I have to admit, I'd never heard of a waterproof fleece before reviewing this offering from Keela and have delighted in telling anyone who will listen about it ever since.
To all intents and purposes it's a fleece like any other; warm, cosy, comforting and did we mention warm? In fact, it's a touch warmer than your average fleece, akin to say a 300 weight. I'm not usually a fan of heavy fleece, it tends to make me boil up and sweat whatever the weather, but the Genesis seems to deal with moisture well, which is a big surprise considering the waterproof membrane. This could, in part be down to the fairly generous fit which allows plenty of room for movement when you're hiking but is still close enough to be thermally efficient.
If you try hard you can just about feel and hear the waterproof membrane sandwiched between the fleecy outer and inner of the jacket but it's in no way intrusive, thus retaining the great fleece qualities of being quiet on the move. And when you stop the jacket does a great job of retaining heat, it really is a lovely, warm coat.
In terms of added pzazz there isn't a great deal but you do get two useful hand pockets which are a good size and zipped, with additional storm flaps to stop the rain getting in. The main zip isn't water resistant and is missing a storm flap so clearly this is an obvious point of entry for rain, but it will only ever be a gradual seep. If you're wondering then what the point of the Genesis waterproof fleece jacket is, you need to see it not as your main rain jacket for foul weather, but a dependable friend that protects you from all but the worst downpours. It's a sight more comfortable to wear and far more everyday friendly than many other garish hiking and walking jackets and as such it hasn't left my back since Keela kindly sent it to us.
An absolute stand-out favourite bit of outdoor kit for the autumn and winter.
