Why we chose the The North Face Brigandine Futurelight Jacket: Class-leading breathability, comfortable, durable
Price: £675
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The North Face unveiled Futurelight, their latest advancement in waterproof technology, back in 2019. It promised to be “the world’s most advanced breathable-waterproof outerwear technology” and, after using it for over the past two years, we can certainly agree with this statement.
When the technology is applied to a freeride skiing garment such as this, The North Face Brigandine Jacket, it makes one of the most technical ski jackets on the market. Named after the Brigandine armour soldiers from the middle ages would wear into battle, this jacket is built to withstand some of the most technical terrain on the planet – and it’s clearly been a success, having featured on pretty much every podium of the Freeride World Tour over the past two years.
The North Face Brigandine Futurelight Jacket Build
Futurelight uses a Nano Spinning process which creates a membrane with tiny holes that allow air to travel through while still maintaining total waterproof protection. It’s similar to what other companies have done in the past, but The North Face seemed to have really cracked the breathability code with Futurelight.
The membrane’s breathability is far superior to many of its competitors. This increase in breathability theoretically allows you to keep the jacket on for quicker ski touring lap changeovers, and it just keeps you cooler during the warmer spring season.
“To reduce their footprint, they’re using solar powered factories. What’s more, the face fabric and backer fabric uses 90% recycled materials”
The updated membrane also allows the material to be far more supple and soft compared to a traditional waterproof jacket, getting rid of the classic crunchy binbag feeling you get with a traditional hard shell.
As far as taking a sustainable approach to building this jacket, The North Face have stepped up with the production of Futurelight. To reduce their footprint, they’re using solar powered factories. What’s more, the face fabric and backer fabric uses 90% recycled materials.
