The Bottom Line
The Sport Fleece Jacket is a great design for fitness walking and Nordic walking in cooler weather. It provides an insulating layer that also wicks away sweat. Fit-wise, it falls below the hip but has a tailored profile so it won't get in your way when you move your arms or use fitness walking poles, and is easier to layer under a waterproof jacket. It has two zip pockets in front and two inner patch pockets. It comes in regular, petite and plus sizes.
Pros
- Breathable and moisture wicking performance fleece jacket
- Available in regular, petite and plus sizes
- Front zip pockets with hidden inner pockets
Cons
- Not waterproof or windproof
Description
- Lightweight performance fleece fabric
- Tailored, hip-skimming cut
- Front zip pockets with hidden interior pockets
Guide Review - Lands' End Sport Fleece Jacket
Lands' End promotes this jacket as a great item for wearing when using fitness walking poles -- also known as Nordic walking. I love this jacket as an insulating layer under a waterproof or windproof jacket, or by itself as an outer jacket on cool days.
Performance Fleece
The antistatic ThermaCheck 100 Sport Fleece is 100% polyester. It resists static cling - meaning you will collect less lint. It is thin yet provides excellent insulation - perfect for layering. The fabric will wick sweat away from your body when you build up steam in cooler weather. Best of all, it feels so soft and cozy. I tested this as a mid-layer on a brisk cold day, underneath a windproof jacket. I felt warm but not overheated throughout a hilly walk.Active Cut
The basic design is perfect for fitness walking, jogging, or Nordic walking. The length comes over the hips without being too long and getting in the way of your hip motion. The bottom hem is straight with ribbing. The cut is tailored so no extra fabric gets in the way of arm motion, yet it is not so tailored that those of us with tummies and tushes have a too-tight fit. It has a mock turtleneck with full zip. There is a covered zipper enclosure at the top, so the zipper won't irritate your neck when fully zipped. The long sleeves end in a simple hem rather than with elastic or ribbing. The front zipper locks so it won't open unexpectedly.Pockets
Two front zip pockets are spacious enough to carry essentials or to warm up your hands. The left pocket has a cord port inside for your iPod. Inside the jacket, you discover that each pocket is actually a dual pocket - you can slip items into the inside pockets and they are in a separate compartment from the outside pockets.
