In 1993, a small group of people who had weathered years in the outdoor industry decided to get together and form Mountain Hardwear. In addition to working in the outdoor industry, the Mountain Hardwear founders were avid outdoors people themselves Mountain Hardwear has always focused on bringing radical thinking to the gear they make. That's why they have a section in our website that talks about the innovation they've built into their products. Reversible: wear fleece side in/smooth side out as a heavyweight baselayer. Or wear as a mid-layer with smooth side in to slide easily over a lightweight baselayer. Contrast stitching on fleece side gives the garment a distinct look and thumb loops improve performance.