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The North Face Men's ThermoBall Hoodie Review

When I first started planning and preparing for my 5 week hike on the West Australian Bibbulmun Track in 2018 one of the pieces of equipment that I had spent a fair amount of agonising over was my lightweight thermal insulated jacket and while I have always been a down jacket fan my concern was that over a long distance hike I needed something that was going to keep me warm if it ended up getting soaked. While that never eventuated I had rain on 27 of my 35 days to some degree.

Today’s modern down jackets are pretty amazing and are designed to keep you warm when they get wet however while I’m willing to risk it on shorter hikes I wanted some piece of mind for an extend trip when I’m still likely to get some rain. I literally spent months trawling websites and stores checking different options and trying various jackets on before I finally decided that my jacket of choice was going to be the Thermoball Hoodie Jacket and here’s why.

One of the main reasons that I chose this jacket over other synthetic jackets on the market was the comfortable feel. I usually find that with most mens tops that they tend to run on the short side in relation to sleeve length and overall body length. In this case the arm length was very comfortable and covered me all the way down to the wrist. In addition the jacket came about half way down my backside and once I had adjusted to waist synch cord I didn’t get that gust of air up my back as I do with many shorter jackets on offer.

One thing that I would say about this jacket compared to a down jacket is that is that down moulds to the body better to fill in any air gaps. However when I recently  took this jacket out in temperatures just over -7°celsius (an apparent temperature of -11.7° celsius) with only a single wool layer underneath I was toasty warm. Usually I would need 4 layers so I must admit I was surprised that I was so warm.

What’s very different for me with this jacket is that it has a permanently attached hood. While I’m ‘follically’ challenged I have never bothered with hooded jackets in the past preferring to keep my head warm with a wool buff if needed. In this case the hood is growing on me and as a winter time jacket I know I’m going to appreciate it.

Speaking of insulation properties the Northface Thermoball Hoodie Jacket uses a synthetic insulation (Primaloft¸® Thermoball insulation™). This and other high grade synthetic insulations are designed to mimic the function of natural down and trap air to retain warmth even when wet which if you are going to out in wet conditions is the way to go.

I have worked outdoors for a majority of my life in cold (not snow) environments so have a reasonably good cold tolerance. Depending on the weather, I will have one to two layers underneath and if its really cold, my Marmot PreCip Nano Jacket as an outer shell to form part of my layering system.  I will continue to use this in the winter and wet conditions saving my lightweight down jacket for times when I know it’s going to be dry or I dont want the hood.

At full price this jacket is a bit expensive at AUD $330 RRP but having said that you aren’t going to find high grade lightweight synthetic jackets  much cheaper. This jacket is an investment and providing you don’t grow out of it not will last for many years as the outer shell is 15 diner which doesn’t sound like much but when compared to its competitors it’s very robust.

Size wise I usually wear an XL in most jackets having a broad chest and shoulders but found that the XL was just to big for me so opted for the large.

One final feature which didn’t really factor in my consideration is that this jacket folds into its own pocket meaning that you can have a neat package to put away. I usually just stuff this into my pack when I’m not wearing it and don’t bother with the self stow option.

All in all I really like this lightweight jacket and wasn’t expecting it to supplant my beloved down option, but in this case it has. If you are looking for a synthetic lightweight jacket and the fit matches you this is a great option.

North Face Thermoball Mens Hoodie front view

North Face Thermoball Mens Hoodie back view with hood up

North Face Thermoball Mens Hoodie packs into itself

We Like

• Very lightweight, insulated jacket will keep you warm in three seasons. Go a bit heavier in snow conditions
• The ThermoBall™ synthetic insulation retains loft and warmth, even when wet
• Close to the body, active fit means no bulk
• Secure-zip hand pockets so you won’t lose important things
• A range of comfort features including internal elastic cuffs, hem cinch-cord to keep you toasty when you need
• Stowable in pocket for easy packing
• Its water-resistant and will keep you warm when it gets wet so there’s not need to rush getting the rain jacket out
• Very durable for a lightweight thermal jacket

We Don't Like

• The main downside just like most other high quality jackets is the price.
• Small colour range – black only seems to be the choice in Australia

Buy One

You can purchase The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Hoodie online from The North Face Australia, Wildfire Sports or from Wild Earth

If you have worn The North Face Thermoball Mens Hoodie or if you have questions, we’d like to here from you. Post your comment or question below

Best Uses

• Great choice for your layering system
• A good three season jacket particularly in wet conditions
• For the ultra-lighters

Wearing the Thermoball Jacket during a cold winters day. This is the ideal jacket when you get an extreme range of temperatures, just change the layering underneath

Investment

AUD $330.00 RRP  Keep an eye out for the sales

Other Versions

• Available in a non hooded version as well
• Womens version
• The North Face produces a range of jackets in varying weights with the ThermoBall being one of the lightest

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

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