Mountain Leader Kirsty Pallas tests the non-technical but comfy Bam 73 Zero Full Zip Through Fleece.
This Bam 73 Zero Full Zip fleece is a compromise between style and function – it isn’t the most technical offering in the test, but it does look great!
Kirsty Pallas’ verdict
If you want something that looks good but you can still do some activity in, then it’s a good hybrid.- warmth
- soft feel
- weight
- bulk
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $155 / £95 (available from BAM) Weight: 680g (XS) Fill: 100% recycled polyester Hood: no Shell: n/a Pockets: 2 zipped hand pockets Hem: simple Cuffs: elasticated Sizes: XS – L Men’s version: no bambooclothing.co.uk |
It’s a borg fleece, meaning there’s a pile outer and smooth, soft lining on the inside. The fleece is made from 100% recycled polyester, but Bam has also guaranteed that it can be recycled at the end of its life with their 73 Zero take back scheme.
It’s cosy to wear and very warm but it has more bulk and weight to go with it. Being such a chunky single layer, it’s not always easy to moderate your body heat, but the double ended zip does help a little.
As a fleece it’s not properly windproof, but it’s thickness does provide an element of protection from the wind. The fit is purposefully oversized which means it will fit over any baselayer, and sometimes several layers. I managed to wear a light belay jacket under this fleece, to give some extra warmth and windproofing.
The sleeves are also oversized, which does mean it’s hard to fit layers over it, like a waterproof jacket – so it’s been a good weather only layer for me. Elasticated cuffs keep the sleeves in place and cinch them in so you can still easily use your hands.
There are two non-zipped hand pockets – these are a generous size so I’ve not found that I’ve lost anything out of them. While there isn’t a hood, the neck is high and quite tight, so you can make it cosy and keep the drafts at bay.
This isn’t your typical hillwalking fleece, and it’s not the right garment if you’re looking for something technical, but if you want something that looks good but you can still do some activity in, then it’s a good hybrid.
Testing conditions
Kirsty is a women’s size 8-10 and a regular build. These midlayers were tested throughout winter 2023/24 in the Scottish Highlands while climbing, mountaineering, hillwalking, and biking, and in a range of weather. All weights taken from Kirsty’s own scales.
To compare this midlayer with others we rate, see our guide to the best fleece jackets and midlayers.
