Unearth The Voyage
Finding the right travel jacket can make or break your trip, especially when bad weather strikes. We spent months testing 20 different North Face jackets in rain, wind, snow, and everything in between to see which ones truly deliver. After countless storms and soggy hikes, we narrowed it down to the best performers that combine real weather protection with travel-friendly features.
1. The North Face Antora Jacket – Best Everyday Travel Rain Shell
Built from 100% recycled fabric, the Antora brings modern performance to classic rain shell design. Its 2-layer DryVent membrane delivers waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection whether you’re walking wet city streets or caught in a trail downpour.
Weighing around 345 grams, this jacket stuffs easily into any daypack without taking up precious space. The clean styling avoids that overly technical look, so you won’t feel out of place grabbing coffee or exploring urban neighborhoods.
Fully seam-sealed construction, an adjustable hood, and hem cinch cords work together to keep water and wind from sneaking in during those surprise storms.
2. The North Face Alta Vista Jacket – Best Packable Hiking + Travel Shell
Designed with hikers in mind, the Alta Vista doubles as an excellent travel companion thanks to its clever packable design. The jacket folds neatly into its own secure-zip pocket, making it ridiculously easy to toss into carry-on luggage or a small daypack.
A waterproof, windproof DryVent 2.5-layer shell made from 100% recycled materials handles wet weather surprisingly well. Pit-zip ventilation becomes your best friend when you’re rushing through humid subway stations or climbing steep city staircases.
Reviewers consistently praise its balance of weather protection and compressibility, even if it’s not the absolute smallest shell available.
3. The North Face Venture 2 Jacket – Best Value All-Round Rain Jacket
For years, the Venture 2 has earned its reputation as a no-nonsense rain shell that doesn’t drain your wallet. This fully seam-sealed, windproof jacket uses a DryVent 2.5-layer shell made with recycled nylon, delivering legitimate storm protection at a price that makes sense.
Stowing the entire jacket into its hand pocket saves valuable luggage space when you’re traveling light. Pit-zip vents prove essential in humid climates or during those unpredictable days when rain and sunshine keep trading places.
Long-term gear tests consistently highlight its strong weather resistance and exceptional value for money.
4. The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket – Best Trail-to-Pub Shell
Some jackets refuse to pick a lane, and the Resolve 2 makes that versatility work beautifully. REI describes it perfectly as a shell that transitions seamlessly from stormy hikes to cozy pub dinners without requiring a wardrobe change.
The waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell includes a mesh lining for all-day comfort over T-shirts or midlayers. When the rain stops, the hood rolls neatly into the collar for a cleaner, less technical appearance.
Windproof fabric keeps you comfortable whether you’re power-walking through windy streets or taking shelter under a cafe awning waiting for the next downpour.
5. The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket – Best High-End Storm Shell
When you need serious storm protection, the Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT steps up with premium performance. This 3-layer shell uses The North Face’s advanced FUTURELIGHT membrane, which independent tests consistently rate as more breathable than many traditional rain shells.
The slim-fit men’s version is fully seam-sealed and made with recycled fabrics plus a non-PFC DWR finish. Heavy, sustained rain meets its match with the protective face fabric and robust 3-layer construction.
Despite its serious weather credentials, the jacket packs into its internal chest pocket, maintaining that travel-friendly convenience you need for longer trips or trekking adventures.
6. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Hoodie 2.0 – Best Lightweight Insulated Layer
Synthetic insulation that mimics down while staying warm when wet? That’s the ThermoBall Eco magic. PrimaLoft ThermoBall Eco insulation keeps its loft and warmth even after getting caught in unexpected downpours, unlike untreated down that collapses when damp.
A men’s medium weighs about one pound and packs down small enough to shove into a daypack without second thoughts. Use it solo during shoulder-season trips or layer it under a rain shell when facing truly nasty weather.
This versatility makes it perfect for carry-on travelers who prefer a simple two-piece system instead of hauling multiple bulky jackets.
7. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket – Best Packable Puffy for Cold Cities
Those oversized baffles aren’t just for show. The 1996 Retro Nuptse packs 700-fill down insulation into its iconic silhouette, creating serious warmth for cold-weather city adventures.
A durable ripstop shell with DWR finish provides decent protection in light to moderate precipitation, though you’ll want a separate rain shell for constant heavy downpours. What makes this jacket special for travelers is its ability to stow in its own pocket, which is surprisingly rare for something this warm.
Perfect for winter city breaks, alpine towns, and destinations where you expect cold, dry, or mixed conditions without sacrificing style for warmth.
8. The North Face Apex Bionic 3 Jacket – Best Windproof Softshell for Shoulder Seasons
WindWall fabric makes all the difference when strong gusts try to cut through your layers. The Apex Bionic 3 blocks wind without that stiff, plastic-like feel that plagues cheaper shells.
A non-PFC DWR finish adds water repellency for mist, drizzle, or brief showers, while the stretch construction keeps you comfortable during active movement. The styling leans more casual than technical, so it works perfectly in restaurants, museums, and city streets without looking out of place.
Ideal for windy coastal trips, European shoulder-season travel, and any itinerary where you’ll face more wind and cool temperatures than full-blown storms.
9. The North Face City Breeze Rain Parka II – Best Urban Travel Rain Coat (Women’s)
Commuters know that looking polished while staying dry isn’t always easy. The City Breeze Rain Parka II solves this with a fully waterproof, windproof DryVent 2L shell wrapped in a more refined, A-line silhouette.
The mid-length cut, drop-tail hem, and subtle branding make it ideal for urban trips and work travel without screaming outdoor gear. Seam-sealed construction, an adjustable hood, and windproof fabric handle heavy rain and gusty days with confidence.
Practical dual-entry patch hand pockets plus an internal media-compatible chest pocket keep your phone and passport secure and accessible during busy travel days.
10. The North Face McMurdo Parka – Best for Brutal Winter Travel
When winter gets serious, the McMurdo rises to the challenge as The North Face’s longest men’s coat. Pairing a waterproof, breathable DryVent 2L shell with 600-fill recycled down insulation creates a true winter fortress.
Gear reviewers and style guides consistently rank it among the best parkas for harsh winter weather. An adjustable hood with removable faux-fur ruff, dual-entry hand pockets, internal chest pocket, and storm flap over a two-way front zip provide feature-rich functionality.
Perfect for winter city trips in very cold climates like New York in January, Nordic capitals, or snowy mountain towns where you’ll spend significant time outdoors.
