Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Quarter Zip Review
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Durability
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Category
Technical
Weight
10.3 oz.
Fabric(s)
94% polyester, 6% elastane
Styles
Full-zip, half-zip, quarter-zip, pullover
Pros
Cons
Outdoor Research Vigor Grid
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Fleece Jackets.
The Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is a lightweight, active-focused fleece that shines in moderate conditions but isn’t built for true cold. Compared to grid fleece alternatives like the Patagonia R1 Air, it’s a bit thinner and less insulating, though that also makes it more versatile for shoulder-season adventures and high-output movement. In my testing—including a sunset hike on Maui’s Haleakalā and snowshoeing in Washington’s Mt. Baker Wilderness—it worked well as a midlayer in temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees. At times when I was working especially hard on the climb, shedding the outer layer left just enough warmth when paired with a thin wool tee.
This level of warmth puts the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip in close proximity to popular lightweight fleece jackets, including Patagonia’s legendary R1, REI’s Flash Hyperstretch, and The North Face’s Futurefleece. But it lags behind the Patagonia R1 Air, which is thicker and better at trapping heat while retaining good breathability. This is not your fireside fleece or around-town insulator—it's for those who are on the move and need just enough warmth to stay comfortable without overheating.
The Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is the kind of fleece you can wear all day without thinking about it. Its thin, stretchy fabric has 6% spandex and moves easily with your body, offering zero resistance whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or scrambling uphill. The inner waffle grid pattern is soft against the skin and manages moisture well, while the overall feel is more like a thick base layer than a bulky midlayer. It’s equally at home under a pack or layered beneath a shell, and the low-bulk build never gets in the way.
Compared to similar active fleece jackets, the Vigor Grid is just a notch below the plush coziness of the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid and Patagonia’s R1 Air (to be fair, we’re splitting hairs, and they’re all quite comfy). Thicker lifestyle pieces like the Better Sweater and Synchilla are warmer and cozier at rest, but they can’t match the range of motion or versatility. All told, this fleece feels great next to skin and is easy to forget you're wearing—which is exactly what you want in an active layer.
The Vigor Grid’s standout trait is its excellent breathability. The thin fleece construction and open grid pattern excel at releasing excess heat and moisture while still offering light warmth. During a spring snowshoe in the North Cascades with shifting weather—from warm sun to wind and snow—the Vigor Grid kept my temperature well-regulated. I never felt the need to remove it, and it was easy to add a shell when the wind picked up. It’s a midlayer that adapts well without becoming swampy or clammy under pressure.
Among breathable fleeces, the Vigor Grid competes closely with Patagonia’s R1 Air and the standard R1. Among the three, the Vigor Grid is the thinnest, tipping the scales more toward breathability and active versatility (at the sacrifice of warmth). Only The North Face’s Futurefleece, which is even lighter and more air-permeable (though also less warm), edges it out for pure breathability among fleece jackets we’ve tested. For everything from shoulder-season hikes to winter layering, the Vigor Grid hits a sweet spot in balancing warmth and airflow.
Durability is a somewhat surprising strong point for the Vigor Grid, especially considering its thin and lightweight build. Despite lacking any added nylon or reinforced materials, the fleece has held up impressively well. The stitching is clean and secure, and the zippers function smoothly without snags or sticking. I’ve used a hooded version of this same fleece extensively for over two years, and it still shows no signs of wear, pilling, or deterioration.
This long-term reliability makes the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip stand out in the lightweight active fleece jacket category. Compared to the REI Flash Hyperstretch—which felt less confidence-inspiring in terms of materials and showed signs of wear early—the Vigor Grid feels like a smarter long-term investment (for more, read our Flash Hyperstretch review). And while Patagonia’s R1 Air is a premium alternative, its airy fleece tends to degrade more noticeably with use. At its price point, the Vigor Grid offers excellent value and durability for fast-and-light adventures.
The Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is one of the lightest fleece jackets we tested, with the women’s version weighing just 10.3 ounces. That puts it behind only ultralight options like The North Face’s Futurefleece (6.4 oz.) and Patagonia’s Micro D Pullover (6.6 oz.), and lighter than most standard active fleeces, which tend to hover above 12 ounces.
Its low weight and compact size—packing down to about the size of a Nalgene—make it a standout for backcountry use. It’s an easy addition to any backpacking kit, adds warmth at camp or while sleeping, and takes up almost no space. I’ve even worn it during travel, including on airplanes, which speaks to its versatility. For anyone wanting a warm, breathable, and ultralight midlayer that’s easy to stash, the Vigor Grid is a strong contender.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
I tested the quarter-zip version of the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip, which keeps things simple and streamlined. There’s no hood, but you do get a single zippered chest pocket that’s big enough to stash essentials like keys, small snack, or a phone. Thumb loops are also included—a nice touch at this price point and handy for layering under jackets.
The Vigor Grid also comes in other versions, including a hooded full-zip with hand pockets, as well as half-zip and pullover styles. But for this minimalist quarter zip, the pared-down feature set feels intentional. The lack of hand pockets didn’t feel like a miss, and I appreciated the clean, no-frills design that works well for fast-moving days in the mountains.
The quarter-zip version of the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is available only in a women’s-specific fit, with sizes ranging from XS to XL. I tested an XL and found the fit to be on the slim side, which I prefer in a midlayer since it makes layering over top easier. If you’re looking for a roomier fit or plan to wear bulkier base layers underneath, consider sizing up.
The cut is well-executed overall: the arms are long enough to use the thumbholes without tugging, and the back extends just below the hips for solid coverage without feeling too long. There was no constriction across the shoulders, even during high-movement activities. It layers easily over light tops and under puffies or hardshells, making it a highly versatile piece for a range of conditions.
REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch ($100): Similar Usage, Less Inspiring Performance
Like the Vigor Grid, the Flash Hyperstretch Jacket is a thin fleece designed to minimize overheating and sweat during high-RPM activities. Both models excel in the breathability department and are less effective at retaining warmth when the wearer is standing still in cool conditions. Where the Vigor Grid sets itself apart is in its durability, which far surpasses that of the Flash Hyperstretch. While the former fleece has withstood multiple years of wear, we put much less faith in the latter’s mediocre build quality and thin fabric. The Vigor Grid also features thumb loops and a chest pocket, both of which the Flash Hyperstretch lacks, and is available in a much wider range of configurations (the Hyperstretch is available only as a hoody). For more, check out our review of the Flash Hyperstretch.
Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck ($139): A Warmer—and More Expensive—Alternative
While a price increase of almost $40 might turn you off, consider that the R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a more versatile fleece than the Vigor Grid. That’s because its unique zigzag fabric is slightly heavier and more insulating, all while remaining quite breathable. So, while you might get slightly less overheated on a trail run or a ski tour in the Vigor Grid, the R1 Air should prove much warmer when you stop to grab a snack. We also give the R1 Air a slight edge in both the softness and mobility departments—its fabric is quite stretchy—although we’d prefer if it had thumb loops like the Vigor Grid does. The Vigor Grid is better if you run hot or are going hard in milder temps, while the R1 Air will play better year-round—as long as you don’t mind spending more. For more, read our R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody review.
The Vigor Grid line is Outdoor Research’s entry in the breathable, versatile fleece category. It’s comfy, surprisingly tough, and feature-filled while still being plenty light, although it lacks warmth if you’re standing still or run cold.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Durability
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
This light, flexible fleece works well as a breathable layer for high-output activities. The Flash Hypsterstretch is also reliably comfy and costs significantly less than other active fleeces, although it’s held back by middling durability and below-average warmth.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Durability
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
This technical fleece jacket is one of the most versatile models we tested. The R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody leverages its unique fabric design to provide breathability and warmth in equal doses. It’s expensive and some folks might not like its aesthetic, but this is an all-around winner.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Durability
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Is the Vigor Grid for You?
If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable fleece for hiking, backpacking, or active winter layering, the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Quarter Zip is a standout. It’s thinner and more athletic than a traditional fleece jacket, with excellent mobility, ventilation, and packability for the price. While it won’t keep you toasty at camp or during long breaks in frigid weather, it’s perfect for those who prioritize staying cool while on the move. If you want more warmth or pockets, check out the hooded version—but for simplicity and versatility, the quarter zip hits a great sweet spot.
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