It's essential that you consider the type of activity you're going
to get up to when you're choosing a jacket. We've split them into
three categories to help you make an informed decision on what's
right for you.
Lightweight
These will have minimal features and be insubstantial in regards
to weight. Designed
to be thrown on at a moment's notice, they should
be
worn during high-intensity activities when weight needs to be
taken
into
consideration. A space-saver, many can pack themselves into a
pocket
to
offer the perfect balance between weight and performance.
Midweight
Although they may spend most of their time in your pack, they
can
comfortably cater with most types of precipitation, from
relentless
drizzle to summer downpours. Embellished with more fit
adjustments
and
pockets, they're at the midpoint between weight and pack size,
and
come
into their own when the forecast is uncertain.
Heavyweight
Often including many more features to add to their comfort and
habitability,
as weight isn't the primary concern. Created to withstand the
cold,
wind, snow and rain, they usually contain a thick insulation to
keep
the
body warm even when it's not in motion that protects from both
wind
and
precipitation.
Endurance
For when you know you'll be needing protection
all day, they're made from durable, high breathable materials
that
thrive in the worst conditions. They include all the features
required
for intense activities such as mountaineering and climbing in
snow
or
rain, as well as the zones where heavy wear is necessary.
THERMOBALL™
A revelation in insulation, Thermoball™ utilises small round
Primaloft synthetic
fiber clusters that work in
the same way as down, trapping within air pockets to retain warmth
without weighing you
down. Perfect for travel,
trekking or working out whatever the weather, Thermoball™ is
packable and
lightweight and has the added benefit of
performing just as well even when wet to provide non-stop warmth.
THERMOBALL™ ECO
All the benefits of Thermoball™ with
the added benefit of being crafted from 100% recycled polyester,
Thermoball™ Eco
is the ultimate choice for outdoor
explorers who are conscious of their environmental footprint as well
as their gear.
GOOSE DOWN FILL
In order to keep
animal welfare at the forefront of their apparel, The North Face
created the Responsible
Down Standard (RDS) to ensure
the down they use in coats and jackets comes from animals that have
been well treated.
Defined by the ratio of powder
fill to goose down, each numbered rating of down holds different
properties and are
designed for a range of activities.
From 900 fill that offers unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio that's
geared for true
expeditions, down to 600 fill that's
perfect for day-to-day wear and cold days in the city.
POLARTEC®
Favoured by experienced outdoor adventurers for decades
Polartec® thermal fleeces are available in different weights and
finished to ensure
optimum performance in a range of
environments. With the options of three weights available, there's a
fleece for every
adventure.
Polartec® 100 is the lightest, ideal for a warming base layer or
outer shell on
warmer days;
Polartec® 200 offers optimal warmth and versatility as well as a
soft hand feel;
Polartec® 300 are the heaviest available and are ready for the
coldest
conditions.