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This Ultra-Cozy Fleece Jacket Includes a Feature I’ve Never Seen Before

Equal parts cozy, comfortable and utilitarian, this fleece packs a serious functional punch you won’t see coming.

Two people wearing fleece jackets, one in light blue and the other in beige, shown from the back against a brown background.Janji
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By Hayley Helms

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Ubiquitous as it might appear today, the fleece jacket was only invented 45 years ago. Malden Mills (now Polartec) developed modern synthetic fleece in 1979 and collaborated with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard to commercially launch it in 1981 as Polar Fleece.

Since then, the fleece has been iterated on and innovated in countless ways. I thought I’d seen it all, until I found this cozy new option from Janji.

Person in a blue fleece jacket pouring water from a black collapsible water bottle outdoors.
The oversized fit of the Runaround Fleece is perfect for run crews on standby.
Janji

The running apparel brand’s new relaxed-fit fleece, perfect for pre- and post-runs and race crews on standby, features a surprising technical feature I didn’t expect.

Semi-secret storage

The Janji Unisex Runaround Fleece Half-Zip features a generous fit, ultra-soft material and smart pocketing, including the unexpected addition of a large center back zip pocket, designed to accommodate gloves, beanies, headlamps and other mid-sized items.

Two fleece jackets, one bright blue and one light brown, shown from the back on people against a rust-colored background.
The idea of a center back pocket isn’t novel, but it is surprising on a lifestyle-oriented piece like this one.
Janji

The idea of a back pocket isn’t novel. Plenty of technical pieces have them, from cycling jerseys to running vests and lots of apparel in-between.

Close-up of a fleece jacket with a wavy brown and cream abstract pattern.
The center back pocket is particularly incognito on the “Salmon Run” colorway.
Janji

What makes this pocket interesting is that it appears on what is very much a lifestyle piece, and gives the Runaround Fleece Half-Zip tons of technical cred.

Beige and brown quarter-zip fleece pullover with chest pocket and Janji logo worn by a person.
The unisex sizing follows Janji’s standard men’s fit, so keep that in mind when ordering.
Janji

The super-cozy 100 percent 250gsm recycled poly on this fleece belies its various functional features: reinforced shoulders with abrasion-resistant woven paneling, a secure zip chest pocket with inset mesh pocket and Nite-Ize S-biner key clip, an adjustable bungee hem and built-in wind resistance.

Availability and pricing

The Janji Runaround Fleece Half-Zip comes in three colorways: “Salmon Run,” “Silt” and “Wild Blueberry.” Keep in mind that since this style is unisex, it follows Janji’s standard men’s fit for easy layering.

The Runaround Fleece Half-Zip is available now on Janji’s official website in the “Silt” and “Wild Blueberry” colorways, while “Salmon Run” is an exclusive for Janji Collective members only. Each version retails for $148.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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