Recently I had the chance to test the famous Men’s Retro Denali Jacket from TNF. This jacket doesn’t pretend to be technical: it is. And it doesn’t try to be trendy, it is that too, without even trying. The Denali Jacket is a bit like those songs you play on repeat without really knowing why. It just feels right. It gets the job done. And it does it with a look that turns heads.
About The North Face
From developing the first lightweight dome tent in the 1970s to its iconic Nuptse and Denali jackets in the late 80s and early 90s, The North Face has a deep history rooted in genuine exploration and a commitment to helping people “Never Stop Exploring.” Today, the brand’s pioneering spirit is also focused on sustainability, with a significant push towards using recycled materials and implementing circular design principles to minimise its environmental footprint.
Men’s Retro Denali Jacket
The Men’s Retro Denali Jacket is an authentic reissue of the classic 1995 Denali, a piece born on the big walls of Yosemite that became a cultural icon. It captures the boxy, relaxed fit and styling of the original while utilising modern, sustainable materials. Here are some key features and specifications:
- Relaxed Fit, designed for comfortable layering.
- The body fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester fleece, offering superior warmth and a soft, comfortable feel.
- Features woven nylon overlays on the collar, chest, back yoke, and lower-back sleeves for enhanced abrasion resistance (it is a critical feature for climbers/hikers wearing a pack). The overlay fabric is 100% recycled nylon with a non-PFC DWR (durable water-repellent) finish.
- High stand collar, two-way VISLON® centre front zip with an internal draft flap, and key pit-zip venting for rapid heat dump.
- Two secure-zip chest pockets and two secure-zip hand pockets.
- Elastic-bound cuffs with tabs allow for zip-in compatibility with certain The North Face shell jackets (like the Mountain Jacket).
- Internal drawcord with cord locks at the hem.
The testing
The first thing I notice is the warmth. The heavyweight recycled fleece is plush, instantly trapping heat and making it the ideal standalone jacket for chilly, dry days or a perfect mid-layer for frigid conditions. Having recently moved to Alberta, I’ve noticed that winter and snow arrive much faster here than where I used to live. I already had a chance to test this jacket during my trip to British Columbia this fall. The cool mornings in the Revelstoke mountains and the cold, wet weather on the northwest coast, near Alaska. Colder than I had anticipated, My Retro Denali Jacket was the perfect companion for this trip.
I found that functionality is where the “retro” design truly shines. The contrast nylon overlays on the shoulders and elbows aren’t just for style, they’re incredibly practical. I often wear a backpack, and these reinforcements prevent the constant rubbing that would quickly wear out a standard fleece. They also shed light rain or snow far better than the fleece body, giving you those crucial extra minutes of protection in a sudden shower.
To conclude
The North Face Men’s Retro Denali Jacket offers an unparalleled level of warmth and durability for its class, making it an outstanding choice for everything from casual winter wear to layering on a technical trek. While its boxy fit and heavyweight nature might not be for speed-focused athletes, for those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and feature-rich fleece that effortlessly transitions between the city and the mountains, the Retro Denali is an enduring icon that lives up to its legendary status.
You can have more information about The North Face here:
