Buying guide for best North Face jackets for men
The North Face has been in the business of making some of the best jackets for men since 1966. Whether you are in search of a thin jacket for fall or a heavy jacket that can take whatever winter flings at it, The North Face can set you up with a technically advanced and expertly designed jacket guaranteed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.
When perusing men’s North Face jackets, you will find a variety of products. Ask yourself: is this jacket suitable for my climate? Is it waterproof? Windproof? Comfortable? How much does this North Face jacket cost?
In this guide, we explore the North Face jacket offerings for men and answer these questions. We also take a look at the materials and other design elements that make this brand of jacket such a success with consumers.
Key considerations
Intended climate
The type of North Face jacket you select should depend on your climate. This is a huge consideration. If winter in your area is mild, you would likely prefer a thinner jacket that’s not too bulky. If your winters are harsh, however, you’ll want something that can protect you in extremely low temperatures.
One way to have the best of both worlds is to choose a jacket with a removable insulated liner. You can add the liner for harsh weather and remove it when the outside temperature (or your own body temperature) increases.
Size
When selecting a North Face jacket, consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart to zero in on your correct size. We’ve noticed that some consumers say their North Face jackets run a little larger or a little smaller than expected. This can vary from style to style and even from consumer to consumer, so we recommend reading all product information before adding a jacket to your basket.
Comfort
We know comfort comes down to personal preference, but there are several factors that can clue you in to how comfortable a particular North Face jacket would be. The first is jacket material. Certain fabrics and fillers, like down, can really enhance the comfort level. However, a coat that is too bulky may bog you down if you plan on wearing it to play outdoor winter sports. Specifically, if you ski or hike, we suggest you consider going with a lighter jacket and layering.
Waterproofing
Some North Face jackets feature outer shells that are treated to be highly waterproof. Others incorporate sealed seams and zipper flaps to keep out water. In terms of North Face jackets, waterproofing levels range from one model to another.
North Face jackets marketed as “breathable” protect you from the elements while wicking moisture from your body.
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Features
Liner
As mentioned, some North Face jackets have removable liners, some have built-in liners, and some don’t have liners at all. A liner is meant to supplement your warmth, and with North Face, they may consist of one of three materials: fleece, down, or a synthetic.
Fleece liner: Fleece is desirable because it repels and wicks moisture. However, potential buyers should note that fleece can sometimes produce static electricity.
Down liner: Sourced from birds (usually geese), down is a natural material that is extremely warm, packs well, and resists moisture. It can also be expensive and difficult to maintain, and it may affect those with allergies.
Synthetic liner: Synthetic materials tend to be hypoallergenic and less costly. For example, you might find a North Face jacket with a synthetic liner very similar to down that suits you well due to allergies.
Shell
From GORE-TEX to nylon to HyVent, the materials and technologies that go into a North Face jacket shell can vary, resulting in different levels of water and wind protection. Shells are typically classified as either hard shells (great for hiking and climbing, although they can restrict motion) or soft shells (great for a variety of sports, although generally less waterproof than hard shells).
Hood
Some North Face jackets include a hood, but not all do. If a hood is essential for you, make sure your selection has one. North Face jacket hoods usually adjust via a pull cord. Some also include a visor to protect your face from rain.
Some North Face jackets feature removable hoods so you can choose whether you wish to wear it. In certain models, a collar pocket is also built into the jacket so you can easily store the hood when not in use.
Pockets
The number of pockets varies by jacket. You may find them on the chest, bicep, or in the traditional hand location. Some have internal pockets as well, which can be used to store valuables like your phone. If security is important to you, look for a North Face jacket with zippered pockets for extra peace of mind.
Adjustable cuffs and hems
Some North Face jackets include cuffs and hems that cinch with a drawstring. These cords can easily be tightened to keep out drafts and moisture or loosened to encourage airflow through the jacket.
DID YOU KNOW?
Down insulation is measured by the number of cubic inches 1 ounce of it can fill. The heavier the “fill power”, the better its insulation.
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North Face jackets for men: prices
North Face jackets start out around $60 and can reach up to $300 or more. All prices listed here are for the smallest size jackets; expect to pay more for larger sizes.
Budget: North Face jackets under $100 are often simple fleece or waterproof shells. These jackets are usually worn in milder climates or incorporated into a layering system.
Mid-range: For $100 to $200, you will find jackets that incorporate an insulated layer and shell. Jackets in this range are typically bought by active outdoor enthusiasts in search of a high-quality multi-purpose jacket.
High-end: North Face jackets that cost more than $200 are typically designed for harsh winter conditions. These usually feature strong insulated layers, more pockets, and high-tech water-proofing and wind-proofing options.
In addition to waterproofing, some North Face jackets are designed to offer more wind resistance than the standard jacket.
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Tips
- Double-check the care instructions before placing the jacket in the dryer. Drying a down garment could be a costly mistake. If you must do so, use the lowest possible heat setting (or better yet, the no-heat setting). Throw in a couple of dryer balls to help fluff up the down.
- Check a jacket’s CFM rating to discover its degree of wind resistance. CFM is a number provided by the manufacturer that lets you know how windproof the jacket is. The lower the number, the more it resists wind. A jacket with a CFM of less than “1” is considered to be completely windproof.
- Unzip your pit zips to cool down. These are the zippers under the arms of your jacket. Some North Face jackets have them, but others don’t. If this sounds like a useful feature to you — if you engage in sports or other strenuous outdoor activities, for example — look for a jacket with this feature.
FAQ
Q. With such a variety of options, how do I know what North Face jacket is best for me?
A. The climate in which you live is likely your primary consideration. A thinner jacket is best for mild climates; a thicker jacket is best for harsh climates. If you live in a climate with variable winters, consider a North Face jacket with a removable liner for added versatility. Consider how active you will be while wearing the jacket, too. If you will be playing sports and moving around a great deal, a less-bulky jacket is ideal.
Don’t discount style and comfort, either. You’ll feel your best in a jacket with a color and “look” that you find attractive.
Q. What is layering, and how does it work?
A. Layering is the practice of dressing in several jackets or other layers so you’re ready for a variety of winter conditions. With layering, you can avoid buying “too much jacket.” Instead, you can augment what you have with additional layers.
People who engage in strenuous winter activities appreciate layering because they can add or shed layers as needed. Layering typically involves three separate tiers: a base (thermal underwear or similar) to help wick sweat; an insulating mid-layer to keep you warm, such as fleece or a light jacket; and an outer layer, often thin, to shield you from wind and rain.
