LT Bibs ($525)

If they weren鈥檛 made of Gore-Tex, we鈥檇 wear these pants to weddings鈥攖hat鈥檚 how well they fit. They鈥檙e burly, with a 颅100-denier aramid weave at the cuffs for maximum scuff resistance. But the stretchy waterproof-breathable fabric and ample knee articulation mean they move like athleisure wear. In short, they鈥檙e a ski mountaineer鈥檚 dream.

Flylow Tannen Bibs ($400)

The Tannen is for people who want resort protection and backcountry breathability. The high-cut waist keeps snow out of your nether regions, while inner and outer thigh vents and 颅mesh-lined pockets dump heat. The lightly brushed interior is comfortable against the skin, ideal for blazing tours sans long underwear.

Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs ($299)

Built for the backcountry, the 颅Carbide is slim but ready to move. The 颅40-denier waterproof fabric is tough yet light and breathable. Quick-release suspenders, courtesy of 颅adventure-belt company Arcade, make tinkles easy. The right-leg beacon pocket is a bonus.

听

Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Pants ($350)

We often give resort pants a pass on breathability and mobility as long as they look cool and keep our butts warm. No longer. Relaxed yet slim, the Alpha LifaLoft is like ski-hill business casual. But with four-way stretch fabric, ample thigh vents, and breathable synthetic fill, it鈥檚 shockingly capable on climbs.

The North Face 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Team Kit Bibs ($250)

In 1990, the North Face used Gore-Tex to make apparel for its first 颅trans-Antarctic expedition. The 颅all-new Team Kit pairs the original design鈥檚 retro looks with modern waterproof-breathable fabric. A clever single-pull adjustment on the left shoulder strap makes for easy fit tweaks.

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