Every big brand has a range of fleeces. But in this review of EDZ Yeti Fleece I found a warm and comfy British pile jacket from a brand that you may not have heard of, but are well worth finding out about.
Introducing EDZ
While we like to cover the latest travel tech and outdoor gear from well know providers, we are always on the lookout for new brands. The less well-known manufacturers, new companies with an innovation and anything eco-friendly tends to get us excited
Being from the UK, we are also keen to get involved with other British companies such as EDZ. They are based in the Lake District and have specialised in high-end merino wear since 1995. As well as layers and jackets they have a large range of merino accessories – take a look: www.edzlayering.com
Fleece 101/ Choosing a fleece
For years fleece has been the layer of choice for insulation. Before that it was woolly jumpers – as sported by bearded polar explorers. Fast-forward to today and you’ve all manner of choices for insulation, including ultralight water resistant hydrophobic down and highly versatile softshell layers.
Cheap fleeces are rubbish. Fact. Everyone makes them and they are generally a poor choice unless your budget is very small. If you’re looking for a fleece that works as a thick midlayer and as an outer-layer you need to splash a bit of cash. For example, top of the range fleeces by big brands often cost well over £100.
Despite the technical midlayer revolution, fleece is still the garment of choice for many outdoors people. As a material it works well as a midlayer on cold days, or an outer layer on warmer days. In this review the EDZ Yeti Fleece we can quickly reveal what it’s good for – and what it’s not…
Warm and comfy British pile jacket
Fleeces often come with a warmth rating or 100, 200 or 300 g/m². Although the EDZ Yeti does not have a rating, to me it feels very much like a 300. Making it good as a midlayer in cold conditions, or as an outer layer in good but chilly weather. And thanks to its cut it sits best on top.
This warm and comfy British pile jacket is an animal of a fleece, looking like something a beast would wear! This style of double sided pile fleece are commonly known as pile jackets. It’s a style that is loved primarily for one thing: comfort.
The double layer pile of the EDZ Yeti should double the amount of air trapped as insulation, making for a warm and comfy British pile jacket. I can testify its warmth – sandwiched between a merino base layer and a Gore-Tex jacket this beast kept me toasty in howling winds.
Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, the colour choices are limited to just three – my favourite being Denim Blue. Here’s something I feel EDZ could improve on, as the Port Royale looks dated and the black… well, it’s black!
Review of EDZ Yeti Fleece
There are a few useful details included in the design. I like the well constructed elasticated waist, neckline and cuffs. However, I’m not convinced the interior cargo pockets are that useful and were perhaps an afterthought.
On the downside the two outer pockets don’t inspire much confidence, particularly as I found this jacket was mainly used as an outer layer. They are designed primarily for keeping hands warm – which they do well – however thanks to their large openings and design they’re not ideal for putting things in.
This review of EDZ Yeti Fleece would not be complete without talking about comfort and fit, as this is where it really excels. It is an incredibly comfortable fleece that became a go to item in my wardrobe and certainly lives up to it’s billing as a warm and comfy British pile jacket.
When to wear this British pile jacket
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the first question on your minds is likely to be, “what’s it for?”. The EDZ Yeti reviewed here is fine for a day’s casual walking, tucked into your day sack it will take up quite a bit of space, but is perfect if the temperature drops, you are taking a long break or once you finish.
It’s certainly not for alpinists or skiers, as it is too bulky. Technically it is a little limited, because it’s less breathable than many other mid-layer options on the market. So the Yeti does not suit intense activities or anything too sweaty.
As it is a ‘naked’ pile (modern down layers are sometimes topped with Pertex) for me, it’s more of a ‘cabin fleece’. So it’s best suited for throwing on after a session in the sea, sat around the campsite, or as a comfort layer: warm, comfortable and endearing.
Review of EDZ Yeti Fleece: Conclusion
The fleece itself is superb in terms of comfort and warmth. It’s been a while since I’ve become so quickly attached to a jacket, and the EDZ Yeti reminds me very much of my venerable Helly Hansen fibre pile.
This comfort factor goes a long way to offset the pocket design failings. And considering the reasonable price of £60, it’s a compromise many people will be happy to make. Essentially it’s good value for a thick fleece and it does a great job at keeping you toasty warm.
To conclude this review of EDZ Yeti Fleece. while more technical midlayers have replaced pile jackets on the trail, there’s still a place for designs such as the Yeti. If you are hanging out before of after an activity, sat around camping, or just a bit chilly in front of the TV, the Yeti is a warm and comfy British pile jacket that does a good job.
We hope you found this review of EDZ Yeti Fleece useful. If you are looking to buy this warm and comfy British pile jacket it’s RRP is £60 and you can do so here: www.edzlayering.com/yeti-fleece/
