The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Review: Uber-Breathable Fleece Might Really Be the Future

The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Hoodie got to me just in time to be worn for an evening ski tour. I had been waiting to get a layer to wear skinning, skiing, and hiking as spring temperatures started to rise, and the FUTUREFLEECE vowed to not only keep me warm but also breathe — a promise many fleeces fail to keep.

I skinned up my skis, threw on a base layer and my bibs, and topped off my outfit of choice with the hoodie. If you have ever chosen to skin up a mountain for sunset, you know the battles with deciding what layers to pack. Will the temps drop with the sun? Could the wind chill be in the negatives? Will there be cloud cover to insulate, or will the sky be fully clear? 

It is important to choose layers that will wick away moisture when you sweat but will continue to regulate your body temperature as your sweat dries away. Fleece is by no means new tech, but with a novel looped weave that creates air pockets to shuttle away moisture, The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Hoodie did exactly that — maybe even better than any fleece I’ve worn before.

In short: Gone are the days of skiing, skinning, hiking, and running without a lightweight and temperature-optimizing fleece layer. Lined with innovative full-loop technology, the FUTUREFLEECE hoodie helps regulate body temperature without compromising being one of the lightest weight midlayers on the market.

To see how the FUTUREFLEECE compares to the best insulation layers, check out GearJunkie’s Best Midlayers Buyer’s Guide.

The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Full Zip Hoodie: Review

I have had my share of experiences with cotton base layers and midlayers. From freezing cold ski runs back to the car to the sun unexpectedly dipping behind storm clouds on a bike ride, it is never a fun experience when your clothes are damp. 

Enter The North Face FUTUREFLEECE (all caps, please). Even without these drastic temperature transitions, having the right layers can save the day. Since receiving this fleece, I have worn it either on its own or as a midlayer in a wide variety of weather conditions. From early morning runs to shredding my local ski resort, this fleece has done it all during the past few weeks of testing. 

A New Way to Do Fleece

FUTUREFLEECE promises a lot — but does it deliver? Aiming to squeeze even more warmth than normal grid fleece (while being more breathable) is a high bar to clear, but this layer certainly isn’t lacking the tech: Using eight-sided Octa yarns, which are hollow in order to jam in more air-trapping warmth, is just the first step.

These yarns lie together at odd angles to one another, and are clustered together into looped bundles that stand proud of the fabric, with space between them where air can flow freely. Air transfer is excellent and means no more moisture-trapping when things get heated.

The bundles of loops make the fleece soft to the touch, allowing for easy wear, even without a base layer. The high-tech fleece lines the entirety of the jacket, while on many other hoodies only the sweat-prone areas are lined. This means better moisture transfer across the entire jacket — not just your sweaty back.

I really put the breathability of this material to the test on a brisk trail run. At about 45 degrees with a slight wind chill, I opted for shorts paired with the FUTUREFLEECE to keep my upper body warm. I was pleased with the way the material seemed to wick away any moisture, didn’t rub or chafe anywhere, and my movement wasn’t restricted in any way. 

Adventure-Ready Design

Besides the impressive fleece tech, the rest of the FUTUREFLEECE isn’t lacking in adventure-ready trim. It’s a slim fit combined with comfortable thumb holes, which allows for easy layering and delaying.

On one of my days testing this fleece out on the skin track, the weather was all over the place. I started off with my base layer, The North Face FUTUREFLEECE, and a small puffy over the top. As my temperature rose, I shed my top layer without a snag. As someone who finds it uncomfortable to add or remove layers while moving, I didn’t experience any discomfort while wearing this fleece.

Due to the slim fit, thumb holes, and stretchy fabric, I could freely move my arms without the fleece’s positioning shifting on my body. I was also able to move my backpack around and fish for things in my pockets without my sleeves twisting or catching anywhere. 

Later that week, on a sunny but windy day in Colorado, I wore the FUTUREFLEECE out for a long walk with my dogs. While the hoodie does not offer much in terms of wind resistance, I did find the pre-tensioned hood to be a nice touch.

With elastic around the opening to provide a tight fit, wearing the hood kept the wind from getting to my neck and ears while also preventing the hood from blowing off. The snug fit of the hood allows it to be worn under a helmet, which can come in handy during inclement weather conditions when extra protection is needed.

Minimal Storage, Vulnerable to Breezes

The biggest critique about the FUTUREFLEECE is the lack of pockets. When wearing this as a midlayer, I did not find it necessary to have more pockets; however, when wearing it as my outer layer, I often found myself reaching for hand pockets that were not there. 

It is important to keep this in mind because if you plan on wearing this fleece without a backpack or another layer with more pockets, it will be difficult to bring along your phone, keys, wallet, or other important belongings. 

Another noteworthy critique is the lack of wind resistance provided by this fleece. In anything more than a slight breeze, pairing this fleece with other layers like a windbreaker would be the way to go.

The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoodie is a heavier alternative that is more wind- and water-resistant, making it a bit more suitable for winter-specific adventures. On the other hand, the versatility of The North Face jacket allows for easy layering to adjust for temperature changes throughout the day, which can be a great tool to prevent you from overheating.

The North Face FUTUREFLEECE Full Zip Hoodie: Conclusion

Everybody needs a reliable and versatile midlayer, and The North Face FUTUREFLEECE is exactly that. While you do have to be strategic with how you choose to layer it, I have found that the lightweight material has kept me dry even as I start to work up a sweat on colder days.

With The North Face fleece being in the same price range as comparable jackets, it comes down to determining your needs. If you need an easy layer for activities where temperature control and layering techniques are important, this fleece is a great option. The comfort and athletic fit are great complements to the innovative approach to temperature optimization offered by the FUTUREFLEECE. 

Alternatively, the FUTUREFLEECE might not be your best bet if you are looking for a midlayer that will keep you warm on its own. The decision lies on your specific needs and whether you want to prioritize performance or more stand-alone warmth.

So, is it the future of fleece? It just might be. Even during March in Colorado, where the weather can be sporadic, I found that I was constantly reaching for it. With its full-loop fleece technology, this jacket functions well as an outer layer during the spring or fall and is a great midlayer option for winter activities.