Fleece works best not just as a "warm sweater," but as a second, insulating layer between thermal underwear and outerwear. In such a system, each piece has its own purpose: the base layer manages moisture from the body, fleece adds warmth, and the jacket protects against wind and precipitation. We incorporate this layering logic into our fleece sweaters. Hawk, Meadow, Patrol 2.0, and Army 2.0 are designed to serve as an insulating layer, although their intended uses vary: from active recreation and everyday wear to professional use.
A properly assembled outfit is also convenient because it can be adjusted throughout the day. If it gets warmer, remove one layer. If you stop or the cold intensifies, put it back on.
What to wear under a fleece sweater
Under a fleece sweater, you should first put on a base layer, then thermal underwear over it. The fleece then works as an insulating layer that adds warmth while remaining comfortable to move in. There is no need to wear several thick sweaters under the fleece. For example, during active movement, a "T-shirt + sweatshirt + fleece + jacket" setup often provides more bulk and warmth than necessary. If you have two hours of walking ahead with a backpack, it is more comfortable to stick with a functional base layer and fleece, and regulate your temperature with an outer jacket.
Hawk is suitable for this scenario. The model is made from Himatec Air Basic 100, 100% polyester. The material dries quickly, releases excess heat as vapor, and is highly breathable, while the sweater itself fits snugly against the body without restricting movement. The shoulder seams are offset to reduce discomfort when wearing a backpack. Hawk has a recommended temperature range of +15°C to −15°C, but everything depends on the other layers and the intensity of movement. Hawk is available in several colors, including fleece sweater coyote and fleece sweater black.
In other words, it is not just a sweater you add "just to be warmer." Its cut and material are designed specifically for active movement.
The second layer should not be too loose
Fleece should not fit as tightly against the body as thermal underwear. But too much extra room in the size can also get in the way.
Imagine three layers: thermal underwear, fleece, and a jacket. If the middle layer bunches up significantly on the back or the sleeves create large folds, it will begin to restrict movement under outerwear. This is especially true when you add a backpack or equipment.
Before buying, check the fit while moving:
- raise your arms above your head and bring them together in front of you;
- do 3–5 squats and several bends;
- put on the jacket you plan to wear with the fleece;
- if you use a backpack, check the sweater with it.
Hawk features an anatomical cut and flat seams. Meadow is also made from Himatec Air Basic 100, but has raglan sleeves that provide more freedom of movement in the shoulders during active movement. The model also has two zippered pockets with ventilation mesh and a central zipper with two sliders.
For hiking, travel, and active recreation, these details are more practical than simply having extra centimeters in the size.
When to choose Hawk and when to choose Meadow
Both models use lightweight Himatec Air Basic 100 series fleece and have a recommended temperature range of +15°C to −15°C, but everything depends on the other layers and the intensity of movement. Therefore, you do not need to look at the temperature alone.
| Scenario | Hawk | Meadow |
|---|---|---|
| Walking with a backpack | Offset shoulder seams are convenient for this scenario | Suitable for active movement |
| Hiking and travel | Yes | Yes |
| Active recreation | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday wear | Can be used | One of the model's main scenarios |
| Active arm movement | Anatomical sports cut | Raglan sleeves provide freedom of movement in the shoulders |
| Ventilation adjustment | Central zipper to the mid-chest | Central zipper with two sliders |
If you need a lightweight middle layer for a backpack and a lot of movement, we would first look at Hawk. If you want a more versatile fleece sweater for hiking, travel, and everyday wear, it makes sense to try on Meadow. There is a separate line for women: women's fleece sweaters.
What to wear over fleece
At +10°C in dry, calm weather, fleece can work as outerwear. The same sweater at 0°C or below will more often become part of the middle layer.
For example, on a cool day, the outfit could look like this:
- base layer, thermal underwear;
- Hawk or Meadow for insulation;
- a membrane jacket if additional protection from the weather is needed.
The value of such a setup is clearly noticeable on the trail. The first 20 minutes are cool, then the ascent begins and it gets warmer. Instead of enduring overheating, you can open the zipper or remove the outer layer. During a long stop, the outfit is fully assembled again.
The central zipper on the fleece is not just a decorative detail. It allows you to shed excess heat more quickly when the pace increases.
Patrol 2.0 and Army 2.0 — when fleece is needed in a professional outfit
For service and professional use, we have Patrol 2.0. This is already a different scenario from a light sweater for a walk.
The model is made from Himatec Pro (in the current version — Himatec Air Basic 100), 100% polyester, and features an ergonomic cut, flat seams, two front zippered pockets, and Velcro patches for patches or chevrons. The fleece is designed specifically as a second insulating layer in the layering concept.
For Patrol 2.0, the temperature range is specified from +15°C as outerwear to −15°C when used in layers. The latter figure should not be read as "a sweater for −15°C." At such cold temperatures, the model works together with other layers, not instead of winter outerwear. This is where the logic of a middle layer is evident: do not try to make one piece as warm as possible, but assemble an outfit that can be adapted to the activity level.
Another option for a professional outfit is Army 2.0. The model is made from Himatec 200 series fleece, 100% polyester. The ergonomic cut does not restrict movement, there are Velcro patches on the sleeves and chest for patches and chevrons, shoulder strap loops, and two zippered pockets.
During active movement, do not choose a middle layer that is too warm
You do not need more fleece just because it is below zero outside. If you have a fast 5–8-kilometer route ahead, your body will generate a lot of heat on its own. Lightweight 100 series fleece can be more practical in such a scenario than a thick insulating setup. When you stop, the outer layer adds warmth.
The situation changes with calmer activity. If you have to stand around, wait, or work with breaks, the middle layer takes on a larger part of the insulation. Before heading out, assess three things: how long you will be moving, how long the breaks will be, and what you will wear over it. For example, 2 hours of fast walking at +3°C and 2 hours of waiting in the open at the same +3°C require different outfits.
Choose a middle layer for your task
Fleece should not be bought simply "for fall" or "for the cold." It is much more useful to determine right away where it will work in your outfit.
For active movement, hiking, and backpacking, look at the lightweight Hawk models. For travel, hiking, and everyday use, look at Meadow. For a professional layered outfit, there are Patrol 2.0 and Army 2.0 with Himatec Pro and Himatec Air Basic 100. In each case, fleece remains the second insulating layer, but the design and intended use differ.
If you are assembling a Camotec outfit and are not sure which fleece will suit your thermal underwear and outer layer, write to our manager with the temperature, duration of the outing, and type of activity. We will help you choose the model and size so that the fleece works properly in the system, rather than simply adding another sweater under your jacket.
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