Best North Face Jackets
The North Face make dozens of jacket styles — waterproof shells, down-insulated parkas, synthetic-fill jackets, softshells, fleeces. The range can feel overwhelming. As an authorised TNF stockist, we handle these jackets daily. This guide breaks down the best options by category and use case for UK buyers in 2026.
1 | The North Face Technology Explained
Before picking a jacket, understanding TNF's technology tiers tells you exactly what you're getting and why the prices vary so significantly.
FUTURELIGHT
TNF's premium waterproof-breathable membrane. Uses nanospinning technology to create a membrane that is genuinely breathable while fully waterproof. Better breathability than DryVent at the cost of higher price. Found in their top-end waterproofs.
DryVent
TNF's in-house waterproof technology. A 2.5-layer or 3-layer laminate construction. Waterproof and reasonably breathable. Significantly more affordable than FUTURELIGHT. The go-to technology for mid-range TNF waterproofs — reliable, proven, good enough for most UK conditions.
ThermoBall
Synthetic insulation engineered to mimic down clusters. The fill retains warmth even when wet — unlike real down. Packs small. Works as both a standalone jacket and a mid-layer under a shell. Key advantage over down in wet UK conditions.
700-Fill Down
Premium 700-fill goose down used in the Nuptse and other premium insulated jackets. Outstanding warmth-to-weight. Compresses into a small pack size. Best for dry cold — not ideal for UK rain without a waterproof outer shell.
Which Technology Is Right for the UK?
- Hiking in all weather: DryVent or FUTURELIGHT shell + ThermoBall mid-layer
- City daily wear: DryVent jacket or ThermoBall puffer
- Skiing: FUTURELIGHT shell + 700-fill down insulation layer
- Variable weather walks: Softshell or fleece for mild days, DryVent for serious rain
2 | Best Waterproof Jackets
For UK hiking and outdoor use, a waterproof shell is the first layer to get right. These are the standout options across different price points.
Resolve 2 Jacket
The entry point of TNF waterproofs. DryVent 2.5-layer shell, fully seam-sealed, packable. This is the jacket to reach for when you need a reliable waterproof without spending £200+. Not the most breathable option, but perfectly adequate for day hikes, commuting, and variable UK weather. A perennial best-seller for good reason.
Venture 2 Jacket
Essentially the same construction as the Resolve 2 but with a slightly more refined fit and finish. Both are excellent at this price. If you prefer a slightly slimmer silhouette, the Venture 2 is the better choice. Great for city wear and light outdoor use.
Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket
When breathability matters — sustained hiking, cycling, high-output activities — the step up to FUTURELIGHT is worth it. You'll sweat less inside the jacket during activity. The Dryzzle is TNF's most accessible FUTURELIGHT jacket — genuinely excellent for serious hikers and anyone who runs warm in a standard waterproof.
DryVent vs FUTURELIGHT: When Does It Matter?
For light rain, standing around, and low-activity outdoor use — DryVent is absolutely fine and you'll never miss FUTURELIGHT. For sustained high-activity in rain — hillwalking, hiking, climbing — FUTURELIGHT's superior breathability reduces the clammy, condensation-inside feeling that affects cheaper waterproofs. If you hike regularly, the £100 premium is worth it.
3 | Best Insulated Jackets
Insulated jackets are where The North Face built much of its reputation. These are the picks that stand out.
Nuptse Jacket
The Nuptse is arguably the most culturally significant TNF jacket ever made. The boxy fit, quilted baffles, and 700-fill down made it a streetwear icon without trying to be one. It's genuinely warm — down to approximately -10°C in dry conditions — and packs into its own pocket. The caveat: down loses warmth when wet. The Nuptse is for cold dry days, not wet UK hikes. For UK street and city wear, it's excellent.
ThermoBall Eco Jacket
The ThermoBall is the Nuptse for wet weather. Synthetic fill that retains warmth even when damp. This is the more practical choice for the UK — you don't need to worry about rain degrading the insulation. Packs small. Lightweight. Works as a standalone jacket and as a mid-layer under a shell for hiking in cold rain. Less aesthetically striking than the Nuptse, but arguably more useful in the UK climate.
McMurdo Parka
The McMurdo combines down insulation with a DryVent waterproof outer — solving the down-gets-wet problem for a parka-length silhouette. This is the choice for people who want maximum warmth in a long coat that can handle rain. Hood is insulated and detachable. Knee-length coverage. Excellent for genuinely cold UK winters.
Himalayan Down Parka
TNF's highest-specification down parka. 800-fill goose down, designed for expedition use. More than most UK buyers will ever need — but if you want the best TNF down parka for extreme cold, this is it. Also a statement piece for serious winter travellers.
4 | Best Softshell Jackets
Softshells sit between a fleece and a hardshell. Wind-resistant, somewhat water-resistant, and more breathable than a waterproof. The right choice for dry-cold days, active hiking in mixed conditions, or layering under a shell.
Apex Bionic 3 Jacket
The Apex Bionic is TNF's flagship softshell and one of their best-selling jackets overall. Wind-resistant, water-resistant (not waterproof), with a warm fleece-like inner. Excellent for hiking in cool dry weather, daily walking, and as a mid-layer under a shell in serious rain. The stretch fabric gives good freedom of movement. Works equally well for city and outdoor use.
Canyonlands Hybrid Jacket
A hybrid construction — fleece body with woven, wind-resistant panels at the shoulders and sleeves. This gives warmth from the fleece where you need it most with wind resistance where you're most exposed. Great for variable conditions and a more casual look that works for town as well as trail.
5 | Best Fleece Jackets
Fleece is where The North Face started. Their Bear Mountain and Denali fleeces are among the best in the category. These are the top picks.
100 Glacier Full Zip
TNF's entry-level fleece — lightweight, warm for its weight, and versatile. The 100 Glacier is the best-value TNF garment on this list. Works as a standalone light layer in spring and autumn, or as a base layer in winter under a shell. Classic TNF half-dome logo, clean look. Outstanding value.
Denali 2 Fleece Jacket
The Denali is a TNF heritage piece — the high-pile 300-weight fleece that has been in the range for decades. Substantially warmer than the 100 Glacier. Wind-resistant patches at the shoulders and elbows. This is the fleece for serious cold — hiking layering systems, winter country walks, winter city wear. Heavier and bulkier than lighter fleeces, but the warmth justifies it.
Bear Mountain Full Zip Fleece
Between the 100 Glacier and the Denali in weight and warmth. The Bear Mountain has become a strong favourite for everyday casual wear — the high-pile texture has a more premium, fashionable look without sacrificing genuine warmth. Sits well over a t-shirt or base layer as a standalone garment. Good value in the mid-range.
6 | North Face Jacket Budget Guide 2026
Under £100
100 Glacier Fleece (£60–£80). Excellent entry point. Don't expect waterproofing at this price — the Glacier is a layer, not a shell.
£100–£180
Resolve 2 / Venture 2 waterproofs. ThermoBall Eco. Apex Bionic softshell. Bear Mountain Fleece. The best-value tier — most buyers' needs are fully met here.
£180–£300
Nuptse (down icon). Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT (premium breathability). This is where the step-ups in performance become genuinely noticeable.
£300+
McMurdo Parka. Himalayan Down. FUTURELIGHT shells. Best-in-class performance — justifiable if the use case demands it, premium for premium's sake if it doesn't.
7 | Best North Face Jacket by Use Case
Best for Hiking UK
Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT shell + ThermoBall Eco mid-layer. Covers all UK conditions — breathable shell for rain, packable synthetic insulation that stays warm when damp.
Best for City Daily Wear
ThermoBall Eco or Nuptse for dry cold days. Resolve 2 for wet commute days. Bear Mountain Fleece for casual layering. A combination of two covers most urban scenarios.
Best for Skiing
FUTURELIGHT shell (Dryzzle or Sickline) + 700-fill down mid-layer. The down stays dry inside a proper waterproof shell, giving maximum warmth-to-weight on the mountain.
Best for Travel
ThermoBall Eco — packs into its own pocket, works in a wide temperature range, handles light rain. One jacket that does most things adequately for travel contexts.
Shop The North Face at OD's
OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised The North Face stockist. Browse our full North Face collection online, or visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon–Sat 9am–5pm) for advice on the right jacket for your needs.
Shop The North Face at OD's
Every piece below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist.