Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece
Most breathable insulation layer from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
Anytime we can avoid changing layers mid-climb, we’re happy—which is why we took the Fissure on 18,491-foot Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. Its gridded polyester fabric—like a Patagonia R1, but thinner—kept our tester comfortable on an all-day climb that began with an alpine start in the 20s and eventually warmed up to 50°F. The Fissure also has the slimmest cut in the test, good for moving moisture quickly.
THE DETAILS
“The thumb loops are the best I’ve ever seen,” our tester says. “They didn’t pinch or bite into my thumbs while I reached to swing an ice tool.” Polartec Power Stretch Pro under the arms lends extra mobility. The Fissure’s stretchy hood fits snugly over a ski helmet, and a drop hem stayed comfortable under a hipbelt. The men’s version has a Napoleon pocket, while the women’s (pictured) has hand-warmer pockets.
TRAIL CRED
“Snow pickets can shred clothing, but the Fissure’s clingy fit kept it out of harm’s way during the technical sections on Orizaba,” our tester reports.
Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz. (m’s L)
Sizes: Men’s S-XL, Women’s XS-L
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See more of the best Insulation for Winter 2018
See the entire Winter Gear Guide
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