The most versatile of mid-layers

You’ll never regret making pack space for a good 1/4-zip fleece pullover. Hitting somewhere between a sweater and a jacket, it’s great as a stand-alone outer layer on a chilly summer evening, or you can stack it under a heavier shell in colder weather. This Micro-D pullover from Patagonia is pleasingly lightweight, with a quick-drying recycled polyester microfleece that’s very warm for the weight. Set-in sleeves avoid seam chafing, and the hip-length cut gives you a bit of extra coverage – particularly if you’re wearing a climbing harness or backpack waist belt.