Gear Review: The North Face Summit Series Verbier Jacket

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Mountainwatch | Gear Guide

After two days of storm riding, touring, heli drops, whiteouts, and bluebird pow in the NZ backcountry with Aspiring Guides, here’s the rundown on The North Face Summit Series.

Durable, weatherproof, comfortable, and well-cut. XL was the perfect fit for me,  long, protective, baggy enough to move, and zero snow ingress even during deep white rooms. It is a serious freeriding jacket, with GORE-TEX 3L protection for waterproof and breathable performance. With features like an articulated fit, helmet-compatible hood and integrated powder skirt, it keeps you comfortable and agile in steep or variable terrain. Crafted from durable recycled materials, it’s ready for challenging descents and changing conditions.

FUTUREFLEECE™ Midlayer (S-Tier):

Lightweight, packs nothing, breathes extremely well, and still manages to keep you warm in crazy windchill. Already part of my daily life. Even for summer mission, apparently, because I wore it in November.

Breithorn Down Hoodie (A+):

Warm, soft, and packs tiny. A staple for any NZ winter missions.

Base Layers (A+):

Warm but breathable, quick-drying, and ridiculously comfortable. The waffle-cone structure works. Simple as that.

Overall:

A seriously impressive system. The Summit Series line exists to push human potential in harsh environments, and the tech list backing it is huge, DOTKNIT™, FUTUREFLEECE™, PRODOWN™, VENTRIX™, FLASHDRY™, FUTURELIGHT™, and even Spectra® yarn reinforcing ultralight fabrics for maximum durability with minimal weight penalty

If you’re heading to Japan, North America or Europe this northern winter, you’d be silly not to look at this kit. It’s warm, breathable, durable, and purpose-built for the type of snow we all dream about.