Keela Micro Pulse top review: a functional and lightweight microfleece

The Keela Micro Pulse lightweight half-zip top offers plenty of soft, cosy comfort, so it is ideal as a simple, no frills mid layer all year round

Keela Micro Pulse Top
(Image: © Keela)

Advnture Verdict

It may lack the technical features of more expensive rivals, but the functional and lightweight Keela Micro Pulse top top does the job, and this is a versatile no frills fleece for year-round use.

Pros

  • +

    Flatlock seams for comfort

  • +

    Stand-up collar

  • +

    Deep neck zip with chin guard

Cons

  • -

    Lightweight microfleece provides only modest warmth

  • -

    Cuffs and hem a little baggy

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First impresssions

The Micro Pulse Top from Scottish outdoor brand Keela is a no-nonsense sort of layer. It is made from soft and cosy 100-weight polyester microfleece, which is a proven fabric that balances comfort and performance. A half zip at the neck enables you to pull the top on and off easily, while also affording a bit of venting if you do start to overheat on those more strenuous uphill climbs.

The zipper has an easy-grab puller and there’s a soft chin guard at the top to minimise irritation. You also get a stand-up collar to lock in heat and ward off any chilly gusts. Otherwise, that’s about it, although the thoughtfully designed panel construction ensures there are no awkwardly placed seams – and those that are necessary are flatlock stitched to avoid bulk and prevent chafing.

The Keela Micro Pulse comes in a selection of muted, earthy colorways that’ll suit bushcrafters and birdwatchers, as well as a couple more vibrant options to help hillwalkers and mountaineers stand out in the great outdoors – just in case of a Mountain Rescue call-out or, more likely, an unmissable adventurous Instagram shot. Pleasingly it’s also available in a very wide of range of sizes, from XXS to XXXL for men, and a UK 8 to 22 for women. And at £29.95, it won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet either.

Specifications

RRP: £30 (UK)
Fabric: Zetland 100-weight polyester microfleece
Sizes: Men’s: 2XS–3XL; Women’s: UK 8–22
Weight (men’s size L): 272g/9.59oz
Colours: Men: Red and black / Persian blue / Wolf grey, Moss / Navy / Black; Women: Berry / Calypso blue / Red and black / Persian blue / Wolf grey, Moss / Navy / Black

In the field

Other reviewers have commented that the fit of the Keela Micro Pulse top is slim, and the brand calls it a ‘flattering tailored fit’, but strangely in our standard size we found it to be a little loose. Still, it was perfectly suitable for use as a mid layer, with just enough length in the arms and body. We appreciated the scooped rear hem too, which offers a little additional coverage. The fabric is extremely soft and comfortable, but seems to be reasonably durable, with no evident wear even after a couple of months of testing. There is no cuff or hem elastication though, and we did find these started to go a little baggy over time. The 100-weight microfleece fabric means this is a layer that offers only limited warmth, but it is quite breathable, so it works well as part of a layering system. The flatlock seams also help in this regard, as it fits easily under a shell. All in all, it’s a simple but effective fleece top that will come in handy all year round.

Matthew Jones

An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter.