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 leap out from the group amongst our information to one of the best fleeces. The Teca Fleece is our choose for one of the best 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, gentle, and comfy and works effectively as a heat layer or standalone jacket. We recognize 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 identical time, it’s made with out utilizing any PFAS chemical compounds, which is an enormous promoting level within the outside trade as state bans proceed to roll out as a result 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 climbing alongside the Cle Elum River to lunching on the again patio for blissful hour. It labored nice and earned itself a spot on our listing of one of the best 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 needed to stuff it in a pack for longer hikes or backpacking journeys.
Fast Specs
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece
Finest 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 quantity
- Colourful
- Two massive 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 stored 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 gentle fleece.
It’s also a bit heavier than some fleeces on the listing, which accounts for among the further heat. It’s nice for day hikes or pre and post-cold actions. But it surely is perhaps overkill on longer backpacking or high-intensity journeys. We might put on this fleece right down to 40-degree days with confidence.
Consolation
Cozy is one of the best phrase to explain the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece. It’s fairly snug whether or not you’re chilling in your sofa or climbing down a snow-covered path. The recycled polyester fleece materials could be very gentle on the pores and skin and comfy on the path. The match is free and informal. The 2 hand pockets are good for protecting your arms heat. It’s also snug 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 with out a pack and located that it’s most snug 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 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 all the time snug in testing and felt like a great weight for day hikes and around-town journeys.
It isn’t essentially 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 when you have been on a extra strenuous hike.
Options
Maybe the largest characteristic of the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece is its restricted version design. It is available in two colour schemes – Pleased Hiker and Skyfire – and each look nice. It has a retro vibe with the traces 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 good choice when 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 on the lookout 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 effective choice. Whereas it doesn’t have a whole lot of options or breathability, it’s a good worth that balances worth and heat.
Cotopaxi’s aware try and make outside attire much less dangerous to the surroundings can also be a plus in our books. It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than some technical fleeces. Nonetheless, it nonetheless layers effectively and provides a novel retro look that is a bit more fashionable than most fleeces.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Contemplate?
North Face Denali Fleece Evaluate: The North Face Denali has a glance and design much like the Teca Fleece. The Denali has extra pockets however provides an identical retro look. Each are hotter, bulkier fleeces which can be nice for on a regular basis use.
KÜHL Interceptr Fleece Evaluate: 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 effectively for trail-to-town use all through the colder seasons of the yr.
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Evaluate: Should you like the heat of the Teca however want a extra packable fleece, the Patagonia R1 Air is perhaps a terrific choice.
