Much more important than at first glance. One of the few items of fleece I take into the field these days.
Great for the obvious neck covering, when you’re in the hills the wind can be a lot stronger than below and if it gets in your ears can be worse than cold, it will grow bloody sore given time. Having plenty of length means I can ensure no heat has a chance to leak from my chest or anywhere else up to my hat, and my poor ears are protected too.
This will also see lots of use in summer, as the first part of your body to notice the evening chill when your sat by a campfire is your kidney area. Making a belt of the scarf tied loosly above the hips high on the waist will keep you comfy for another hour or so.