Backside Line
Fleeces are likely to all look the identical, which is why we just like the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece (males’s / ladies’s), whose shiny colour schemes bounce out from the gang amongst our information to the most effective fleeces. The Teca Fleece is our decide for the most effective recycled, deadstock restricted version fleece. It’s constructed from recycled fleece and deadstock polyester taffeta, making it an environmentally pleasant choice that diverts waste from landfills. It’s heat, delicate, and cozy and works nicely as a heat layer or standalone jacket. We respect a sensible fleece that additionally has some flare.
The Cotopaxi Teca Fleece shell is 100% recycled polyester fleece and has a DWR end. On the similar time, it’s made with out utilizing any PFAS chemical compounds, which is an enormous promoting level within the out of doors trade as state bans proceed to roll out because of their excessive persistence and potential for well being and environmental hurt.
We examined this on chilly wet days within the mountains of Washington, from mountain climbing alongside the Cle Elum River to lunching on the again patio for joyful hour. It labored nice and earned itself a spot on our record of the most effective fleeces of the yr. We mainly lived on this fleece and located only a few drawbacks except for its bulk and heft, which might solely be an issue if we wished to stuff it in a pack for longer hikes or backpacking journeys.
Fast Specs
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece
Greatest Recycled, Deadstock Restricted Version Fleece
CleverHiker Ranking:
78.3
Value:
$120
Measured Weight:
12.9 oz.(Males’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Mid-heavyweight
Execs
- Heat
- Good worth
- Gentle weight for the amount
- Colourful
- Two giant inside drop pockets
Cons
- A bit cumbersome for backcountry adventures
- Not as breathable as some
- No zippered pockets
Heat
The Cotopaxi Teca Fleece is extraordinarily heat. We examined it on snowy passes within the chilly mountains of Washington, and it saved us good and toasty. The shell of this jacket is made with 100% recycled polyester fleece at 255gsm, and the stripes throughout the chest are 100% deadstock polyester taffeta with a C0 DWR end. The combo makes for a protecting and really delicate fleece.
Additionally it is a bit heavier than some fleeces on the record, which accounts for a number of the extra heat. It’s nice for day hikes or pre and post-cold actions. Nevertheless it could be overkill on longer backpacking or high-intensity journeys. We’d put on this fleece right down to 40-degree days with confidence.
Consolation
Cozy is the most effective phrase to explain the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece. It’s fairly comfy whether or not you’re chilling in your sofa or mountain climbing down a snow-covered path. The recycled polyester fleece materials could be very delicate on the pores and skin and cozy on the path. The match is unfastened and informal. The 2 hand pockets are good for conserving your arms heat. Additionally it is comfy as a layer if you wish to put on a coat or jacket excessive of the fleece for added wind safety. We examined the Cotopaxi with and and not using a pack and located that it’s most comfy for on a regular basis use.
Sturdiness
The Cotopaxi Teca Fleece confirmed zero indicators of wear and tear and tear throughout a number of months of on and off-trail testing. We examined the sturdiness of this fleece by mountain climbing by means of the thick northwestern woods close to the Cle Elum River in Washington. It was unphased by branches alongside the path.
Weight
At simply 13 ounces, this fleece is taken into account midweight. The fabric is plush and thick to maintain you heat. The mixture feels by no means too heavy or cumbersome to put on. It was at all times comfy in testing and felt like a superb weight for day hikes and around-town journeys.
It isn’t probably the most breathable, which isn’t a difficulty for shorter walks or simply hanging round within the chilly. It wouldn’t take lengthy to work up a sweat on this fleece and shed it to chill off in the event you had been on a extra strenuous hike.
Options
Maybe the most important characteristic of the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece is its restricted version design. It is available in two colour schemes – Glad Hiker and Skyfire – and each look nice. It has a retro vibe with the strains throughout the chest, which is a refreshing choice within the monochromatic world of fleece.
The environmentally pleasant use of recycled fleece and deadstock polyester, together with not utilizing any PFAS chemical compounds, is a superb choice in the event you purchase new. It has hand pockets with no zippers and a full zipper on the entrance with a loop for grabbing whereas sporting gloves.
Ought to You Purchase The CotoPaxi Teca Fleece?
In case you are searching for an all-around good heat fleece that may work for a wide range of conditions and temperatures, then the Cotopaxi Teca fleece is an efficient choice. Whereas it doesn’t have quite a lot of options or breathability, it’s a good worth that balances value and heat.
Cotopaxi’s aware try to make out of doors attire much less dangerous to the setting can be a plus in our books. It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than some technical fleeces. Nevertheless, it nonetheless layers nicely and provides a novel retro look that is a bit more trendy than most fleeces.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Take into account?
North Face Denali Fleece Evaluation: The North Face Denali has a glance and design just like the Teca Fleece. The Denali has extra pockets however gives an identical retro look. Each are hotter, bulkier fleeces which might be nice for on a regular basis use.
KÜHL Interceptr Fleece Evaluation: The KÜHL Interceptr fleece is heavier-duty, extra sweater-like, and extra sturdy than the Teca. It additionally has extra pockets. Each the KÜHL and the Teca will work nicely for trail-to-town use all through the colder seasons of the yr.
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Evaluation: Should you like the heat of the Teca however want a extra packable fleece, the Patagonia R1 Air could be an important choice.