Fleece & Midlayers
A midlayer is the workhorse of a NZ tramping kit. Worn between your base layer and waterproof outer, it traps heat while breathing during active movement. In NZ's variable conditions — hard uphills followed by cold exposed ridges and damp camp evenings — a good midlayer gets used constantly.
Choosing the Right Midlayer
The key question is your output level. If you run hot and move fast, a lighter active fleece like the Rab Ascendor Light (Polartec, high stretch, minimal bulk) or Rab Evolute (Polartec Alpha Direct — highly breathable, dumps heat efficiently) is the right tool. For most three-season trampers at normal pace, a mid-weight hooded fleece like the Rab Tecton is the practical choice — warm enough for rest stops, breathable enough for moderate uphill. For cold-weather and alpine use, the Rab Ramshaw or Original Pile provides substantially more warmth.
The Peak XV Blizzard Fleece is a solid, accessible option for trampers who want reliable warmth without paying for technical Polartec fabrics.
Fleece vs insulated jacket: fleece wins for active NZ tramping — handles moisture better, dries faster when damp, breathes more effectively on long uphills. Carry an insulated jacket separately for ridge stops and camp. The combination gives you the most flexibility in NZ's unpredictable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fleece should I take tramping in NZ?
For most three-season NZ tramping: the Rab Tecton (denser, warmer, better for rest stops) or Rab Ascendor Summit (more technical, suited to mountaineering and mixed-pace days). If you generate a lot of heat, the Rab Ascendor Light or Evolute are better active options. For winter and alpine, the Rab Ramshaw or Original Pile. The Peak XV Blizzard is the entry-level pick — good warmth, accessible price.
What's the difference between Polartec Power Stretch and Alpha Direct?
Power Stretch (Rab Modulus) is a four-way stretch close-fitting fabric — excellent as a base-to-mid layer for high-output activities. Alpha Direct (Rab Evolute, Alpha Flash) is an open-structure fabric that's highly breathable and sheds excess heat efficiently — designed for aerobic use in cold conditions where you need warmth without overheating. Both are significantly more technical than standard fleece fabrics.
Should I choose a fleece or an insulated jacket as my midlayer?
For active NZ tramping: fleece. It handles sweat and moisture better, dries faster when damp, and breathes more effectively on uphills. Insulated jackets are warmer weight-for-weight when you stop — excellent for ridge stops and camp, less practical on a hard uphill. The ideal NZ tramping setup is a fleece midlayer on your back, insulated jacket in your pack for when you stop moving.