Replacing fleece layer of a North Face tri-climate jacket

November 22, 2023 5:17 PM

My husband lost the fleece layer of his beloved North Face Exertion jacket. The jacket is old, and it looks like they might not make it any more. Is there any way to replace the fleece layer? Maybe a fleece from a new model that is backwards compatible?

If the exact replacement isn't available, any suggestions for North Face fleece jackets that might still be able to zip into the outer rain shell? Size is XXL, in case someone finds something second hand.

posted by matildatakesovertheworld to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (5 answers total)

I would recommend reaching out to North Face customer service and having them look up the jacket by its item #. Then they'll know what type/gauge of zipper it has and what might be a good (if not perfect) fit. If you have an outdoor shop nearby like an REI, just swing by and try a few too!
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 5:58 PM on November 22, 2023 [3 favorites]

In the FAQ at the UK North Face site:
Q: Which internal and external jackets and vests are zip-in compatible?

A: Starting in 2010, all our zip-in internal and external jackets are compatible, provided they are same size, since the zipper needs to be the same length. If you are looking for an internal or external jacket that fits with the jacket you have, just make sure both are zip-in compatible. You can find a full list of our zip-in jackets and vests for the present season by searching for "zip-in" in our search box field.

Try the live chat at the US site?
posted by Iris Gambol at 8:37 PM on November 22, 2023 [4 favorites]

If you can confirm that the liners since 2010 are zip in compatible, would a quilted (not fleece) jacket line work? I found this Transverse triclimate quilted liner in a size XXLon ebay, but it's unfortunately not fleece. It does have a centre back seam length very similar to the Extertion Triclimate, which makes me think it might fit into your husbands jacket if they are compatible like the link above suggests.

Alternatively, I would go check out the nearest North Face Store if there is one near you and see what may fit zip in wise.
posted by snowysoul at 5:33 AM on November 23, 2023

Sometimes you can find component parts on ebay. Someone else may have lost or damaged the other parts and sell the remaining parts or the whole with damaged parts.
posted by drowsy at 5:34 AM on November 23, 2023

Hey, I've worked in apparel world for a while. You should be able to zip in any fleece in with the same length zipper and gauge that matches, with the caveat that armscye will need to work in dimensions but that cut looks fairly boxy so should be fine. Thankfully almost everyone uses YKK Vislon zippers in the technical outdoor world and it looks from the pics that they do too. Look at the back of the slider head on the zip in section, it will likely have a gauge number on it bellow the YKK. I'm guessing a #5 from the pic in the link.

But make sure of the gauge number and then measure the length. You can probably get away with a bit shorter zipper on the fleece if you can't get a perfect match. If it is a #5, I've got a Patagonia Retro pile fleece with a #5 Vislon zipper. It's a pretty good piece. Large has a 27.5" centre front zipper. Generally going up a size would mean adding 1". See if the zip in section is around 29.5".

Hope you find something.
posted by jade east at 4:09 PM on November 23, 2023 [2 favorites]