Description of The North Face Release Fleece Jacket - Men's:
Whatever your outdoor stress reliever is—jogging, hiking, cycling, or climbing—The North Face Men's Release Fleece provides the extra bit of warmth you need to focus on things besides the crisp temperatures. The Release Fleece packs light and small into your bag, and when it's time to zip it on, the napoleon pocket and handwarmer pockets keep your keys and snack easily accessible.
Bottom Line: A low-key fleece for outdoor release.
Loved the jacket from day one... til about day 3. The material snags on the most unassuming things. It does not hold up to "normal everyday use". I began finding pinhole-sized tears and small holes in random places and once the material snags on something, it runs like nylon stockings/pantyhose! I did & still do receive unsolicited compliments on the jacket (bought it in Molten Red) wherever I go, which is a shame since I decided to return it. It is adequately warm & lightweight, but does not block wind, so I'd recommend it for use in weather no colder than maybe 40'F or right at freezing. If it hadnt been for the frail material, I would have kept it. Note: this is only the first of maybe a few dozen The North Face products I have purchased that have left me disappoined. However, since Backcountry maintains 100% customer satisfaction and has allowed me to return the "faulty" jacket for a full refund/exchange, I'm left with a not-so-bitter taste in my mouth from this purchase. A+ for Backcountry, D+/C- for The North Face on this product.
Pros: Warm, stylish... a nice change from the Denalis everyone wears.
Cons: Arm length a little too long and the elastic at the bottom of the sleeves isn't tight enough so the sleeves keep going over my hands. A velcro strap would have been appreciated here. Otherwise it fits great (note: 5'11, muscular 198 lbs, size XL).
Overall I am happy with my purchase.
