Product

Helly Hansen Early Bird fleece hoodie

Promise

An ideal fleece jacket to keep off the chill during early morning workouts.

Performance

This 100g Polartec Classic Micro Fleece feels almost weightless, combining all the classic comfort of a hoodie with the warmth and softness of fleece.

Weighing in at a smidgeon over 400g for a large, the full-length zip makes for easy cooling and removal while the drawstring hood gives you an extra barrier from surprise spring frosts. The cuffs and hem are standard elasticated cotton, holding the cut and shape nicely – but they’ll always be the last areas to dry after a wash (or an outdoor soaking).

Most surprising was the size and weight of the package this jumper arrived in: with so little packed bulk it becomes an ideal part of your layers, whether you’re simply stuffing it in your gym bag after a cool spring morning or heading further afield.

Verdict

We love the comfort and style of the Early Bird fleece. It’s a superb technical layer disguised as an every day casual hoodie. Zipped front pockets keep your wallet and keys safe and flat-locked luminous stitching gives it some personality as well as visibility during twilight. Rarely has fleece been fashionably acceptable on the high street until now.