Rab Ascendor Light Hoody vs The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

Editorial Team
Last modified at July 22, 2026
When it comes to choosing the right fleece jacket for hiking, the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody and The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket are two popular options. Both jackets offer unique features and benefits, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In this comparison, we'll dive into the specifics of each jacket to help you make an informed decision.

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Rab Ascendor Light HoodyThe North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket
Rab Ascendor Light Hoody
Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket
Weight

10.9 oz

Not specified by manufacturer

Stretch

Yes

Yes — stretch smooth-face fleece with 4% elastane

Pockets

Hand pockets: 2
Chest pocket: 1

Secure-zip chest pocket and secure-zip hand pockets

Zipper Type

Full-length front zip

Exposed reverse-coil center-front zipper with chin guard

Material Type

Main fabric: Thermic™ S Soft Fleece Fabric with Striped Backer (165gsm)
Secondary fabric: Matrix™ Single Weave Softshell with fluorocarbon-free DWR (136gsm)

Midweight smooth-face fleece: solid 96% recycled polyester/4% elastane; heather 56% recycled polyester/40% polyester/4% elastane

Warranty

3 Years

Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects

Fit

Slim

Standard Fit

Seam Construction

Flatlocked seams

Raglan-sleeve construction

Collar Style

Under-helmet hood

Attached three-piece hood

Warmth

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

4.6/ 5.0

Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

3.8/ 5.0

Warmth is a crucial factor for fleece jackets, especially for hiking in chilly conditions. A jacket that provides excellent warmth ensures that you stay comfortable and protected from the cold, allowing you to focus on your hike. The Rab Ascendor Light Hoody stands out in this category with its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for chilly mountain conditions. Buyers consistently praise its ability to provide a lot of nice warmth and its lightweight warm fleece that keeps you really warm. In contrast, The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket offers decent warmth but falls short compared to the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody. While it is warm and seals in warmth, the feedback is more limited and less enthusiastic.

Comfort

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

4.6/ 5.0

Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

4.1/ 5.0

Comfort is essential for any hiking jacket, as it directly impacts your overall experience on the trail. A comfortable jacket allows for unrestricted movement and feels gentle against the skin. The Rab Ascendor Light Hoody excels in comfort, with buyers highlighting its nice and soft fabric, extreme stretchiness, and moisture-wicking properties. These features make it very comfortable for active use. The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket is also comfortable, with a soft collar and gentle on the skin fabric. However, it doesn't quite match the level of comfort provided by the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody, which offers a more stretchy and flexible fit.

Durability

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

3.0/ 5.0

Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

3.0/ 5.0

Durability is important for hiking jackets, as they need to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. A durable jacket will last longer and provide better value for money. Both the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody and The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket have similar durability ratings, with no significant buyer feedback to differentiate them. This makes it a tie in this category, as neither jacket stands out as particularly more durable than the other.

Fit

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

4.8/ 5.0

Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

3.7/ 5.0

The fit of a hiking jacket affects both comfort and functionality. A well-fitting jacket allows for ease of movement and can be layered with other clothing items. The Rab Ascendor Light Hoody has a slim fit that is praised for being very trim and designed for movement. Buyers appreciate its longer sleeves, thumb loops, and overall flexibility. The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket, on the other hand, has a standard fit that is close to the body but lacks the same level of detailed feedback and praise for its fit. This makes the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody the clear winner in this category.

Breathability

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

4.1/ 5.0

Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

3.3/ 5.0

Breathability is crucial for active hikers, as it helps manage sweat and keep you comfortable during high-output activities. A breathable jacket allows for better airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. The Rab Ascendor Light Hoody is highly breathable, with buyers noting its ability to allow airflow and manage sweat effectively. The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket has more limited breathability, with less enthusiastic feedback from buyers. This makes the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody the better choice for those who prioritize breathability.

Weather Resistance

Rab Ascendor Light Hoody

4.3/ 5.0

Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket

3.8/ 5.0

Weather resistance is important for hiking jackets, as it helps protect you from the elements. A jacket with good weather resistance will keep you dry and comfortable in various conditions. The Rab Ascendor Light Hoody offers better weather resistance with its wind-resistant fabric and DWR coating, which helps stay dry and protected from the weather. The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket provides some weather resistance but is more suited for mild weather conditions. This makes the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody the winner in this category.

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Conclusion & Final Verdict:

After a detailed comparison, the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody emerges as the clear winner for hikers seeking superior warmth, comfort, breathability, and weather resistance. Its slim fit and lightweight design make it ideal for active use in chilly conditions. While The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Jacket offers decent performance and a lifetime warranty, it falls short in key areas that are crucial for serious hikers.

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