North Face is a brand known across the world for their excellent cold-weather and outdoor gear. The company has spent a lot of time producing top-notch products and innovating new designs that have entirely revolutionized winter apparel.
My name is Christine, I created TheSkiGirl.com to provide a valuable resource for other skiers who share my passion for the sport. I have first-hand experience with many different clothing brands and have used several North Face jackets over the years.
The Clement Triclimate is my pick for the best North Face jacket of the season. This is a 3-in-1 design that offers a lot of versatility, so you can use the model during any on-snow situation, any time of the year.
The North Face has many great products, and I provide you with all the best ski jacket options in this post. My goal is to give you everything you need to get geared up for the winter so that you can take advantage of every minute on the slopes.
Let’s zip up and get after it.
Contents
Who Should Get This
If you’re a fan of the North Face brand, you will like all of the jackets listed here. These options work in a range of different conditions and will keep you warm no matter where you roam.
Skiers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the features and functionality of these models. I particularly like the added zippers, pockets, and other valuable features that come built into all of them.
Obviously, if you don’t like North Face gear, then you’ll want to look elsewhere for a jacket. While these are quality clothing items, they aren’t for everyone. Some people don’t like the look or fit of North Face apparel.
These jackets are also on the expensive side, which makes them a no-go for people on a budget.
Best North Face Ski Jackets: Top Picks
Here are my picks for the best North Face ski jackets of the season. The brand has an extensive lineup, but these models mark the best of the best.
1. Clement Triclimate
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Versatile, 3-in1 design, strong construction, insulated, waterproof, internal goggle pocket, underarm vents
- Waterproofing: DryVent 2L
- Insulation: Heatseeker Eco
- Cost: $$$
The Clement Triclimate sits at the top of the list for the year’s best overall North Face jacket. This versatile and comfortable model will serve you well on the ski slopes or any other cold-weather situation.
A 3-in-1 design means you can adjust the jacket to suit your needs. You can keep all three layers together for really cold days or take out the inner jacket to wear on its own.
The DryVent two-layer membrane gives you excellent waterproofing capabilities, and this is further enhanced by a DWR coating.
The jacket also features an internal goggle pocket to keep your lenses safe, underarm vents for increased airflow, and a powder skirt that comes in useful on deep snow days.
It’s a pretty expensive option but is sure to stand up even under the worst conditions.
==> You can also get it on The North Face or Evo or DICK’S.
2. Venture 2
- Best for: Lightweight Option
- Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, relaxed fit, durable construction, pit-zip venting
- Waterproofing: DryVent 2L
- Insulation: Shell
- Cost: $$
If you are looking for an excellent lightweight jacket from North Face, the Venture 2 is my pick for the best.
This model has a very comfortable and relaxed fit, and the minimal design means you can use it on warmer days or pair it with layers when the snow is falling.
A nylon ripstop construction gives you lasting durability so that this jacket will hold together even under constant use and abuse.
It also comes with an adjustable hood, Velcro cuffs, and well-placed pit vents to keep you comfortable if things heat up.
This jacket doesn’t have any insulation, so I don’t recommend using it on extremely cold days.
==> You can also get it on Anaconda or The Last Hunt or Backcountry.
3. Carto Triclimate
- Best for: Versatility
- Key features: 3-in-1 design, waterproof, comfortable, versatile, insulated, adjustable hood
- Waterproofing: Polyester DWR
- Insulation: Heatseeker Eco
- Cost: $$$
The Carto Triclimate is another excellent North Face jacket that is very versatile, thanks to its 3-in-1 design.
This is effectively two jackets in one, and you can take advantage of that to handle any conditions that come your way.
Heatseeker Eco insulation in the inner jacket gives you excellent warmth that functions with the outer shell on cold days or can be worn on its own when things heat up.
It’s also very waterproof and breathable due to a quality DryVent 2L shell that’s treated with a DRW finish.
The Carto doesn’t look very flashy, but it will undoubtedly get the job done.
==> You can also get it on DICK’S or Cotswold Outdoor or Backcountry.
4. Thermoball Eco Triclimate
- Best for: Warmth
- Key features: Warm, versatile, comfortable, good ventilation, helmet-compatible hood
- Waterproofing: DryVent 2L
- Insulation: ThermoBall Eco
- Cost: $$$$
The Thermoball Eco Triclimate (review) offers exceptional warmth for skiing or any other winter sports and situations.
This is another 3-in-1 design that offers excellent versatility and the ability to adjust your insulation and weather protection based on the conditions or your needs.
A DryVent two-layer outer shell provides the first line of defense against the snow and cold, while the inner jacket is packed full of ThermoBall eco insulation for excellent heat retention.
This might be overkill if you don’t live in a cold location or like to ski, and it’s also pretty expensive.
==> You can also get it on The North Face or Evo or DICK’S.
5. Clementine Triclimate
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Excellent design, 3-in-1 style, comfortable, warm, versatile
- Waterproofing: DryVent 2L
- Insulation: Heatseeker Eco
- Cost: $$$
The Clementine Triclimate is the women’s version of my top-ranked jacket and is the best North Face option for ladies.
Its 3-in-1 design gives you outstanding versatility and lets you adapt to changing conditions quickly and effectively.
The inner jacket comes with Heatseeker Eco insulation to give you plenty of warmth, and this is also made of recycled materials for an eco-friendly nod.
The Clementine has a somewhat small fit, so you might want to go big if you are in between sizes.
==> You can also get it on The North Face or Zappos or Buckman’s.
6. Apex Bionic 2
- Best for: Softshell
- Key features: Comfortable, multiple color options, versatile, windproof, stretchable
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant
- Insulation: None
- Cost: $$
The Apex Bionic 2 is the best softshell jacket from North Face. This one can function as a solid mid-layer when skiing or as a standalone jacket on warmer days.
It has a stretchable design that makes it easy to wear and very comfortable. Your movement won’t be restricted in any way while wearing this model.
The jacket is also very windproof and comes with a DWR finish for extra protection against the elements. It’s available in multiple color options as well.
This isn’t a fully waterproof jacket, so you won’t want to use it during heavy snow or rain.
==> You can also get it on DICK’S.
How to Choose The Best North Face Jacket for Skiing
Here are some essential factors to think about when choosing the best North Face jacket for skiing. These tips can also apply to other ski jackets, so always keep them in mind.
Design
With so many North Face jackets out there, you always want to consider which model works best for your specific situation. Some people might only want a shell, while others might prefer a heavy, insulated down jacket.
Triclimate options, which work for a range of situations, are available as well. Other things to think about with these jackets are zippers, drawstrings, and other additional features in each model.
Versatility
Many North Face jackets are built with versatility in mind. This is one of my favorite aspects of the brand because each jacket has multiple coats made into one.
Removable liners allow you to adjust the insulation of your jacket depending on the weather conditions, which makes it perfect for a range of situations. The pockets, zippers, and other built-in options will allow you to stash your gear in many different ways.
Style
Many people like the look and feel of North Face jackets in addition to all of the functional features they have to offer. While I would always choose a jacket with functional considerations first and foremost, some people choose based on style.
These North Face jackets offer the best of both worlds. That is what makes them such a great choice for the slopes, mountains, or backcountry.
Useful Tips & Resources
North Face jackets make for an excellent investment if you spend any time in cold or winter weather. They are durable, insulated, and built to keep the weather out.
That being said, you should always try to take care of your jacket if you want it to last a long time. Be sure to follow these tips from North Face when it comes to cleaning and caring for yours.
North Face also offers a pretty good warranty on all of its products. While they won’t fix every issue you have, be sure to check in with the company if it is ever in need of repair.
Final Verdict
The Clement Triclimate is my pick for the best North Face jacket of the year. This model is extremely functional, thanks to its 3-in-1 design. It’s also built to hold up well for many years of regular use and protection against the elements.
Every jacket you see on this list is a great option from North Face. The brand has a strong reputation, and while some of that is good marketing, they make outstanding clothing that will serve you well in any cold-weather or winter situation.
