The North Face Denali Jacket

This jacket doesnt really have much technical performance, but for some reason i still wear it 4+ days a week in the nothwest. In my opinion is is quite fasionable, clean and simple, but a little annoying when you can start a club of Denali Wear-ers everywhere you go! Its very warm, and really comfortable because its soft fleece inside and out. I like the pockets and pit zips (not mesh lined), and its sooooo light too. The bad part is that its not windproof at all, after youve worn it for about a week the fabric stretches and just lets all air pass thru withought a fight, and that makes the warmth of the fleece usless. In your normal size it is pretty roomy and too bulky to layer under a shell, but in a size down it will work ok as a layer, but be REALLY hot so high-output activites like snowboarding would not be a good idea with this as a layer. The nylon panels are very waterproof with the DWR and can easily withstand a light shower, but the rest gets wet and nasty and doesnt dry very quickly.

The optimal use ive found for this is just indoor casual, with a sweatshirt under it most of the time...besides that its good for any cold weather environment that is not windy or rainy - which i cant really call an example to mind.

I gave it 4 stars because i really like the jacket as a casul piece, but its lacking performance.

Ok, well I have been wanting one of these for a while. At 99 bucks on sale from Back Country I had no more excuses. I got a black one.

The free shipping was quick and the key word being free. Awesome.

Bottom line, This fleece jacket is warm. I have a 12 year old Polartec 300 from another company and this new 300 classic stuff is about twice as warm.

It holds up in cold, damp, misty conditions. Drizzle just beads off. It will also keep you warm in low to moderate winds in the 40s and 30s. It hasn't been any colder than that this spring here in San Antonio.
For rain and high winds, I recommend a shell but yeah, this is a fleece jacket so that sorta goes without saying. The Denali makes for a good stand alone jacket in most average conditions, or a toasty insulator under a shell.
Great pockets and the vent zips come in handy too.

The Denali's looks are great. People take notice of the jacket. Many people want to touch the fleece. So some admire and some are jealous. What really matters is I like it. :) I hope it lasts as long as my older Polartecs that I still wear even today. I rate the Denali as a good investment for those who like what fleece has to offer.

Thanks Back Country!

Ok, well I have wanted a Denali for a while. When it went on sale for 99 bucks, I had no more excuses not to buy it. I got a black one.
The fast and free shipping rocks.
The Denali is toasty warm. Its a great stand alone jacket for most average conditions. Works fine in the damp and drizzle, up to light- moderate winds, into the 30s and 40s. That is as cold as San Antonio got with this week's Blue Norther. For more wet and windy conditions, I recommend a shell. That should kinda go without saying though for most fleece. Again the Polartec 300 is very warm. I have a 12 year old 300 Polartec from another company that has held up great, however the Denali's Classic 300 is twice as warm. The Denali looks great. I get a lot of compliments. People like to feel how warm it is. Some people are visibly jealous. Really the bottom line though is that I like it. :)

Pockets and the vent zips work very well too.

The Denali is warm, good looking, and made of a durable, reliable Polartec 300 weight fleece. I recommend it as a good investment for those who will appreciate what a good fleece jacket has to offer.

Thanks Back Country!

Buy this coat if you want something trendy to wear indoors or maybe on a very calm fall day. It does very little to block wind or water, so the instant the weather goes south you'll be wishing you bought a Windwall 2 or Apex Bionic jacket.

It provides a decent amount of warmth; I find that on fall days I can wear it outdoors with just a long sleeve shirt and be fine. Indoors, wear just a t-shirt or you'll get too warm in it. The fitment is a bit looser than other TNF jackets so you can definitely layer with this. It might make you look fat, so I really suggest trying this on somewhere to test the size.

Avoid the black color if you have pets, as it shows every last hair and spec of dirt.

There are matching gloves, which is nice. The gloves don't do much to block wind or rain either.

Overall the coat is "okay". It's a trendy thing to wear, and offers enough warmth for indoor wear. I can't recommend it for anyone spending long periods outdoors, or for venturing outside in poor weather. Go for a Windwall 2 or Apex Bionic if you want a single multi-purpose jacket.

If you're looking for a heavier weight fleece jacket or liner for a waterproof shell, this is the one! This jacket is very warm to wear on it's own and zips in perfectly with a #5 zipper to any shell. I use it when backpacking through the Black Hills where temperatures can get pretty frigid at nights during the spring and autumn and have stayed very warm in it. The Denali also dries very quickly when it gets wet, but since it is a fleece, it really doesn't repel much water. The tactical zipper pockets and pit zips are nice features as well, and make it all the more versatile. I'm a ranger for the National Park Service and this is my jacket of choice on colder nights, and when the weather really bottoms out, I zip it into my Marmot shell to stay both dry and warm. The only negative connotation I can really see some people having with this jacket is that it is not windproof. The wind-resistant panels do a fair job of blocking out the wind but I knew it wasn't designed for this purpose when I bought it, so that's why I didn't deduct any stars from it.Great product by The North Face

purchased one for my son, 5'11" my husband 6'5"
also purchased the women's denali for my daughter
U'5". They all love the jacket. Son is in a wheelchair
so he doesn't like too much bulk that "wads" up around him. Husband is "in and out" of the weather
and this jacket seems to work well for both. He says that it gets quite warm if he wears it inside for an hour or better. The daughter plays college softball and needed something warm that will allow her to move freely for practice. She thinks this jacket is the best thing since "white bread". The fit on all of them was very true to size. Other jackets have been a little short on my husband, but the length on this one is nice. The body on the women's is shapped for a female. Not square at all. Has a nice feminine line. I look so smart in my purchase. Husband is 53 years old the son is 25 and the daughter is 19. This jacket has a very wide appeal. Thank you Backcountry. I am sure I will be getting more of these jackets in other colors for the girl.

This is a nice, heavyweight fleece. It is well made and works well as a layered fleece under your shell if the weather is really cold but it is a bit bulky. Everyone can see by looking at the pictures that it is a really sharp jacket. It has pit zips to help vent when you get warm.The Pros: Great looking jacket but you will see many people wearing them. The fleece is very thick and the jacket is sturdy. This jacket is warm if the wind is not blowing hard. Numerous pockets.Now the misconceptions: This is not a windproof fleece nor is it waterproof. If the temperature is not super cold this jacket is too hot to wear as a layer. If you are looking for something to wear on windy and rainy days you should keep looking. If you are looking for serious backcountry equipment keep on looking. I personally think the Mountain Hardwear Windstopper fleece is a much better product.

This is my favorite and most effective winter hike base layer [in a deep freeze] and jacket in just plain old cold. It got me easily to the top of Mount Whitney through snow, ice, and wind in early June [when I actually forgot my wind jacket]. It is miles better than all the cheaper [brand name] Polartec wear I own - by far! It prevents cold air from slipping through the zipper area, the cuffs or waist. It seals great, the pit vents allow for smooth transitions during long hikes or "warm moments". The relatively light weight [given the pile of the fleece] makes it an easy add to the pack when in doubt of weather conditions. At 6'7" tall, the XXL fits my length and is just a tad short in sleeves. I would strongly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I've had it for almost three years, and it's been everywhere in this region, up Rainier, and in Canada.

I picked this up on SAC thinking I got a great deal. However, the first time I wore it I realized how very wrong I was. When they say there it's not windproof, they mean that there is absolutely zero wind protection. The slightest breeze will rip through this like it's not even there. Even the mild temperatures of Seattle proved to be too extreme for this fleece. For such a high price tag, I expect a lot more. Do not be fooled by the hundreds of rave reviews coming from people with large wallets and low expectations.

This jacket is HEAVY, not packable, hard to layer, and simply not very good quality. While this jacket might suffice for keeping you warm at a frat kegger, it won't do a damn thing on a mountain but overheat you and then be too big to stuff anywhere. Also, why in the world anyone would buy this jacket now that Arc'Teryx's Strato is only TEN dollars more, baffles me.
If you want this for style points, I guess it works, but if you're looking for any kind of serious outdoor performance, keep looking.

Don't get me wrong this is a nice fleece and it's very warm and very durable but it's bulky and not wind resistant at all. As soon as there is a little gust of wind you might as well not be wearing a coat at all. This coat has no practical uses outside of casual wearing. For the money buy something that is wind repellent, less bulky, and maybe even water resistant. You will be much happier with a coat like that.

Though it never claims to be a techincal jacket, the Denali is by far the worst jacket for the money you can buy. The only positive it has is it is a 300 weight fleece. But for $165 retail, you can get a Windwall 1 or 2 or pay $195 for an Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan, which is not techincal, but still warm and very fashionable.

I'd give it a zero if I could.

Over a hundred dollars for what? This jacket lacks a lot - mostly function. Not windproof, bulky, whats the nylon on the shoulders for? Get one if you want to look trendy and you have cash to blow (but then again everyone has one so you might just look lame). Am I the only person who thinks you should get a better and more functional piece for this price?

Stop buying TNF Denali jackets unless you're in high school or never plan to where it outdoors. There are so many better options out there in fleece for this prce range. Even other TNF models. Are you going to wear your Bugaboo when you hit the mountain? Can't believe this was reccomended to me in the "Customers who bought this item also bought:" section.

Too expensive and lacking function for the high price tag. Honestly, only get one if you want to look trendy. This jacket is bulky, not windproof, and everyone has one. NorthFace should and can do better then this.

This jacket is warm up in till there is a little breeze. Its also really bulky. Dont waste your money unless you want to look like the rest of the sorority girls and wanna-be locals.

Search for Denali Wind Pro... for all the reasons you want this guy, but with actual warmth!
You'll look like the next guy, only YOU don't have to be cold to look the part.

I own several nice TNF jackets ranging from a thin pullover to the warmest summit jacket. I have recently purchased the Denali because I was curious if it actually was the hotness so many claim it is. The TNF description says that Denali is a 3 season jacket, 2 if you're in the north. I bought it and wore it for about 1.5 weeks. I end up giving it away to my cousin. Throughout the time I purposely hang out in the restaurant fridge at 24F, went on a scooter ride at 35F and sat in my room at 72F. Denali is NOT windproof, NOT waterproof, kind of breathable and most definitely NOT stylish. It is very bulky, the heavy fleece does not adhere to any share other than a square that it is, and the jacket is very uncomfortable as an under layer. I would say that Denali is so popular because it's the CHEAPES TNF made for wide range of climates. To most people $160 for basically a fleece jacket is top of the line except they forget they're buying name brand. You will have to spend at least $200 if you want a good windproof/waterproof/slylish/breathable jacket to wear between 20F and 50F. I would recommend you spend enough for at least Sentinel/WindWall Thermal/ STH. I intern for an advertising agent with TNF so I get to wear all of these entry level jackets. I am telling you that these are the least you should be looking for if you're looking for an all-weather jacket. Besides, do you really want to give people the impression that you're unable to stand up to the fraternity group mentality¦? TNF has at least 15 different options for you, plus the color. My advice is to choose something unique and get away from the simple black color. Take it or leave it. I am just an intern after all. PS If you think you're a real bad*** then check out the Arc'teryx collections. Arc'teryx is not as numerous but better than TNF and much more stylish!

This is not a bad piece of gear, per se. Construction and so on are quality. But as many reviewers have noted, this piece is really not appropriate for true outdoor adventuring. It is not windproof or waterproof in the slightest, and the rather baggy, boxy fit makes it difficult to layer with unless you buy a size down. For people with cash to spare, who don't live in particularly cold climates and are looking to step up from their average sweatshirt, this might be a good option. For those of us who live in cold climates, this jacket is simply irrelevant as it's too bulky to be a midlayer and lacks the weather resistance of a good outer layer. For the price, there's no reason to buy this jacket. If you just want a piece of North Face gear to look cool, the Apex Bionic is significantly cheaper AND more weather-resistant.

This jacket is basically a glorified sweatshirt - if you wouldn't immediately balk at buying a nice sweatshirt for a cool $165, then this might be the jacket for you. But you can easily find more versatile jackets at much more reasonable prices.

Still have an older Denali Jacket ~5yrs old or so.
Recently bought the newer hooded version. Same styling but add a hood and the quality/feel of the fleece was also updated.

Still very pricey!! Buy it when it's on sale ONLY!!

It's "adequate" in that is warm but NOT when it's windy! The wind will cut through the jacket and you'll literally freeze!

The purpose of the jacket is insulation so it's best when used with either a shell jacket or under an insulated jacket!

Fleece is very bulky when compared other 300-weight fleece jackets.
It's not "as warm" as other jackets that are made with Windpro or Windblocker fleece materials as those jackets use thinner fleece with a laminating layer to block out the wind, which makes those jackets WARMER!!

The NTF Denali jacket has become too "stylish" esp. amongst teens and college kids! The company is now owned by Vanity Fair!!

There are other jackets available for less that'll block out the wind and keep your warm.

Overall, it's still a good fleece jacket but not when the temps drop below freezing and/or when it's windy!

This is a nice fleece jacket but I would never pay full price for one of these. The $165 price tag is WAY too much. I bought this jacket on sale ($77) and still think it was a little steep. I wanted another black fleece to replace a Columbia one that had seen "better days." The medium fits me really well (I'm 175lbs, about 5'10") and the their fleece material is very comfortable. All of my other North Face jackets are large and they fit the same as this medium jacket which I found to be a little weird (I had to return the large I ordered for the smaller size). I am a big fan of The North Face products and have five of their jackets but this one doesn't seem to out quality wise like the others.

About 5'10 150 lbs, lean build here. Ordered a black Medium, was too large on me, gave it to dad. Ordered a small in charcoal grey, fits me perfectly. Both colors are beautiful, and as you may have seen, the Denali is played out, and the reason is that they are GREAT looking jackets. You want this to fit snuggly b/c of the nylon panels, they are stiff, and you don't want to look like a football player with shoulder pads sticking out. Also, this jacket is BULKY, which means you can only layer with a large shell. As a standalone jacket, it is really a fashion piece, a slight gust of wind and I freeze. Bottom line, looks "A+", usability "C-".

This is a well made, nice looking, great fitting jacket. But I believe it is one of the most over-rated products on the market, at least for my use. The 300 weight fleece seems too bulky when layering under a shell, bunches up more than I like. Then, when you remove the shell, a cold wind will cut right through it. In the end, I think you're better off going with a lighter jacket that has better wind-proofing capabilities. (I switched to a Marmot Sharp Point jacket).

This was one of the first fleece's i ever owned and it was adequate for the job. as TNF grew over the years, the quality of this jacket has decreased so the "style" factor can increase making it affordable to everyone (which is nice)but resulted in TNF more interested in getting their name out instead of quality jackets. This jacket is more of a "around town" jacket and not recommended for backcountry adventures as it is super heavy and not built to quality.

Though this jacket has kept me very warm on the occasions when I have used it, it is WAY to heavy and hard to back for any backcountry usage. I have several lighter, more compressible fleeces that insulate just as well. For this kind of money, look elsewhere.

Cyrus said it all in his review. He is dead on in the review. I have one Denali, i wear it because it matches my work colors perfectly. While it's not part of the uniform, I get away with it.