Bottom Line
The North Face Retro Denali Jacket (men’s / women’s) is a warm and very comfortable heavyweight option on our list of the best fleeces. This iconic style originated in the 80’s climbing world, but it works just as well for hikes. Thanks to the soft, heavyweight construction, it is a good go-to fleece that hits high marks for us with warmth, comfort, and features.
Specifically, we like that there are many pockets in the Denali, along with zippered ventilation and a cinch on the waist of the fleece. This timeless fleece also looks good around town and is a great option for home to the hills. For these reasons, we named this our Best Classic Fleece.
We tested this fleece on shorter fall hikes and wore it around town while running errands or taking short walks. This fleece is so heavy-duty it would be better served for aprés-ski around a fire pit on the slopes or snowshoeing with a layer or two underneath. It’s an iconic beast of a jacket that looks really good on or off the trail.
Quick Specs
The North Face Denali Fleece
Best Classic Fleece
CleverHiker Rating:
78
Price:
$180
Measured Weight:
1 lb. 3.7 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Heavyweight
Pros
- Very warm
- Comfortable
- Useful variety of zippered pockets
- Inclusive sizing
- Many colorways
Cons
- A bit heavy for backcountry adventures
- Not as breathable as some
Warmth
The North Face Denali Jacket is one of the warmest fleeces on our list, thanks to the bulky build and plush, warm Polartec fleece. We tested this in the early fall, and it was too hot for it in temperatures above 50 degrees. Vents under the arms to help with airflow, but we found ourselves grabbing for this fleece before or after cold hikes.
Any high-intensity activity in the Denali will likely lead to overheating, especially if you run hot. If you struggle with being too cold, this might just be the perfect heavyweight fleece for you.
Comfort
The North Face Denali Jacket feels like wearing a fluffy cloud. The oversized build envelops you in a warm, soft hug. The recycled Polartec fleece and hip-length cut create a soft and spacious fleece.
While testing it on hikes in the foothills of the Rockies, it moved easily with our body and paired well with a small backpack. It is one of the heavier fleeces on our list, so for longer hikes, it may get uncomfortable, but we loved how cozy this fleece is for daily use.
Durability
The North Face Denali Jacket performed very well during our testing. Granted, this was months of wear on this particular generation. But other CleverHiker gear analysts have rocked theirs since high school. Like most fleece fiber, the 20 years of washing and wearing has resulted in pilling, but it doesn’t diminish its wearability unless the feeling bugs you.
Our consumer research revealed mixed reviews on how well the Denali stands up to punishment. Some said the fluffy jacket pilled and frayed, while others were happy with it. Finally, the nylon overlays on the chest and forearm help keep this jacket in good shape over lots of use.
Weight
At more than a pound, the North Face Denali Jacket is a heavier option on our list. The weight and build also mean this fleece is bulkier than most. It does not have a hood, but it has a lot of pocket space, adding some material.
It takes up a lot of space when it comes to packing it into a pack or bag. If you are wearing it on a trail, train, or plane, this isn’t ever an issue. However, if you are cutting weight for a backpacking trip, it may prove to be a little much.
Features
The main feature of The North Face Denali Jacket is the classic retro look.There are lots of functional pockets on the Denali, including two zippered chest pockets. The front zip on the fleece is compatible with The North Face Mountain Jacket and Mountain Light Jacket, so you can zip them together if you have those jackets. The sleeves also have snaps for attaching to a layered jacket.
Should You Buy The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket?
The North Face Denali Jacket fleece is intended as a mid-layer that will go from the mountain to the city in style. It can perform as a technical piece, but generally it is the perfect fuzzy winter day fleece that works on the trail and in town.
If you are concerned about weight or bulk with a fleece, this would not be a good option. There is also a chance that it could fray or pill with lots of hard wear and miles, but that hasn’t been the case in our experience so far.
What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Review: Like the North Face Denali Jacket, the Cotopaxi Teca is a fuzzy warm fleece that you can wear all day in an array of conditions. From around town to day hikes, the Teca will work well. It has less bulk and fewer pockets than the Denali does.
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Review: The North Face Denali has a similar look and feel to the Synchilla Snap-T. The Denali is warmer and has more pockets as well as a zipper. But the material and feel of the two are quite similar.
