Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece Review | The Only Cosy Camp Fleece You’ll Need

Cosy fleece jumpers have become a staple item in many wardrobes, hanging alongside the ever-popular down jacket. Original fleece jackets were once only worn by outdoor adventurers, but now high-loft fleece jumpers like the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece are in high demand.

But do these comfy high-loft fleeces have a place in the outdoor world?

I think so! The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is a versatile, cosy and stylish high-loft fleece that surprisingly balances breathability and warmth perfectly. This is now my go-to fleece for winter adventures, casual walks around town and lazy days on the couch.

But of course, nothing is 100% perfect. In this honest review, I will provide information and share my unbiased thoughts on each aspect of the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece, highlighting my favourite features and those I hope to see improved in the future.

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My Honest Review Of The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece

Quick Info On The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece

Price: $145
Material: Main: 290 gsm recycled polyester fleece, Shoulders: 100% recycled nylon
Weight: 589g (size M women’s)
Pockets: Zippered chest pocket, dual zippered handwarmer pockets
Colours: Navy blue / maroon, olive, burnt orange / canyon red, camel / forest green
Sustainability: 100% Recycled materials
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Returns: 30-day returns policy
Activity: Camping / Everyday

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is a midweight, high-loft casual fleece pullover that is designed to keep you cosy and warm no matter what the weather brings. The high pile construction holds in warmth, while the shoulders are reinforced with recycled nylon to offer extra protection from light rain or snow.

While there is no denying that the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is heavy and bulky, even more so than other options like the Patagonia Retro Pile Marsupial Fleece, that’s a sacrifice I am more than happy to pay for unmatched warmth, durability and comfort on a wintry outdoor adventure.

Who Is The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece For?

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is the ultimate companion for casual winter walks, camping trips, and the odd winter hiking adventure when staying warm is more important than saving space and weight in your pack.

Warmth

Let’s start with the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece’s top attribute – warmth. While it isn’t a heavyweight fleece, the high loft design traps heat wonderfully and offers the same amount of warmth as my other mid-to-low loft heavyweight fleeces – maybe even more!

I was genuinely surprised by just how much warmth this midweight fleece offered. Beyond the soft and warm fleece, the reinforced nylon on the shoulders also seems to act as a sort of windbreaker, effectively shielding against cold winds.

Comfort

I don’t believe there is anything more comfortable than a high-loft fleece, and the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is no exception! Featuring a double-layered design, it boasts brushed fleece on the inside and high pile fuzzy fleece on the outside. This combination creates an incredibly soft feel against the skin from the inside out.

On top of being an incredibly soft garment, the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is designed as a slightly oversized fit. This ensures unrestricted movement, and personally, I find the looser fit increases comfort levels even further!

Size & Fit Of The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece

As I just mentioned, the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is a relaxed fit that is designed to be slightly oversized. I have an athletic build, weigh roughly 67 kg and am 168 cm tall. After consulting the size guide, I chose the medium and it is quite roomy. 

While I do love the oversized style, I would choose the small if I purchased another, as it would still offer a comfortably relaxed fit. Sizing down was also a common recommendation in the many reviews I’ve read for this fleece.

Weight

This is where the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece falls a little short. Weighing 589 g for a women’s medium, this is one of the heaviest midweight, high-pile fleeces on the market. There are some – like The North Face’s Denali Fleece Jacket – that weigh more, but most competing fleeces sit between 420 – 500 g.

While the weight is a concern for multi-day hikes, where every gram counts, I am more than happy to put up with a slightly heavier pack on overnight winter hikes for the exceptional warmth and comfort I’ll receive at camp.

Packability

As you may expect, the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece doesn’t pack down very small. It rolls down to about the size of two Nalgene bottles, which is similar to my TNF Kalix Down Hooded Jacket.

Again, this is a concern for multi-day treks. But not so much on winter overnight hikes, in my opinion. In summer, I will generally choose between packing my down jacket or my 1/4 Zip Fleece – and most often the fleece wins thanks to its superior comfort.

Breathability Of The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece offers a surprising amount of breathability despite its warmth. I think this is likely because it’s a midweight, rather than heavyweight fleece, which is more common for high-loft designs.

Of course, this doesn’t mean I’ll be hiking up mountains in this fleece, but it does breathe well enough for me to happily go for a casual winter walk without overheating.

The impressive breathability of the 1/4 Zip Fleece is another reason I often prefer it for overnight hikes in summer over my down jacket. Down jackets can sometimes be excessive on mild nights, but the 1/4 Zip Fleece, with its roomier fit and better breathability, is ideal for these occasions.

Weather Protection On The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece

As you may already know, fleece jackets are not waterproof and are certainly not windbreakers.

However, the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece does provide some protection from the elements, thanks to its durable recycled nylon fabric that reinforces the shoulders and chest. This feature allows you to withstand light snow or rain before needing to reach for your rain jacket. 

The downside to 1/4 Zip Fleece’s increased weather protection is the added weight. The additional nylon material is what sets the fleece’s weight above the competing jackets. But if you often find yourself in miserable weather – like we do – then you may also agree that this is a worthy trade-off.

Durability & Build Quality Of the 1/4 Zip Fleece

In general, fleece jackets are renowned for their durability, and the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is no exception. This resilient pullover fleece has already inspired confidence in me and can easily withstand the abuse of overgrown trails and foraging for firewood at camp.

Furthermore, the build quality of the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is impeccable. It’s obvious that Zorali takes great care in ensuring a high standard for their gear, which is noticeable in the stitching, the material and the finer details.

With that said, I have only owned the 1/4 Zip Fleece for a few months so I cannot thoroughly comment on the longevity and overall durability of this fleece just yet. However, you can rest assured that I will update this article as soon as I have more feedback in this regard.

Features

Pockets

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece features two zippered handwarmer pockets and a zippered chest pocket. The handwarmer pockets are conveniently large and can easily store several items safely.

However, the chest pocket is rather small. It doesn’t fit a phone and is only really suitable for small items like tissues or maybe lip balm.  I often store my phone in the chest pocket while wearing a backpack, as the hip pockets become obstructed. I would love to see this pocket’s size increased in the future to fit a phone.

Cuffs & Hem

The cuffs and hem of the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece feature an elastic trim that prevents the pullover from stretching or losing its shape. An elastic trim on the hem of fleece jackets is essential for me, as I find ones that don’t often flare out and look weird.

1/4 Zip & Collar

The quarter zip on this fleece extends to the base of my chest, making it easy to throw the jacket on without needing to take off a hat or beanie. The long zip also provides increased temperature regulation. This style of fleece is my favourite, as I find it cosier than a fully zippered option.

The collar of the 1/4 Zip Fleece is generously spacious, providing an unrestrictive feel when fully zipped. This is not always the case with collared jumpers, so I’m pleased that Zorali has designed it with enough room to comfortably wear it zipped up.

Weather Resistant Shoulders

The reinforced recycled nylon shoulders are a huge win in my opinion, offering increased weather protection for annoyingly light misty rain and snow so you don’t have to constantly reach for your rain jacket every time a menacing cloud rolls over.

However, as I mentioned above, this does increase the weight and size of the jacket, so if you don’t often find yourself in overcast conditions, then this may not be as beneficial for you.

Sustainability

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is made from 100% recycled materials, including the cuffs and hem! But this isn’t the only reason that this fleece gets our sustainability tick of approval.

Along with using recycled material and being an overall incredible Australian brand – Zorali has already become B-Corp Certified, Climate Neutral Certified, and partners of 1% For The Planet in their short 5 years of life – they also offer a lifetime warranty on all their gear.

This means that if you discover any defects in your fleece, they will repair or replace the garment. Even if you accidentally damage it, they’ll assist in fixing it, allowing you to keep enjoying your beloved fleece.

For more information about their sustainability efforts, click here.

Value

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is competitively priced at $145 AUD. Compared to the competition, this puts them comfortably at the more affordable end of the scale. For similar designs, Patagonia charges $330 AUD for their Classic Retro X Fleece and $220 for their lighter Retro Pile Marsupial Fleece – both of which don’t have reinforced shoulders.

The only brand that we’ve found that offers a cheaper price for a similar jacket is XTM with their Basecamp Fleece.

My Experience With The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece Midweight Fleece

Why I Chose The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece

I have been searching for a cosy high-loft fleece for quite some time. I wanted something with the durability and breathability needed for overnight winter hikes, yet stylish enough for casual wear.

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece met my requirements perfectly, with the added bonus of an affordable price tag! After reading countless reviews that all gushed about how incredible this fleece was, I was confident I wouldn’t be disappointed.

How It Performs

I couldn’t be happier with the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece. It’s far exceeded my expectations in warmth and breathability, and the oversized fit makes it oh-so cosy!

I have taken it on several overnight hikes in the Blue Mountains this spring and it has offered the perfect balance between warmth and breathability. I have yet to wear it during any hikes, but I will update this section after I get a chance next winter.

Where Do I Wear My Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece Jacket?

The Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece is my constant companion during chilly nights on the couch or by the campfire. The lightweight feel allows me to remain comfortable all day long and the impressive breathability offers the perfect warmth for those annoyingly humid but cold summer nights in the mountains.

Final Thoughts

From the moment I pulled the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece on, I knew I was going to love it. Not only is it incredibly soft, comfortable and cosy, but it’s stylish and versatile enough to wear on so many different occasions.

If you’re searching for a casual fleece jumper that can also double as a camp fleece, then you’ll love the Zorali 1/4 Zip Fleece! The only downside to this fleece is its heavy weight and bulky size, but if you spend loads of time adventuring in winter like we do, the sacrifice is well worth the reward!

I hope this review has helped you make your decision about the 1/4 Zip Fleece. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions, or if you also own this jacket, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Adventuring 🙂