The North Face
Junction Polar-Fleece-Collar Quilted Jacket
The North Face Junction Polar-Fleece-Collar Quilted Jacket is a women's insulated jacket designed for transitional weather, suitable as an outer layer or under a coat. It features a 100% polyester shell and lining with synthetic fiber insulation that retains warmth when wet, a durable DWR water-repellent finish, a plush polar fleece collar, full-length zip, and zipped hand pockets. According to a verified buyer review, the jacket runs true to size.
- Gender
- unisex
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, sporty
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Color
Size
Specifications
Insulated quilted jacket with polar fleece collar and water-repellent finish, ideal for layering in transitional weather.
Synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet; durable DWR finish; plush fleece collar; full-zip front; zippered hand pockets.
- Material
- Shell: 100% polyester; Lining: 100% polyester; Filling: 100% polyester
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, sporty
- Occasion
- everyday, travel
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Additional Attributes
- quilted construction
- synthetic fiber insulation
- DWR water repellent finish
- polar fleece collar insert
- full-length front zip
- zipped hand pockets
- embroidered logo on chest
- insulated for warmth even when wet
- versatile layering piece
- change-of-season outerwear
Product Insights
The North Face Junction Polar-Fleece-Collar Quilted Jacket ($150) is a hoodless synthetic-insulated layering piece designed to block drafts via a fleece collar and internal storm flap, retaining warmth when damp, but its water repellency relies on a DWR finish that wears off and requires reapplication, and buyers report it ages worse than Patagonia, though its 100% polyester construction is mechanically recyclable.
Verified claims
- Aging
- A buyer reports the jacket is not aging well over time.
- Water repellency
- Water repellency depends on a DWR finish that wears off and needs reapplication.
- Fit
- Buyers report true-to-size fit with a light sweater; size up for thick layers under a shell.
- Draft protection
- Internal zipper flap blocks drafts when layered under a shell.
- Durability
- A Reddit user reports the Junction jacket ages worse than Patagonia.
- Weather resistance
- DWR finish wears off; reapply to maintain water resistance.
- Recyclability
- 100% polyester shell, lining, and fill; mechanically recyclable into new fiber.
- Moisture wicking
- Polyester fleece wicks moisture away from skin to prevent clammy buildup.
- Collar
- Short-pile fleece resists matting, stays clean, and layers easily under outerwear.
- Wind seal
- Fleece collar and internal draft flap block cold air at the neck.
- Wind protection
- Internal storm flap blocks wind entry through the front zipper.
- Layering
- Hoodless design and smooth outer allow layering under a coat.
- Insulation
- Synthetic fill retains warmth when damp at a lower price.
- Positioning
- Hoodless jacket designed for layering under coats, unlike the packable ThermoBall.
- Care instructions
- No waterproof membrane; DWR reapplication is critical to maintain insulation warmth.
Product record
- Title
- Junction Polar-Fleece-Collar Quilted Jacket
- Brand
- The North Face
- Price
- 150 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
- Rating
- 4 stars, 1 reviews, scale 5
Deep Research
How the non-PFC water-repellent finish holds up
- This jacket relies entirely on its DWR-treated polyester shell for weather protection — there is no waterproof membrane — so once the DWR wears off, the shell wets out and the synthetic insulation loses warmth, making DWR maintenance the key to staying dry in rain.
How the jacket fits and layers under a coat
- With no hood and a smooth quilted outer, the jacket slides comfortably under a heavier weather-proof coat, avoiding the neck and shoulder bulk that a hooded midlayer would introduce, and reinforcing its intended dual role as outer layer or liner.
- A verified buyer measuring 5'7"–5'9" and 141–155 lbs selected a size Medium and rated the fit as true to size, demonstrating that for bodies in this range the jacket accommodates a light sweater without the need to size up.
The Circular Design initiative and jacket recyclability
- Shell, lining, and fill are all 100% polyester, making the jacket a mono-material piece that can be mechanically recycled into new polyester fiber without the complexity of separating blended fabrics—a practical recycling advantage even without an official circular label.
How the Junction compares to similar synthetic jackets
- The Junction includes an internal storm flap behind the front zip, a detail that blocks cold air from entering through the zipper teeth — something many competing synthetic jackets at this price omit, and one that the review explicitly credits for reducing wind penetration during daily commutes.
- Unlike the ThermoBall and Nano Puff, which finish their collars with a simple fabric hem, the Junction adds a plush polar fleece insert at the collar, converting a potential friction point into a soft, insulating touch against the chin — a comfort upgrade that pays off during extended wear in cold, windy conditions.
- Rather than load the Junction with The North Face’s proprietary ThermoBall clusters, the jacket uses a straightforward polyester fill, which still retains the core synthetic benefit of insulating when wet — this choice strips out the cost of branded insulation while preserving the practical, workhorse warmth that makes synthetic jackets appealing for rainy or slushy weather.
- A dedicated head-to-head review frames the Junction as the everyday, hoodless counterpart to the ThermoBall, trading technical packability and integrated storm hood for a clean-lined silhouette that slides under a heavier coat without bunching — the comparison explicitly describes it as the simpler, more commute-oriented option that gives up the ThermoBall’s hood and packability.
The comfort and warmth of the fleece collar
- As a polyester knit, the polar fleece collar actively moves moisture away from the skin, preventing the clammy buildup that can occur with natural linings when you're walking briskly in cold air — so zipping up fully actually keeps you drier rather than trapping sweat.
- The Junction's collar uses a dense, short-pile polar fleece — the same category of fabric found in the brand's liner jackets — rather than the longer, shaggier high-pile fleece used in the Extreme Pile line; the result is a smooth, velvety surface that slips easily under a hood, resists matting from backpack straps, and maintains a cleaner appearance after wear, making it a more urban-friendly and low-maintenance alternative to the statement-making fluff of a Denali or Extreme Pile collar.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black quilted jacket shown on a model; square quilt stitching, central front zipper, two zippered hand pockets, high stand collar, and a white embroidered logo on the left chest.
- Overall shapeWaist-length jacket shown from the front with a slightly curved lower hem and long set-in sleeves.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.84 · h 0.72 (high) - Quilt patternEven grid of square quilted baffles across body and sleeves forming a regular checker of stitched squares.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.16 · w 0.76 · h 0.62 (high) - Front zipperCentral front separating zipper with narrow fabric placket covering the teeth; zipper pull located at the collar.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.16 · w 0.10 · h 0.66 (high) - Stand collarShort high stand collar that rises to chin level when zipped, with a smooth outer surface matching the shell.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.06 · w 0.22 · h 0.12 (high) - Zippered hand pocketsTwo vertical zippered hand pockets set into side seams at hip level with visible zipper tracks and pulls.
2 regions
x 0.63 · y 0.56 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.19 · y 0.56 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Shell material appearanceSmooth, slightly lustrous fabric typical of a lightweight synthetic insulated shell.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.16 · w 0.76 · h 0.62 (medium) - Chest logo text“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Logo mark placementSmall white embroidered logo placed on the left chest (viewer right side of image).
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model against a light gray background with even frontal lighting; hands and upper legs visible; image is centered and cropped just below hips.
- BackgroundUniform light gray studio background with no visible props.
- Model presentFemale model wearing the jacket; head, hands, and upper legs visible which provide scale and fit context.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.00 · w 0.76 · h 1.00 (medium) - Lighting and shadowEven soft lighting with minimal harsh shadows and subtle shadowing under the arms and hem.
- Image cropImage cropped at mid-thigh; lower legs not visible and sleeve cuffs and hands are partially visible at bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.70 · w 1.00 · h 0.30 (high)
Colors
black· shell#131314white· embroidered logo#EBEBEB- Overall shapeWaist-length jacket shown from the front with a slightly curved lower hem and long set-in sleeves.
- 02
Product
Close-up of the jacket front showing a vertical center zipper, stand collar with visible fleece lining, stitched square quilting, and a contrasting embroidered chest logo.
- Stand collar with fleece liningHigh stand collar opened slightly, showing a soft, textured polar-fleece lining on the inside of the collar and a smooth outer shell on the outside.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.28 · w 0.38 · h 0.18 (high) - Center front zipperExposed vertical zipper with a fabric pull tab; zipper track is visible running down the center of the jacket front.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.40 · w 0.12 · h 0.48 (high) - Quilted square patternOuter shell shows a grid of horizontal and vertical stitched seams forming square quilting across the visible front panel and shoulder.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.44 · w 0.88 · h 0.46 (high) - Embroidered chest logo“Contrasting embroidered logo on the left chest area reading 'THE NORTH FACE' with the brand arc, stitched in a lighter color on the shell fabric.”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.46 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high) - Shell fabric finishSmooth synthetic outer fabric with low sheen; appears tightly woven and slightly matte under studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.44 · w 0.88 · h 0.20 (medium) - Visible shoulder seamCurved shoulder seam and topstitching visible on the right shoulder area aligning with the quilt grid.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.36 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio close-up portrait framing the model from mid-chest to slightly above the head against a light neutral background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadow.
- Model head and hairModel's face and curly hair are visible in the upper portion of the image, with hair strands falling in front of the face on the right side of the frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.70 · h 0.42 (high) - Shot compositionTight three-quarter close-up framing focused on the jacket's upper front and the model's face; jacket fills most of the lower two-thirds of the frame.
- Background and lightingPlain light neutral background with soft, diffuse studio lighting producing even illumination and minimal harsh shadows.
1 region
x 0.70 · y 0.00 · w 0.30 · h 1.00 (high)
Colors
black· outer shell#0E0E0Edark charcoal· collar fleece lining#2C2B2Bwhite· embroidered logo- Stand collar with fleece liningHigh stand collar opened slightly, showing a soft, textured polar-fleece lining on the inside of the collar and a smooth outer shell on the outside.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a black quilted jacket on a model, showing a square grid quilting pattern, stand-up collar, long sleeves, and slightly shaped waist.
- Quilted grid patternExterior has a regular square quilted grid formed by visible stitched channels covering the back and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.62 (high) - Stand-up collarShort stand-up collar at the neckline with a slightly higher profile than the jacket back.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.06 · w 0.24 · h 0.12 (high) - Collar material contrastCollar surface appears slightly darker and has a different matte finish than the quilted body; material difference is visible but not definitive.Uncertain
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.06 · w 0.24 · h 0.12 (medium) - Long set-in sleevesSleeves are long and set into the shoulder with the same quilted grid continuing across them.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.26 · w 0.28 · h 0.38 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.26 · w 0.28 · h 0.38 (high) - Waist shapingBack shows subtle inward shaping at the waist with slightly narrower silhouette than the chest and hem.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.42 · w 0.60 · h 0.34 (medium) - Hem bindingLower hem has a narrow, slightly raised binding or trim running around the jacket edge.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.72 · w 0.76 · h 0.10 (medium)
Other
Studio rear-shot of a model wearing the jacket against a plain light gray background with soft lighting; model stands with hands on hips and hair tied back.
- Viewing angle and poseImage shows the model from behind at about torso height with hands placed on hips, revealing the full back of the jacket.
- Background and lightingPlain light gray studio background with even, soft lighting and minimal shadowing primarily visible to the lower left of the subject.
- Model hairModel has curly dark hair gathered at the back of the head, visible above the collar.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.00 · w 0.44 · h 0.16 (high) - Visible non-product clothingModel is wearing dark leggings visible from the waist down; these are not part of the photographed product.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.60 · h 0.22 (high)
Colors
matte black· quilted shell (body and sleeves)#0D0D0Edeep black (matte)· collar#150C06- Quilted grid patternExterior has a regular square quilted grid formed by visible stitched channels covering the back and sleeves.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Veste matelassée
Belle veste sport parfait pour le printemps .
Q&A
3 answered- How does the fit of this jacket compare to other North Face jackets? Is it true to size or roomy enough for layering a sweater underneath?
- The jacket is described as an insulated style for the change in season to wear as a final layer or under a coat. This suggests it has a trim-to-regular fit that accommodates a light sweater, but it may not be roomy enough for thick layering. North Face jackets generally run true to size, so we recommend ordering your usual size.
- How durable is the DWR finish? Does it hold up to regular use and washing, or does it require reapplication?
- The DWR finish provides added protection, but like most water-repellent coatings, its durability depends on use and washing. Regular washing can diminish the finish, and reapplication with a DWR spray or wash-in treatment is recommended to maintain performance. The care instructions specify machine washing and tumble drying.
- What are the recommended care instructions for this jacket to preserve the insulation and water repellency?
- The care instructions are: machine wash, do not bleach, do not professionally clean, tumble dry, do not iron or press. To preserve the synthetic insulation and DWR finish, we recommend washing with a gentle detergent, using a low heat tumble dry, and periodically reapplying a DWR treatment.
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/BuyItForLifeReddit users express concerns about the durability of the North Face Junction jacket, suggesting it doesn't age well compared to alternatives like Patagonia.
The only direct comment about the jacket criticizes its aging, with a preference for Patagonia.
Themes
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Patagonia
Patagonia jackets are recommended over the North Face Junction due to better aging.
Source Threads
Critique of North Face Junction aging poorly
Unfortunately that North Face model is not aging super well. You can’t go wrong with Patagonia. That would be my pick out of the three.
u/MoseSchruder/BuyItForLifeView thread →