- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Park City Today
By the People, for the People
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Insulated Vest Review
Versatile vest combines warmth and breathability for endurance sports and casual wear
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Sam Winebaum reviews the Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Insulated Vest, which combines warm yet moisture-wicking chest and lower back panels with a lighter merino Cool Max back and underarms, and a windproof front and upper back. The vest has proven extremely versatile, providing wind resistance and warmth while also allowing moisture to be moved by air, preventing overheating across a wide range of conditions.
Why it matters
The Smartwool Active Fleece vest showcases how technical fabrics and thoughtful design can create a highly versatile garment suitable for both active outdoor pursuits and everyday casual wear. Its blend of insulation, wind protection, and breathability highlights the continued evolution of performance apparel that can meet the demands of modern lifestyles.
The details
The vest features a proprietary 50% recycled wool insulation, with a non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) and windproof front and upper back panels. The back and underarm panels use a lighter merino Cool Max blend for enhanced breathability. The four-way stretch fabric is strategically paneled for mobility, and the vest includes two secure external pockets with durable zippers. Reflective elements on the front and back provide visibility. The overall construction is highly modular, effectively combining warmth and moisture management.
- The article was published on February 16, 2026.
The players
Sam Winebaum
The editor and founder of RoadTrailRun, a 54-year-old runner with a decades-old 2:28 marathon PR who now runs halves in the just sub 1:43 range.
Smartwool
An American brand that produces performance apparel, including the Active Fleece Wind Insulated Vest reviewed in the article.
What they’re saying
“Combining warm yet at the same time moisture wicking chest and lower back panels with a lighter merino Cool Max back and underarms with a windproof front and upper back the Active has proven extremely versatile.”
— Sam Winebaum, Editor and Founder, RoadTrailRun (RoadTrailRun)
“It is wind resistant and warm yet at the same time its generous fit allows moisture to be moved by air. I have never overheated here with near perfect temperature regulation across a wide range of conditions”
— Sam Winebaum, Editor and Founder, RoadTrailRun (RoadTrailRun)
The takeaway
The Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Insulated Vest demonstrates how technical fabrics and thoughtful design can create a highly versatile garment suitable for both active outdoor pursuits and everyday casual wear, blending insulation, wind protection, and breathability to meet the demands of modern lifestyles.
