The fleece is the cornerstone of the 3-layer system: it traps warm air while letting moisture escape. Here is our selection of the best Cimalp fleece jackets to support you on every trail.
1. The best-seller: JORASSE
Who is it for? Hikers tackling rough terrain who are looking for a durable garment. The JORASSE is far more than a simple fleece. Thanks to its 3D-FLEX technology, it delivers full stretch while offering superior abrasion resistance. It is built to last, even against repeated rubbing from a backpack or rock.
- Key strength: Perfect balance of thermal insulation and durability. Ergonomic fit and protective high collar make it a go-to piece in tough conditions.
- Best for: Hiking, mountaineering, trekking.
2. Most versatile: ADELIE / ALASKA
Who is it for? Anyone seeking an efficient, straightforward, and affordable mid-layer for every outing. The ADELIE top is the Swiss Army knife of outdoor apparel. Crafted in Thermopolar 200, it offers ideal mid-weight warmth for most mountain conditions. Its half-zip neck lets you adjust ventilation on the move.
- Key strength: Outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio and packability. Stows easily in the bottom of your pack and performs equally well as a mid-layer or a base layer next to skin.
- Best for: Day hiking, travel, skiing.
3. Warmest: VERCORS / VEYMONT
Who is it for? Anyone sensitive to the cold or heading into freezing conditions. When temperatures plunge, the VERCORS jacket steps up. Built with Thermopolar 300 fabric (the thickest in our line), it creates a true thermal sanctuary. Its fitted hood shields your ears and neck, preventing crucial heat loss.
- Key strength: Maximum thermal insulation. The go-to fleece for winter bivvy nights or windy summit breaks.
- Best for: Extreme cold, snowshoeing, high-altitude terrain.
4. Maximum protection: CINTO / PAGLIA (Gilet)
Who is it for? Active hikers who need wind protection for their core without overheating their arms. The CINTO gilet combines the warmth of a fleece with the protection of a windstopper. Its sleeveless cut allows full freedom of movement and eliminates moisture build-up under the arms during intense efforts.
- Key strength: Windproof membrane across the chest to block chill while maintaining high overall breathability.
- Best for: Hiking, cross-country skiing, Nordic walking.
5. Most technical: CHIRAN / BISANNE
Who is it for? Demanding mountain athletes during sustained, high-output activities. The CHIRAN fleece features Cimagrid technology. Its internal grid construction (small fleece squares separated by air channels) provides superior moisture dispersal while retaining essential warmth when static.
- Key strength: Exceptional breathability and low weight. Dries much faster than a traditional fleece, keeping you from getting soaked during exertion.
- Best for: Fast-hiking, mountaineering, high-intensity workouts.
6. Most comfortable: ICEBERG (Gilet)
Who is it for? Anyone looking for targeted, ultra-comfortable warmth. The ICEBERG gilet focuses entirely on pure thermal comfort. Using sleeveless Thermopolar 300, it delivers high warmth to your core where vital organs need it, while staying light and easy to layer.
- Its strength: Maximum warmth with minimal bulk. It is the ideal extra layer to pull on over a technical t-shirt or under a waterproof jacket.
- Best for: Bivvy nights, winter hiking, après-ski.
7. Lightest weight: BLIZZARD
Who is it for? Fast-and-light hikers who need active temperature control. The BLIZZARD jacket strikes the ideal balance between protection and breathability. Ultra-stretchy and close-fitting, it follows every movement without restriction. Its technical fibre wicks moisture away instantly.
- Key strength: Second-skin feel and record-breaking lightness. Perfect for crisp mornings when you plan to move fast and push hard.
- Best for: Fast hiking, trail running.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the right hiking fleece
To be fully effective, it must integrate seamlessly into the 3-layer system.
The role of the fleece: the second layer
In any hiker's layering system, the fleece serves as the essential insulating layer.
- Its job: Trap air (the best insulator) within its fibres to keep you warm.
- The key requirement: It must stay breathable to move moisture from your thermal base layer towards your protective jacket (the third layer). If it holds on to moisture, you will feel cold as soon as you stop.
Understanding Cimalp fabric weights and technologies
Choosing a hiking fleece jacket mainly depends on how hard you are working and the outside temperature. At Cimalp, we distinguish between:
- Thermopolar 200 (Versatility): The all-round option. Neither too thick nor too thin, it provides balanced insulation for most spring and autumn hikes. It is a versatile mid-layer.
- Thermopolar 300 (Maximum protection): Thicker and denser, this weight is built for winter conditions or those who feel the cold. It traps significantly more air, but takes up more space in your pack.
- Cimagrid technology (Active performance): Built with an internal grid structure. This insulates key zones while keeping air circulating actively where you sweat. The top choice for ski touring and fast-hiking.
- 3D-FLEX technology (Freedom and durability): Featured on our most technical models (such as the JORASSE), this technology provides outstanding multi-directional stretch. It allows the fleece to move naturally with your body without binding or riding up, while boosting resistance to pack abrasion.
3. Details that make the difference
Before completing your order, check these key points:
- High collar: Essential for preventing heat loss around the neck.
- Stretch: A fleece that is too rigid restricts movement, especially under a heavy pack. Stretch fabric lets the jacket track arm movement without riding up above your waist.
- Ventilation zips: A full-length zip lets you open the jacket wide during steep ascents to dump heat without taking off your pack.
Photo credits: Delphine Danielou
