I Found the Best Spring Skiing Layer, and It’s So Light I Forget I’m Wearing It

The Summit Series FutureFleece Hoodie is the Ultimate Lightweight Layer

If you’ve ever overheated in a midlayer when skiing on a spring day or shivered on the lift because you ditched one entirely, this one’s for you. The North Face Summit Series FutureFleece Full-Zip Hoodie is the spring skiing layer I didn’t know I needed—until I wore it every single day.

First Impressions: Featherweight but Functional

The first time I picked it up, I giggled. It’s so thin I figured there was no way it would keep me comfortable. But this thing is sneaky. The grid fleece traps heat just enough while staying ridiculously breathable, meaning it works perfectly under a shell when the air is crisp but won’t leave you drenched in sweat when you’re working hard. 

Performance: Made for Spring Laps

I threw it on for a bluebird ski tour, and it was perfect. Warm enough on the way up to keep a light breeze out, breathable enough to not feel swampy when I picked up the pace, and so light I barely noticed it under my shell. The under-helmet hood is a lifesaver for unexpected gusts, and it dries fast if you work up a sweat bootpacking.

The North Face FutureFleece also packs down to almost nothing, so when the temps really climb, you can stuff it in your pack without sacrificing space for snacks.

This zip isn’t just for skiing though. With the weather warming up, I’ve been taking the FutureFleece on jogs outside where it offers the perfect lightweight layer for cool mornings and warmer afternoons. It breathes, it stretches, and it’s the ideal companion for a snow-on-the-ground-but-oddly-warm run or post-workout cooldown.

Where It Falls Short

This isn’t a deep-winter fleece—it’s thin, minimalist, and designed for movement. If you’re expecting something thicker and a bit plush, grab a layer like the Patagonia R1 Thermal. Also, the pocket situation is pretty bare-bones—there’s only one chest pocket, so if you like stashing snacks or chapstick in your midlayer, you’ll have to get creative. Again, this is a streamlined piece. 

Final Verdict: Your New Spring Staple

At $280, it’s an investment, but if you’re serious about the outdoors (or just looking serious at the coffee shop), it’s worth every penny. The FutureFleece hoodie isn’t just a piece of gear—it’s a ticket to layering nirvana.

For spring skiing, touring, and even those early-season trail runs, the Summit Series FutureFleece is hard to beat. It’s so light, breathable, and effortless that it’s become my default grab-and-go layer. If you’re tired of midlayers that are too hot, too bulky, or just don’t hit that perfect balance, this one’s worth a spot in your spring kit.

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