Gear Review
The North Face Denali Wind Pro Fleece Jacket - Men's
This is the right jacket
By htm3732922
Ranked #1822 - Men's Fleece Jackets
February 21, 2010
I just purchased this jacket and I really like it. Some background, I am 5'11" and weight 205, wear a 46 jacket, and a 16 1/2" / 34" dress shirt. I ordered the large TNF Varius Guide Jacket, and TNF Denali Windpro, both in black. I wanted a modular system that I could and would wear individually as well as together. I wanted a jacket that I could wear to work (this is why black) and could wear walking the dog, as well as wear skiing every other year.
I orginially ordered the Windwall II and didn't like it. The fleece was nice but the jacket was non-descript and I wasn't thrilled with the look and fit.
I am very happy with the combo I ended up with. I live in Minneapolis and have worn both jackets separately and together over the past 6 days. I would say that I'm comfortable in the Denali Windpro in the 20's, and with the combined jacket in the teens. The Guide would not be comfortable below 40. I haven't worn any of them in significant wind yet.
The fit of each jacket for me is great but they are tight together. Regarding the Guide, it differs from the 3 in 1 jackets in that it doesn't hide the zipper in the collar as well. The pit zips are tight when you first put it on but you adjust quickly and it is not so much the tightness as it is the rigitity of the zipper. Very happy with the look and fit. Powderskirt will be a nice bonus - the Windwall did not have one.
Regarding the Windpro, it is one of the best jacket's I've ever owned. I tried on regular Denali's and I can tell you hands down this is a much nicer jacket. The Denali feels thicker and bulkier, and in some cases has cinderella sleeves (puffy at the seam). The tightly knit fabric in this coat feels nice and thin and won't ball up. The sleeves are plenty long and will fit you if you have a 35" dress sleve. The only reason to get the regular Denali in my opinion is if you are going to wear it inside a shell and you require a hood or pit zips. Otherwise this is the jacket for you.
View Details: The North Face Denali Wind Pro Fleece Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: February 25, 2010 By: Esoteric
I agree with htm###, but I decided to also keep my Windwall II (black on sale!) as a great windproof base/mid layer that slides under anything, which to me is just as thin as TNF TKA 100 micro fleeces. Also, I contemplated on Guide, but went with Mountain Light (goretex) with my Wind Pro. Just curious, do you have the insulated Guide or regular Guide? If it is the insulated guide, did you have to size up on the shell?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes