New

Steph Wetherell and Fiona Russell focus on two new products

£95 356g (size 2X)

inclusive size range, excellent temperature management and breathability

boxy fit

Materials: 94% polyester, 6% spandex

Features: half zip, thumb loops, chest pocket

Sizes: regular XS-XL, plus size 1X-4X

Men’s version? yes

Regular: outdooraction.co.uk

Plus size: vampireoutdoorgear.com

Testing conditions: Steph tested this fleece across many hills and mountains in the Brecon Beacons and the south-west of England. She wore it though Autumn, Winter and Spring, in a variety of temperatures and weather.

Steph Wetherell finds herself reaching for this grid fleece, available in larger sizes

A grid fleece is an essential piece of kit if you are looking for something more breathable or lightweight than a traditional fleece layer. The Outdoor Research Vigor Half Zip is a mid-price option that performs well and has a wide size range.

As someone who runs hot when on the move – especially when hills are involved – I struggle with traditional fleeces and overheat quickly. Grid fleeces have become my saviour and I’ve tried a fair few in recent years, but the Vigor has quickly become a ‘go-to’. The fleece is in a small square grid pattern on the inside of the fabric, and like other grid fleeces this offers just the right mix of breathability and a surprising amount of warmth when needed. It uses a trademarked technology called ActiveTemp – a thermoregulating polymer that dynamically reacts to your temperature. It’s difficult to precisely test this, but I did feel I was less sweaty than normal (or perhaps the material wicked more efficiently), even when tackling some sizeable hills.