Review: Bear Core Fluffy Fleece Jacket

The Bear Core Fluffy Fleece Jacket (or Bear Grylls Polar Hooded Jacket as my version is called) is pretty similar, but with a few vitally important updates that address some issues and make this a must buy item.

Warmth & weight:
My number one complaint of the Bear Basecamp Hooded Fleece was the lining. While great for adding extra warmth, the fleece lining quickly stretched out of shape. This then sagged out of the cuffs and hem, as well as coming away from the outer pile fleece (below left).

The updated Polar Hooded Jacket (above right) does away with this less-desirable feature. Without the lining, the jacket becomes considerably less bulky and more lightweight compared to its older brother. Before this adjustment, the bulk was a serious consideration when it came to packing, or even wearing in weather where it might need stowing away (Spring/Autumn). Since the update it thrives in either situation.

So the question is, does the lack of lining detract from the warmth? The use of a 465g pile fleece polyester means the bulk often found in a standard fleece is reduced without sacrificing the heat-retention. But the lack of lining does allow more room for that wonderful eight letter word that is integral to almost any outdoor activity…

Layering:
Fleece is generally not windproof so, whenever you are likely to encounter more than a breeze, additional layers are definitely a consideration. The active fit and low profile hood of this fleece allows for a windproof or waterproof outer layer to be added, without creating uncomfortable lumps. It is also worth noting that this jacket will comfortably survive a light shower and dry quickly afterwards, making it great for the autumn and spring seasons. When using it as a ‘top layer’ it sits pleasantly over the top of a baselayer, tshirt, shirt or even a light midlayer.

I’m a naturally warm person and if I wear this layer indoors the thick pile generates enough heat to simulate a slowly roasting joint on a medium heat. However, outside the ‘shag’ material provides just the right amount of insulation to keep you pleasantly warm.

Arguably its natural environment is the outdoors and being outdoors often means strenuous activities. The lack of any kind of windproofing allows a level of breathability that enables sweat to wick away. There is also a panel of smooth polyester that covers the area where your arm would naturally rub against your body. This makes sense as a constant rubbing of the arm against the body would wear down the pile over time, it also provides a bit of extra ventilation.

The most current released (only a slightly updated version) loses this panel which probably reduces the amount of wind that can get in. I’m not sure this is an improvement on the design in my opinion as I like these panels, but I don’t think its a deal breaker. This is still an incredible jacket.

Durability:
Fleece is often considered as a tougher replacement for wool. Despite being seriously lightweight, this jacket demonstrates that strength. The pile on my older jacket has visible flattening of certain high-wear areas. This jacket has seen a lot of use over the last eight months and only shows minimal flattening around the zip area, definitely no more than I’d expect.

The hemming on the cuffs, hood and bottom edge hold well when under stress. I often like to push sleeves up to my elbows and after repeatedly doing this the cuffs are still as fitted as ever, which is an improvement on the previous version.

Fit & features:
I’ve got a size larger than I’d usually wear, but the athletic fit still hugs a little into my torso which gives an overall shaggy-but-not-baggy look. The larger size allows for more layering options, but I think going for my usual size wouldn’t have been a problem either.

The three panelled hood fits my head shape really well without much slack, making it really warm. The lightweight of the fabric allows for this hood to tuck subtly into a outer shell jackets hood too.

There are two zipped pockets that are stitched down to stop them flapping. I rarely use the zips, but when I do it is because I want to secure something so I’m glad the feature is there.

These zips and the main zips are a bit stiff for the lightness of the material and so mean that the top or bottom of the zip needs to be held to begin operating the zip. I have other Craghopper garments that have a better zip strength to material weight ratio, but this may be something that they’ve updated in the latest version.

Whenever I have zip issues, I know before checking that it isn’t a YKK zipper, as I’ve never had an issue with this widely used brand of zips. I always wonder why companies continue to get their own zips made instead of using YKK zippers; I guess the extra cost of using a branded zip isn’t so attractive, even if it means increased reliability. If I had to be picky, the zip would be the thing I’d change, but it is only a slight inconvenience rather than a serious issue.