Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) Core Fleece Jacket Review

I like fleece jackets and one of my favorites for outdoor activities from late fall through the springtime is the EMS Core Fleece Jacket.  This jacket uses windshield fleece so that it is warmer than a typical base-level jacket. It even makes a good stand-alone jacket for all but the coldest and windiest days because of the dense, wind-resistant fleece, which makes the jacket very warm for its size.

The full-zip Core Jacket falls in the middle between very lightweight fleece jackets and soft-shell fleece jackets which mix heavyweight fleece and waterproof coatings. The mid-weight fleece of the Core Jacket though is made even warmer because of the ‘windshield' coating on the fleece, which while not making the jacket windproof, does provide significant protection from all but the strongest of winds.  The jacket is slightly bulkier and heavier than other similar mid-weight fleece jackets because the fleece is slightly thicker and denser than standard fleece. The fleece is also slightly stiffer than standard mid-weight fleece, it won't restrict your range of motion, but it is a different feeling from a standard fleece jacket.

The jacket is not waterproof but if you're wearing it in a light rain or a light snow - it does provide basic protection and will keep you dry as long as the rain or snow doesn't get that heavy.

I especially like the athletic fit of the jacket. After putting on a base-layer shirt, I would put on this jacket and I am good to go. The jacket is snug and tight but very warm and flows with my body to keep me warm.

My Take

This jacket is warm, well fitted, and resistant to wind - making it a great option for anyone who does lots of outdoor activities in colder months.