This fleece is very similar to the Sprayway Polaris with the same basic design, the same performance and almost the same weight and packed bulk. The difference is that the fabric is recycled. I’m in favour of this but the penalty is a price over twice that of the Polaris. I think if recycled fabrics are to make any significant inroads into the market then prices will have to be similar to non-recycled ones. Otherwise this is a basic fleece that works fine as a mid layer in cold weather and is light enough to carry as warmwear in summer. The handwarmer pockets have soft linings and are quite roomy, though cut off by a pack hipbelt. The pocket bags can be used as open-topped inner pockets for gloves and hats you want to keep warm. The double fabric collar is snug and warm. A nice functional jacket then, but the price is too high.
The North Face Quartz
Chris Townsend reviews a range of fleeces
Specifications
Details
MATERIALS: Recycled Polartec 100 HOOD: no FRONT CLOSURE: full-length zip POCKETS: 2 handwarmer CUFFS: elasticised SIZES: men: S-XL WEIGHT: 363g COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Indonesia PRICE: Ј75 WEBSITE: uk.thenorthface.com