When temperatures drop, the wind picks up, or the forecast turns wet, a good jacket decides whether you enjoy the outdoors or just endure it. The North Face has spent decades building its reputation on gear that works in real conditions, and its current lineup shows how wide that range has become. It runs from a long, down-filled parka made for freezing city winters to an ultralight alpine shell that stuffs into its own pocket.
In this roundup of the best North Face jackets for 2027, we count down five standout options, starting at number five and finishing with our top pick. Each entry draws on published product specifications for materials, insulation, construction, and intended use, so you can match the jacket to your actual plans rather than just the logo. Whether you commute through snow, hike in the rain, or chase summits, this guide will help you narrow the choice quickly.
5. The North Face McMurdo Parka
The McMurdo is the heavyweight of this list, built for serious winter. It is the brand’s longest men’s coat, and it is windproof, waterproof, breathable, and insulated with 550-fill down. The shell uses a seam-sealed DryVent 2L membrane with a non-PFC water-repellent finish, and the goose down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard. The storm details are practical: a protective hood with a neck gaiter, a removable faux-fur ruff, and adjustable cuff tabs, plus a draft flap that covers the two-way center zip.
The cut is a relaxed fit with a center back length of about 32.5 inches, so you get real thigh coverage. It is not light, since one retailer lists an average weight near 1,490 grams. Some owners report limited hood adjustment and short sleeves in larger sizes, so check the size chart before you buy. If you face snow, slush, and wind chill every day, this is a dependable, warm, no-nonsense parka.
4. The North Face Papsura Jacket
The Papsura is a technical shell for people who move fast in the mountains. It is billed as the newest and lightest Summit Series shell, with durable, low-bulk protection. It uses a breathable, waterproof, seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT 3L shell with a non-PFC water-repellent finish and recycled nylon fabric. The construction is built around saving weight. There are no shoulder seams, which cuts weight and improves comfort under a pack. The jacket has two zippered hand pockets, and pre-tensioned elastic panels at the cuffs and hem replace a heavier adjustment system.
It stows in its right-hand pocket, and one retailer lists an approximate weight of 224 grams. The jacket is also harness and helmet compatible, so it suits climbing and alpine objectives. It is named after Mount Papsura in the Indian Himalayas, and it launched at a retail price of $700. That is a premium price, and the Papsura is overbuilt for casual rainy-day use. For fast, light mountain days it is a standout.
3. The North Face Terra Peak Hooded Jacket
The Terra Peak is the insulated, do-everything layer for cold-weather hiking and town. It pairs ThermoBall insulation, which stays warm when damp, with wind-blocking WindWall fabric. The insulation is 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, and the shell is a high-strength recycled ripstop that resists wear. Comfort features include air-permeable fleece panels under the arms for ventilation and an elastic-bound, three-piece hood for changing weather.
One retailer also notes four-way stretch fabric for unrestricted movement. When the sun returns, the jacket packs into its own pocket, which makes it easy to carry. Its listed weight is 764 grams, which is light for the warmth it offers. Owners describe it as surprisingly warm for how light it feels, and some use it as a mid layer or as streetwear. It is water-repellent rather than waterproof, so pair it with a shell in steady rain. For dry, cold days it is excellent value.
2. The North Face Valley View Jacket
The Valley View is a dependable rain jacket for hikers who want full protection without bulk. Its three-layer DryVent shell is waterproof, and it is made with 85% recycled polyester. It is seam-sealed with a non-PFC water-repellent finish, so heavy rain stays out. Ventilation and fit are well handled: adjustable cuffs, pit-zip venting, and water-resistant zippers help you regulate temperature on climbs.
The adjustable three-piece hood has a bonded brim and a rear cinch cord, so it stays secure in downpours. One retailer adds that several zip pockets keep valuables dry. When the clouds clear, the whole jacket stows into its right-hand pocket. It weighs about 472 grams and has a regular fit, which leaves room for a midlayer. The Valley View covers trail days, travel, and everyday wet weather, and it earns our second spot for its balance of protection, packability, and price.
1. The North Face Ridgelite FUTUREFLEECE Wind Jacket
Our top pick is the most versatile jacket on the list. It was created for high-output hiking. Its outer is windproof WindWall fabric and its inner is an ultra-light, supersoft FUTUREFLEECE lining. The materials are recycled nylon for the body and recycled polyester for the lining, finished with a non-PFC water-repellent treatment. Thoughtful details include an adjustable three-piece hood, zipped hand pockets, an internal hem adjuster, elastic cuffs, and a reflective bar on the lower back.
Underarm gussets allow unrestricted movement. Best of all, the jacket packs into its hood, and one retailer lists a weight of about 238 grams. That makes it easy to carry on runs, hikes, and travel days. It blocks chill and adds soft warmth without overheating, and it is not designed for steady rain. For changeable, breezy conditions it is the jacket we would reach for most often.
Conclusion
The best North Face jacket depends on where and how you will use it. The McMurdo Parka is the pick for deep winter and city commutes, offering warmth and storm protection in a long, sturdy package. The Papsura serves alpine climbers and fast-moving mountain users with a premium, ultralight shell. The Terra Peak brings synthetic warmth that holds up when damp, which suits cold hikes and daily wear. The Valley View gives hikers reliable waterproof protection at a sensible weight.
Our top choice, the Ridgelite FUTUREFLEECE Wind Jacket, earns first place for versatility, since it blocks wind, adds light warmth, and disappears into its own hood. Before you buy, confirm the fit, color, and current price on the product page, and consider layering. A shell, an insulated midlayer, and a wind jacket together cover almost any forecast. Whichever you choose, each of these five is built to keep you comfortable in conditions that send most people indoors.