Hooded Fleece — Tactical Fleece Jackets
Hooded fleece: warmth for your head without a separate hat
A hood on a fleece is for those who spend a long time outdoors and don't want to depend on a hat or balaclava: on guard duty, in a trench, fishing, on an overnight hike. It shields the neck and the back of the head from wind, and in a sleeping bag or at a rest stop it becomes an extra layer for the head. At the same time, a hood changes the fit of the jacket and how it works with the rest of your gear, so among fleece jackets such models are worth choosing more carefully than ordinary stand-collar ones.
What a hood should be like so it doesn't get in the way
The key is adjustment. A hood without drawcords falls over the eyes or balloons in the wind, so look for models where the volume is tightened with cords, like Esdy 2.0 or Call Dragon, or at least has elastic around the edge. In the M-Tac Windblock Division Gen.II, the manufacturer specially reworked the hood fixation, while the Helikon-Tex Patriot has a non-detachable hood: it stays firmly in place, but it can't be removed.
Think about what you will wear the jacket with. Under a helmet, a thick fleece hood presses down and shifts the suspension system, so it is usually worn over the helmet or not used at all. Under a jacket, the hood bunches up into a roll on the back, so it is better to let it hang outside the collar of your outerwear. If the fleece is your outer layer, the hood shows its advantages in full.
What density you need for your tasks
Most hooded models have fleece of about 280–300 g/m²: a versatile option for the off-season and daily wear, like the Pentagon Hercules 2.0 or Esdy. Jackets of 380 g/m² with 3D mesh or the Patriot from Helikon-Tex are noticeably warmer, but also heavier: the Patriot weighs 1205 g, so it takes up a lot of space in a backpack.
If you move a lot and sweat, pay attention to waffle knit fleeces: the mesh structure is lighter, wicks moisture faster and works well as a mid layer. Hybrids with reinforced shoulders and elbows, such as the Patriot Mk2 Hybrid, or jackets with water-resistant fabric inserts better withstand friction from backpack and plate carrier straps.
How to choose the size and care for it
Size charts differ: some models use letter sizes from S to 3XL, others use numeric sizes from 46 to 62, and for larger builds there are "batal" versions. If you plan to wear the jacket over thermal underwear or a T-shirt, take your usual size; if a sweater will go under it too, take one size up. When trying it on, put the hood up and turn your head: it should not pull on the back or expose your lower back.
Wash fleece in cool water inside out, with the zipper and Velcro fastened, without fabric softener, which clogs the pile. Dry the jacket laid flat, away from radiators, and tuck the hood cords in before washing so they don't tangle.
FAQ
Can a hooded fleece jacket be worn as outerwear?
Yes, if there is no rain or strong wind. Regular fleece lets wind through, so for an outer layer it is better to choose models with a membrane, like Gen II, Soft Shell hybrids or Shark All-Weather.
Are there men's hooded fleeces in large sizes?
Yes. Some models are made up to 4XL or size 64, and tactical jackets with 3D mesh have separate "batal" versions with a wider cut.
What color should I choose for a tactical hooded fleece?
Go by the rest of your uniform. For field uniforms, people most often choose an olive fleece or Multicam, while black and gray jackets are more convenient for the city. Prices for hooded fleeces start from 1 080 UAH.























