By Jeff and Allison Valliere
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie ($430)
Avg Weight: 14.7 oz/416g
Size S-XXL
Description: The North Face Summit Series are North Face’s most advanced technical gear for high level mountain use. Designed as a flexible midlayer, or outer layer, the Breithorn Hoodie is made of 800-fill Pro Down, that is lightweight, compressible and has an impressive warmth to weight ratio. While light and minimal, it is packed with well thought out features that ensure the highest level of performance be it mountaineering, climbing, hiking, skiing or snowshoeing.
Pros: lightweight, good warmth to weight ratio, attention to detail, versatile, style
Cons: not ideal for layering underneath, pricey when compared to competitors
Official Details/Features:
The Breithorn features 800 Fill Prodown, which retains its loft in wet conditions and offers a high level of warmth and compressibility.
There are 3 external pockets, two deep hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket.
The outer ripstop nylon shell material is very thin, but so far has proven to be durable. It is coated with a Non-PFC DWR finish for added water repellency.
In the green color, you can actually see the feathers through the shell, it is that thin.
The Breithorn uses Pertex Y Fuse that utilizes interlocking filaments for enhanced downproofing and water beading properties.
From the Pertex web page:
About Shaped Filament Technology:
By precisely controlling their cross-sectional form, we can create filament structures that deliver distinct advantages over conventional round filaments.
Yarn Structure:
Pertex Y Fuse filaments have a uniquely engineered Y form, tightly interlocking to create highly stable yarn structures.
Y Fuse Benefits:
Whereas conventional, circular sectioned filaments lie loosely side by side, Y Fuse filaments interlock tightly in layers to create a unified yarn structure. Fabrics created using Y Fuse yarns have greatly enhanced downproof and water beading properties.
Y Fuse Benefits Stability:
Fabrics with Y Fuse technology remain stable, with low air permeability, even over extended wash and wear cycles. Providing a significant performance advantage against fabrics woven from yarns with conventionally shaped filaments.
The stretch knit cuffs are comfortable and have a close to wrist fit to keep out drafts.
The hood is helmet compatible, with an elastic cinch cord in the back. It is easy to adjust and it stays securely in place, even when windy.
The inner body fabric is made with recycled nylon and is soft and comfortable.
There is an internal hem cinch-cord with a single point adjustment on the inner right side. It is also easy to adjust and does a good job keeping the hem from riding up, particularly when windy.
Also inside, are deep drop pockets on either side.
The jacket stuffs easily into one of the hand pockets, doubling as a stuff sack and making efficient use of space in your pack and can become a camping or travel pillow.
Size/Fit:
Jeff: Fit is described as “slim” and I would agree. I am reviewing a size medium, my normal size and while the fit is good when it comes to length and size overall, there is not much leeway for layering underneath. For me, ideal fit is achieved with just a long sleeve base layer, but if needed, I can fit a slim fitting, moderate to light weight soft shell or fleece underneath. The Breithorn has raglan sleeves and underarm gussets for full arms up mobility without the jacket riding up.
Allison: I am reviewing a women’s small, which is also my typical size and as Jeff mentioned, slim fit is an accurate description. Even with just a long sleeve base layer, I find that the jacket fits well, but I am often adding a down jacket over an existing fleece or soft shell, which I can just barely do here. When I say I am a size small most of the time, I border on extra small and if I were to do it over again, I likely would have gone with a size medium to allow for just that little bit of extra room to layer. Side by side, the women’s version seems to be even more tapered and slim than the men’s version. That said, it is a flattering fit and I just love this “midnight petrol” colorway (also available in light blue, black and orange).
Performance/Conclusions:
Jeff: I am really impressed with The North Face Summit series line, as the products are high quality, purpose driven and technically advanced, offering high level performance.
The Breithorn of course checks all of those boxes and has been a go to layering piece for me, be it hiking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, a belay jacket, or just stylish around town day to day wear.
While not intended for high output activities, I have used it for hiking, xc skiing and snowshoeing in temperatures down into the single digits, with just a long sleeve merino base layer underneath and am plenty warm.
There are lighter jackets out there that stuff down even more compactly than the Breithorn, so it slots into the mid range as far as packability is concerned and in the middle of the weight range for similar jackets, but it really does strike a very good balance of versatility, warmth to weight ratio, quality, durability and all around functionality. I would highly recommend the Breithorn as a key layering piece for a wide range of winter activities in cold temps.
Allison: I agree with Jeff, the Breithorn is highly technical and designed with purpose, ideal for winter cold activities and particularly mountain related adventures such as backcountry/xc skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountaineering, or just as a stylish day to day jacket. I find it to be comfortable with a base layer in temperatures from as high as 40 (if not pushing hard) to down in the single digits. Any colder than that, I will want to layer under it (difficult due to the very slim fit), or put a shell over it.
Quality is excellent and I am finding durability to be good thus far. While it is not intended to be waterproof, I am impressed at how well it repels heavy snow even without getting soaked. This is a very stylish and good looking jacket and beyond taking along with me on mountain adventures, I love wearing it day to day and I get lots of compliments. A technical piece that I would highly recommend!
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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