Damen-Fleecejacken & Zwischenschichten

The role of mid layer clothing is typically to provide added warmth in colder temperatures e.g. wearing a Siege Tech Fleece under your waterproof Aigis Jacket. Ideal for hiking, mountaineering, camping and climbing, a high performance mid layer will keep you insulated whilst wicking moisture away from the body. Some mid layers may also provide water and wind resistance.

A mid layer generally offers less protection than an outer layer. Outer layers are designed to provide wind and waterproofing whereas a mid layer is usually designed to add an extra layer of warmth. Because of this, mid layers will typically be lighter in weight and more packable than an outer layer. That being said, a mid layer could be worn as an outer layer in mild, calmer conditions.

A well fitted mid layer should fit snug to the body without being too tight/restrictive. This is to ensure it fits comfortably under a mid layer and doesn't let too much warmth escape the body.

Fleece fabric, such as that made by Polartec®, makes for a great mid layer owing to its insulation, balanced with its breathability and moisture wicking capacity. Our women's Phalanx Fleece is a strong example of this, offering warmth and breathability in a construction built specifically for women's fit and active use.

Yes. Our women's mid layers are built from women's-specific patterns, not adapted from men's cuts. The fit accounts for differences in shoulder width, chest, waist, and hip proportions so the garment sits correctly as part of a layering system rather than bunching, gaping, or restricting movement in the wrong places. Proper fit in a mid layer matters more than people expect. A poorly fitting fleece compresses unevenly under a harness or shell, creates cold spots, and limits the range of movement you need on technical terrain. Women's-specific construction solves all of that.

For most three-season hiking the Phalanx Fleece is the go-to, a versatile mid layer that balances warmth and breathability across a wide range of output levels and conditions. For colder, slower-paced days or high-altitude use where static warmth matters more, layering a heavier fleece or an insulated gilet over a lighter base gives you more thermal performance without the bulk of a full insulated jacket. Browse the full women's mid layer range to find the right weight for your intended use.

Women's fleece jackets work best as part of a three-layer system. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer next to the skin, add the fleece for insulation, then layer a waterproof hardshell or softshell over the top when wind or rain requires it. The fleece sits in the middle, doing the warmth work while the layers around it manage moisture and weather.
For active days on the hill, a fitted fleece over a thin merino or synthetic base layer is usually enough until conditions deteriorate. On colder or slower-paced days, a heavier fleece over a thermal base layer gives you more warmth without the bulk of a full insulated jacket.
Fit matters more than most people expect. A women's fleece should sit close to the body without compressing, layer cleanly under a hardshell without bunching at the shoulders, and allow a full range of arm movement when scrambling or carrying a pack. Our women's fleeces are cut from women's-specific patterns for exactly this reason so the layering system works as it should, not just on the flat but on the move.

The most breathable mid layers use grid-construction fleece fabrics like Polartec® Power Grid™, which channels air through the fabric during high-output activity rather than trapping it. For women who run warm or push hard on the trail, this type of construction keeps you insulated without overheating on steep climbs. If breathability is your priority, a lightweight technical fleece like the Siege Tech Fleece will outperform a heavier pile fleece or an insulated gilet every time.

It depends on how you intend to use it. A hooded mid layer adds warmth at the neck and head without needing a separate hat, which is useful on cold belays, ski lifts, or high-altitude rest stops. For active use under a hardshell, a hood-free fleece sits more cleanly under your outer layer without bunching at the collar. If you are buying one mid layer to cover both scenarios, a zip-neck without a hood is usually the more versatile choice.

Yes, and the reason is air. Each layer traps a pocket of warm air close to the body, and it is that trapped air that insulates you rather than the fabric itself. A single thick jacket can do this to a point, but a well-chosen three-layer system does it more effectively across a wider range of conditions because you can add or remove layers as your output and the temperature change. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece mid layer, and top with a waterproof hardshell when conditions demand it.