ProView – Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Hooded Half-Zip Jacket

This cozy fleece is an awesome mid-layer or outer layer that provides instant warmth. A versatile and exceptionally comfy jacket that is perfect for the fall and winter weather in either performance or lifestyle regard.  

When I’m not working, I am out exploring the front range for climbing of all kinds. I first put this jacket to the test on a fall evening while climbing one of my favorite nearby multi-pitches. 

As the sun dipped behind the steep canyon walls, I pulled on the Teca Fleece, took the sharp end, and began moving upward. I immediately loved the movement that the jacket provided. Long reaches were not a problem and I felt unrestricted the whole time I was climbing. Though I did heat up fairly quickly when moving, I had no problem unzipping the jacket to its halfway terminus and letting myself breathe a little. 

At each belay, I found myself falling more and more in love with this fleece. The comfort and warmth provided had me luxuriating while dangling from my harness on the cliffside. The large scuba hood was perfect to pull on over top of my helmet and did not restrict my vision at all! In addition, the kangaroo hand pockets were great to warm up my frosty fingers when my partner joined me at the belay ledges. 

Through the rest of the climb and descent, the hooded Teca Fleece did not disappoint. I stayed nice and toasty despite the crisp fall breeze funneling through the canyon walls. Though it’s not the most “techy” and lightweight layer out there, I will be bringing this jacket on many more outings! 

Fit

I am 6’ tall and about 145 pounds so I am a bit of a string bean and therefore tend to stray away from the bulkier fleece jackets such as this. However, upon trying this on for the first time, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the fit and sizing. The jacket has a good bit of loft but still retains a slender, non-baggy size that looks great and feels even better! I typically wear a medium in most sizes and this product runs true.

Weight/Packability

This is the only area where I feel as though the Teca Fleece wasn’t exceptional. It is a bit on the heavier side and does not like to pack down very much. I found it hard to be a bit cumbersome in my small climbing pack and opted to wear it over top of my harness rather than tucked in.  However, because of that, I think it’s a great layer for casual outings where you don’t need to be so weight/space conscious.

Durability

This fleece can definitely hold its own! Dragging it over gneiss granite while climbing and jamming it into my pack on multiple occasions, I haven’t noticed any abrasions or tears. I expect this jacket to last a good, long while which is why I think it’s a great value. 

Features

I am a sucker for a good zipper on all my outdoor products. The extra cord with rubber-coated tips on the pull tab made it easy to utilize even with numb digits from the cold rock. The kangaroo hand pockets are perfect for stashing your cold hands in and I’m a big fan of the synthetic lining on the inside because it tends to not agitate chapped skin quite as much which is inevitable if you like to use an excessive amount of chalk during the peak climbing season like me. 

Comfort/Warmth

Just as Cotopaxi intended, this thing is warm! I threw it on as my stand stand-alone jacket while climbing that evening and it was perfect to have on at the chilly belays even with just a t-shirt beneath it. I especially love the big, lofty scuba hood. It was large enough to fit over my helmet and did not limit my vision. With my Gumby-like body, I can get cold pretty easily and love a jacket with a great down quality and an accommodating hood like the Teca Fleece. 

I also found this jacket to be perfect in the chilly fall mornings that have finally arrived. I like to work outside on my laptop once the sun is up and this fleece keeps me toasty while sitting on my back patio. On my lunch breaks I like to go on dog walks/skateboard rides and the Teca Fleece continues to shine through its mobility and warmth on a brisk October day. Truly a great piece of kit for adventures and casual outings alike! 

Sustainability

Cotopaxi has maintained a reputation to build sustainable gear and gives us yet another reason to fall in love with this product. This jacket was made from 100% recycled polyester while the stripes on the front are built from repurposed polyester taffeta that incorporates a DWR finish.

Final Word

The Teca Fleece Hooded Half-Zip Jacket is perfect for casual outings and adventures alike. If you like to support sustainable manufacturers and need a cozy fleece that provides instant warmth for any activity, I highly recommend picking one of these jackets up for your fall/winter season!

Shop Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Hooded Half-Zip Jacket on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!