The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants Review | The Best Campsite Trackies For Hikers

Trackies are the ultimate comfort piece in every person’s wardrobe, yet they often don’t make the cut for your hiking backpack or when travelling light due to their heavy and bulky nature. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way?!

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are the answer to your prayers, providing a lightweight and warm bottom layer that you don’t have to think twice about packing for your winter adventures.

I recently got a pair of The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants and was blown away by their exceptional warmth and surprisingly lightweight design. While they’re still slightly bulky, these fleece pants are a game changer for when the temperature dips to single digits or below. 

In this review, you’ll find my honest opinion on the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants, including my favourite features and ones I would have liked to see included.

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My Honest Review Of The North Face Women’s Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants

Quick Info Of The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants

Price: $200 AUD / $160 AUD sale
Sizes: XS – XL
Material: Body: 258 g/m² Polartec®-100% recycled polyester fleece | Overlay: 75D x 170D 138 g/m² 100% recycled polyester plain weave with non-PFC DWR
Weight: 340 g
Colours: Black
Sustainability: recycled material
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Activity: Camping, lifestyle

Positives:

• Extremely warm
• Soft and comfortable
• Durable knees for added protection
• Lightweight

Negatives:

• Dirt gets attached to the material if you sit on the ground
• Bulky

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are a sustainable and lightweight pair of trackies that will keep you toasty warm on chilly nights camping in the wilderness. These heavyweight fleece pants feature the well-known and loved Polartec fleece, with an added overlay on the knees for increased durability.

Aside from being slightly impractical to wear sitting on the ground outside – if you own anything fleece, you’ll know what I mean – the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 trackies have been an invaluable addition to my winter overnight hiking gear.

Who Are The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants For?

If you’re sick of freezing on cold nights camping in the wilderness, then the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are the trackies for you! These lightweight and ultra-comfortable fleece pants will completely change your experience, allowing you to stay cosy and warm on winter adventures. But the best part is, with a total weight of just 340 g, you’ll barely notice the added weight in your hiking backpack.

But even if you’re simply looking for a pair of extremely warm track pants to wear at home or while enjoying an outdoor firepit, then I can guarantee The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants won’t disappoint.

Size Of TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants

I am 5”5 with an athletic build and usually choose a 10 – 12 or medium in my pants. I have a medium pair of the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants and they are slightly too big. However, this works well for me as I prefer my tracksuit pants to be loose rather than fitted and luckily, there is a drawstring at the waist to secure them tightly.

Fit

The Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants have a relaxed fit, providing ample space to wear your thermal base layer underneath. The pants have a 28” inseam and the ankles are cuffed for added warmth. The waist sits above the hips, ensuring protection for your lower back, and features a drawcord for a customised fit.

Are The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants Comfortable?

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are, without a doubt, the most comfortable pair of trackies I have had the pleasure of wearing! Not only is the material naturally soft and cosy, but the lightweight design allows for all-day comfort and warmth without feeling weighed down.

Are The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants Warm?

This is where the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants excel. The thick fleece provides incredible warmth, even while camping in the frigid New Zealand alpine! On overnight hikes, I am always too cold at night and need to retreat to my sleeping bag soon after the sun goes down.

But now that I hike with my Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants in my backpack, I can enjoy relaxing at camp without worrying about the cold – especially when I’m also wearing my beloved TNF Thermoball Traction Booties!

Honestly, the only issue you’ll have regarding the warmth of these fleece pants is that they might be too warm for the average Australian winter. Unless you find yourself camping in the alpine or travelling to New Zealand or other colder countries, then I recommend checking out the TNF Alpine Polartec 100 Fleece Pants instead.

Durability Of The Alpine Polartec 200’s

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are constructed with top-quality Polartec fleece that can withstand a good amount of abuse. In addition, the pants feature a 75D recycled polyester overlay at the knees for extra durability, which comes in handy when you need to kneel on the ground at camp.

However, I would have liked to see the same overlay on the butt so that you could sit outside without collecting dirt, sticks and leaves that love to stick to fleece. Of course, this would add extra weight but I would prefer that for extra durability and ease of use.

Features Found On TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants

Pockets

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants feature two zip pockets positioned at the hips. These pockets are spacious enough to accommodate your phone or other small items, without the worry of losing them. Additionally, the pockets are situated at a suitable height to serve as hand warmers, offering increased comfort.

Material

The material found on the TNF fleece pants has a four-way mechanical stretch, which allows unrestricted movement. They feel slightly more restrictive compared to regular cotton or polyester track pants, but that’s to be expected as fleece is naturally less stretchy in comparison.

Knee Overlay

As mentioned above, the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are constructed with a polyester overlay at the knees. This prevents abrasions to the fleece while kneeling on the rough ground.

The overlay does restrict movement slightly, but I have found it to be a useful feature while setting up the tent and cooking dinner outside. 

Sustainability

The North Face has made significant efforts to increase their sustainability in recent years, namely with the use of recycled materials. I was pleased to see that the Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants are crafted from 100% recycled material and feature a PFC-free DWR treatment on the knees. 

While I do my best to only support sustainable brands, I have occasionally found that products made from recycled materials may lack durability. However, I am happy to report that I haven’t noticed any decrease in durability thus far with these fleece pants. 

Value

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants fall into the mid-range price category when compared to similar options. Although they may seem expensive for a pair of track pants, these fleece pants frequently go on sale. 

Personally, I believe that the exceptional warmth, lightweight feel, and durable design justify the price. I would gladly purchase the Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants again at this price point.

My Experience With The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants

Why I Chose The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants

I am always complaining about being cold while camping in the alpine and on winter adventures. So I finally decided to do something about it and add a pair of fleece pants to my hiking gear.

I chose the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants because of the low weight, the use of recycled materials and for the quality that Polartec is known for.

How They Perform

The North Face Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants exceeded my expectations for warmth. I have taken them on hiking trips in New Zealand’s South Island and they have kept me cosy and warm at near-zero temperatures. I have yet to use them in winter but I have no doubt they will work a treat.

Thus far, the durability of the fleece pants has been without fault and due to the thick material and overlay at the knees, I don’t expect this to change. However, I will update this review after longer use if the need arises.

Where Do I Wear My TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants?

My TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants come with me on my overnight hiking trips and on my overseas travels. The lightweight design allows me to easily stash them in my pack without worrying about extra weight and I know I’ll stay warm even when the temperatures dip below zero.

With that said, they are too warm to wear in mild conditions so I tend to reach for another pair of trackies for lounging around the house.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on overnight hiking trips with a pair of trackies stashed in my bag always seemed like too much of a luxury. But due to the light weight of the TNF Alpine Polartec 200 Fleece Pants, I don’t even think twice before throwing them in.

If you’re always cold on overnight hikes or while road-tripping, then I highly recommend grabbing a pair of these fleece pants. But remember, they will most likely be warmer than you expect!