Back in 2022, Joan and I started using our Squak microgrid hoodies. For active cold weather hiking in non-maintained trail conditions, they’ve become a “go-to” layer for us.
The trusty 100-wt fleece continues as an all-purpose, “beater” layer always stashed in my day pack or “go bag” for camping and still reigns as the ultimate price-to-performance ratio champ.
But for fuzzy, warm, and comfy, the Melly-style fleece still has its adherents.
Joan bought a Melly waaaaay back in 2012 before it became a #vanlife staple.
The Melly is bulkier than other grid fleeces not as breathable, but (again) the warmth and coziness make it a favorite piece vs. something suited for more active use.
However, they are hard to get. And expensive on the resale market.
Joan, wanting to replace her Melly for colder weather and static warmth, purchased a similar fleece from LightHeart Gear (LHG).
This company specializes in Made in the USA gear, is woman-owned, and much of the clothing is designed by women for women in a variety of sizes. Joan owns a few pieces of gear from LHG that she likes quite a bit.
With all these facets in mind, she picked up an LHG microgrid fleece in late 2022 to replace her beloved, if very worn, Melly to fit a similar niche. She liked it so much that we mentioned the piece “Gear We Liked for 2023.”
But let’s take a deeper look after owning one since late 2022.
The boring specs from the LHG website –
100% polyester microgrid fleece.
Turtle neck hood with shock cord adjustment.
Dropped hem in front and back.
Large kangaroo pocket.
Cuffs with thumb holes.
Tapered at the waist.
Made in North Carolina, U.S.A.
10 oz. for a Women’s Medium
Joan’s real-world impressions –
- She loves the longer arms that fit well with her taller, longer-limbed frame.
- It’s warmer than the Squak but less breathable. It fits a niche for camp use and traveling, and as Joan runs colder than me, it is more for deeper winter use when active.
- It has a less athletic cut than the Squak but is more comfortable.
- Readily available in many different color combinations
Joan is also sporting her favorite boiled-wool mittens.
Overall? Joan loves her LHG fleece as a cozy and comfy layer that’s warm and works well for the occasional deeper winter conditions, too.
And now my view…
I, too, procured a men’s version of this fleece (in matching green with Joan, much to her delight!)
I prefer my Squak for active cold-weather use as it breathes better and has a more athletic cut, but I can not deny the comfort of my LHG fleece.
It is indeed cozy, and much like a beater fleece I wear around the house, the LHG fleece hoodie has become a favorite layer for my many nights in our outdoor home extension.
I often pair it with my corporate schwag puffy for a warm, durable, comfy, and practical camping/traveling layer.
It is a piece of clothing I don’t think about too often, but I wear it multiple weekends a year.
I never wear it for active hiking, but I wear it to and from many trips and in camp.
We had over 90 bag nights last year, so that’s many times drinking beer, watching sunsets, and cooking up food in a remote car camp.
And that makes a fine endorsement for any piece of outdoor clothing.
Disclosure – We paid for these clothing pieces with our funds.