The North Face ThermoBall Jacket

If you need a lightweight, packable mid‑layer that actually keeps you warm on damp, windy days, this is the jacket you’ll reach for — it solves the common problem of wet-weather puffies losing loft and turning cold. The ThermoBall construction uses synthetic clusters that mimic down loft but keep insulating power when wet, while WindWall fabric reduces wind chill and a non‑PFC DWR sheds light moisture. ## What makes it worth it The jacket’s ThermoBall insulation is 100% post‑consumer recycled polyester, so it retains warmth in cool, damp conditions better than comparable down pieces and matches the wet‑weather performance of other synthetic leaders like Patagonia’s Nano Puff. WindWall shell fabric (44 g/m² body, 52 g/m² lining) is engineered to cut wind chill without blocking breathability, and the whole piece stows into its right‑hand pocket for truly pocketable carry on hikes or commutes. The use of recycled shell, lining and insulation is a genuine sustainability plus compared with non‑recycled alternatives. ## Where it falls short ThermoBall is not as warm‑for‑weight as high‑fill down, so it’s best as a mid‑layer or for milder winter days rather than extreme alpine cold; the DWR is non‑PFC and will need occasional reproofing to maintain water beading. Buy this if you want a dependable, packable insulated jacket that keeps working when wet and uses recycled materials; skip it if you need maximum warmth-to-weight for very cold, dry alpine conditions.

£185