Even though we often need to find clothing items that perform well in a variety of conditions to save packing space, it’s hard to beat a soft fleece jacket for warmth and comfort.
I haven’t had a go-to fleece in a while, but my current favorite is the Cotopaxi Cubre Full-Zip Fleece Jacket.
Made with PrimaLoft shearling fleece, the middleweight jacket is the softest fleece jacket I’ve tested. Through hikes, meals, general around-town pursuits, even sitting in a hospital for a couple of days (I’m fine), the jacket kept me cozy throughout. The full-zip is my preferred jacket choice over a pull-over, mainly for temperature regulation, since I can zip it all the way up or all the way down for a change when I want one.
The scuba-style hood covers your head with enough room to spare, and the two hand pockets are roomy enough for not only your hands, but also for small items like phones, headlamps, wallets, and keys. Probably not all at once, though. In addition, there’s a snap chest pocket that easily fits my phone, notes, or cash/cards.
No, it won’t keep you dry in a thunderstorm. But it will keep you warm in cold conditions, whether you’re out on an adventure or curling up indoors.
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corporation, putting 1 percent of company profits toward addressing poverty and supporting community development. Through Cotopaxi’s grant program, the brand promotes organizations successfully improving the human condition. To date, 42 grants in six focus countries have been awarded.
The Cubre Full-Zip Women’s Fleece Jacket comes in black with violet detail and lists for $150 on the Cotopaxi site. The men’s version comes in turquoise with yellow detail and lists for the same amount on the Cotopaxi site.