| What it is | Lightweight grid-backed fleece |
| Grid does | Cuts weight, boosts breathability, traps warmth |
| Strengths | Warm-for-weight, breathable, fast-drying |
| Role | Light mid layer / active base layer |
Polartec Power Grid is a lightweight fleece with a distinctive grid pattern knitted into its inner face, which reduces weight and boosts breathability while the raised grid traps warmth and channels moisture. Highly versatile, it’s a favorite light mid-layer and cool-weather base layer for active use, balancing warmth, breathability, low weight, and quick drying.
The do-everything fleece
A light Polartec fleece for the mid layer; warmer and loftier is Thermal Pro.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polartec Power Grid?
Power Grid is a lightweight Polartec fleece with a grid or waffle pattern knitted into its inner surface. The grid removes material to save weight and improve breathability, while the raised boxes trap warm air and create channels that move moisture, giving an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for active use.
Why is Power Grid popular with hikers?
Because it's so versatile and efficient: light and packable, very breathable for high output, warm for its weight, and quick-drying. It works as a light mid layer over a base layer or as a cool-weather base layer itself, making it a year-round staple for hikers, climbers, and skiers.
Power Grid vs Thermal Pro?
Power Grid prioritizes low weight and breathability, ideal as a light, do-everything active layer; Thermal Pro prioritizes warmth, often with higher loft, for colder conditions. Choose Power Grid for aerobic, milder use and layering flexibility, and Thermal Pro when you need more standalone warmth.
Sources
- Polartec Power Grid — Polartec
- Lightweight fleece — The Mountaineers