Fleece is the most practical mid-layer for NZ tramping. It's warm, breathable, and quick-drying — and unlike down, it retains warmth when wet. That matters in NZ conditions where you can go from sweating on a climb to standing in rain on a ridgeline within the same hour. A quality fleece earns its place on every multi-day trip, whether that's an evening layer at the hut or an active layer on a cold start.
Our fleece range covers 100-weight active pieces through to heavier 300-weight jackets for cold-weather and static use. Key brands are Rab — technical fleeces built for performance — and Peak XV for quality NZ-designed gear at better value.
Fleece Jackets NZ — Buyer's Guide & FAQs
A fleece jacket is one of the most versatile pieces of kit for NZ tramping — the classic mid-layer that sits between your base layer and waterproof shell. Warm enough for hut evenings and rest stops, breathable enough for active movement, and robust enough to handle regular use across a full tramping season. Whether you are day walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or multi-day tramping the Kepler Track, a quality fleece mid-layer earns its place in your pack.
Fleece Weights: 100, 200, and 300
Fleece weight indicates fabric density and warmth. 100 weight is lightweight and highly breathable — great as a standalone active layer in mild conditions. 200 weight is the tramping standard: the right balance of warmth, breathability, and packability for most NZ conditions. 300 weight is the warmest option, better suited to hut use and cold-weather layering than active tramping.
Fleece vs Down as a Mid-Layer
Fleece performs better when wet — it retains warmth even damp and dries quickly. Down compresses smaller and provides more warmth per gram. For NZ's variable, often wet conditions, fleece is frequently the more practical mid-layer for active tramping. Down excels as a static warmth layer at rest. Many experienced trampers carry both.
Fleece and Wind
Standard fleece is breathable but not windproof. On exposed NZ ridgelines, always wear your waterproof shell over your fleece. Some technical fleece jackets feature wind-resistant face fabrics that improve performance in breezy conditions without sacrificing breathability.
Browse our full fleece jacket range, or complete your layering system with a waterproof shell.