Review: BAM 73 Zero Recycled Fleece Jacket

It needs to be just loose enough for vigorous activities – day hikes, scrambles, family walks – but also snug enough to not feel a draft when the wind picks up

I love a fleece, me, and there’s two kinds I usually go for: A thinner, machine washable and quick-drying breathable mid layer – not too thick, not too thin and lightweight so I can comfortably chuck on a shell or a thicker jacket over the top if really pushed, without feeling like I’m doing a Joey in Friends. It needs to be just loose enough for vigorous activities – day hikes, scrambles, family walks – but also snug enough to not feel a draft when the wind picks up. These might be full-zip but often they’re actually ¼ zip and or even just a pullover.

Then, I love a thicker, higher pile number that I can wear as a jacket for day-to-day stuff – town, pub, out-out, family time – but also, to be perfectly honest, as a bit of an adult comfort blanket. Just like gorging on comfort food and losing yourself in good music when the wild world out there gets a bit much, throwing on the fuzzy goodness of a deep pile shearling (ideally double-sided for extra lushness, natch) will see you through the stormiest of times. Especially if you don’t know what to wear. These ones should be a bit retro in look, longer cut and looser-fitting, allowing plenty of room underneath even for a denim jacket or shirt (did someone say ‘shacket?’ OK, yes over a shacket then).

I admit to being slightly puzzled by this one. It’s not really loose or thin enough to work as a mid-layer. If you have anything of smartphone size in the front pocket, movement becomes awkward and a bit constricting. It’s almost too closely fitting (I’m 6’2 and 85kg) to wear anything underneath other than a T-shirt.

It makes me think that this is less for serious adventure or exertion and more for smarter, outdoorsy city wear. Although the aesthetic, to be a bit brutal, is a little middle-of-the-road. It’s definitely warm though and not itchy in the slightest. It’s maybe a jacket for a dry day in early winter or late autumn, a cool day’s hiking, or to throw on in the absence of a packed puffer on a chilly morning post-camp.

It’s maybe a jacket for a dry day in early winter or late autumn, a cool day’s hiking, or to throw on in the absence of a packed puffer on a chilly morning post-camp

Brushed inner

Ironically the inner is the thing that comes to mind first for ‘stand out qualities’. It’s smooth and soothing and inviting in that sense, and of course adds warmth.

Chest panel with zipped pocket

For swipe cards or card wallets, keys or travel tickets, this is at useful height and possesses useful depth as long as you’re not dropping anything with too much bulk in there.