I first used fleece in 1976, have still got a lot of it and like it for some situations.
I have down (very highend) and seven Pl. jackets, my best are original Integral Designs and these are my overall favourites wearing, as I do for 90+% of my activities and have for 50 years, merino layers.
I would keep Pl. over fleece and even down for BC conditions and down in dry cold, the Yukon and some winters here.
My best to date, out of a LOT of gear worn and worn out, is my Westcomb Neoshell Apoc, Montbell or ID jacket and merino underneath. I have never found any synthetic layers that keep me as comfortable, but, I no longer ski-mountaineer and now move quite slowly in the bush.
The BEST gear I now know of IS Westcomb and "Wildthings" in the eastern US....but, I just bought two Cabela's PL jackets at 29.95 each for hunting and like them a lot, so, research and see what you like.
