I’m drowning in options for a good fleece for trail walks. Every time I’m about to buy, I find another review trashing it! Anyone have a go-to fleece they love for hiking?
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Patagonia’s R1 is life. It’s warm, breathable, and not too bulky. I’ve had mine for 3 years. A bit pricey, but hey, it’s a long-term investment… unless you lose it. 
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Honestly, I would just get the $20 ones from Costco. Warm, and I won’t cry if it gets trashed. Perfect for someone like me who spills coffee everywhere. Go cheap or go home😂
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Columbia’s Steens Mountain fleece is my pick. I dragged mine through the Smokies, and it survived. Plus, it’s not gonna drain your wallet like some of those boutique brands, it’s also super warm.
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I’ve seen the Steens pop up a few times. Might be the sweet spot for warmth and budget. I’m not trying to mortgage my house for a fleece.
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I’m all about the Arcteryx Delta. The zippered pits are a lifesaver when I’m overheating halfway through the hike. Pricey? Yes. But I’d rather not feel like I’m in a sauna.
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Wait, zippered pits?..I had no idea that was even a thing. Now I’m just imagining all the sweaty hikes where that would’ve saved me from turning into a swamp creature.
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Believe it or not, Old Navy’s fleece works wonders. I’ve taken mine on chilly desert hikes and it held up. Don’t need to be fancy when you’re just out there sweating it up anyway. 
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Old Navy? Man, I bought one of their fleeces, and the zipper broke in like, two weeks. Maybe I’m too rough on my gear, but I need something that doesn’t break after a couple of trails.
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Okay, fair. Mine’s still kicking, but yeah, if you’re doing serious hikes, maybe aim higher. I don’t tackle crazy trails so it works for me… but if I was climbing Everest? Different story.
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R1 sounds great, but 3 years? I’d need it to last like… forever. 
My luck, I’ll leave it in a cabin after one trip. How’s it held up with wear and tear?
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It’s seen some action—backpacking, mud, accidental bike grease. A quick wash, and it’s back to life. That said, I don’t go throwing it in a cactus patch, you know? 