Ladies! Have you been on the never ending hunt for a fleece that not only looks and feels amazing, but is also super technical and durable? I hear you, and I think we may have found your guy...
Mountain Equipment's Hispar Jacket is one of (if not, THE) the softest fleeces in existence; it honestly feels like you've been allowed to wear your dressing gown out in public. To avoid uncomfortable chaffing under packs or harnesses whilst just wearing a baselayer, they have built in coverstitched seams which means the next to skin feel is phenominal. Don't let it's soft nature fool you though, this fleece is hard wearing enough for mountain walks, climbing trips, camping weekends and just about anything else you can put your mind to.
So how have they done it? The Hispar uses Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft to ensure the highest levels of heat retention and breathability relative to its pack size thanks to it's ability to trap warm air in amongst its fluffy fibres - not just a pretty face (fabric). So this means it will still pack down nicely into a pack and still give you just as much warmth as a chunky Dad-Fleece. This type of fabric also has a hydrophobic element to it - which means that if you get caught out in a shower and you don't have your waterproof jacket to hand, it will repel moisture and also speed up drying times.
The cut in the Hispar is their women's Active Fit - this makes it the optimal layer piece. It's the closest fit variation in their range so fits easily under other layers (like a jigsaw puzzle) and eliminates excess bulk and weight - ideal if you're carrying lots of kit. Despite the slim Active Fit, Mountain Equipment have encorporated plenty of articulation in the shoulders and arms; this, teamed with an elasticated hem allows it to fit a wide range of active users.
So if you're looking for the perfect combination of incredible softness, techy features and a pack size far smaller than a conventional fleece, then look no further. Mountain Equipment have got you covered (literally).
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Incredibly breathable but with great heat retention
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Lightweight
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Packable
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Coverstitched seams for next-to-skin comfort
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Active Fit reduces weight and pack size
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Two hand warmer pockets
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Kitten-like Softness
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Elasticated hem