Technical simplicity is the absolute grail of gear right now. Where multi-media pockets once roamed alongside plethoras of hidden stash pockets, today’s stripped-back approach is embraced most by outerwear’s upper echelon. And The North Face is sitting mighty pretty way up there.
It’s a pay-to-play aesthetic for that stripped-back technical look. And the price of admission for sporting The North Face’s Verbier Gore-Tex jacket will set you back AUD $1300. So, what’s under the hood of a jacket that’s flying in the face of a cost-of-living crisis, and why should it be in the realms of consideration …
Looks And Feels.
The Summit Series hallmark has traditionally carried much weight, as The North Face’s offering to those outdoor enthusiasts willing to push the limits and go beyond. It’s why this little logo has landed itself on top of formidable mountains and been at the base of many first descents. A mark that’s seen side by side with Gore-Tex emblazed gear, that’s also highly celebrated and appropriated. Then there’s the North Face, and it’s here on this jacket that they all come together in a technical trinity.
With its oversized, relaxed fit the Verbier jacket deviates from the traditional technical silhouette (extra medium, somewhat slimming). The fit is sick, and the 30k-rated fabric follows suit. There’s really no disputing the quality, with its seamless considerations on the shoulders (for backpack-usage) and rip-stop reinforcement of those hard-wearing contact points. It would appear that whilst the jacket is seemingly simple, there is genuine consideration on each and every detail, even if they are hiding in plain sight. This jacket is meant for hard work and hard wear.
Function and Form.
Way back when the upper offerings of outerwear were host to as many pockets as they could place in a jacket. Nowadays, every pocket must have an absolute purpose, and nothing more. The Verbier jacket is case-in-point, having a very curated collection of quality pockets that hold all the necessary do-dads that accompany you in your alpine pursuits.
Pursuits being both of the inbound and off-piste variety. While the jacket is very much suitable for resort riding, it’d serve well for backcountry expeditions – especially since the fit is generous there’s plenty of room for insulation via added underlayers. To answer your question, yes this jacket is ideal for powder-loaded places like Japan where that extra-long coverage helps keep snow out of your caboose.
We’re particularly fond of the hood design that’s plenty accommodating for helmets, easily fitting over without any obstruction. Did we mention there’s an integrated goggle cloth in the left sleeve that is actually worth using.
Everything Else.
Offerings like the Verbier jacket are somewhat obsolcent-proof, by design. You’re getting a premium piece of technical equipment that’s built to last and look good for years to come. That trinity comes at a cost, and it’s a hefty upfront outlay but once worth justifying if you’re putting yourself in front of the elements often. We’d hedge a bet that a jacket like this would serve multiple seasons, prove us wrong?
What we liked:
- Relaxed fit allows for under layering and style points
- Colourway, we took fondly to the Y2K-esk chlorophyll green panels
- Overall quality, this thing feels premium in every aspect
- Helmet compatibility
What we didn’t like:
- White logo’s are a little out of place, perhaps black would look better
- The price isn’t for everyone
