The North Face Summit Sequence Breithorn Down Jacket Assessment

Backside Line

The North Face Summit Sequence Breithorn Down Hoodie (males’s / girls’s) is a good choice for these colder days if you want one thing heat however not too heavy. The 800-fill energy down insulation retains us heat all through the tail finish of winter and into the early spring days within the Colorado mountains. It’s not the lightest or most technical jacket on the market, but it surely’s positively comfortable and sturdy sufficient for normal put on. 

The match is cozy and athletic, providing simply the correct amount of mobility whereas nonetheless locking in heat. Whereas it’s not the least costly jacket we examined, it nonetheless affords stable worth for its efficiency and luxury. Should you’re in search of a dependable mid-weight jacket for colder climate, the Breithorn Down Hoodie positively delivers.

Just like the look of the Breithorn however need to examine extra wonderful choices? Make sure to try our in-depth down jacket gear information right here. 

How We Examined

We examined the North Face Breithorn Down Hoodie over two months in late winter and early spring, placing it by means of its paces throughout the mountains of Colorado and Utah. We additionally introduced it alongside to Florida’s Gulf Coast—the place, unexpectedly, it got here in helpful throughout a shock chilly snap with temps within the 30s.

Consolation

The Breithorn stands out as probably the most snug jackets we examined, persistently rating above common. A number of elements contribute to its consolation, beginning with the general cozy really feel. The supplies are comfortable towards the pores and skin, and the 800-fill down insulation hugs your physique, offering heat and a nice, cushioned feeling.

The cuffs, usually missed in different jackets, are one in every of our favourite options. The comfortable, stretch-knit cloth is each versatile and comfortable, providing simply the correct amount of compression to lure heat and block out chilly winds. They’re additionally designed to wick moisture and dry rapidly in the event that they get moist, including to the jacket’s general consolation. We particularly appreciated the cuffs when bouldering exterior of Morrison, Colorado. The cuffs stayed out of the best way however nonetheless stored the sleeves from driving up. 

The match is athletic, which we recognize, although it won’t work for everybody. The higher physique and shoulders supply ample room for mobility, and the sleeves are barely longer, making it an awesome choice for climbing or actions that require a variety of movement. Nonetheless, the jacket is tighter across the torso and abdomen, which supplies it a extra fitted really feel in comparison with different jackets we’ve examined. Whereas this affords a glossy look, it will possibly make layering a bit trickier, relying in your physique form. We additionally love how the hood suits with or with out a helmet, including further consolation for outside actions.

Heat

As soon as once more, the Breithorn earned excessive marks for heat. The truth is, at instances, we discovered it to be nearly too heat for a mid-weight jacket. The 800-fill energy down and semi-wide baffles do an awesome job of trapping warmth, whereas the trim athletic match helps maintain that heat inside.

One factor we’d like to know is the fill weight (how a lot down is definitely used within the jacket). Whereas fill energy is a extra generally mentioned metric, we expect fill weight is arguably extra necessary in relation to real-world efficiency. Sadly, customer support was unable to offer a exact determine for fill weight. 

Whatever the actual fill weight, it’s clear there’s a variety of down on this jacket. You’ll be able to really feel it within the heat, the loft, and simply how cozy the jacket is. The longer size additionally provides to the heat, because it covers extra of your physique and retains you insulated. Plus, the cinchable hem and adjustable hood assist lure heat whereas preserving chilly air out.

Whereas we actually recognize the heat on colder days, it may be a bit a lot when the temperatures rise or in the event you’re getting your coronary heart price up. That is positively a jacket we’ll maintain in our rotation for the colder months.

Weight & Packability

All that heat and luxury come at a value—actually and figuratively. Whereas the value is excessive, the true trade-off is weight and packability. Whereas this jacket isn’t overly heavy, it does sit on the upper finish of the spectrum in comparison with different down jackets in its class. 

The dimensions giant we examined weighs 1 lb 0.6 ozon our scale, which is notably heavier than the marketed weight of 14.7 ounces. We didn’t really feel the load whereas sporting it—it feels as gentle as any jacket. Nonetheless, the majority turns into obvious if you attempt to stuff it into its personal pocket for journey. It takes up significantly more room than different jackets close to the highest of our listing. If light-weight and compactness are prime priorities for you, you would possibly need to discover different choices.

Climate Resistance

If climate resistance is your prime precedence, you would possibly need to look into a few of our favourite jackets with artificial insulation. Nonetheless, the Breithorn performs higher than most down jackets on this class. Like many high-end down jackets, it makes use of hydrophobic down, which handles moisture higher than conventional untreated down.

That mentioned, it’s necessary to notice that whereas it will possibly deal with gentle rain and snow for some time, it can ultimately moist out. The shell is handled with a DWR layer to assist repel gentle moisture, including to its climate resistance.

We primarily examined the Breithorn in early spring, which allowed us to expertise it throughout moist snowstorms and lightweight spring drizzle. Below these situations, the Breithorn outperformed the typical down jacket. The thicker baffles and high-quality stitching assist retain heat and supply wind resistance.

Throughout testing in Colorado’s early spring, we had been impressed with its means to dam sturdy winds, that are widespread this time of 12 months. The design of the hood, hem, and cuffs additionally provides to its means to dam the wind and maintain heat in. Total, we discovered the Breithorn to be higher than most within the climate resistance class.

Breathability

Breathability is one space the place the Breithorn Down Hoodie is a little bit of a blended bag. Whereas it’s definitely heat and weather-resistant, it’s not probably the most breathable jacket we’ve examined, particularly if you’re working laborious or the temperature begins to climb. 

The hydrophobic down does a good job of managing moisture, however if you’re sweating throughout intense exercise, the jacket can really feel a bit clammy inside. We positively ended up feeling stuffy whereas mountaineering on this jacket. That is widespread for down jackets, notably these meant for being stationary or colder situations.

Like most different down jackets, you received’t discover any options which might be particularly designed to dump warmth like pit-zips. The jacket’s longer reduce additionally means you’ll get some added heat across the waist, which is nice for preserving the nippiness off however could make issues really feel a bit hotter than anticipated throughout these milder spring days.

Whereas the Breithorn is stable for cool to chilly situations and gives nice heat, it’s not the most suitable choice for breathability, particularly in the event you plan on transferring rapidly or in hotter temperatures. It’s finest fitted to lower-intensity actions or as a mid-layer for colder climate.

Ought to You Purchase the North Face Summit Sequence Breithorn Down Hoodie?

The North Face Summit Sequence Breithorn Down Hoodie is a good selection for many who want dependable heat in chilly, shoulder-season situations, particularly for actions like winter mountaineering, climbing, or tenting. 

Its wonderful heat, snug match, and weather-resistant options make it a stable choice for colder months, although like most down puffers, it’s not the most effective for high-output actions or hotter situations.

Whereas it’s not the lightest or most packable choice in the marketplace, the Breithorn affords good worth for customers who prioritize heat, consolation, and climate resistance in demanding situations. It’s finest suited for many who interact in lower-intensity actions in chilly environments or want a sturdy, dependable jacket for layering. Nonetheless, in the event you’re in search of a lighter, extra breathable choice for hotter actions, you would possibly need to take into account different choices.

What Different Down Jackets Ought to You Take into account?

Should you’re out there for a down jacket however need to discover different choices, you’re in luck! Under, we’ve highlighted a number of alternate options to the Microlight Alpine, every providing distinctive options and advantages. Don’t overlook to take a look at our complete gear information to down jackets for an in-depth have a look at the highest picks!

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Assessment: This light-weight and packable choice is ideal for many who prioritize portability with out sacrificing heat. The Down Sweater is a wonderful mid-layer, offering a comfortable match and stable efficiency in chilly however not excessive situations. Should you’re after a less complicated, extra versatile down jacket, the Patagonia Down Sweater is a good selection.

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody Assessment: Recognized for its premium construct and high-performance design, the Cerium Hoody affords an distinctive warmth-to-weight ratio and a extra technical match. Splendid for lively customers in search of a high-output jacket that gives heat with out pointless bulk, it’s a stable contender for outside actions in chilly situations.

Black Diamond Strategy Down Hoody Assessment: Should you’re after a barely extra inexpensive various to the Breithorn with related consolation and options, the Black Diamond Strategy Down Hoody suits the invoice. It’s an awesome choice for many who need stable insulation and sturdiness however need one thing a bit lighter and extra packable.