Shells and mid-layers for any outdoor climbing adventures

Older climbers will instantly recognize the high-pile sheep-like fleece of Patagonia’s Classic Retro-X jacket. Yet unlike those classic old-school fleece jackets, Patagonia has updated the Retro-X by adding a windproof barrier between the fleece fabric and the lining. This simple change radically increases the versatility of the garment by eliminating the one glaring shortcoming that all fleece mid-layers suffer from; they do not block cold winds. And while the Retro-X may be too bulky for technical climbing, it is a great choice in milder conditions for belaying or when resting between bouldering attempts.

With its grid-style fleece fabric, the Explore Fleece jacket delivers all the warmth and breathability associated with fleece mid-layers but without the eye-watering price of more technical garments. Mountain Hardwear specs a high collar to help keep out drafts, while the zippered hand-warmer pockets provide storage for small essentials and are a cozy spot to rest your paws in milder weather. The jacket’s trim fit allows for easy layering when the temps drop, and the quiet overall aesthetic easily transitions into more urban settings.

Climbers venturing on challenging backcountry routes will appreciate the R1 TechFace Hoody. Built with a grid-style fleece, the hoody does an exceptional job of trapping warmth while allowing excess heat and perspiration to easily escape. For additional versatility, the smooth outer face fabric, with its DWR finish, offers the durability and wind and water resistance associated with traditional soft-shell garments. Patagonia also specs 8 percent spandex in the fabric, ensuring unrestricted movement when swinging ice tools or reaching for the next hold. Other climbing-specific details include handwarmer pockets that are accessible when wearing a harness and low-profile cuffs that simplify layering.

If you like the features and performance of the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody (see above), but need more warmth, then check out the R2 TechFace. Constructed with similar yet higher lofting fleece, this hoody delivers greater warmth while retaining the breathability and face fabric durability found on the R1. Climbers will appreciate the similar harness-compatible handwarmer pockets as well as the low-bulk cuffs and helmet-friendly hood. And just like the R1, this warmer hoody’s fabric consists of 8 percent spandex, ensuring excellent freedom of movement even in the most challenging climbing conditions.

With its 700-fill-power recycled down and lightweight 20-denier recycled nylon shell, the Microlight Alpine is ideal for climbers seeking warmth without excessive bulk and weight. The jacket can be used alone in milder conditions and, thanks to the densely woven nylon shell, can easily shrug off cold winds that would cut right through traditional fleece layers. In colder weather, the jacket’s low profile and slick shell fabric easily layer under a shell. Rab employs a unique Nikwax hydrophobic fluorocarbon-free treatment that prevents the down from absorbing too much moisture during extended trips or when climbing in damp conditions.

Active insulation garments like the Kor Stasis have become the go-to alternative to fleece mid-layers because they deliver exceptional warmth and wind resistance without compromising the breathability and air permeability required during highly aerobic approaches. The Kor Stasis hoody is made from a light and highly breathable stretch ripstop Pertex Quantum Air fabric. The insulation consists of Primaloft Gold Active, which has stretch and is also very breathable. Finally, the addition of air-permeable fabric panels and reduced insulation under the arms reduces overheating when climbing and during long approaches. These materials and construction methods create a warm, highly breathable garment that resists wind and can be used alone or under a shell in colder conditions.

Constructed with a 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable shell fabric and featuring taped seams, the lightweight Helium Rain Jacket is perfect when you need additional protection if the weather turns. The jacket employs a Diamond Fuse ripstop technology that is significantly more durable than OR’s previous Helium iteration without adding excessive bulk or weight. In fact, the Helium can be stuffed in its own pocket and clipped to your harness, ready to be deployed when wind or rain moves in. It’s also worth noting that, unlike some other minimalist shells, the Helium’s hood is surprisingly adjustable, providing excellent weather protection without compromising your field of view.

Constructed with a highly air-permeable and stretchy polyester ripstop shell and lining, the Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody is ideal for challenging climbing in cool conditions. The hoody also features Patagonia’s warm and stretchy FullRange insulation, which works with the shell, ensuring complete freedom of movement as well as exceptional breathability when working hard. On the back and under the arms of the hoody, Patagonia has spec’d its R1 Air fleece for extra ventilation and increased comfort when wearing a pack. Finally, a helmet-compatible hood and harness-compatible pockets further confirm the hoody’s climbing-specific design.

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