The North Face – Fall Collection ’14

The North Face brand has been creating innovative gear for over 40 years. Their extensive line of performance apparel, equipment, and footwear has helped the world’s most accomplished climbers, mountaineers, extreme skiers, snowboarders, endurance runners, and explorers reach a whole new level. With a reputation of this caliber, we set the bar high with this review. This Fall I teamed up with my wife to put some of North Face’s finest Fall apparel for both men and women to the test.

Check out the interactive video embedded  below to see The North Face Allabout Jacket, Ultra Fastpack MID GTX hiking shoes and Paramount Convertible Pants in-action, as we take them into the elements to see how they stand up against the cold, rain and mud.

The Allabout Jacket has a stylish clean look and is super lightweight. The mesh lining provides smooth comfort while the exterior shell keeps you dry with its HyVent technology. The polyurethane coating that consists of a tri-component, multi-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability – held true after testing it during this years brisk and rainy fall here in west Michigan. The media pocket is a nice little bonus feature that helps keep your mp3 dry and you – groovingly happy. All and all, it’s a solid rain coat for everyday use and hiking excursions.

• Comfort: ……….9
• Design: ………..8
• Durability: ……8.5
• Value: ………….8

Overall: 33.5 out of 40

 The Ultra Fastpack MID GTX offers excellent support while allowing for more flexibility and strong grip as you hike some serious terrain. These shoes are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. Perfect for long hikes, steep terrain, and wet ground. There are several technology features that make this boot of high caliber. The Gore-tex waterproof membrane help deliver the highest performance level of waterproof, windproof, and breathable weather protection. Having a mid-cut design with Cradle heel stability technology definitely helped keep our strides aligned. Plus the lightweight Pebax plate put a little extra spring in our step to keep us going on longer hikes. To keep this shoe light, The North Face uses a Gore-Tex Paclite shell that uses a specific membrane with proactive internal layer made of an oil-hating/carbon hybrid – eliminating the need for a separate lining, making this shoe lighter, smaller, and easier to pack away.

• Comfort: ………………8.5
• Design: …………………9
• Durability: …………….9
• Value: ………………….9

Overall: 35.5 out of 40

I’ve always struggled to find a good pair of convertible pants that had a nice looking style and comfort to go with it. I have to say that these pants deliver very well in both comfort and style. The lightweight yet durable bluesign, nylon fabric has a durable water repellent finish that keeps you dry and helps protect you from the sun with its ultraviolet protection factor of 50 (UPF 30 for women’s pants). The men’s relaxed fit is complimented with a low-profile buckled belt and elasticized waistband for added comfort. The side zipper pocket is great for smaller items that you want to secure. There are also two velcro cargo pockets for added space and security for your items. (No buckle or side zipper on women’s pants). These pants help you move freely are great for hiking and everyday use.

• Comfort: ……………….8
• Design: …………………9
• Durability:……………. 9
• Value: ………………….8.5

Overall: 34.5 out of 40