Bottom Line
Fleeces tend to all look the same, which is why we like the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece (men’s / women’s), whose bright color schemes jump out from the crowd amongst our guide to the best fleeces. The Teca Fleece is our pick for the best recycled, deadstock limited edition fleece. It is made from recycled fleece and deadstock polyester taffeta, making it an environmentally friendly option that diverts waste from landfills. It is warm, soft, and comfortable and works well as a warm layer or standalone jacket. We appreciate a practical fleece that also has some flare.
The Cotopaxi Teca Fleece shell is 100% recycled polyester fleece and has a DWR finish. At the same time, it is made without using any PFAS chemicals, which is a big selling point in the outdoor industry as state bans continue to roll out due to their extreme persistence and potential for health and environmental harm.
We tested this on cold rainy days in the mountains of Washington, from hiking along the Cle Elum River to lunching on the back patio for happy hour. It worked great and earned itself a spot on our list of the best fleeces of the year. We basically lived in this fleece and found very few drawbacks aside from its bulk and heft, which would only be a problem if we wanted to stuff it in a pack for longer hikes or backpacking trips.
Quick Specs
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece
Best Recycled, Deadstock Limited Edition Fleece
CleverHiker Rating:
78.3
Price:
$120
Measured Weight:
12.9 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Mid-heavyweight
Pros
- Warm
- Good value
- Light weight for the volume
- Colorful
- Two large internal drop pockets
Cons
- A bit bulky for backcountry adventures
- Not as breathable as some
- No zippered pockets
Warmth
The Cotopaxi Teca Fleece is extremely warm. We tested it on snowy passes in the cold mountains of Washington, and it kept us nice and toasty. The shell of this jacket is made with 100% recycled polyester fleece at 255gsm, and the stripes across the chest are 100% deadstock polyester taffeta with a C0 DWR finish. The combo makes for a protective and very soft fleece.
It is also a bit heavier than some fleeces on the list, which accounts for some of the additional warmth. It is great for day hikes or pre and post-cold activities. But it might be overkill on longer backpacking or high-intensity trips. We would wear this fleece down to 40-degree days with confidence.
Comfort
Cozy is the best word to describe the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece. It is quite comfortable whether you’re chilling on your couch or hiking down a snow-covered trail. The recycled polyester fleece material is very soft on the skin and comfortable on the trail. The fit is loose and casual. The two hand pockets are nice for keeping your hands warm. It is also comfortable as a layer if you want to wear a coat or jacket over the top of the fleece for additional wind protection. We tested the Cotopaxi with and without a pack and found that it is most comfortable for everyday use.
Durability
The Cotopaxi Teca Fleece showed zero signs of wear and tear during several months of on and off-trail testing. We tested the durability of this fleece by hiking through the thick northwestern woods near the Cle Elum River in Washington. It was unphased by branches along the trail.
Weight
At just 13 ounces, this fleece is considered midweight. The material is plush and thick to keep you warm. The combination feels never too heavy or cumbersome to wear. It was always comfortable in testing and felt like a good weight for day hikes and around-town trips.
It isn’t the most breathable, which isn’t an issue for shorter walks or just hanging around in the cold. It wouldn’t take long to work up a sweat in this fleece and shed it to cool off if you were on a more strenuous hike.
Features
Perhaps the biggest feature of the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece is its limited edition design. It comes in two color schemes – Happy Hiker and Skyfire – and both look great. It has a retro vibe with the lines across the chest, which is a refreshing option in the monochromatic world of fleece.
The environmentally friendly use of recycled fleece and deadstock polyester, along with not using any PFAS chemicals, is a great option if you buy new. It has hand pockets with no zippers and a full zipper on the front with a loop for grabbing while wearing gloves.
Should You Buy The CotoPaxi Teca Fleece?
If you are looking for an all-around good warm fleece that will work for a variety of situations and temperatures, then the Cotopaxi Teca fleece is a good option. While it does not have a lot of features or breathability, it is a good value that balances price and warmth.
Cotopaxi’s conscious attempt to make outdoor apparel less harmful to the environment is also a plus in our books. It is a bit heavier and bulkier than some technical fleeces. However, it still layers well and adds a unique retro look that is a little more stylish than most fleeces.
What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?
North Face Denali Fleece Review: The North Face Denali has a look and design similar to the Teca Fleece. The Denali has more pockets but offers a similar retro look. Both are warmer, bulkier fleeces that are great for everyday use.
KÜHL Interceptr Fleece Review: The KÜHL Interceptr fleece is heavier-duty, more sweater-like, and more durable than the Teca. It also has more pockets. Both the KÜHL and the Teca will work well for trail-to-town use throughout the colder seasons of the year.
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Review: If you like the warmth of the Teca but need a more packable fleece, the Patagonia R1 Air might be a great option.
