When seasons change, it’s always handy to keep something warm nearby. Spring days fool you with warmer temps, but the mercury quickly drops when sunset hits. That’s exactly why I tested the latest in Cotopaxi’s season 2026 gear, starting with the Women’s Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket.
This fleece zip-up hoodless jacket is showcased in four new color-blocked colorways, including my Azure/Aster tester, and is made from 100% recycled fleece. Hint: This fleece is also available in men’s versions. I tested it in all types of early-spring weather. Here’s the good, the “could-be-improved,” and my consensus.
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Why Cotopaxi?
We’ve tested a bunch of Cotopaxi products over the years. From their backpacks, like the Cotopaxi Tarak Del Dia 20l Backpack and Allpa 35L Travel Pack, to their down jackets, like the Cotopaxi Fuego Max Down Hooded Jacket – Women’s and Fuego Max Down Hooded Jacket – Men’s they’ve held their own over thousands of miles.
Cotopaxi’s colorful products have been with us all over the world. So, when we had the chance to test new gear from the Utah-based company, we jumped at the chance. They’re not the cheapest on the block, but we believe in buying better quality clothing and gear the first time around—so you don’t have issues when you need them the most. We’ve had very few issues with their packs and wares, and if we ever did, they have a warranty and repair center.
What am I Testing Now?
I’m in the middle of testing two items, the waterproof and breathable Cotopaxi Impermeo 3L Hooded Shell Jacket and the Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket (available in a regular fit from XXS to 4X). I’m waiting for Oregon to spit out more rainstorms in the more-dry-than-normal rainy season to write up my review of the rain jacket. However, I’ve worn the Abrazo fleece a bunch over the last month or so. From hiking to crunching away on the computer, the Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe.
Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket Features
The Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket has an updated color-blocked design in four different combinations (for neutral wearers, it is offered in all black with an embroidered royal blue Cotopaxi logo on the front). I opted for the Asure/Aster combo in size small. Unlike many fleece jackets, the Abrazo is 100% recycled fleece.
It has a stretchy woven chest pocket made of non-fleece materials (85% nylon and 15% spandex). Abrazo also has elastic binding at the collar and cuffs, and has two non-zippered hand pockets. Cotopaxi rates Abrazo as a middle-range warm and breathable item. I found it to be a great mid-layer piece if it’s cold outside or an acceptable outer layer over a tee or tank top when active or indoors. Its sleeves are good lengths, not too long and not too short. I’d love to see thumb holes here. Many other tops’ sleeves are too long for my body shape. The sewing is well done, with each panel receiving careful attention to detail.
My Thoughts
The Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket is a standout in the quality department. Its design is solid and well thought out. I love the fact that it’s recycled fleece, although upon its initial wearing, it felt scratchy against bare skin. I’ve only washed it a few times since testing, but I’d think it’d become softer as time goes on. Not a deal breaker, I normally wear long-sleeved shirts under a fleece mid-layer.
The zippered chest pocket is huge and roomy. However, I’d prefer the fleece material to be inside this pocket vs. the supplied thin fabric. Switching it out for fleece may give a more even appearance to adequately cover a woman’s shape in that area. Abrazo’s fit is not too narrow, just right. There’s plenty of room in the shoulder and hip areas. The mock collar is the right height, although I’d like it a touch bigger in diameter to be roomier around my neck.
The hand pockets are also generous and aren’t zippered. They even fit my massive Samsung S24 Ultra smartphone. I’d like to see zippers here, so I can safely stash keys or my wallet while hiking without worrying about them accidentally falling out.
Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket Consensus
Other than a few design additions I’d like to see, I thought the Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket hit a home run with me. So much so, I just bought the Abrazo half-zip version in the Malachite/Tide Pool colorway. It’s quality, colorful, and made from recycled fleece. I’m looking forward to having many more adventures with both Abrazo fleece jackets. They’re great as midlayers under a down jacket or raincoat, or a solid stand-alone when temps are tolerable. Two thumbs up.
Perhaps there will be an Abrazo 2.0 series with zippered hand pockets and thumb holes? You never know. But I know Cotopaxi will be reading this … a girl can dream. Price for Abrazo Fleece Half-Zip Jacket: $135. Price for Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket: $150
Photos by Andy Lilienthal and Mercedes Lilienthal
Mercedes Lilienthal is an award-winning journalist, photographer, and content creator who specializes in vehicular adventure travel, the automotive industry, and inspiring people within it. Mercedes, a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, loves to document her travels. Her work includes journalism and photography for a wide array of publications in multiple countries, including The New York Times, Forbes, Car and Driver, and many more.
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