5.11 Tactical Stratos Fleece Jacket vs Archon Warm Fleece Tactical Jacket

The Archon is the warmer, more feature-loaded cold-weather layer: a hood, seven pockets, shoulder patch panels and a bi-swing back. The 5.11 Stratos is the lighter, stretchier grid fleece built for layering under a shell and for active movement. Owners of grid fleeces like the Stratos praise breathability and quick drying; polar fleece like the Archon is warmer but bulkier and less packable. Pick the Archon for winter stand-alone wear; pick the Stratos for movement and layering.

• Choose the 5.11 Stratos if you want a stretchy, breathable grid fleece to layer under a jacket and move in.
• Choose the Archon if you want a hooded, pocket-heavy polar fleece for cold winter wear on its own.