HikingColumbiaFleece Midlayer

Columbia Sequoia Grove fleece review: a layer you’ll end up wearing more than you think

A well-priced, well-built fleece that’s as suited to hilltops as it is to pubs.

✓  Top PickColumbia Sequoia Grove Fleece Weight380 gFabricRecycled polyesterPrice£65 RRP The good✓  Full-length zip adds versatility
✓  Easy on the eye
✓  No precious washing regimen
✓  Smooth IDEAL zippers
✓  Deep fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets
✓  Tight, windproof snood-like neckline
✓  Made from recycled polyester
✓  Pill-resistant — holds up after repeated washes
The not-so-good✗  Cheaper alternatives available for basic use
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At a glance

Buy the Columbia Sequoia Grove on Amazon →

Overview

Columbia might not come with the same heritage-laced backstory as some of Britain’s mountain mainstays, but this Oregon-born brand has built a solid reputation for dependable, good-value outdoor kit. Since 1938, they have been making kit for hikers, skiers and all-round outdoorsy types, with a focus on functionality over flash. Their kit tends to be straightforward, reliable and fairly priced — which is exactly why we were keen to get hands-on with the Sequoia Grove fleece.

The Sequoia Grove fleece is one of Columbia’s more versatile midlayers, available in full zip and quarter zip versions. We have been testing the full zip, but both share the same recycled fabric, cosy feel and laid-back styling. Designed to be warm, comfortable and easy to wear whether you are on the trail or heading to the pub, it is the kind of layer that slips easily into everyday use. At 380 g (in medium), it is not the lightest fleece out there, but it still packs down neatly and offers plenty of warmth for breezy hill days. At time of writing, it is priced at £65, though you will often find it for closer to £45 direct from Columbia.

So where does it sit in the market? On the low end, you have options like Decathlon’s £9.99 MH100. While that fleece will absolutely do the job in basic conditions, it lacks the breathability, refined fit and durability that the Columbia offers. The Sequoia Grove feels better cut, better stitched, and is clearly built to last — making it a far more dependable option for regular outdoor use. At the other end of the spectrum, the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T is a cult classic, but it will set you back around £120 and — crucially — does not include a full-length zip or zipped hand pockets, both of which make the Sequoia Grove easier to use as an outer layer and more adaptable across changing weather. All in, the Sequoia Grove sits in a sweet spot — considerably more polished than true budget options, but without the inflated pricing of more fashion-led fleeces.

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How we tested

We had this fleece on test over several weeks, taking it out on chilly hikes across the South Downs, on long hill days in the Chilterns, and for two wild camping nights in nearby woodlands. We also wore it during a bitterly cold day in the Brecon Beacons, where it sat happily over a merino baselayer and under a Helly Hansen Everdown jacket as we made our way up the Fan y Big ridgeline. The mercury barely rose above 1°C and windchill made it feel even lower — but the Sequoia Grove held its own. From trail use to tent use and even the odd run-commute in between, we gave this fleece a proper run for its money.

Features and performance

Design and usability

The Sequoia Grove might look like a fairly straightforward fleece at first glance, but there is a lot of smart thinking built into it. Columbia have opted for IDEAL zippers over the more commonly seen YKK ones, and we have no complaints. The full-length front zip is smooth and reliable, even when wearing gloves — helped along by toggles that are easy to grab with cold or clumsy fingers. Having that full zip makes the fleece noticeably more versatile too: you can wear it like a jumper or throw it on like a jacket, depending on what the day throws at you.

The same zippers feature on the hip pockets, which are deeper and better built than you would typically expect at this price point. You can comfortably stash a phone, a power bank or a folded map in there. The fleece lining means they double up nicely as hand-warmers when the wind picks up, and the zip closures give peace of mind when you are moving fast.

That wind protection carries through to the neck, which features a raised collar lined with a smooth polyester panel on the outside. It is a snug fit, almost snood-like, and makes a noticeable difference on gusty ridgelines. We really appreciated this detail on days where the windchill was biting — it keeps warmth in and draughts out, without the need for an extra buff or neck gaiter.

Around the edges, stretchy wrist and hem cuffs sit comfortably against the skin without toggles or cinch cords — the material hugs just enough to stay in place, which makes pulling the fleece on and off mid-hike easier. When you are constantly layering up and down, that ease of use goes a long way.

“No pilling, no weird bobbling, no sagging around the seams. Just a fleece that kept bouncing back, no matter how hard we pushed it.”

Performance in the UK

Over our six-week test period, the Sequoia Grove proved itself to be far more durable than most midlayers in this price range. It handled wild camps, hill days and post-hike pub sessions without fuss, and came out of the washing machine — and even the tumble dryer — looking fresh every time. No pilling, no weird bobbling, no sagging around the seams. Just a fleece that kept bouncing back, no matter how hard we pushed it. It is also made entirely from recycled polyester, which is an encouraging step.

Across the South Downs, the Brecon Beacons and our local trails in the Chilterns, the Sequoia Grove handled British conditions with ease. It is not a deep-winter fleece — you will want something heavier for snowy days or Scottish winter scrambles — but for typical UK temperatures ranging from zero to eight degrees, it is spot on. It worked well as a midlayer on cold, wind-blown hillsides and also breathed well enough that we could keep it on during high-effort sections. It dried fast overnight in the tent and never once left us feeling clammy or cold.

Buy the Columbia Sequoia Grove on Amazon →

Our verdictA dependable, well-built fleece — and one of the best-value all-rounders we’ve come across.At £65 RRP — and often closer to £45 — the Columbia Sequoia Grove sits in that mid-range price point where expectations can be tricky. But it delivers. This is not a radical reimagining of the fleece midlayer, and it does not try to be. What you get instead is a dependable, well-built fleece with a handful of smart, user-friendly features that elevate it above the budget crowd: full-length zip, fleece-lined hand pockets and a wind-resistant collar that come together to make it genuinely useful in changeable, blustery British conditions.It kept us warm on cold wild camps, breathed well enough on fast-moving hill days, and dried quickly when damp. It layers well, packs down without fuss, and looks good enough to wear straight from the trail to the pub. If you are after a fleece that nails the balance between outdoor function and everyday wearability, this is one of the best-value options we have come across.Buy the Columbia Sequoia Grove on Amazon →

FAQs

How warm is the Columbia Sequoia Grove fleece midlayer?Warm enough for chilly UK hill days, but not overly insulated. Ideal as a midlayer in temps around 0–8°C, especially when worn over a baselayer. Not suited for extreme cold solo, but performs excellently under a shell or down jacket.

How breathable is the Columbia Sequoia Grove fleece midlayer?It punches above its weight for a standard polyester fleece. You will get away with wearing it during high-intensity walks and runs, especially in colder weather. If you need more airflow, unzip and vent.

Is the Columbia Sequoia Grove fleece midlayer worth the money?At £65 RRP — and regularly available for less — yes. Better built and better styled than true budget options, and still well-priced against premium alternatives. For anyone after one fleece to do it all, it is a top pick.