Throwing a jacket in a river on a winter hike may sound crazy. But when a company claims that a new insulation works when wet… well, there are only so many ways to find out. Thus was the case last weekend in Colorado. It was 30 degrees outside, and I was about to hike up an ice-covered road that leads to routes up the popular 14er’s Grays and Torres peaks. But before starting the hike, my jacket would go for a nice long swim in a very cold stream. (Editor’s Note: Two years later, this is still one of my favorite jackets among dozens I test each year. It has proven durable and versatile. Thermoball insulation is still popular in many jackets by The North Face as of fall 2015.) The North Face’s ThermoBall Full Zip Jacket ($199) is a puffy made with a new type of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation (also called ThermoBall) that is designed to be both packable and warm when wet. The jacket has two hand pockets, an elastic closure at the wrists, and a waist cinch-cord system.

It weighs about 11.5 ounces and packs into its own pocket, compressing to about the size of a cantaloupe. It doesn’t quite match down’s compressibility, but ThermoBall does pack well for a synthetic. The company claims ThermoBall has nearly the same warmth-to-weight ratio as a quality goose down. sons of anarchy hoodie ohioI cannot entirely validate that claim, but when dry the jacket has very similar insulation properties as a down sweater of similar thickness.heybig hoodie But the big claim, and the one I set out to test, was that the insulation will “achieve phenomenal warmth in cold and wet weather” by maintaining loft even when loaded with water.hoodie x reader lemon forced Untreated down soaks with water when wet, losing its loft and thus its warmth (hydrophobic treated down does work better – see our shower test of a Sierra Designs DriDown jacket). black veil brides merchandise calgary

Synthetic insulation like ThermoBall, which is a pilled and billowy polyester fill, does not soak in water. ThermoBall keeps most of its loft when wet, allowing your body heat to be trapped in its fibers — wet or dry — to keep you warmer. I decided to test these claims in the toughest way I could devise.pca hoodie I arrived at the trailhead as snow fell through chilling wind. fenchurch hoodiesWith the air temperature at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I took off the jacket, shivered in my base layer, and tossed the puffy into an icy stream. Right away I noticed the jacket wouldn’t sink. The hydrophobic nature of the materials just didn’t want to go in the water. I grabbed a stick and shoved it under for a minute, churning it around to ensure a good soaking. I pulled the finally-wet jacket from the water, gave it a quick shake and put it on over a single thin polyester layer.

I expected a jolt from the cold water but was surprised to actually feel a warming sensation within seconds. In less than a minute, I was already comfortable in the jacket even as I poured the last of the water out of the pockets. “Well,” I thought, “time to go for a hike.” I walked steadily for about an hour up an incline as snow and the temperature fell. I was soon sweating lightly and subjecting the jacket to water from the inside, a much more realistic source of potentially chilling moisture. The light nylon outer material is breathable and my sweat was not a big issue. I crested a hilltop and enjoyed a nice view of the mountains. I turned to head back to the car and cooled quickly on the descent. Removing my gloves, I rubbed my hands over the jacket to feel for water. It felt dry and cold on the outside where snow and ice flecked the red nylon outer shell. The jacket was dry and warm on the inside — I’d never have guessed that it had been in a freezing stream an hour earlier.

A couple miles later I reached the car, comfortable and dry. I shook my head in disbelief at the remarkable water-handling capabilities of the jacket as I tugged at the zippers, sending tiny shards of ice into the winter air. The North Face makes several jackets with ThermoBall insulation that just came to market this fall, including vests and hoodies for men and women. For more normal use, the jacket has a DWR treatment on its face fabric for light rain protection. But The North Face recommends a waterproof shell jacket worn over this kind of coat in normal situations when precip is in the forecast. The ThermoBall Full Zip Jacket is a great insulating layer for any cold weather activity, especially when water or sweat might come into play. It is light, warm and performs remarkably when wet. For those in damp, cold climates, sweaty winter athletes, and for anyone looking at a mid-weight insulating sweater, this jacket is a solid choice. Best MatchNewest ItemsHigh to LowLow to HighBrand A-ZBrand Z-ABest RatedBest Selling

Toggle Grid OnToggle List On Results 1 - 32 of 320 Page 1 of 10 The North Face Men's Canyonlands Half-Zip Pullover 100% polyester stretch hard-face heathered fleeceBrushed on the back side for superior softnessHalf-length front zipper; mock-neck collarZip-secure Napoleon pocket at the left chest The North Face Women's Osito 2 Full-Zip Jacket Super-soft, high-pile Silken raschel fleece fabricHard-face Superstretch fabric at the sleeve cuffsFull-length front zipper; high mock-neck collarTwo zip-secure hand pockets for easy storageHem cinch cord allows for easy fit adjustments The North Face Men's Canyonlands Full-Zip Jacket 100% polyester stretch hard-face heathered fleeceBrushed on the back side for superior softnessMock-neck collar; full-length front zipperDual hand pockets; The North Face Men's Surgent Camo Half Dome Pullover Hoodie Soft, jersey-faced fleece shell fabricMechanical stretch for freedom of movementJersey-lined hood with drawcord adjustmentSet-in sleeves;

self-fabric cuffs and waistbandSpacious kangaroo hand pocket for easy storage The North Face Women's Agave Full-Zip Jacket Ultra-soft, luxe, heathered hardface jersey fabricDWR finish repels moisture and light stainsPrincess seaming for a flattering, feminine fitZip-secure hand pockets for convenient storage95% polyester, 5% elastane fabric blend The North Face Women's Avalon Pullover Hoodie Midweight hoodie is warm, durable, and comfortableDrawcord-adjustable hood; pop-color jersey liningRib-knit trim at cuffs, side panels, and waistbandRaglan sleeves for increased ease of movementSpacious kangaroo handwarmer pocket for storage The North Face Men's Apex Bionic Jacket High-tech TNF Apex ClimateBlock softshell fabricRated at 0 CFM for 100% windproof protectionCozy fleece backer for warmth and softnessFull-length front zipper; mock-neck collarMolded cuff tabs help seal in body heat for warmth The North Face Women's ThermoBall Full-Zip Jacket 15-denier, 100% nylon ripstop fabricPrimaLoft ThermoBall synthetic insulationAs compressible as down, yet insulates when wetHigh mock-neck collar;

full-length front zipperInternal elastic cuffs; The North Face Men's Surgent Half Dome Pullover Hoodie Jersey-faced fleece shell with mechanical stretchPique-knit hood lining; drawcord hood adjustmentSpacious kangaroo hand pocket for easy storageDrop-tail hem for added coverage in backHalf Dome screenprint logo graphic at center front The North Face Women's Aconcagua Vest Soft, satin plain-weave shell fabric550-fill, RDS-certified goose down insulation150-gram Heatseeker insulation for warmthBrushed collar lining protects against chafingZip-secure handwarmer pockets for storageThe North Face Women's French Terry Trivert Pullover Hoodiepop-color jersey liningRaglan sleeves for increased ease of movementRib-knit trim at the sleeve cuffs and waistbandSpacious kangaroo handwarmer pocket for storageUnique cotton/polyester/rayon fabric blend The North Face Women's Aconcagua Jacket Soft, satin plain-weave shell fabric550-fill, RDS-certified goose down insulation150-gram Heatseeker insulation for warmthBrushed collar lining protects against chafingMock-neck collar;

The North Face Women's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket Rugged WindWall softshell is 100% windproofDWR finish repels moisture and light stainsMock-neck collar; reverse-coil center-front zipperCurved sleeve cuffs with inner comfort cuffsHem cinch cord for easy fit adjustments The North Face Women's Apex Bionic Jacket Rugged TNF Apex ClimateBlock softshell fabricWind permeability rated at 0 CFM for windproofingCozy fleece backer for warmth and softnessHigh mock-neck collar; full-length front zipperInternal stretch comfort cuffs; The North Face Women's Resolve Jacket Rugged HyVent nylon ripstop shellFully seam-sealed for waterproofingBreathable, moisture-wicking mesh liningAdjustable hood stows in the collarSpacious hand pockets with zipper closures The North Face Men's Apex Bionic 2 Jacket 100% windproof WindWall softshell materialDWR finish repels moisture and light stainsMock-neck collar; reverse-coil center-front zipperOn-seam hand pockets; Napoleon chest pocketHem cinch cord for easy fit adjustments

The North Face Women's Mossbud Swirl Triclimate Jacket Waterproof/breathable, seam-sealed DryVent shellRemovable insulated liner; raschel fleece liningShell: Fully adjustable, removable hoodShell: Full-length front zipper with storm flapLiner: 60-gram Heatseeker synthetic insulation The North Face Women's Venture Jacket Made of HyVent 2.5L 100% recycled nylon ripstop100% seam sealed and waterproofed so you stay dryAttached, adjustable hood protects your headTwo secure-zip hand pockets for warmth or storageHem cinch cord for a perfect fit The North Face Men's ThermoBall Full-Zip Jacket 15-denier, 100% nylon ripstop fabricUltra-cozy PrimaLoft ThermoBall insulationLow-profile, mock-neck collar; full-front zipperInternal elastic cuffs; drawcord waist hemCovered hand pockets with secure zipper closures The North Face Men's Chilkat II 200g Insulated Boot PrimaLoft Eco insulation is at least 50% recycledSufficient warmth to withstand -25F tempsWicking Dri-Lex fleece collar and tongue liningInjection-molded waterproof TPR shellTNF Winter Grip rubber outsole

The North Face Men's Resolve Rain Jacket Waterproof, mesh-lined, and fully seam-sealedDurable, woven HyVent outer shellBreathable, moisture-wicking inner layerAdjustable hood stows in its own collarFull-front zipper with Velcro-closed storm flap The North Face Men's Surgent Half Dome Full-Zip Hoodie Super-soft 100% polyester jersey-faced fleeceMechanical stretch for increased mobilityDouble-layered hood with drawstring adjustmentSelf-fabric trim at cuffs and waist seal heatKangaroo hand pockets, interior media pocket The North Face Jester Daypack Versatile daypack with zippered compartmentsBungee cords can secure a rain jacketFlexVent shoulder straps add supportComfortable foam back panelEasy-to-remove hip belt The North Face Women's Arrowood Triclimate Jacket Waterproof, breathable DryVent 2L shellMidweight, smooth-face fleece liner jacketShell: Fully seam-sealed; smooth taffeta liningShell: Adjustable hood, cuffs, and bottom hemLiner: Mock-neck collar;

The North Face Men's ThermoBall Versa 100g Insulated ... Waterproof, full-grain leather upper100g PrimaLoft Silver insulation for warmthCollar insulated w/ PrimaLoft ThermoBall syntheticInjection-molded EVA midsole outsoleIcePick temperature-sensitive rubber lugs The North Face Pink Ribbon Osito 2 Jacket High-pile 100% polyester Silken raschel fleeceAbrasion-resistant woven overlay for durabilityFront and back princess seaming for flattering fitOversized collar; stretch cuffsTwo zip-secure hand pockets for easy storage The North Face Men's Inlux Insulated Jacket 100% polyester HyVent 2L heathered fabricSoft fleece lining for added layer of cozinessLightweight, 80-gram Heatseeker insulationFully adjustable, removable hood; Velcro cuff tabsPit zippers for ventilation; The North Face Men's Gordon Lyons Full-Zip Hoodie Midweight sweater fleece fabric with brushed backProvides a superior warmth-to-weight ratioAttached, 3-piece hood; full-length front zipperZip-secure hand pockets, Napoleon chest pocket

The North Face Men's Sherpa ThermoBall Jacket ThermoBall synthetic insulation to keep you warmPlush Sherpa fleece lining for even greater warmthDWR finish fends off moisture and light stainsShank-button center-front placket for easy on/offTop-entry chest pockets; The North Face Women's Aconcagua Parka Soft, satin plain-weave shell fabric550-fill, RDS-certified goose down insulation150-gram Heatseeker insulation for warmthBrushed collar lining protects against chafingTwo-way front zipper; The North Face Men's Surgent Pullover Hoodie Soft, durable 100% polyester Surgent fleece fabricBuilt-in UPF 50 sun protection shields your skinDouble-layer hood with drawcord adjustmentSelf-fabric binding at the cuffs and waist hemKangaroo hand pocket with interior media pocket The North Face Women's Khumbu Full-Zip Jacket Warm, fast-drying, and ultra-comfortableModern A-line silhouette for a feminine fitMock-neck collar; full-length front zipperZip-secure hand pockets for easy storageMidweight 100% polyester TKA 300 fleece fabric