560 Realfleece vs 260 Quantum: Which Merino Zip Jacket?

Quick answer

Choose the 560 Realfleece for extreme cold and stormy conditions where maximum insulation is critical; pick the 260 Quantum for versatile all-day performance across a wider range of winter activities.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Warmth vs. versatility: The 560 Realfleece provides significantly more insulation for extreme cold, but this makes it less adaptable for milder days or high-output activities. The 260 Quantum offers a broader comfort range, working well from brisk fall mornings to deep winter.
• Weight and packability: At 560 gsm, the Realfleece is noticeably heavier and bulkier than the 260 Quantum. If you need to stow your midlayer in a pack, the 260 compresses more easily. For dedicated winter trips where you wear it all day, the 560's bulk is less of a concern.
• Activity match: The 560 Realfleece excels in stormy resort skiing and alpine climbing where you're often moving slowly or stopping. The 260 Quantum is better suited for high-output technical mountain adventures like hiking and ski touring, where moisture management is critical. If you often run hot or move fast, the 260 is the safer choice for temperature regulation.

Product facts

• Men's Merino 560 Realfleece™ Elemental Long Sleeve Zip Jacket: A heavyweight mid layer fleece ideal for cold-weather training, stormy resort skiing or winter alpine climbing, the Merino 560 Realfleece Elemental Long Sleeve Zip features 100% pure merino wool to naturally insulate, breathe and regulate your temperature. This is your go-to for static or low-output winter activities where staying warm is the priority, like belaying at a crag or watching a ski race.

  

• Men's Merino 260 Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Jacket: A slim-fit mid layer that’s ideal for technical mountain adventures like hiking, skiing and climbing, the Merino 260 Quantum Long Sleeve Zip naturally resists odours and helps regulate your body temperature thanks to its 100% merino wool fabric. The 260 weight is a versatile workhorse that handles high-output activities without overheating, making it suitable for everything from a winter hike to a full day of resort skiing.

  

Which one fits you?

Best for

• Winter alpinists and resort skiers who need maximum insulation in stormy conditions
• Cold-weather runners or trainers who want a heavyweight midlayer for low-output workouts

Not for

• Hikers or skiers who prioritize packability and versatility in a single midlayer
• Anyone who runs warm during high-output activities