This Highly Advanced Active Fleece Was Developed Explicitly for U.S. Special Forces

An alternative to wool, synthetic fleece has been around since the 1970s. However, it truly became a part of our collective consciousness in the 1990s and 2000s, when major brands like Gap and Old Navy began promoting it.

While the catchy advertisements have waned, the fabric itself has remained a steady presence in both the fashion and outdoor worlds ever since, supported by brands like Patagonia and The North Face.

It has even been used beyond consumer goods categories, making its way into the military. In fact, Proof’s new ShadowFleece garments were explicitly designed for U.S. Special Forces.

Proof

Golden fleece

The Proof ShadowFleece comes in two versions: a hoodie and a quarter-zip. Apart from their collar styles, they are otherwise constructed the same, including their long sleeves.

They are also both offered in the same two colorway options: Olive and Silver, the former being a dark brownish green and the latter a light gray.

Because of their construction, they’re remarkably lightweight and compact. That makes them ideal as a midlayer for cool-weather wear, as in early spring and late fall.

Proof

However, they’re also incredibly packable, making them ideal for travel and adventure. You can wear them under a heavier jacket on colder days or just go with a t-shirt underneath when it’s not quite so frigid.

And they’re so stretchy and packable that, if you get a bit too warm, it’s easy to pull them off and stash them in a pack or even a jacket pocket.

Proof

Alpha engineering

Lightweight packability alone does not make a fleece particularly special, even if it is a bit outside the norm. But fret not; this fleece has some extremely brag-worthy elements to its construction — specifically, in its fabric.

The ShadowFleece is crafted from Polartec’s Alpha fabric, which Huckberry calls “the most advanced active fleece on the market.” But here’s the thing: they’re not just blowing smoke. The U.S Special Forces backs up this claim:

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“Polartec Alpha fabric earned the highest test results ever recorded by the Special Operations Forces evaluation team, outperforming every insulation for breathability, durability, and quick-drying power.”

It might seem hard to believe, but this garment boasts exceptional breathability and warmth retention, working in tandem to maintain airflow when you move and lock down heat when you need it.

It’s also crazy soft, fights off odors, is water-resistant, quick-drying and more. It might just be the ultimate midlayer.

Proof

Available now

The Proof ShadowFleece Hoodie and Proof ShadowFleece Quarter Zip are both now available on Huckberry for $148 apiece in Olive and Silver colorways.

Proof

Proof ShadowFleece Hoodie

• $148 at Proof

Proof

Proof ShadowFleece Quarter Zip

• $148 at Proof

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