A Reliable Mid-Layer for Long Treks
Tackling the Haute Route, a 225-kilometer trek through high alpine passes from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, is no small feat. Over 14 days, we encountered everything from sunny, mild conditions to sub-zero temperatures, wind, and snow. With 11 high-altitude passes to cross, having a reliable mid-layer like The North Face Men’s Crest ¼ Zip Fleece was essential for maintaining comfort and performance throughout this challenging adventure.
Choosing the right gear is crucial on such treks, where weather conditions can shift rapidly. The Crest ¼ Zip Fleece proved to be a versatile and indispensable part of my setup, offering warmth, comfort, and durability across varying altitudes and environments. Here’s my detailed review based on its performance during our journey.
First Impressions: Practical, Comfortable, and Durable
From the first time I slipped on the Men’s Crest ¼ Zip Fleece, I was struck by its combination of design flair, comfort and practicality. I mean who doesn’t love the Midnight Petrol colour? The black patch overlay on the chest pocket takes a moment to get used to but at least there’s no doubt there’s a pocket there. The stretchy fabric with a brushed double-knit fleece back felt cozy and warm without being bulky, while the double-layer stand collar added extra protection against the chill.
The standard fit worked well for layering, and the fleece’s durability set it apart from other mid-layers I’ve used on previous treks. Despite some minor chafing from my pack, the fleece itself held up impressively, and I appreciated that the body fabric is made with 93% recycled polyester, making it an eco-friendly choice as well.
Field Testing: Performance on the Haute Route
Throughout the trek, we faced a variety of weather conditions: cold winds, sunny stretches, light snow, and occasional rain. The Crest ¼ Zip Fleece performed well in all these conditions, proving to be a versatile mid-layer that could be easily adjusted based on the weather.
Layering and Temperature Control: On long, strenuous ascents, I often overheated and removed the fleece, but during breaks or when the wind picked up at higher altitudes, it was perfect. The quarter-zip feature allowed for quick adjustments, while the internal draft flap and zipper garage ensured warmth when zipped up. The elastic-bound cuffs and hem also trapped warmth effectively, particularly during windy stretches.
Breathability and Moisture Management: The fleece’s material did a great job of wicking away sweat, and even in light rain, the non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish provided some resistance to moisture. It worked well as a standalone layer in moderate conditions and as part of a layered system when temperatures dropped.
Wind Resistance: The Crest fleece was effective against mild winds but needed an additional outer layer, like The North face Terra Peak Jacket, in sub-zero and windy conditions.
Design Features: Practical and Well-Thought-Out
¼ Zip Functionality: I am often a fan of the full length zip but one of the standout and often used features for me was the quarter zip. It provided excellent venting options, which made a difference during longer ascents. The internal draft flap behind the zipper helped prevent cold air from sneaking in, maintaining warmth when the fleece was fully zipped up.
Material and Comfort: The recycled polyester fabric felt soft against my skin, while the brushed interior added an extra level of warmth and comfort. Unlike other fleeces that snag easily or pill after heavy use, the Crest’s fabric felt durable and tough, even after two weeks of trekking.
Pockets: While the fleece includes a bonded, secure-zip patch chest pocket, I found it a bit too small for larger items like my phone (an iPhone 15 Pro Max). However, it came in handy for smaller items like my buff. Personally, I didn’t find much use for the pocket on this trek, but it could be useful for other items in different scenarios.
Style and Aesthetic: Not only is the Crest fleece functional, but it also looked great on the trail. The design and color matched my aesthetic preferences for outdoor wear, adding to the overall satisfaction with the fleece. It’s stylish enough for casual hikes but rugged enough for more serious adventures.
Performance: Warmth, Comfort, and Flexibility
- Warmth: The fleece kept me warm at lower elevations and during less windy sections of the trek. However, when temperatures dropped below 2°C and wind picked up, I paired it with an outer layer. The elastic-bound cuffs and hem helped seal in warmth, making it a reliable mid-layer.
- Comfort: Soft and flexible against the skin, with a snug but breathable fit.
- Flexibility: The fleece’s stretchy fabric allowed for great mobility, which was important on technical terrain or when scrambling over boulders. I never felt restricted by it, even when using trekking poles or navigating steep paths.
- Durability: The recycled polyester fabric resisted pilling and snagging better than other fleeces I’ve tried, even after two weeks of regular use.
Pros and Cons
What I Loved:
- Temperature Regulation: The ¼ zip made it easy to adjust heat during exertion, and the internal draft flap was a nice touch.
- Durability: The recycled polyester fabric held up well during the trek, resisting snags and pilling better than other fleeces I’ve used.
- Elastic-bound cuffs and hem: These kept the cold air out and added to the overall warmth, especially during breaks.
- Comfort: Soft, breathable fabric made it comfortable even after long days of trekking.
Minor Considerations:
- Chest Pocket Size: The chest pocket was too small for larger phones, which limited its usefulness.
- Drying Time: Compared to merino mid-layers, it took longer to dry, which could be an issue on wetter treks with fewer drying opportunities.
Care and Durability: Ready for Future Adventures
While the fleece showed some signs of chafing due to my pack, the fabric remained largely as-new. After two weeks of use, it still looked and felt ready for future adventures. It was also easy to wash and dry, though it did take a bit longer than my merino layers. On treks where fast drying is crucial, it might require extra planning if you intend to wash it in the field.
Final Verdict: A Reliable Mid-Layer for All Levels
I would definitely recommend The North Face Men’s Crest ¼ Zip Fleece for long treks, whether you’re a casual hiker or a seasoned adventurer. Its versatility, durability, and comfort make it an ideal choice for alpine treks like the Haute Route, and its design is equally suited for everyday outdoor activities. For those looking for a mid-layer that strikes the balance between warmth, breathability, and packability, the Crest ¼ Zip Fleece is a solid investment that won’t disappoint.
Technical Specifications
For those interested in the finer details, here’s a breakdown of the key features of The North Face Men’s Crest ¼ Zip Fleece:
- Fit: Standard fit
- Fabric:
- Body: 265 g/m² 93% recycled polyester, 7% elastane double-knit fleece
- Chest pocket and draft flap: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane woven with FlashDry-XD™ technology and non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
- Features:
- Stretchy fabric with a brushed back for added warmth
- Double-layer stand collar for extra protection from the elements
- ¼ Zip with internal draft flap and zipper garage for venting and heat regulation
- Set-in sleeves for a more natural fit and mobility
- Bonded, secure-zip patch chest pocket for small item storage
- Elastic-bound cuffs and hem to trap warmth and block out the wind
- Heat transfer logo on the chest pocket and back-right shoulder for a stylish finish
Where to Get Yours?
You can find the North Face Men’s Crest ¼ Zip Fleece on North Face’s official website or through most major outdoor retailers.
