Most every outdoor lover has a fleece jacket, and with good reason. Synthetic fleece is warm, lightweight, fairly compact and supremely versatile. Plus, it dries quickly, retains some warmth even when wet, and is relatively inexpensive. You can opt for either a pullover style, which tends to cost and weigh less, or a zippered jacket, which offers you better ventilation capability. Or, for the milder seasons, a fleece vest may be all you need to keep your torso warm.
Fleece comes in a variety of thicknesses.
If you go with a windproof fleece, you may want to opt for armpit and full-length front zippers to gain the most ventilation possibilities. As the name implies, lined wind shells feature a water-repellent, windproof outer shell with a fuzzy synthetic lining that wicks sweat away from your body. Armpit zips are a smart feature for this type of jacket, because when you're wearing it you'll be working up a healthy sweat. Also look for roomy hand-warmer pockets and a hood. They pack up nicely, and the extra loft affords more warmth than a fleece jacket.