Backside Line
The North Face Retro Denali Jacket (males’s / ladies’s) is a heat and really snug heavyweight choice on our record of one of the best fleeces. This iconic fashion originated within the 80’s climbing world, however it works simply as effectively for hikes. Due to the comfortable, heavyweight development, it’s a good go-to fleece that hits excessive marks for us with heat, consolation, and options.
Particularly, we like that there are various pockets within the Denali, together with zippered air flow and a cinch on the waist of the fleece. This timeless fleece additionally appears good round city and is a superb choice for residence to the hills. For these causes, we named this our Greatest Traditional Fleece.
We examined this fleece on shorter fall hikes and wore it round city whereas operating errands or taking quick walks. This fleece is so heavy-duty it might be higher served for aprés-ski round a hearth pit on the slopes or snowshoeing with a layer or two beneath. It’s an iconic beast of a jacket that appears actually good on or off the path.
Fast Specs
The North Face Denali Fleece
Greatest Traditional Fleece
CleverHiker Score:
78
Value:
$180
Measured Weight:
1 lb. 3.7 oz.(Males’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Heavyweight
Professionals
- Very heat
- Comfy
- Helpful number of zippered pockets
- Inclusive sizing
- Many colorways
Cons
- A bit heavy for backcountry adventures
- Not as breathable as some
Heat
The North Face Denali Jacket is among the warmest fleeces on our record, because of the cumbersome construct and plush, heat Polartec fleece. We examined this within the early fall, and it was too scorching for it in temperatures above 50 levels. Vents beneath the arms to assist with airflow, however we discovered ourselves grabbing for this fleece earlier than or after chilly hikes.
Any high-intensity exercise within the Denali will seemingly result in overheating, particularly for those who run scorching. If you happen to battle with being too chilly, this would possibly simply be the right heavyweight fleece for you.
Consolation
The North Face Denali Jacket appears like sporting a fluffy cloud. The outsized construct envelops you in a heat, comfortable hug. The recycled Polartec fleece and hip-length minimize create a comfortable and spacious fleece.
Whereas testing it on hikes within the foothills of the Rockies, it moved simply with our physique and paired effectively with a small backpack. It is among the heavier fleeces on our record, so for longer hikes, it might get uncomfortable, however we beloved how cozy this fleece is for every day use.
Sturdiness
The North Face Denali Jacket carried out very effectively throughout our testing. Granted, this was months of damage on this specific era. However different CleverHiker gear analysts have rocked theirs since highschool. Like most fleece fiber, the 20 years of washing and sporting has resulted in pilling, however it doesn’t diminish its wearability until the sensation bugs you.
Our shopper analysis revealed combined evaluations on how effectively the Denali stands as much as punishment. Some mentioned the fluffy jacket pilled and frayed, whereas others have been pleased with it. Lastly, the nylon overlays on the chest and forearm assist maintain this jacket in good condition over a number of use.
Weight
At greater than a pound, the North Face Denali Jacket is a heavier choice on our record. The load and construct additionally imply this fleece is bulkier than most. It doesn’t have a hood, however it has loads of pocket house, including some materials.
It takes up loads of house in terms of packing it right into a pack or bag. In case you are sporting it on a path, prepare, or aircraft, this isn’t ever a problem. Nonetheless, in case you are reducing weight for a backpacking journey, it might show to be a little bit a lot.
Options
The principle characteristic of The North Face Denali Jacket is the basic retro look.There are many practical pockets on the Denali, together with two zippered chest pockets. The entrance zip on the fleece is appropriate with The North Face Mountain Jacket and Mountain Mild Jacket, so you’ll be able to zip them collectively if in case you have these jackets. The sleeves even have snaps for attaching to a layered jacket.
Ought to You Purchase The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket?
The North Face Denali Jacket fleece is meant as a mid-layer that can go from the mountain to the town in fashion. It could carry out as a technical piece, however typically it’s the excellent fuzzy winter day fleece that works on the path and on the town.
In case you are involved about weight or bulk with a fleece, this is able to not be an excellent choice. There may be additionally an opportunity that it may fray or tablet with a number of onerous put on and miles, however that hasn’t been the case in our expertise to date.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Contemplate?
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Evaluation: Just like the North Face Denali Jacket, the Cotopaxi Teca is a fuzzy heat fleece which you can put on all day in an array of circumstances. From round city to day hikes, the Teca will work effectively. It has much less bulk and fewer pockets than the Denali does.
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Evaluation: The North Face Denali has the same appear and feel to the Synchilla Snap-T. The Denali is hotter and has extra pockets in addition to a zipper. However the materials and really feel of the 2 are fairly related.
