The fleece is the cornerstone of the 3-layer system: it must trap warm air while allowing moisture to escape. Here is our selection of the best Cimalp fleeces to keep you going on every trail.
1. The best-seller: JORASSE
Who is it for? Hikers who move over rough terrain and need a durable garment. The JORASSE is far more than a simple fleece. Thanks to its 3D-FLEX technology, it delivers total stretch while offering superior abrasion resistance. Built to last, even against repeated friction from a backpack or rock face.
- Key strength: A perfect balance between thermal insulation and robustness. Its ergonomic cut and protective high collar make it a go-to ally in tough conditions.
- Use: Hiking, mountaineering, trekking.
2. The most versatile: ADELIE / ALASKA
Who is it for? Those looking for an effective, straightforward and affordable mid-layer for every outing. The ADELIE sweatshirt is the Swiss Army knife of the outdoor wardrobe. Built in Thermopolar 200, it delivers ideal intermediate warmth for the majority of weather conditions. Its 1/2-zip collar lets you regulate ventilation according to your effort level.
- Key strength: An excellent weight-to-warmth ratio and compact packability. It slips easily to the bottom of your pack and works equally well as a second-layer sweatshirt or a first-layer base layer.
- Use: Day hiking, travel, skiing.
3. The warmest: VERCORS / VEYMONT
Who is it for? Those who feel the cold easily or face sub-zero temperatures. When the mercury drops sharply, the VERCORS jacket steps up. Using the Thermopolar 300 fabric (the thickest in the range), it creates a genuine thermal cocoon. Its wraparound hood effectively protects the ears and neck — the areas most vulnerable to heat loss.
- Key strength: Maximum thermal insulation. This is the fleece you reach for on a winter bivvy or during blustery summit lunch breaks.
- Use: Extreme cold, snowshoeing, high-altitude mountaineering.
4. The most protective: CINTO / PAGLIA (Gilet)
Who is it for? Active hikers who want to protect their core from the wind without overheating their arms. The CINTO gilet combines the benefits of a fleece and wind protection. Its sleeveless construction allows total freedom of movement and prevents moisture build-up under the arms during intense effort.
- Key strength: Its wind-blocking membrane on the chest panel that keeps the chills out, while maintaining excellent overall breathability.
- Use: Hiking, cross-country skiing, Nordic walking.
5. The most technical: CHIRAN / BISANNE
Who is it for? Demanding athletes who push through sustained, high-intensity efforts. The CHIRAN fleece uses Cimagrid technology. Its internal grid structure (small squares of fleece separated by air channels) delivers outstanding moisture evacuation while retaining the warmth you need during static phases.
- Key strength: Exceptional breathability and lightweight construction. It dries far faster than a standard fleece, keeping you from staying soaked during effort.
- Use: Fast-hiking, mountaineering, intense effort.
6. The cosiest: ICEBERG (Gilet)
Who is it for? Those looking for targeted, ultra-comfortable warmth. The ICEBERG gilet is all about pure thermal comfort. Using Thermopolar 300 in a sleeveless design, it delivers massive core warmth right where your vital organs are, while remaining very lightweight and easy to layer.
- Key strength: Minimal bulk, maximum warmth. The perfect extra layer to pull on over a technical t-shirt or under a waterproof jacket.
- Use: Bivvy, winter hiking, après-ski.
7. The lightest: BLIZZARD
Who is it for? Ultra-light walkers who want active thermal regulation. The BLIZZARD jacket is the perfect balance between protection and breathability. Ultra-stretch and close-fitting, it follows every movement without any restriction. Its technical fibre is designed to transfer moisture to the outside instantly.
- Key strength: Its second-skin feel and record-breaking lightness. Ideal for cool mornings when you plan to move fast and hard.
- Use: Fast hiking, trail running.
Buying guide: Choosing the right hiking fleece
To be effective, it must integrate seamlessly into the 3-layer system.
The role of the fleece: the mid-layer
In every hiker's kit, the fleece holds the place of the insulating layer.
- Its job: Trapping air (the best insulator) in its fibres to keep you warm.
- Its constraint: It must remain breathable to transfer moisture from your base layer up to the protective shell (3rd layer). If it retains moisture, you will feel cold the moment you stop.
Understanding Cimalp weights and technologies
The choice of a hiking fleece jacket depends mainly on the intensity of your effort and the outside temperature. At Cimalp, we distinguish:
- Thermopolar 200 (Versatility): The benchmark. Not too thick, not too thin, it delivers balanced insulation for most spring or autumn hikes. The all-purpose mid-layer.
- Thermopolar 300 (Maximum protection): Thicker and denser, this weight is reserved for winter conditions or those who feel the cold easily. It traps considerably more air, but is also bulkier in the pack.
- Cimagrid technology (Active performance): The fabric features an internal grid structure that insulates key zones while actively circulating air where you sweat most. The number one choice for ski touring or fast-hiking.
- 3D-FLEX technology (Freedom and durability): Found on the most technical models (such as the JORASSE), this technology offers exceptional stretch in every direction. It allows the fleece to move with you without restricting your arms or riding up above the waist, while providing increased resistance to abrasion from your backpack.
3. The details that make the difference
Before you check out, run through these few points:
- High collar: Useful for preventing heat loss around the neck.
- Stretch: A fleece that is too rigid will restrict your movements, especially when carrying a heavy pack. Stretch allows the jacket to follow your arms without riding up above the waist.
- Ventilation zips: A full-length zip lets you open the jacket wide on steep ascents to release heat without having to remove your pack.
Photo credits: Delphine Danielou
