Patagonia Performance Better Sweater Fleece Hoody

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to trade our puffies for lighter mid layers. The Patagonia Performance Better Sweater is perfect for those crisp spring days.

Available at REI | Amazon

Although it’s not labeled as a technical piece on the Patagonia site, this jacket will give any performance fleece a run for its money. A lightweight version of its classic older sister, the Better Sweater, the Performance Better Sweater has Polartec® Power Stretch® side panels for more breathability. The fit is slim and princess seams give the illusion of a trimmer fit. A slight drop tail prevents the jacket from riding up under your harness or pack or while you’re bent over your bike. The fleece has three pockets: two hand warmer pockets and one chest pocket. The fabric is 7.2-oz 100% polyester knitted fleece for the body and 6.8-oz 86% polyester/14% spandex Polartec® Power Stretch® jersey face with fleece back. The fabric is also certified as bluesign approved.

Available at REI | Amazon

I love the Performance Better Sweater. It’s great for brisk fall days. I’m excited to bring it back out for spring. It fits comfortably underneath a pack or a harness. The jacket is cut long on me and doesn’t ride up when I’m on a bike. The fleece is not bulky and fits comfortably under a puffy. It’s also slim enough for climbing in, without restricting movement.

The chest zip pocket stashes my ear buds when I’m not commuting. The Polartec side panels are breathable for those days where I’m in and out of the shade, or I’m just too lazy to take my jacket off.

Buy the Performance Better Sweater for $159 through REI or Amazon.

This was sent to me for review.

Last updated on December 4, 2017.