Ridgeline Norweigan Fleece

Fleeces are useful throughout all seasons and can be worn as part of a layering system or as a standalone outer garment. All the ones featured use a material known as ‘Southern Star’, which is one of Ridgeline’s technical fabrics. The fibres create multiple air cells that trap warmth inside and give protection against the most extreme conditions. Another trait of the material is it doesn’t retain moisture but allows it to evaporate and the fabric remains dry. So, let’s now look at a trio of very popular and highly useful fleeces from the manufacturer’s layer range.

Very fjord-able

The Norwegian Half Zipped Fleece Top is a regular fit, lightweight fleece that’s ideal for use as a mid-layer. However, it’s just as useful when used as a lightweight outer garment.

The build uses 200gsm Southern Star fleece and shows a ¼ length zip to the front and a high collar. It’s light and therefore easy to carry, which enables you to keep this packed in your rucksack for those ‘just in case’ moments. It’s available in Olive and Ridgeline’s DIRT Camo/Autumnal Finish.

Going ballistic

The Ridgeline Ballistic Hoodie is one of the company’s most popular members of the classic layer family. It shows modern styling and includes a fleece hood with bootlace ties. The structure of the generous hood is designed to cover your ears and head and its double lining will help insulate you, so if the weather decides to take a turn, it will keep you protected from the elements.

The garment shows a ¼ length zip neck, thumb cuffs and a large, one-piece handwarmer pocket that can be accessed from both sides, which incidentally, includes an outer zipped pocket on the left, with pull assist.

Overall, this 275gsm, Southern Star, regular fit fleece will keep you warm, making it an ideal mid-layer garment. Alternatively, due to its stylish appeal, it can also be worn as a generalpurpose sport/leisure top. It is available in Olive.

Hybridisation

The new Hybrid fleece combines soft-shell and 200gsm Southern Star Fleece to give you a regular fitting, hardwearing and warm outdoor top, plus it has a slight fishtail design. It features a high collar, zipped chest pocket, two zipped lower side pockets, reinforced elbows, plus it has an elasticated hem and cuffs.

Due to the robust qualities of soft-shell and the warmth and comfort of fleece, it makes an ideal outer or mid-layer, depending on the weather conditions. It’s available in Olive/ Navy Finish.

Conclusion

Considering the quality of Ridgeline clothing, it comes as no surprise that their fleece layer garments show such laudable features. All have specific uses, which make each individual fleece so useful. The Norwegian Half Zipped Fleece Top is superb for use in a layering system, the Ballistic will appeal for general purpose work, while the Hybrid Fleece lives up to its name, being useful as a mid-layer or worn as an outer garment when conditions dictate.