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Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip Review

A simple fleece jacket with a high-volume cut that keeps in body heat
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Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip Review (This thick and fluffy fleece is a reliably warm layer in cold weather.)
This thick and fluffy fleece is a reliably warm layer in cold weather.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Price:  $120 List
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Manufacturer:   Cotopaxi
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 16, 2023
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 16
  • Warmth - 25% 8.0
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Breathability - 20% 4.5
  • Layering Ability - 15% 7.0
  • Weight - 15% 8.5

Our Verdict

The Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip is a great all-purpose choice if you are looking for a soft and warm fleece. It earns our accolades for its reliable performance in cold weather at a lower price than many of the best men's fleece jackets we tested. Though it has comparatively basic features (e.g., there are no zippers on the pockets), it is still a super practical option for staying warm — which, after all, is the primary purpose of this type of layer. We would recommend the Teca to anyone who needs a general-use mid-layer for staying warm around camp or in town and can afford to carry around a little extra volume at a lower price point.
REASONS TO BUY
Soft fleece
Warm
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
No zippers on pockets
Basic
Feels lower quality

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A basic fleece meant for style as much as warmthThis lightweight and breathable fleece with excellent performance at a price that's hard to beatA breathable fleece that’s several times cheaper than the competitionThis soft and comfortable fleece comes at a great price and is warm and decently cozyFor a decent all-purpose fleece at an exceptionally low price point, look no further than this full-zip model
Rating Categories Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip Outdoor Research Vi... Wrangler Authentics... Columbia Steens Mou... Amazon Essentials F...
Warmth (25%)
8.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
7.5
Comfort (25%)
8.0
7.5
6.0
6.5
5.5
Breathability (20%)
4.5
8.5
7.0
6.0
5.0
Layering Ability (15%)
7.0
7.0
5.5
5.5
7.0
Weight (15%)
8.5
8.5
7.4
6.0
6.0
Specs Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip Outdoor Research Vi... Wrangler Authentics... Columbia Steens Mou... Amazon Essentials F...
Measured Weight 12.9 oz 13.2 oz 12.5 oz 16.6 oz 16.5 oz
Type Midweight Lightweight Midweight Midweight Midweight
Main Material Body: 100% recycled polyester fleece
Accents: Chest stripes, repurposed polyester taffeta with DWR (durable water repellant) finish
Body: 94% polyester, 6% spandex Body: 100% polyester Body: 100% polyester Body: 100% polyester
Hood Option? Yes Yes No No No
# of Pockets 4 3 0 2 5
Features Recycled and repurposed materials, DWR (durable water repellant finish) Thumb holes, UPF 30, 3-panel hood with binding Quarter-length zipper, double fleece layering on back None Zippered chest pocket

Our Analysis and Test Results

Made with a shell of 100% recycled polyester fleece and complemented with repurposed polyester taffeta with a DWR finish, the Cotopaxi Teca comes ready to keep you warm in the wintertime.

Performance Comparison


cotopaxi teca full-zip
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Warmth


The dense fleece material of the Teca makes for a warm, well-insulated jacket. During testing, we found it was one of the most wind-resistant models. The poly taffeta paneling on the chest first appears to be purely aesthetic, but it also does some decent work blocking wind if your outer shell happens to be partially unzipped. The looser fit does a nice job of retaining a heat pocket close to the body, and the zipper garage at the top protects the chin from touching a cold zipper with the lip or chin. The fleece layer behind the zipper blocks wind from passing through what would otherwise be a weak point for heat to leak out.


Though the taffeta stripes on the chest have a durable water-repellent coating, we can't say that this made any kind of important difference to our experience in damp weather. The main fleece doesn't readily absorb water anyway, and the chest stripes are just a small part of the jacket. Having said that, this is a cold-weather fleece, great for staying warm during downtime at camp or as a mid-layer with a heavier waterproof shell over the top for complete protection from the elements.

cotopaxi teca full-zip - the teca is warm, thick, and fun to wear.
The Teca is warm, thick, and fun to wear.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Comfort


We also love the softness of this fleece. Though the material does feel a little less nice than some of the knit-fleece models in our lineup, it feels great to the touch, and the taffeta lining in the neck area wicks moisture and limits rubbing where the jacket comes in direct contact with skin. In addition, this traditional style of fleece didn't pill nearly as much, or really at all, during testing, which is a notable advantage over the knit-style competitors out there.


The cuffs on the Teca are really stretchy, which also helps with the fit. Having said that, this fleece doesn't offer a ton of mobility overall. There isn't much stretch beyond the wrists, especially compared to the models that incorporate spandex or elastane in the main fabric blend. With that in mind, this layer is not the best choice for activities like climbing that require a high degree of mobility.

As for storage capacity, the pockets don't have any zippers, so this isn't an ideal layer for a day hike when you might want to stow car keys or other important small items. Though the pockets are relatively deep, the liner is a slippery polyester taffeta, so we opted not to put anything in them we weren't prepared to lose. However, the interior pocket lining is sewn shut at the bottom, so there are two generous drop pockets on the inside that themselves are split vertically into one larger and one smaller slot on each side, making them a great spot to tuck away sunglasses or a case on one side and a hat or gloves on the other.

cotopaxi teca full-zip - the high collar protects the neck and offers a ton of soft and...
The high collar protects the neck and offers a ton of soft and comfortable coverage in cold weather.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Breathability


Breathability is the main area where this jacket does not excel. Because of the thickness and density of the main material, it doesn't allow moisture to escape nearly as well as its thinner, airer counterparts. In fact, we noticed that we got 'panic hot' in this jacket the fastest. Moving at a moderate hiking pace, we started to get damp in about 20 minutes in temperatures as low as 40 degrees.


All to say, this model is great at insulating but not as good at wicking away moisture. For this reason, we think it is better suited for staying warm while stationary than for vigorous physical activity.

cotopaxi teca full-zip - while not a breathable layer, we still enjoyed wearing the teca in...
While not a breathable layer, we still enjoyed wearing the Teca in more casual applications.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Layering Ability


The Teca Full-Zip is a looser-fitting fleece but layers well in both directions. It has more than enough space underneath for a base layer, and it can even accommodate another thinner, slimmer fleece as well. Since this jacket doesn't come with a hood, this is a decent option if you want to double up with a hoody for added warmth. We tried this out a couple of times, and it makes for a pretty solid combination.


On the other side of the layer sandwich, most rain jackets and winter coats will fit comfortably over the top of the Teca. There aren't any thumb loops to hold the sleeves in place, though, so it is liable to bunch up and require some rearranging. Similarly, as discussed above, the less stretch fabric rides up some when reaching overhead, and this issue is exacerbated when there is another static layer like a shell jacket over the top of it.

cotopaxi teca full-zip - for as thick as it is, the teca full zip is still super easy to...
For as thick as it is, the Teca Full Zip is still super easy to layer underneath a shell.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weight


At 12.9 ounces, this fleece is much lighter than its warmth and volume would suggest. In fact, it is one of the lightest fleeces in the whole category. If you like this jacket for everything else it offers in terms of warmth and comfort, then the weight is certainly not a limiting factor.


Having said that, the Teca is comparatively high volume and takes up a lot of precious space in a backpack. For that reason, we don't see it as an ideal option for an extended backpacking trip where capacity is limited, and other pieces of gear might take equal or higher priority.

cotopaxi teca full-zip - given its volume and warmth, this is a surprisingly lightweight...
Given its volume and warmth, this is a surprisingly lightweight jacket.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Should You Buy the Cotopaxi Teca Full-Zip?


The Teca Full-Zip is one of our favorite high-insulation jackets for general use. Though it is far from the most packable, it is surprisingly lightweight, super soft, and warm. It is made from 100% recycled fleece, which could appeal to those looking to limit the environmental impact of their clothing purchases. The lack of breathability limits its usefulness during high-exertion activities. However, this is a great option for anyone who is looking for a comfortable fall jacket or a cold-weather mid-layer fleece at a lower price point and doesn't need it to pack down super small.

cotopaxi teca full-zip - it has simple features but its hard to beat the warmth and comfort...
It has simple features but its hard to beat the warmth and comfort this jacket offers for the price.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?


Another traditional full zip fleece that we love is the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan — it has a dressier aesthetic and is a little heavier. Lastly, if you want to go in the other direction — athletic, lightweight, and breathable — then the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is the cream of the crop.

Ben Applebaum-Bauch