Craghoppers Corey Half Zip

A cosy three-season sweater which is durable, comfortable...but not really "technical" in the outdoor activity sense. High quality material and manufacture, minimalist design, which has its own appeal.

Microfleece is one of the most useful weaves of this ubiquitous material. It resists pilling and abrasion much more effectively than looser, heavier fabrics. This means it is quite warm for its weight, but doesn't allow perspiration to evaporate as well as some competitor fabrics.

I own a number of these garments, because they are tough, cheap to buy, and effective at increasing and retaining warmth. They have replaced heavier, bulkier and more delicate layers and are best deployed in low-intensity, active outdoor situations. They will take  a great deal of punishment before losing shape and I have never managed to break one of the half-zips.

There are no pockets to warm your hands or carry your gloves. The only adjustment is the neck zip. A modern sweater—more at home in the car, in a Scottish bothy, by a trout stream, or next to a campfire, than as a mid layer, during strenuous activity. A great change of clothing for that essential evening pub visit during a bike tour, but you probably wouldn't wear it on the bike. Keeps off the evening chill as you're collecting firewood, but sometimes, you'll wish it was a softshell. Fine, for a leisurely spring belay—not so much, if you're leading something quick and easy.

If I'm walking the dog, the breathability of my mid layer isn't a concern. If I'm running...well, I wouldn't run in a fleece. This is a well designed and constructed warm layer. It's intentionally simple and minimal (the lack of a pocket can be irritating), which is really part of its charm. The small outlay (£15, last week) will lead to a long term relationship, unless  a relative "borrows" it, loses it, or uses it to offer a tow to their partner on an alpine bike tour...even good fabrics have their limits.  

Corey microfleeces are still inexpensive and refuse to wear out. Like many similar products, they aren't best suited to high intensity effort but have a place in many folks' wardrobes: just don't ask them to do things they aren't intended for.

Background

I have owned five Corey fleeces, over maybe fifteen years. I must like them...just not on the hill, on the bike, on the water...