My product is somewhat newly arrived but heavily used in multiple environments since I've received it. What I was looking for was a super lightweight fleece to act as a midlayer over wool baselayers and to be layered under a vest and a lightweight jacket. Most of the fleece I've ever owned, and what I find to be the most available, has been mid-to-heavyweight jackets and pullovers. While those have their place, I find I usually hate the added bulk and much prefer the versatility of working with light layers. Plus, as someone new to backpacking and as a commuter cyclist and everyday outdoor explorer, I'm happy to save weight wherever I can, and my Columbia Benton Fleece is not what I'd qualify as compressible. When I have the luxury of having a budget to work with for acquiring gear, it's always tight, so I value quality for money spent.

This fleece is super thin and lightweight, probably amongst the lightest quality fleece I've found, it kept me cozy on a cool 55 degree day, and it kept me warm, over a baselayer and under a fleece vest with a hat, into a 30 degree night. The shirt runs big- I ordered it in a medium and had to return it for a small. I think my measurements are 37 29 38, and I typically wear tops in a medium. The small is form fitting but loose enough to give me plenty of range of motion and air movement for sweat evaporation, and it'll still be cozy when I gain some winter pounds. I've warn it several days in a row without washing, and it's so far holding shape pretty great too.

I love Columbia clothing. I get quality gear at a great price, and Amazon's got the best prices I've found. I'm really excited about taking this fleece with me into fall and winter jogs and hikes, and it'll be a great packable layer for summer backpacking.

I'll report back on how it holds up over time, but I have high hopes. :)