A waterproof shell keeps the weather out, but your midlayer does a lot of the work when it comes to keeping you comfortable.
Whether you’re hiking, tramping, travelling, walking in cold weather or layering up for a day in the mountains, a good midlayer helps regulate warmth, manage moisture and keep you moving without feeling bulky or restricted.
For 2026, the Marmot AirFleece collection brings a fresh approach to fleece layering, combining lightweight warmth, quick-drying breathability, stretch comfort and easy everyday versatility.
What Is A Midlayer?
A midlayer is the piece of clothing worn between your base layer and outer shell. Its main job is to provide warmth while still allowing moisture and excess heat to move away from your body.
On cool but dry days, your midlayer might be the outer layer you wear most. In wet, windy or alpine conditions, it sits underneath a rain jacket or shell to help trap warmth while your outer layer protects you from the elements.
A good midlayer should be:
- Warm without feeling heavy
- Breathable enough for active movement
- Comfortable under a jacket or pack
- Easy to layer over a base layer
- Versatile enough for outdoor and everyday use
Why Fleece Works So Well As A Midlayer
Fleece has long been a favourite for hiking, tramping and travel because it is warm, breathable and easy to wear.
Unlike a heavy insulated jacket, fleece is designed to keep you comfortable during movement. It provides warmth while still allowing airflow, making it ideal for active use in cool conditions.
That makes fleece especially useful for New Zealand and Australian adventures where conditions can shift quickly. You might start a walk in the cold, warm up on the climb, stop for a break in the wind, then layer a waterproof shell over the top when the weather changes.
Is Fleece Waterproof?
No - and it is not meant to be.
Fleece is designed to provide breathable warmth, not full weather protection. In cool, dry conditions, AirFleece can be worn on its own. When wind or rain arrives, layer it under a waterproof shell so the fleece can keep providing warmth while your outer layer protects you from the weather.
Think of fleece as your warmth and comfort layer, and your rain jacket as your weather protection layer. Together, they form a practical layering system for changeable conditions.
Meet AirFleece
The Marmot AirFleece collection is built for lightweight warmth, breathability and easy layering across changing conditions.
Made from 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece, AirFleece uses a unique checkerboard grid pattern to help balance warmth and airflow. The raised fleece structure helps trap heat, while the small channels between the grid allow excess warmth and moisture to move away from the body. The result is a midlayer that feels warm when conditions are cool, but breathable enough for active use.
That grid construction also helps reduce bulk, making AirFleece easy to layer under a waterproof shell, insulated jacket or pack straps without feeling restrictive. The athletic fit is designed to sit comfortably over a base layer and underneath outer layers, making it a practical option for hiking, tramping, travel and everyday outdoor use.
AirFleece is the kind of layer you can throw on for a cold morning walk, pack for a weekend hut trip, wear around camp or layer under a rain jacket when the forecast looks unsettled.
Shop: Airfleece Collection
How AirFleece Works
The key to AirFleece is its checkerboard grid fleece construction.
The raised fleece sections help hold warmth close to the body, while the channels between them create space for airflow. This helps reduce overheating when you are moving, climbing or carrying a pack, while still providing useful warmth when conditions are cool.
Because the fabric is lightweight, stretchy and quick-drying, it works especially well in a layering system. Wear it over a base layer for breathable warmth, then add a waterproof shell over the top when wind or rain arrives.
This makes AirFleece a practical choice for changeable conditions across New Zealand and Australia, where one day outdoors can shift from cold starts to warm climbs, exposed ridgelines and damp weather.
Why AirFleece Is In Our Pack
- Grid fleece construction balances warmth, airflow and low-bulk comfort.
- Lightweight warmth makes it easy to wear across changing conditions.
- Quick-drying breathability helps manage moisture during active use.
- Athletic fit layers comfortably under rain shells, insulated jackets and packs.
- Stretch comfort and flatlock seams allow easy movement without unnecessary bulk.
- Versatile styling makes it just as useful for travel and daily wear as it is on the trail.
Why This Matters In New Zealand And Australia
Our outdoor conditions can change quickly. A cool start can turn into a warm climb, followed by wind on the tops, a damp descent or a cold stop at the hut.
That is where a breathable grid fleece earns its place. AirFleece helps hold warmth when you need it, releases excess heat when you are moving, and layers easily under a shell when the weather shifts.
Whether you are walking local trails, heading away for a weekend tramp, travelling light or building a more versatile outdoor wardrobe, a good fleece midlayer is one of the most useful pieces you can own.
AirFleece Full-Zip Hoody
The AirFleece Full-Zip Hoody is the most casual and versatile option in the range. With a full-length zip and hood, it works well as a go-to layer for cool mornings, travel days, hut trips and everyday wear.
The low-profile hood adds extra warmth without feeling bulky and is designed to layer comfortably under a shell or helmet when conditions require it. Built-in thumbholes help keep the sleeves in place when layering under a rain jacket or insulated layer.
Choose the AirFleece Full-Zip Hoody if you:
- Want the most versatile everyday option
- Like the extra warmth and comfort of a hood
- Need an easy layer for travel, walking and casual outdoor use
- Prefer a fleece that works on and off the trail
- Want thumbholes and hood coverage for cooler conditions
Shop: Men's AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Hoody | Women's AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Hoody
AirFleece Full-Zip Jacket
The AirFleece Full-Zip Jacket is the classic midlayer option. Without the added bulk of a hood, it layers easily under rain shells and insulated jackets, making it a practical choice for hiking, tramping and travel.
The full zip makes it easy to regulate temperature as conditions change, while zippered pockets provide secure storage for small essentials on the move.
Choose the AirFleece Full-Zip Jacket if you:
- Want a clean, classic midlayer
- Prefer layering without a hood
- Need something that works well under a rain jacket
- Want one fleece for hiking, travel and everyday use
- Like the easy temperature control of a full zip
Shop: Men's AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Jacket | Women's AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Jacket
AirFleece Half-Zip
The AirFleece Half-Zip is the lightest and simplest style in the AirFleece range. It is ideal for people who want a streamlined layer for active use, especially when weight, packability and simplicity matter.
The half-zip design gives you enough ventilation for changing effort levels without the extra bulk of a full-length zip, making it a great option for hiking, walking and layering under outerwear.
Choose the AirFleece Half-Zip if you:
- Prefer a lighter, simpler midlayer
- Want an easy layer for active use
- Like a streamlined fit under jackets
- Need something packable for hiking or travel
- Want warmth without unnecessary extras
Shop: Men's AirFleece Performance Half-Zip | Women's AirFleece Performance Half-Zip
How To Layer AirFleece
For cool, dry conditions, wear AirFleece over a lightweight base layer or tee.
For wet or windy conditions, layer a waterproof shell over the top to help protect against rain and wind while the fleece provides breathable warmth underneath.
For colder conditions, AirFleece can also sit beneath an insulated jacket for extra warmth during breaks, camp evenings or cold-weather travel.
A simple layering system might look like:
- Base layer: manages moisture next to your skin
- AirFleece midlayer: adds breathable warmth
- Rain shell: protects from wind and wet weather
- Insulated jacket: adds warmth when you stop moving or conditions get colder
Which AirFleece Should You Choose?
Choose the Full-Zip Hoody if you want the most versatile everyday layer with the added comfort of a hood.
Choose the Full-Zip Jacket if you want a classic midlayer that layers easily under shells and jackets.
Choose the Half-Zip if you want a lighter, more streamlined option for active use and simple layering.
Caring For Your AirFleece
To help your AirFleece layer last longer, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and avoid fabric softener. Turning it inside out before washing can help reduce pilling, while low-heat tumble drying or air drying will help protect the fabric over time.
Always check the care label on your specific garment before washing.
Our Recommendation
If you are buying your first AirFleece layer, start by thinking about where you will wear it most.
For everyday wear, travel and casual outdoor use, the AirFleece Full-Zip Hoody is the easiest choice.
For hiking, tramping and layering under a rain jacket, the AirFleece Full-Zip Jacket is the most practical option.
For active days, lighter packing and simple warmth, the AirFleece Half-Zip is the one to reach for.
Whichever style you choose, AirFleece is designed to do what a good midlayer should: keep you warm, comfortable and ready to adapt when conditions change.
