The North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece Review
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Fleece jackets are typically designed to function as lightweight and breathable mid-layers for outdoor activities in a range of weather conditions. Depending on the Season, they generally work best worn over a moisture-wicking base layer and under a waterproof or windproof hard shell. There are many variations of fleece jackets on the market today; synthetic vs. natural fibers, jacket weights, and features that make for a wide array of possibilities in choosing the right fleece. Let’s take a look at where the North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece lands.
The North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece
Fit
The fit of the North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece is a slim fit that has a slightly athletic build that hits the mark with just the right amount of material. The featured Fuseform construction technique that North Face uses targets seamless construction between heavier and lighter zones, eliminating friction areas giving the fleece advantageous comfort when running, hiking or climbing. The fit is also favorable for layering under a thin outer shell, backpack or hydration pack, with no bunching or loss of motion. The Progressor worked extremely well with a hydration pack while hitting the trails.
Running with The North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece layered with a Hydration Pack
Performance
The Fuseform Progressor is a 200-weight polyester fleece that lands it in what is considered a mid-weight fleece category, while incorporating the Fuseform technology and the stretchy body mapping construction, it actually comes in on the lighter side of a mid-weight at 15.2 oz. The great thing about a mid-weight fleece is that they are the most versatile and can be used in just about any season, with and without layering.
Versatile Fleece, Great for just about any Season
The Progressor has a patterned body-mapped densely knit backing that allows for great breath-ability right where you need it most. In between each tiny waffle pattern of fleece material are micro gaps that let moisture vent out. The material lets air flow in and out of the jacket during extreme activities, providing the perfect amount of comfort.
Fuseform Body-Mapped Breathable Fleece
There are not many fleece jackets, that I know of, that I could run in, even on cold winter days without being a drenched pool of sweat by the end of the run, but the Fuseform Progressor manages to do the trick.
The Fuseform Progressor is better optimized in colder weather when the aerobic activity is on the higher end and cool weather when the aerobic level is light. I have found it to be extremely functional for running in 20 – 45 degree weather and hiking in 40 – 60 degree weather being used as an outer layer, while wearing a thin base-layer. The versatility of the Progressor has simplified my layering choices; as it packs great warmth for its weight and is comfortable to layer on top of.
Comfortable Enough for Shorts and a Fleece Jacket
Wind and rain are elements that will be encountered in the great outdoors. While this jacket was not designed to prevent those elements from entering. The tightly woven design does block out a good majority of cold air from getting to your core. As for rain, in a very light drizzle it will bead on the material and roll of off, anything more than a mist and the moisture will start to soak into the fleece, though it does dry out quickly once the rain stops.
Last but not least are the zippers, the front main is a lightweight VISLON zipper with an auto-lock slider that smoothly pulls down when your core temp rises to allow for more ventilation and easy pulls back up when the temperature drops. The auto lock feature works as is should, staying put right where you left off with your unzipping.
The Progressor is armed with three low-profile pockets; two hand and a single chest pocket that give you ample room to stash all of your essentials.
Front VISLON Zipper and Chest Pocket
Durability
The Progressor fleece was the most comfortable to be active in. The stretchy material moved well no matter how I contorted during any activity. Taking it on and off, stuffing into backpacks and hydration packs, running it through the wash many times, it held up like you would expect a North Face product to, perfectly.
My only down fall was taking a trail that was lined with thorn bushes, it took a little beating. But as they say, it is the driver not the vehicles fault in most all accidents.
Stay Away from Thorns
Features
- Lightweight yet densely knit climbing fleece with body-mapped construction
- The Progressor Collection is an alpine-layering system that’s designed for climbing
- Alpine Fit designed for vertical movement
- 200-weight fleece with stretch and an engineered, patterned back
- Two different loft zones provide added comfort where needed
- Lightweight VISLON® front zipper with auto-lock slider
- Low-profile, reverse-coil hand and chest pocket zippers
- Trimmer fit allows better range-of-motion
Final Thoughts
The North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece offers premium insulation for warmth and four-way stretch for uninhibited mobility whether you’re running, hiking, climbing, skiing, or snowshoeing. The North Face made this light weight jacket out of Fuseform Progressor Fleece fabric for the breath-ability required for highly active endeavors. Whether you’re running down a chilly trail or taking the dogs out for a hike on a crisp Spring morning, the North Face Fuseform Progressor Fleece will deliver the performance you need to stay warm and comfortable.
For more information or to purchase, visit www.thenorthface.com or www.moosejaw.com/thenorthface. MSRP $149
