1. PRANA SHERPA CREW
The brushed, natural-feeling texture of the Sherpa—achieved via a new way of twisting the yarns—had friends doing a double take when I told them it was a fleece. Thanks to the sweaterlike style and traditional midlayer performance, you can pull it on whether you're cruising shop windows or blue runs. Caution: The thin acrylic-and-polyester blend and loose knit make the Sherpa less insulating than the other tops, and wind goes right through it, so be sure to pack a shell for mountain duty. $55; www.prana.com

2. PATAGONIA R1.5
The latest in smart fabrics? Patagonia's BioMap technology, which matches insulation and breathability to specific body areas. Such zoning comes to fleece in the R1.5, with dense material covering the kidneys and core, to keep those vital spots warm, and a high-ventilation grid overlaying sweat-prone places under the arms, on the back, and down the sides. Impressively, the mix-and-match fabric is created without a maze of seams. Bummer: It's hard to push up the sleeves of the otherwise stretchy top, and the gridwork at the wrists pills easily. $140; www.patagonia.com

3. CLOUDVEIL GRIDLOCK
With its textured finish and kick-back styling—it's cut a bit large, more woodsman than alpinist—the Gridlock doesn't even look like it belongs with typical outdoor fleeces. Which is precisely the point. But a cinch hem, high collar, and velourlike Polartec Thermal Pro interior give you everything you'll need to head for the hills. The jacket's untreated exterior absorbs rain more readily than some of the other models, but in the realm of go-everywhere garments, this is one of the few that can smoothly transfer from couloir to café to cubicle. $155; www.cloudveil.com