WindWall Explained

In brief: WindWall is The North Face's own wind-resistant, breathable technology, built to block most of the wind while staying highly breathable and comfortable. Like WINDSTOPPER it is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, and it is aimed at cold, breezy conditions and active layering rather than heavy rain.

What WindWall is

WindWall is The North Face's in-house answer to wind-chill, the brand's counterpart to Gore's WINDSTOPPER. It is engineered to block a high proportion of wind so you stay warm on cold, blustery days, while remaining breathable enough for active use. You will find it in softshells, fleeces, hoodies and lightweight jackets meant for moving in cold air rather than standing out in a storm.

Wind-resistant, not windproof or waterproof

WindWall is usually described as wind-resistant rather than totally windproof. It cuts the wind significantly, taking the bite out of a cold breeze, but it deliberately allows some air movement to keep breathability high, which is a sensible trade for active layering. It is also water-resistant, shrugging off light showers, but it is not a waterproof shell and should not be relied on in sustained rain. Think of WindWall as a comfort and warmth technology, not a storm barrier.

How wind protection is measured

Windproofing is gauged by air permeability, how much air passes through a fabric, often expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The lower the number, the more wind the fabric blocks; a truly windproof membrane sits around or below one CFM. Wind-resistant fabrics like WindWall sit higher than a sealed membrane, blocking most of the wind while letting some air through to aid breathability. That higher permeability is exactly why WindWall feels less stifling than a fully sealed shell during exercise.

Where WindWall fits

WindWall sits alongside The North Face's waterproof systems, DryVent and FUTURELIGHT, but does a different job. The waterproof technologies are for keeping rain out; WindWall is for keeping wind-chill off while you stay active. Many people own both: a WindWall layer for cold dry days and brisk activity, and a waterproof shell for when the rain sets in. Used that way you carry the lightest, most breathable layer that the conditions allow.

Caring for WindWall

WindWall pieces are often softshell or fleece constructions, so follow the specific garment's care label. Keeping the fabric clean and, where it has a water-repellent finish, keeping that finish topped up will preserve its light water resistance and breathability. Gentle washing and, where appropriate, gentle heat to reactivate the repellency keep it performing.

WindWall at OD's Designer Clothing

WindWall is ideal as a breathable cold-weather layer rather than a wet-weather shell. If you are choosing between a wind-resistant layer and a full waterproof, the team can help you match the piece to the conditions so you get warmth and breathability without carrying more jacket than you need.