User Review: The North Face Women's Denali Jacket

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January 8, 2013

alexdesvagues
40 reviewer rep

Rating:
Source: bought via a "pro deal"

Summary

Functional features and durability outshine the peculiar trendiness of this workhorse fleece.

Pros

Nylon protecting fleece in high-abrasion areas
Durability
Quality fleece

Cons

Boxy cut makes it a great topper but hard to layer under shells
Ribbon pulls on zippers are flimsy
Ubiquitous, trendy, usurped by the lay-masses

The ubiquitous TNF Denali is a workhorse 300 weight Polartec fleece with double nylon covering the collar, shoulders and upper body, elbows, and hem. There is a vertical chest pocket and two side pockets, all zippered and featuring somewhat flimsy ribbon pulls. The sleeve hems are slightly elastized; the bottom hem has an elastic drawcord which is useful due to the jacket's boxy shape.

I own two Denalis (one is 7 years old, the other is 5) and can attest to their durability and smart design. The Polartec fleece wears well and doesn't pill terribly, but the areas that would show wear the soonest, elbows and shoulders abraded by pack straps, are protected by durable nylon so the fleece remains in great shape.

I use the Denali as a topper or jacket because it is very roomy and boxy and doesn't layer easily under athletically-shaped shells. A Patagonia down sweater can fit underneath for extra warmth. Overall a great piece of gear with enduring design that is worth owning despite its weird "fashion item" status.

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