Bottom Line
The Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Fleece Pullover (men’s / women’s) is the ultimate light and breathable midlayer. It features alternating bands of fuzzy polyester and airy, open weave for the perfect combination of warmth and breathability when working up a sweat. We love how easy it is to layer this thin fleece under a windbreaker or rain jacket to suit various conditions. And it’s ultralight, weighing in at just 4.9 oz, so it’s excellent for backpacking. For those looking for a warm, comfortable, and featherlight fleece, this Eddie Bauer model is a slam dunk.
We tested this fleece hiking along the Poudre River in northern Colorado as well as along Cameron Pass in the Rocky Mountains. It worked great as an active layer, or part of a layering system if temps dropped or winds kicked up. It’s an ideal trail running piece as the ultralight Fleece Hoodie is part of Eddie Bauer’s Super Sevens 3-Piece set, which includes the Super Sevens Rain Jacket and Super Sevens Wind Jacket. The combined set of all three weighs just above 16 ounces, which is impressive for a full-layer system.
Of the three, the fleece is the most practical as it provides the most warmth while remaining breathable. Eddie Bauer built this fleece with longer-distance backpacking and multi-day climbing trips in mind. At the same time, since it does so well for those activities, it is versatile enough for almost any outdoor activity or adventure. Check out our guide to the best fleeces for more of our favorites.
Quick Specs
Eddie Bauer Super Sevens
Best Minimalist Fleece
CleverHiker Rating:
72
Price:
$99
Measured Weight:
4.9 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Ultralight
Pros
- Very ultralight
- Highly breathable
- Quick-drying
- Easy to layer
- Comfortable
- Hoodie Design
Cons
- Not as warm as some
- Not as durable as some
- No zipper / pull-on only
Warmth
As its design intended, the Super Sevens Fleece Pullover is not warm on its own. The fabric is so thin it is transparent. If you get really cold, you will want to wear something under this fleece and not rely on it as an emergency layer. However, it is an ideal layer to have during high-intensity hiking.
If it is below 50 degrees and you are not moving, the fleece isn’t protecting you from the cold/wind or retaining your heat. The wind goes straight through this fleece, so if you are going to be above tree line or in a windy environment, you will need another layer to deflect the wind.
Comfort
The Super Sevens Fleece Pullover is quite comfortable on trail and off. The comfort is thanks to the soft PrimaLoft fabric that is easy on the skin. In addition, the pullover fits well and clings loosely to the body. It does have a tendency to bunch up when you add a second layer. Because it was designed to be part of the Sevens 3-piece set, it may be ideal with those counterparts.
Durability
One of the major drawbacks of the Super Sevens Fleece Pullover is its durability. We don’t anticipate this lasting for more than a season or two. In testing, we could hear the fabric sound like it was tearing apart just by pulling it over our heads. That being said, after several trail hikes, the fleece is still in good shape. There are no tears or holes in it.
But the fabric is so thin that we fear it won’t take much to tear or fray. Adding a layer such as a rain or wind jacket will help protect this fleece. It does have abrasion-resistant elbow patches for added durability. If you’re experienced with taking care of ultralight gear, this piece won’t be hard to make last.
Weight
At less than 5 ounces, this is where the Sevens fleece really excels. It is the best lightweight option on our list due to its thin construction and lightweight PrimaLoft material. It has a hood and a kangaroo pocket, which is impressive for such a lightweight jacket. You will lose some warmth and durability with this fleece, but the upside is it is very lightweight and packable.
Features
There are not a lot of features on this fleece to keep it lightweight and packable. The hood is the big one, which is nice because it can cover your mouth and face as well when it is up—great for cold mornings on the trail. You can also stuff the hoodie into the large kangaroo pocket, making it easy to pack.
It compresses down to the size of a softball. It also has thumb holes in the sleeves to keep it in place while layering other jackets.
Should You Buy The Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Pullover?
We recommend the Super Sevens Fleece Pullover for a high-intensity outing or as a breathable layer. This is a perfect fleece if you run warm or like to always have a light, warm layer in your pack, even in the summer.
It works great so long as you are moving on the trail or wearing it in moderate climates. It’s also an ideal layer for backpacking or ultralight hikers. If you need a really warm fleece, then this would not be the best option.
What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?
Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie Review: This is a similar design but with a zipper and two hand pockets. Like the Super Sevens Fleece, the Arc’Teryx hoodie has a hood and is thinner for layering or warmer hikes.
REI Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Review: Like the Super Sevens Fleece Pullover, the REI Flash is a thinner, stretchy fleece for high-intensity workouts. It also has a hood but is a zip-up as opposed to a pullover. Both are lightweight and pack down easily.
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Review: The Patagonia R1 Air is great for active people looking for a jacket with a good balance of warmth and low weight. It’s similar to the Super Sevens in its look, feel, and lightweight pattern.
