Waterproof jackets
Product 2025
Woman, Man
Here is the product we’ve been waiting for! What a pleasant surprise! This The North Face A68-a DryVent Mono Shell Jacket, tested with the matching pants (The North Face A68-a DryVent Mono Shell Bib), sparked great enthusiasm within our testing team.
The North Face and the De Le Rue brothers have dared to be different! In a time when all snowboarding and skiing protective gear seems to look the same, when brands are choosing similar technical options, these The North Face products bring a real breath of fresh air and originality. Of course, some choices might not be the most efficient (like the elastic drawstrings without tightening systems), but they look beautiful and stand out.
A big congratulations for the many good ideas implemented in this jacket. The list is long, where to start? In no particular order, we love the two side zips (plus a central one) that allow you to adjust the volume of the jacket based on your needs, your base layers, and the desired style.
The idea of highlighting the presence of the drawstrings by making them very visible (while the current trend is to hide them as much as possible) adds a superb aesthetic touch. And don’t go looking for tightening systems—there aren’t any! You simply have to tie a knot!
The same goes for the multiple and huge pockets: they’re there, and very visible! Ultra practical and beautiful, they are treated in the old-fashioned way, with large flaps and Velcro closures. There are even two along the arms—pure style or real utility (to hide your ski pass, perhaps)? Either way, it looks great.
We love the daisy chain on the chest (on the right), treated as a spot for military-style decorations; the huge inverted flaps on the central zip are brilliant. The wrist adjustments are also well thought out, a perfect mix of technicality and design.
The fit is roomy, the fabric is very waterproof (recycled and recyclable), rather stiff, and super durable. The hood has the right volume for a helmet. The jacket isn’t lightweight, the zips are not waterproof, but that’s not the point.
Real boldness, strong aesthetic and technical choices! It’s simple, we love this jacket for snowboarding and skiing. Full of spirit! First Award Test4outside.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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