Warm, stretchy, lightweight

For a comfy, lightweight, all-purpose midlayer, grab the Stio Fremont Stretch Fleece Hoodie.

• Price: $169
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Fabric: Karuishi Stretch Fleece, brushed, 150 g/m2

Features

Fremont Stretch Fleece is designed with a durable, flat face exterior and brushed fuzzy interior. It It blends nylon and polyester to derive the benefits of both. It is breathable, and quick-drying, though less so than the grid fleece.

The Karuishi stretch fleece measures in at 156 g/m2, a bit heavier than average for lightweight fleece, yet it’s still pretty thin and not all that warm. We think most of the weight is from the stretchy, durable face fabric and less from the fuzzy insulating interior.

It is as they have named it, quite stretchy. However, the seams are not stretchy, and there is a 4-way seam intersection on the back shoulders that prevents the full range of stretch from being realized.

The Stio Fremont Stretch Fleece is a pullover hoodie, our favorite chassis for a midlayer. Manufacturing it without a center zip, reduces places that can rub or chafe, increases warmth-to-weight, and reduces cost.

Features include an adjustable hood with old school cinch pulls, and a zippered security pocket.

Verdict

Stio Fremont Stretch Fleece is a high performance lightweight midlayer. Compared to others in its weight class, it’s a bit warmer and stretchier. This is an excellent midlayer that has been flying under the radar.

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Compare this to the best hiking fleeces of the year. And polish off your layering system with our guide to hiking shirts, down jackets, and rain gear.