Gear Guide: The North Face Hex GORE-TEX Jacket & Pants Review

August 5th, 2026

Mountainwatch | Gear Guide

The North Face Hex GORE-TEX Jacket and Pants , available in both women’s and men’s 2026 ranges, are built for skiers and snowboarders who spend most of their winter chasing powder, lapping chairlifts, and riding in unpredictable conditions. Combining premium GORE-TEX weather protection with a relaxed freeride silhouette, the Hex collection delivers the performance expected from a high-end shell.

Constructed from durable 2-layer GORE-TEX fabric with a non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, the Hex Jacket is designed to shrug off heavy snow, driving wind, and wet winter storms. Whether you’re carving groomers, ducking into sidecountry stashes, or waiting out a blizzard on the lift, the jacket offers dependable waterproof and breathable protection throughout the day.

The Hex range is freeride inspired and Team riders like Jasper Rogers love it.

Purpose-built ski features include a helmet-compatible hood, integrated powder skirt, waterproof YKK AquaGuard zippers, and a well-thought-out pocket layout for mountain essentials. The relaxed fit leaves ample room for layering, making it a versatile shell that performs comfortably across a broad range of winter temperatures without restricting movement.

Sustainability is another highlight. Both the shell and lining utilise recycled polyester, reducing environmental impact without compromising durability or performance.

Visually, the Hex stands apart from many technical shells. Drawing inspiration from The North Face’s iconic Mountain Jacket, it blends classic alpine heritage with a modern freeride influence, creating a jacket that looks just as comfortable in the village as it does dropping into a powder line.

 

Hex Pants

Designed to complement the jacket, the Hex Pants continue the same formula of dependable weather protection, comfort, and clean freeride styling. The relaxed straight-leg cut provides unrestricted movement and layers easily over snowboard or ski boots, while the GORE-TEX 2-layer construction delivers reliable waterproof performance in demanding winter conditions.

Comfort is enhanced through adjustable hook-and-loop waist tabs, a stretch-gathered rear waistband, and inner-leg mesh-lined vents that make it easy to regulate temperature during changing conditions. Practical storage comes via waterproof YKK AquaGuard hand pockets with internal organiser sleeves, along with a secure rear pocket for valuables.

Thoughtful mountain-specific details include integrated snow gaiters with gripper elastic, reinforced edge guards for durability, and a drawcord hem adjustment system. Notably, The North Face omits traditional kick patches, allowing the pant legs to drape naturally over boots for a cleaner freeride look.

Key Features

  • Premium 2-layer GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable construction
  • Non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish
  • Recycled polyester shell and lining fabrics
  • Relaxed freeride fit for unrestricted movement and layering
  • Helmet-compatible hood and powder skirt (jacket)
  • Waterproof YKK AquaGuard zippers throughout
  • Inner-leg ventilation for temperature management (pants)
  • Adjustable waistband and integrated snow gaiters
  • Reinforced edge guards for long-term durability