Backside Line
The North Face Retro Denali Jacket (males’s / ladies’s) is a heat and really comfy heavyweight possibility on our record of the very best fleeces. This iconic model originated within the 80’s climbing world, nevertheless it works simply as nicely for hikes. Because of the mushy, 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 a lot of pockets within the Denali, together with zippered air flow and a cinch on the waist of the fleece. This timeless fleece additionally seems to be good round city and is a superb possibility for dwelling to the hills. For these causes, we named this our Finest Basic 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
Finest Basic Fleece
CleverHiker Ranking:
78
Value:
$180
Measured Weight:
1 lb. 3.7 oz.(Males’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Heavyweight
Execs
- Very heat
- Snug
- 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 without doubt one of 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 sizzling 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 sizzling. In case you battle with being too chilly, this may simply be the right heavyweight fleece for you.
Consolation
The North Face Denali Jacket seems like carrying a fluffy cloud. The outsized construct envelops you in a heat, mushy hug. The recycled Polartec fleece and hip-length reduce create a mushy and spacious fleece.
Whereas testing it on hikes within the foothills of the Rockies, it moved simply with our physique and paired nicely with a small backpack. It is without doubt one of the heavier fleeces on our record, so for longer hikes, it might get uncomfortable, however we liked how cozy this fleece is for day by day use.
Sturdiness
The North Face Denali Jacket carried out very nicely throughout our testing. Granted, this was months of damage on this explicit technology. However different CleverHiker gear analysts have rocked theirs since highschool. Like most fleece fiber, the 20 years of washing and carrying has resulted in pilling, nevertheless it doesn’t diminish its wearability except the sensation bugs you.
Our shopper analysis revealed blended evaluations on how nicely 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 fine condition over plenty of use.
Weight
At greater than a pound, the North Face Denali Jacket is a heavier possibility on our record. The load and construct additionally imply this fleece is bulkier than most. It doesn’t have a hood, nevertheless it has loads of pocket area, including some materials.
It takes up loads of area with regards to packing it right into a pack or bag. If you’re carrying it on a path, practice, or aircraft, this isn’t ever a problem. Nonetheless, if you’re chopping weight for a backpacking journey, it might show to be just a little a lot.
Options
The primary 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 may 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 may go from the mountain to the town in model. It may well 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.
If you’re involved about weight or bulk with a fleece, this could not be a very good possibility. There may be additionally an opportunity that it might fray or capsule with plenty of laborious put on and miles, however that hasn’t been the case in our expertise up to now.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Contemplate?
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Overview: 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 nicely. It has much less bulk and fewer pockets than the Denali does.
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Overview: The North Face Denali has an analogous feel and look 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.
