Reviews by User: Esoteric (6)

I have this, the Denali, and Windwall 1 from TNF. This fleece at this low price is the best basic fleece out of the three. I don't ever grab the Denali, and here is why... Even at a fleece weight of 200, the TKA fleece blocks at least 60% of the wind I encounter. With the Denali, it blocks 0%. So even the the polartech on the Denali is comfy and good looking, it provides very little warmth, unless used as an insulating layer, or to wear indoors. So all the college students walking to class (looking stylish) are actually freezing their butts, but once in the classroom they will be very comfortable. The Khumbu is warm, cheapER, basic, and nice simply a nice jacket to grab as an everyday jacket. The windwall 1 is warmer than the Khumbu as it blocks 90% of the wind. I would recommend this fleece, as well as the Windwall 1. Same cannot be said about the Denali, which I feel I have wasted money on.

About 5'10 150 lbs, lean build here. Ordered a black Medium, was too large on me, gave it to dad. Ordered a small in charcoal grey, fits me perfectly. Both colors are beautiful, and as you may have seen, the Denali is played out, and the reason is that they are GREAT looking jackets. You want this to fit snuggly b/c of the nylon panels, they are stiff, and you don't want to look like a football player with shoulder pads sticking out. Also, this jacket is BULKY, which means you can only layer with a large shell. As a standalone jacket, it is really a fashion piece, a slight gust of wind and I freeze. Bottom line, looks "A+", usability "C-".

Tested this shell on downpour during a windy day, and it is 100% waterproof. Breathes well, very light, and can be folded and stored away in my fleece jacket pocket. 5'10 150lbs, order a Medium. Fits a bit loose, but its intended purpose was to wear over my fleece jackets, so its perfect. No insulation, just shell. With a warm fleece, this will provide the wind blocking for added warmth. Different uses tried w/ Venture Jacket: -Baselayer thermal shirt + venture for rain protection on mild day -Khumbu fleece + venture on ~30 degree windy day (was plenty warm, no wind penetration) -Light fleece (100 weight) + venture on ~45 degree windy day (warm) Hood can be adjusted and customized to cover entire face (mask) if needed. Great jacket, will never need a heavier shell unless skiing in sub-zero.

Purchased both this Khumbu and the Denali at the same time. All I have to say is that this Khumbu is a much nicer fleece. The Khumbu is a far superior wind breaker, way less bulky, and simply a warmer jacket. Wore both the Denali and the Khumbu out in the same weather, and all I can say is that the Denali is a waste of money. For half the price, this is the fleece to get. I have already returned the Denali. Also, for something even warmer than the Khumbu, I recently purchased the Patagonia R4, which IMO is the warmest fleece you can get. So with the Khumbu for 50+ days, and Patagonia R4 for anythign below (or extreme wind chill), I'm all set.. never need my down jacket anymore. Don't waste money on the Denali, this TKA 200 is way warmer than the "polartec" ultra-pores worthless Denali.. for half the price.

First some specs to help you shop: For 5'10 150lbs frame, Medium is a bit loose fit, perfect for wearing baselayers underneath TKA 100 like fleece on outer face, grid lock pattern lining on inside (including arms); this jacket will not cling onto any fabric worn as inner layer, which is good. So, This is the jacket I grab all the time. Here is why: It is light in weight, but warm. When worn with just T-shirt, you will never overheat in 50-60 degree+ mild days. When in 40-50 degree range, I wear this with a thermal shirt/light fleece and it keeps me warm. Not recommended for below 40, unless you wear heavier fleece under it, which can get a bit bulky (defeating the purpose of light weight jackets). Side note: if you want something for below 40, I suggest the Patagonia R4, which is Windproof and Ultra Warm. The pocket openings are regular size, but you can fit a 2 liter bottle in it, as the lining is huge. A bit stiff when new, but will soften up with more wear, and wash.

Very thin, you can roll this up and store in the pocket of your jacket. keep it around and use it as a soft shell on your light fleece jackets, it'll block wind very well. Order your usual size.