Written by Luke Care

To complete the layering system, I tried the stretch fleece half-zip top. The cut is comfortable and very tidy; probably acceptable in a multitude of environments. The warmth was incredible - over the roar I continually underestimated how warm it was and found myself sweating on the first hill of the day. Weighing 317 grams in size L, this top had a pretty good warmth-to-weight ratio. 

A chest pocket would have been infinitely more useful than the shoulder pocket but Marmot sells clothing to a range of users, so perhaps it's a good place for things like car keys for town runners. 

The fabric proved to be incredibly sturdy - but get your sizing right - be generous if you're slightly heavier built like me. The fabric did a good job of guarding my forearms though as I bashed through tight leatherwood and other iron-like alpine scrubs that would have torn polyprop tops to shreds. This top is extremely durable and warm, at the cost of a bit of breathability and stretch. All in all, an excellent deep winter insulating layer, and coupled with the down jacket, you could almost tackle Antarctica.