North Face Rain Jacket: 9 Exceptional Choices For MEN And WOMEN (2024)
Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Nicole
The North Face is a name most associated with all kinds of outdoor gear for backpackers, marathon runners, walkers, and mountaineers. A North Face rain jacket brings decades of expertise into a must-have piece of clothing for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors, whether it is hiking in the mountains, walking along a country trail, or skipping from museum to coffee shop in a new city.
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What Can You Expect from A North Face Rain Jacket?
Apart from excellent design, the reason for The North Face’s industry-leading position in rain gear is its’ understanding of the twin problems facing someone exerting themselves in the great outdoors.
Whether you are walking down a moderate trail or scaling the tricky face of a mountain, the main issue is to avoid getting soaked from the rain or snow while at the same time, allowing your sweat a means to escape so that you can stay dry.
DryVent™ Shell Of The North Face Rain Jacket
The NorthFace rain jacket uses a windproof, breathable, and waterproof system to stop rain from coming in while allowing sweat to evaporate through the fabric. Woven fabric and plastic ponchos are often used as an alternative but with less than ideal results.
Woven Fabric
Water-resistance is a natural quality of a tightly woven fabric like cotton or nylon. A certain amount of water rolls off and doesn’t penetrate the material. However, eventually, the water does work its way through the fibers, and at that point, you start getting wet. A water-resistant fabric will keep you dry in a light shower, and many inexpensive raincoats provide that level of water-resistance.
Plastic
Plastic is fully waterproof because there is nowhere for the water to penetrate. A plastic poncho will keep the rain out, but anyone who has worn one for any length of time or tried to walk in one soon realizes you get hot and as wet from your own body heat as from the rain.
NorthFace Rain Jacket
The North Face Rain Jacket uses a membrane (like Gore-Tex and, in some cases, actual Gore-Tex) to give a one-way path for water. Sweat passes through the membrane (hence it is breathable), but water stays outside (hence it is waterproof).
A North Face rain coat doesn’t stop there. If water leaves a film on your raincoat, you lose the benefit of breathability. However, a water-repellant fabric prevents the water from forming a film. Water-repellant material allows water to create beads, and it runs off the surface like rain on glass.
A quality North Face raincoat has a standard DWR (Durable Water Repellant) coating, so it stays waterproof and breathable.
Finally, the NorthFace raincoat includes a minimum number of seams, and those seams are sealed by tape to provide additional protection against rain and snow seeping through them.
Other Rain Jackets
After reviewing this article you are curious about other excellent raincoats, take a look at the recommendations below.
For those looking for an inexpensive packable rain jacket for a trip or to keep tucked in your computer, travel or gym bag that would provide protection from a light and unexpected rain, then I would recommend taking a look at 16 Best Packable Rain Jackets For Under 0.
For a selection of exceptional raincoats that are stylish, expertly designed for outdoor activities and with eco-friendly technology, then you may like Marmot rain jackets. For a review of the best, check out 11 Best Marmot Rain Jackets: Staying Dry Is A Breeze.
Other excellent rain jackets include Helly Hansen and Columbia. For a review of the best rain jackets that they offer, please see:
- 16 Best Helly Hansen Rain Jackets; and
- 13 Best Columbia Rain Jackets: Budget Friendly And Stylish.
Best North Face Rain Coats For Men And Women
The following reviews are in three sections – North Face rain jackets for men and women; North Face rain jackets for men only; and North Face rain jackets for women only.
The reviews give you a checklist of the best features for rain and notes on other qualities that distinguish this rain jacket model. There is a “missing?” section highlighting features that are not included, if relevant. Everyone has different “must-haves” on their shopping list for the best NorthFace rain jacket. These lists will help you quickly identify whether each North Face coat meets your criteria.
Men’s Venture 2 Rain Jacket
Women’s Venture 2 Rain Jacket
Intended Use:
Hiking, the occasional spring ski day, and other outdoor activities.
Best Features For Rain
- Dry Vent™ – breathable, waterproof, and windproof fabric with 2.5 layers.
- Adjustable hood and waist with drawcord.
- Full zip closure with storm flap with velcro fastening.
- Adjustable cuffs.
Other Useful Features
- Zipped vents in underarms for extra ventilation when you are exerting yourself.
- Secure and lined zipped hand pockets.
- The jacket packs away into one of the hand pockets for easy packing and transport and includes a handy clip so you can hang it on your backpack.
- Relaxed fit lets you put it on over layers.
- A Microfleece patch in the chin guard adds comfort.
- Plenty of color choices.
- Light at under 1lb.
- Affordable.
Conclusion
This North Face rain jacket is packable into a neat pouch – the left-hand pocket. When you pack it away, you get a neat clip so you can hook it onto your backpack or luggage.
It’s lightweight, and fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable, so it is an excellent NorthFace raincoat that you can conveniently take anywhere, ready to adapt to the changing weather.
The fit hangs off the body and accommodates fleece and other base layers underneath. It will keep you dry in most conditions. Most leisure hikers and tourists caught in a sudden downpour will love having this North Face coat with them. And if it doesn’t rain, it is easy to carry.
Men’s Allproof Stretch Jacket
Women’s Allproof Stretch Jacket
Intended Use:
Outdoor working and exercise.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ 2.5 layer stretch fabric shell – breathable, windproof and waterproof.
- Sealed seams.
- Adjustable cuffs – velcro fastenings.
- Adjustable hood.
- Storm flap to protect zipper from water.
Other Useful Features
- Zippered hand pockets.
- Zipped vents under arms for additional ventilation.
- Lightweight at 9.3 oz (260 g).
- Soft flexible material fits to your body as you move.
- Machine washable.
Conclusion
This revolutionary North Face jacket moves with your body – a softshell but with all the standard hardshell rain jacket features. The tailoring is subtly nipped in at the waist to give you a more fitted silhouette, but it is designed for those who like to exercise outdoors in all weathers. The extra ventilation under the arms is welcome if you training for some trail running but equally welcome on a trail walk when you are faced with a steep climb or the sun comes out.
Men’s Antora Rain Hoodie
Women’s Antora Rain Hoodie
Intended Use:
Rain protection while hiking or walking.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ two-layer shell – waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
- Elastic cuffs.
- Three piece hood with drawcord for adjustability.
- Reverse coil center front zip.
- Covered and secure zipped hand pockets.
- The hood has a stiff brim and rain guard.
- Adjustable drawcord at hem.
Other Useful Features
- Made with 100% recycled material.
- Covered and secure zipped hand pockets.
- Standard fit and can wear warmer thin layers under it.
Missing?
- No chest pocket.
- Hood is attached.
Conclusion
If you are interested in leaving a small environmental footprint but still need a lightweight raincoat that gives you plenty of opportunity to adjust to your taste, then this NorthFace rain hoodie is the right one for you.
It supplies two large secure hand pockets large enough for personal items like a phone. Two drawcords — one for your hood and the other for the hem of your jacket – that you can adjust according to the weather, temperature, clothes that you are wearing underneath and your exercise level.
This NorthFace hoodie offers everything that you want in a rain jacket. It is waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Another excellent North Face rain hoodie for men and women that keeps you dry while hiking or working outside.
Men’s Antora Triclimate Jacket
Women’s Antora Triclimate Jacket
Intended Use:
Outdoors in mild cold and wet weather.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ outershell – waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
- Elastic cuffs.
- Three piece hood with drawcord for adjustability.
- Draft flap covers center front zip.
- Secure zipped hand pockets.
- Internal drawcord at hem.
- The hood has a stiff brim and rain guard.
Other Useful Features
- Comes with a warm fleece liner with secure side pockets.
- Compatible with other North Face liners.
- You can wear each layer independently.
Missing?
- Chest pocket.
Conclusion
The North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket is a complete package with a rain shell and fleece layer. You can combine the two to give yourself a cold weather solution, or you can swap out the fleece layer for any other North Face compatible fleece.
These North Face rain jackets give you a practical solution to all-year-round hiking and walking. In the summer months, you can use the rain shell by itself as a light rain jacket, and when the days get chillier, you can add in the fleece for insulation. You get plenty of color options – solid and color-blocked, and there is a slight dip at the waist for the woman’s jacket for a little bit of shape.
Men’s Resolve 2 Rain Jacket
Women’s Resolve 2 Rain Jacket
Intended Use:
Lightweight rain jacket ideal for layering over other clothes and hiking.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ system includes DRW and sealed seams to give you a waterproof, windproof, and breathable rain shell.
- Drawstring adjustment for the hood, but otherwise, the structure is firm and keeps the material off your face providing more comfort in rain.
- Elastic cuffs cinch the wrists and fit neatly over gloves.
- Storm flap with velcro seal protects the zipper from water penetration.
- Front zip with fabric can cover mouth and chin for better weatherproofing.
Other Useful Features
- Hood packs into the collar when not in use.
- The jacket is roomy enough to fit over a sweater or fleece jacket.
- Zipped hand pockets for secure storage.
- Lightweight at just over 1lb.
- Range of color and sizes.
- Can machine wash up to 20 times without loss of windproofing.
Missing?
- No chest pocket
Conclusion
The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket is the latest version of one of the best North Face rain jackets for hiking or keeping the rain off while you go about your daily business. It is available in an impressive array of colors, from somber to bright, depending on your preference. The standard fitting accommodates multiple layers underneath, so this NorthFace rain jacket (at around 1lb in weight) is ideal for all-year-round outdoor fun.
Best NorthFace Rain Jackets For Men Only
Men’s Millerton Waterproof Jacket
Intended Use:
Lightweight jacket for hiking best worn with layers for warmth.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ – waterproof, windproof, and breathable two-layer rain jacket.
- Adjustable cuffs (webbing) to custom fit the jacket.
- Zipped pockets with storm flaps.
- Drawstring adjustment to the hood.
Other Useful Features
- Jacket is roomy enough to fit over a sweater or fleece jacket.
- Zipped hand pockets for secure storage.
- Lightweight at around 1lb.
- Color-blocked, solid colors or camouflage prints.
Missing?
- Hood does not pack away.
- No storm vent for the front zip.
- No chest pocket.
Conclusion
This North Face rain jacket for men is weatherproof and breathable. You can fit warm layers underneath for hiking in cold weather. The inner lining is smooth and slides easily over clothing without catching.
You have plenty of choices for colors from solid, color-blocked, and a camoflauge pattern which would be useful for breaking up your silhouette if you like to get those impressive nature shots while outdoors.
Men’s Apex Flex GTX Jacket
Intended Use:
Short hikes and about town commuting or shopping.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ three-layer (Gore-Tex) fabric – windproof, waterproof, and breathable.
- Adjustable velcro cuffs.
- Storm flap to protect the zipper.
- Adjustable hood.
Other Useful Features
- Stretchy knit fabric is fully waterproof but looks like a softshell, and it moves with your body, so it is comfortable to wear during exercise.
- Quiet with no rustling – ideal for nature watching and photography.
- Secure-zip chest pocket.
- Two zipped hand pockets.
Missing?
- Hood does not pack away.
- Heavy at around 2lbs.
Conclusion
This North Face rain jacket’s standout feature is that you lose the stiff rustling of a traditional waterproof hard shell. Conventional waterproofs are relatively rigid and noisy because they stand away from your body. The softshell pioneered by The North Face is different. The knit fabric molds and moves quietly with your body while giving you all the waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability benefits. If you like to run your trails while keeping out the rain, these are the best North Face rain jackets for you.
The Best North Face Rain Jacket For Women
Women’s City Breeze Raincoat
Women’s City Breeze Rain Parka II
Intended Use:
Commuting or hiking – this rain coat comes in two lengths and both work for each activity.
Best Features For Rain
- DryVent™ shell makes it waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
- Front zip storm flap with snap fastening to stop water seepage.
- Hood with a stiff brim and chin protection.
Other Useful Features
- Chest pocket with a secure zip for your phone, headphones, or valuables.
- Strap and buckle adjustments at cuffs and waist to customize your fit.
- Two deep hand pockets with zip closure.
- Plenty of room for base layers.
- Machine wash and tumble dry.
- Lightweight at around 1lb.
Missing?
- You can’t pack the hood away when not in use.
Conclusion
These NorthFace coats comes in two lengths. One is described as a jacket and fits just at the top of the thighs. The other is slightly longer – goes to mid thigh – and described as a trench or a parka. They are both distinctive North Face rain jackets, but the longer one would be more practical for the daily commute as it keeps more of your body dry.
The interior chest pocket is a useful place to keep valuables while hiking or walking, and you can adjust the jacket’s fit at your waist for more style and comfort.
When you need a practical, longer jacket to keep you dry, this is the best North Face rain jacket for a city or trail.
Women’s Woodmont Rain Parka
No products found.Intended Use:
Leisure, commuting, and hill-walking.
Best Features For Rain
- Dry vent 2-layer fabric with waterproof, windproof, and breathable coating.
- Sealed seams
- Adjustable hood and cuffs with snap fastenings.
- Double storm flap with snap fastenings on full-length zip.
- Top entry pockets with storm flaps and snap fastenings.
Other Useful Features
- Longer length, trench coat style to mid-thigh.
- Lightweight at around 1lb.
- Solid colors with a choice of practical colors.
- Contains recycled materials (polyester).
Conclusion
For many women, a longer length trench coat is more useful for walking the dog, taking the kids to school, commuting, or hiking because it keeps your buttocks dry. With this NorthFace rain parka, you don’t have to separate your jackets from adventure to your daily life.
The top entry pockets are deep and roomy for all those extra things you need to have at hand, and the storm flaps keep the content dry. The muted color range means that you will stand out for your sensible and stylish approach to staying dry during your daily commute.
Buyer’s Guide For The Best North Face Rain Jacket For Men Or Women
Below I discuss what you should be looking for in a great rain jacket. You won’t find every feature in every North Face rain jacket, although you will find most. Regardless of whether you ultimately purchase a North Face rain jacket or something else, here are some of the features for which you should be looking.
Hoods
- Adjustable hood – Most North Face rain jackets have two points of adjustment on the hood – one around the head and one around the face. Typically, these are drawstrings with cord ball stoppers to lock the adjustment in place.
- Packable hood – A hood that packs into the collar of a rain jacket is a matter of preference. An attached hood that doesn’t stow away is normally from a heavier material with stiffening around the brim. A stow-away hood is neater and avoids the hood getting tangled into your backpack when not in use.
Cuffs
- Adjustable cuffs – These can be elastic that fit neatly over gloves or velcro straps that let you cinch the cuff to fit your wrist, with or without gloves. The cuff is an area where water can penetrate, so closing that space is useful waterproofing.
Fit
- Loose Fit – Most rain jackets (the Northface rain jacket included) are a waterproof shell that you put on top of other layers. The underlying layers provide insulation against the cold, and the rain jacket’s function is to keep you dry and a shield against the wind. If the fit is too tight, then you can’t fit enough warm layers underneath for comfort.
Ventilation
- External – Although the Northface rain jacket fabric is breathable, you can overload it if you are walking fast or doing strenuous exercise. Having additional ventilation in the arm-pit area with zipped vents that allow you to open or close for more or less airflow addresses that issue.
Pockets
- Multiple Ones – At a minimum, you will want two hand pockets, but a chest pocket is a useful feature if you like to use a mobile phone (with headphones). Pockets are helpful because you may not want to bring your backpack on a short walk, but you may still want snacks or possibly a water bottle.
Storm Flap On Central Zip
- Waterproofing – The zip fastening on your jacket is a potential weak spot where rain can penetrate. A storm flap protects this vulnerable area and can stay in place with snap fasteners or velcro.
Fashion and Style
- The North Face rain jacket embraces a range of colors, from bright solids to blocks and other patterns, like camouflage. The benefit of colorful outdoor gear is that it makes you visible in wilderness areas, making sure a hunter doesn’t mistake you for a deer. Plus, in the unfortunate event that you get lost, a brightly colored jacket attracts attention. Most people explore the great outdoors for a lifetime with no mishaps. Still, the occasional accident happens to the best-prepared person, and highly visible outer gear can make all the difference, when necessary.
- North Face rain jackets also come in many different lengths, from a traditional short jacket to longer jackets that reach mid-thigh, with general shape variations. It would be best to figure out where you intend to use the jacket and over which kind of clothing before deciding on the right length.
Last Word
The North Face has over fifty years of producing durable gear for outdoor pursuits. It sets industry standards for providing high-quality weatherproofing jackets that you may need in the most extreme conditions in smart and stylish designs. North Face rain jackets keep you dry, and they do it with comfort, advanced technology, and attention to detail.
