Tested: The North Face Tekno Ridge Pullover Hoodie

By Aus Geo ADVENTURE January 23, 2020
Reading Time: 2 Minutes Print this page
The North Face Tekno Ridge Pullover Hoodie offers all-season warmth and protection for outdoor adventures.

A midweight fleece is the go-to upper body layer when things get windy or cool and is a popular add-in for an adventurer’s packing list for all seasons. Fleeces range from the very basic to the high-tech, and it is in the latter segment that the rather innocuous looking The North Face (TNF) Tekno Ridge Pullover Hoodie sits.

The Tekno Ridge Pullover Hoodie belies its simple appearance by offering an impressive amount of technology in a lightweight (around 522g) and comfortable fleece that offers more than just additional warmth in your adventure clothing system. It’s is made from a mix of recycled polyester, polyester and a small amount of elastane, to allow for a comfortable stretch when worn. Combined with these fabrics is TNF’s in-house tech, including WindWall, which offers – as its moniker suggests – enhanced protection from wind-chill, with a windproof rating of 20CFM (windproof ratings are measured in cubic feet per minute, with the lower the number the better; an average fleece is rated 60CFM; a soft-shell around 5CFM).

The DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment on the outer fabric offers decent protection when you’re out in the wet stuff, but it is not 100 per cent waterproof.

On top of this high level of wind-resistance, the Tekno Ridge Pullover Hoodie adds FlashDry XD, another in-house tech advantage that provides increased breathability and a more robust outer layer. Topping off this protective technology is a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) finish on the outer fabric, making this garment water-resistant (but not 100 per cent waterproof).

The hood is easy to adjust and provides plenty of protection, the pockets are voluminous, and the large one at the front is handy for storing items such as gloves when not in use.

The TNF Tekno Ridge Pullover Hoodie is very comfortable against the skin, with the fabric’s built-in stretch ensuring ample freedom of movement. TNF has added some neat features to maximise wearer control, such as a side-zip on that can be opened/closed depending on ventilation or warmth requirements. The hood itself is comfortable, and easily adjusted via the drawcord, while the pockets are large enough for even the largest hands so, like the pouch pocket at the front (protected by a Velcro flap), can be used as additional storage for snacks, gear, etc.

www.thenorthface.com.au