Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip Hoodie vs The North Face TKA Glacier Full-Zip Hoodie

The Columbia Steens Mountain is the safer pick for most shoppers: 250 gsm fleece, a full-length zipper, zippered hand pockets and a roomy regular fit at a modest weight. The North Face TKA Glacier is lighter and trimmer, with a high collar and elastic-piped hem and cuffs that seal out drafts, but it lacks zippered pockets. Owners of both report years of wear from the fleece, though the Columbia's zippers and looser cut draw more complaints about bulk. Buy the Columbia for warmth and pocket security; buy the Glacier for a cleaner, lighter layer.

• Choose the Columbia Steens Mountain if you want a warmer everyday hoodie with zippered hand pockets and a relaxed fit for layering.
• Choose The North Face TKA Glacier if you want a lighter, trimmer fleece with a high collar that works as a midlayer under a shell.