Update 2022 – I am sorry to say that EDZ no longer sell these fleeces. They are now just specialising in merino wool products only. Read my EDZ clothing review here.
This is a review of two EDZ fleece jackets: the Yeti and the Micro fleece jacket. I tested them both while hiking and wild camping.
EDZ is an independent specialist clothing brand based in Cumbria, and they’ve been making outdoor clothing since 1995.
EDZ Yeti fleece jacket
I was very happy sat in the pub wearing my EDZ Yeti fleece, EDZ zip neck base layer, EDZ boot socks and EDZ merino wool briefs. Or was it just the effects of the 7.6% pint I was drinking? (I’ve reviewed the EDZ merino wool base layers in a separate post here and the merino wool briefs here).
But seriously, I did feel OK walking into a pub full of people, even after two nights wild camping and wild weather over Red Pike. The merino clothes meant I didn’t smell and the Yeti fleece still looked smart enough for such a social occasion.
The EDZ Yeti fleece jacket is both warmer and lighter than a conventional 300 fleece. It’s also less bulky. It has a high collar, thumb slits, hand pockets and a dropped back which makes it very comfortable, especially when wearing a rucksack.
The hand warmer pockets are nicely positioned and comfortable in general use, but do get partly covered if you’re wearing a rucksack hip belt. Another slight issue is that you cannot store things safely in the pockets as they don’t have zips.
The sizing of the jacket is perfect for me, and the medium is large enough to wear over a base layer and a micro fleece.
To get the best out of the Yeti fleece you’ll need to wear a windproof jacket over it. However, it could easily be too warm unless you’re out in extremely cold weather.
Possible negatives: there’s no chest pocket or zips on the hand warmer pockets.
Positives: High collar, comfortable and very warm.
EDZ Micro fleece jacket
The EDZ full zip micro fleece jacket is a 165gsm micro-fleece which has good thermal properties. It is ideal for an outer layer on cool summer days or as a low-bulk mid layer in colder conditions.
I like its full length zip so I can regulate my temperature while walking without having to remove my pack to take it off. The dropped back and flat seams make it very comfortable to wear with a rucksack.
EDZ also make this as a 1/4 zip top for a lighter weight option, but personally I prefer the full-zip version for better temperature control.
The EDZ full zip micro fleece jacket feels really soft, fits well and is sized correctly. There’s room for layers under it without being baggy.
Some people might like a chest pocket and zips on the pockets to secure items, which are missing on this fleece. However, in my opinion these additions would compromise the weight and comfort slightly. It’s the nicest full zip micro fleece I’ve worn.
Check the Amazon EDZ full zip micro-fleece price here.
Check the Amazon EDZ 1/4 zip micro-fleece price here.
Further reading
3 days wild camping in Cumbria testing EDZ clothing
Gear list for my 200 mile walk around Norfolk using EDZ clothing
My 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk gear list using EDZ clothing
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Disclosure: All the products reviewed were purchased by myself or donated to me by EDZ.co.uk with no obligation or financial incentive to promote EDZ. This is an honest independent review and just my opinion of the products. All information (including prices) on this blog are correct at the time of writing, to the best of my knowledge, but no one is perfect, so please check yourself before purchase. I do my best to not make mistakes but cannot be held responsible for incorrect information. If you do find any mistakes, please let me know so I can correct them for future readers. Many thanks.