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Patagonia Better Sweater | CleverHiker

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Patagonia’s Better Sweater should really be called Best Sweater. – Photo Credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Bottom Line

If you’re waffling on a classic, comfortable fleece jacket that won’t go out of style, the Patagonia Better Sweater is the end of your deliberation. This is one of our favorites thanks to its robust construction, attention to detail, and timeless, athletic fit. We love its warm, dense fleece, which provides warmth and lined pockets to keep your hands toasty. Our gear analysts have put his through the wringer for over two decades, and it’s still holding up like a champ!

The Better Sweater is hands-down our favorite fleece jacket for casual use. It’s a phenomenal value for the money since it’ll undoubtedly become one of your closet’s most worn pieces of clothing. The Better Sweater is also available as a quarter-zip (men’swomen’s). And for the full lineup, check out our guide to the best fleeces.

Quick Specs

Patagonia Better Sweater

Best Fleece Jacket Overall


Price:

$159


Measured Weight:

1 lb. 6 oz.(Men’s M)


Fleece Weight:

Mid-heavyweight

Pros

  • Very warm
  • Durable
  • Stylish
  • Good value
  • Notably comfy/warm hand pockets
  • Inclusive sizing

Cons

  • A bit heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures
  • Not as breathable as some

A man carrying a pack stares into the distance while wearing a green hat and fleece jacket.
Being one of the bulkier sweaters on our list made with 100% recycled polyester fleece material, it is still works on the trail. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Warmth

From fall hikes to around town, the Better Sweater is unphased in cooler weather. The sweater is versatile, working well from 60°F down to 30°F in snow, wind, and rain. Patagonia works its fabric magic with a sweater-knit exterior and breathable fleece interior, keeping in warmth while not overheating. In freezing temperatures, the Better Sweater also works well as a layer under an outer shell.

A close up of a fleece pocket on the chest with a backpack strap on the other shoulder.
The Patagonia Better Sweater performed well in on and off trail testing. It is versatile enough for almost any activity or condition. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Comfort

The Patagonia Better Sweater is equally comfortable lounging on the couch or watching a movie in a cold theatre as it is hiking up a mountain with a pack on your back. The flat-seam construction not only makes it less bulky but also eliminates chafing. The sweater’s construction moves with you, not against you, on or off the trail. The raglan sleeves make it easy to move in, especially while carrying a pack. And a zipper garage on the collar offers a comfortable soft fabric on your face, not an ice-cold zipper.

Man walks down a path looking down with an unzipped fleece jacket.
The Patagonia Better Sweater is an equally comfortable and stylish fleece jacket that will last a long time. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Durability

The Better Sweater could put Patagonia out of business with how long it lasts! The recycled polyester is both warm and strong. We wore it through dense thickets and scrambled up sharp rocks wearing it. The force-field-like material will go through anything without snagging, ripping, or tearing. Washing the fleece does not hurt it either, although air-drying is recommended.

A close up of a Patagonia logo on a fleece jacket while a man looks down.
The premier Plus side of the Better Sweater is its strength. We have worn the same Patagonia Better Sweater for nearly twenty years, and it looks as good as the day we bought it (and no, it isn’t a light color). – photo credit: David Young (clever hiker.com)

Weight

The Better Sweater is not the lightest model on our list, at just over one pound. Packing it into a pack or bag takes up some precious real estate. But that bulk provides thermal protection, and we don’t take this on backpacking trips, so we don’t mind it. It is ideal for casual wear, short jaunts, and travel/leisure wear. If you are cutting weight for a longer hike or trip, consider a more technical, lightweight option.

A man with hands in pockets wearing a green hat and fleece.
The Better Sweater is a heavyweight option at just over one pound, but works well for shorter hikes and around town. – photo credit: David young (cleverhiker.com)

Features

The Better Sweater has been a Patagonia icon for over four decades. While its colors may change from season to season, this classic piece doesn’t need bells and whistles—its enduring success speaks for itself.

The micro polyester jersey trim on the cuff adds a nice touch of comfort and durability. The subtle hem at the back of the neck withstands wear and tear while retaining its shape. Two zippered hand pockets and a headphone-compatible zippered left-chest pocket are fit for a wallet or keys. The fleece, made with recycled materials, is Fair Trade Certified.

A man's hand in his hip pocket wearing a green fleece.
raglan sleeves make Movement Unhindered, especially while carrying a pack. The micropolyester cuff, hem, and collar trims help keep the fleece soft yet strong. – photo credit: David young (cleverhiker.com)

Should You Buy The Patagonia Better Sweater?

The Patagonia Better Sweater is the go-to outerwear for frontcountry adventures and car camping, built to withstand a lifetime of use in diverse conditions. As a midweight layer, it shines in spring, fall, and blustery winter days. Whether battling a drafty office or setting up a glampsite, this versatile piece delivers reliable warmth. It’s equally effective as a standalone or part of a layering system.

While it doesn’t pack down and is not as lightweight as a technical fleece, the Better Sweater’s classic design and dependability make it the layer you’ll instinctively grab when the temperature drops.

A man wearing a hat stares into the distance with his hands in his pockets.
The Patagonia Better Sweater side pockets are warm and convenient for keeping your hands warm and dry. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?

North Face Denali Fleece: The North Face Denali looks and feels similar to the Better Sweater. It is a little softer, bulkier, and less low-profile.

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece: Like the Patagonia Better Sweater, the Cotopaxi Teca is a go-to fleece that you can wear all day in various conditions. From around-town to day hikes, the Teca will work well. It is a little less durable and more of a lifestyle fleece than the Better Sweater. 

The zipper on a green fleece.
The Patagonia Better Sweater comes in many versions, including a full-zip and a quarter-zip. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)



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