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 vibrant shade schemes leap 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 made out of recycled fleece and deadstock polyester taffeta, making it an environmentally pleasant choice that diverts waste from landfills. It’s heat, smooth, and comfy and works properly 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 substances, which is a giant promoting level within the out of doors trade as state bans proceed to roll out on account 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 completely satisfied hour. It labored nice and earned itself a spot on our checklist of the most effective fleeces of the yr. We mainly lived on this fleece and located only a few drawbacks other than 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
Worth:
$120
Measured Weight:
12.9 oz.(Males’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Mid-heavyweight
Execs
- Heat
- Good worth
- Gentle weight for the quantity
- 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 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 smooth fleece.
Additionally it is a bit heavier than some fleeces on the checklist, which accounts for among the extra heat. It’s nice for day hikes or pre and post-cold actions. However it could be overkill on longer backpacking or high-intensity journeys. We’d put on this fleece all the way 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 climbing down a snow-covered path. The recycled polyester fleece materials may be very smooth 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. Additionally it is comfy as a layer if you wish to put on a coat or jacket excessive of the fleece for extra wind safety. We examined the Cotopaxi with and with out 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 climbing via 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 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 if you happen to have 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 shade schemes – Completely happy 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 substances, is a superb choice if you happen to 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?
If you’re searching for an all-around good heat fleece that can work for a wide range of conditions and temperatures, then the Cotopaxi Teca fleece is an efficient choice. Whereas it doesn’t have lots 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 surroundings can also be a plus in our books. It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than some technical fleeces. Nevertheless, it nonetheless layers properly and provides a novel retro look that is a bit more fashionable than most fleeces.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Think about?
North Face Denali Fleece Overview: The North Face Denali has a glance and design much like the Teca Fleece. The Denali has extra pockets however gives an identical retro look. Each are hotter, bulkier fleeces which can be nice for on a regular basis use.
KÜHL Interceptr Fleece Overview: 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 properly for trail-to-town use all through the colder seasons of the yr.
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Overview: In case you like the heat of the Teca however want a extra packable fleece, the Patagonia R1 Air could be an excellent choice.
