OffroadAdmin
Bottom Line
When it comes to all-around versatile fleece jackets, The KUHL Interceptr Jacket is one of our favorites. It is a great casual option for those who want to dress comfortably and have some street style at the same time. The athletic fit, articulated sleeves, and zippered pockets are handsome and technical. It is a well-built durable fleece that should last you for years, not just a few seasons.
This comes at a cost in the form of added weight. Its heft and impressive warmth are also better suited for everyday use. If it gets really stormy, the Interceptr also layers nicely under a winter coat or a rain jacket. The articulated sleeves make movement easy. Its warmth and breathability come from a 305 gram Alfpaca fabric for the core, while 210 gram Kashmira side panels provide additional core warmth and enhance breathability without adding bulk. KUHL also incorporates Dynamik stitching to create low-profile seams.
While it doesn’t pack down as small as some others and is slightly heavier, the KUHL Interceptr remains a favorite for its all-around performance and great value compared to similar full-zip jackets. Its lower price tag makes it easy to love and likely to see plenty of use. The Interceptr is so loved, it is also available in a vest, quarter-zip, and hoodie.
Quick Specs
KUHL Interceptr
Warm & Stylish Fleece for Everyday Use
CleverHiker Rating:
72.8
Price:
$139
Measured Weight:
1 lb. 3.2 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Heavyweight
Pros
- Warm
- Stylish
- Durable
- Good value
- Easy to Layer
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures
- Less breathable than some
Warmth
The KUHL Interceptr Jacket is one of the best fleeces on our list for warmth. We tested the Interceptr Jacket during cool fall hikes in the Rocky Mountains and on snowy winter days around town. It was the “just-in-case-fleece” that always stayed in the truck for most of the fall in Colorado.
The 305 g Alfpaca material in this fleece provides the extra warmth you get here. It is paired with 210 g Kashmira side panels to help with breathability. This material adds weight, a little bulk and reduces breathability, but warmth is the trade-off. This jacket could be used comfortably down to 30° F days. Below 30, we would add a shell and wear this as a mid-layer.
The micro-soft interior collar and chin guard provide some face and neck warmth in extreme cold or wind, but it does not have a hood. The two zippered hand-warmer pockets are clutch for holding gear and keeping your hands protected.
Comfort
The KUHL Interceptr Jacket is a very comfortable fleece, but it doesn’t come from the classic fuzzy material you often think of. It is more of a knit sweater type of comfort thanks to the soft fabrics composed of 78% acrylic, 22% polyester, and 30% polyester in the side panels.
The Alfpaca material makes the jacket both comfortable and durable. To test the comfort level of the Interceptr Jacket, we wore it for several weeks straight, both inside and outside, and never found it uncomfortable. We wore it hiking around Aspen in the fall, and it was the ideal all-day fleece. From cold mornings to cool high alpine day hikes to walking around town at night, we were glad to have it on. The fit for this fleece is on the slim side, so sizing up might be the right move, depending on your build.
Durability
We found no flaw in its durability while bushwhacking through the woods. It is a well-constructed, very strong fleece that should stand up to harsh trails and last for years. Combining Alfpaca material with Kashmira side panels and Dynamik stitching produces a strong, durable fleece. During our time testing this on a variety of hikes where it brushed and scraped against branches, thorns, and rocks, there was no sign of wear on the fleece, and it still looks as good as new.
Weight
The KUHL Interceptr Jacket is just over a pound. While it would not be considered an ultralight fleece, it is still light enough to wear on a hike. It does not compress down and will take up a lot of space in a pack. The bulk is the tradeoff here for durability and warmth, both of which score high on the Interceptr. While the Interceptr is a heavyweight fleece, we never noticed it on or off the trail. It was always comfortable and moved freely with us, even while fly fishing. This is thanks, in part, to the articulated sleeves that provide free movement with the arms.
Features
The main feature is a left and right zippered chest pocket. We frequently used it for easily stashing phone or wallet. With two hand pockets on either side, there is plenty of storage on this fleece.
The KUHL Interceptr Jacket does not have a hood, but it does have two of its signature thumb loops hidden inside the cuffs of the sleeves to ensure they stay hooked in place while moving about or putting on layers.
The micro-soft interior collar and chin guard are a nice feature when you zip the fleece up all the way and are soft and warm on your face.
Should You Buy The KUHL Interceptr Full-Zip Jacket?
If you are looking for a versatile and durable fleece, the KUHL Interceptr Jacket is a good option. It is a good lifestyle fleece for hiking, camping, and just running around town. It would not work well for backpacking long distances or more technical activities like climbing. Since it is heavier and bulkier than most fleeces on our list, this is a great all-around warm fleece for everyday activities.
What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?
Patagonia Better Sweater Review: Like the KUHL Interceptr Jacket, the Patagonia Better Sweater is a warm and versatile fleece that you can wear for a variety of activities. Both have similar builds, weights, and pockets.
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs Review: The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs is a stripped-down version of the KUHL Interceptr. It is less expensive, but also less durable and has far fewer features.
