The North Face Kannon Shell Jacket was introduced to us a few weeks ago by our good friends in San Leandro, California at North Face‘s HQ after they caught word we were in-search of a snow-sports inspired jacket that’s highly capable both on and off the mountain. At its roots, the Kannon is a winter focused jacket that’s advertised as an ultra lightweight (18.34 oz.) outer shell built for superior protection against the elements and impressive breath-ability for all conditions.

The North Face Kannon Shell Jacket is waterproof, breath-able and moisture wicking. Keeping all outside moisture (rain, snow etc…) from getting in and pushing all inner moisture (sweat) out through the fabric to keep you at your best… DRY. To achieve this The North Face integrated two of their newest technologies… FlashDry and HyVent.

FlashDry is North Face’s fastest drying fabric ever. It is said to set a new standard in sweat removal and temperature regulation. It acts as second skin of sorts, pushing moisture to the fabric surface and eliminating it. While HyVent is a superior waterproof technology that utilizes a polyurethane (PU) coating for waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability.

“The key to preforming at your best is maintaining your core temperature regardless of the conditions and terrain. The FlashDry system allows that better than any other product we’ve ever created. FlashDry is different than other technologies because it goes beyond simply just wicking. Wicking moves moisture, but FlashDry moves moisture through to the surface of the fabric and then spreads it out so it can dry more quickly. So it’s not just wicking, it’s wicking + drying.” -Kevin Joyce, The North Face Product Director

Kannon Shell Key Features:

Waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed
Recco avalanche rescue reflector
VISLON center-front zip
Helmet-compatible drop hood
Polyurethane (PU) pit vents
Polyurethane (PU) handwarmer zip pockets
Polyurethane (PU) bicep utility pocket with goggle cloth

Internal media security pocket
Internal utility pocket
Powder skirt
Pant-a-locks
Adjustable hem system
Adjustable cuff tabs

– Kannon Shell Review –

COMFORT:

(9 out of 10) The Kannon shell feels a little stiff right out of the package, but breaks in nicely after only a few hours of use. The great thing about shell jackets is that they’re usually just as comfortable as whatever you’re layering underneath and leave ample room unimpeded movement. This shell is no exception! What’s also nice about the Kannon is the soft fabrics they used at the back of the neck and at the top of the zipper near your chin and lips. When fully zipped (to protect from wind) this fabric provides a non abrasive feel that is also very warm. Almost fleece-like.

Additionally, we found the hood to be extremely comfy with or without the use of a ski/climbing helmet. The two side hand pockets are also well placed, providing easy access and a comfortable place to protect your digits from the elements.

Venting / Wicking:

(9 out of 10) Sweating is inevitability when you’re bundled up taking on physical challenges and it can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous in severe conditions. While testing the Kannon on hikes and while snowboarding we found that it’s venting and wicking systems were very impressive. Making temperature regulation easy. Rarely did we become uncomfortable due to internal moisture. The FastDry system works quite well and is a step above GOR-TEX in our opinion.

One chink we found in the armor was the FlashDry’s ability to purge moisture while preforming tasks like shoveling and other activities that don’t allow air to fluidly flow through the pit zips or pull moisture from the surface of the fabric. From what we can tell movement and wind are big factors when it comes to the effectiveness of the FlashDry system. For shoveling the driveway, I’d say there’s better jacket options.

Waterproofing:

(10 out of 10) The Kannon shell is built like a submarine, every inch is absolutely water-tight! We rolled in the snow and played in the rain. Water simply beads off this jacket and never soaked in. All zippers are polyurethane protected. All you need to remember is to keep them zipped to protect your goods.

PERFORMANCE:

(9.5 out of 10) As a winter jacket the Kannon is truly impressive. As we already know it’s damn comfy and keeps you dry, but it’s also excellent at blocking wind and keeping in warmth. It’s a beast in the snow if you ask us!

We found that the powder skirt (as you might expect) is great for skiing/snowboarding in the deep stuff. It keeps the snow from rushing up your back and also helps to keep warmth in. At the back of the jacket there’s a small zippered area. If you happen to have a pair of compatible North Face snow pants the Kannon will zip-into them and connect the two. A great option for back country skiing!

Additionally, we really like the versatility of the pockets. There are many… six, in fact. They are also all polyurethane protected from water and are deep and roomy. On the inside of the jacket there are two open mesh pockets that work great for goggles and other small equipment. Then there’s the media pocket. Sized perfectly for an iPod or smartphone with a small opening to run your earbuds/headphone through without exposing your device to the elements. I personally loved this design, it’s a very nice touch!

DURABILITY:

(8 out of 10) The fabrics used to produce this shell (polyester with laminate ripstop weave) feel very strong and puncture resistant. Overall we found the Kannon to be extremely well built. After two weeks of testing on and off the slopes there was no major damage or physical abuse noticeable. One minor defect we did find was on the adjustable velcro cuffs. On the left cuff near the end of our testing sessions the stitching around velcro began to come loose. Nothing major, I actually grabbed a needle and tread and fixed it on the spot. Though if left unnoticed the velcro could have come loose and become a hassle to replace. Something to keep an eye on.

VALUE:

(9 out of 10) We have no problem with the Kannons retail pricing. $370 is a lot of cash no matter how you spend it, but when it comes to protecting yourself from the elements we found that this jacket is an excellent option. With the Kannon, The North Face puts you in charge of layering and they take care of tough stuff. A nice compromise if you ask us!

THE BOTTOM LINE:

We’d like to recommend this jacket to all serious skiiers, snowboarders and active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy playing outdoors no matter how rugged the terrain or severe the conditions The North Face Kannon Jacket Shell feels great to wear, comes across stylish with its hi-vis colorways and is tremendously protective against moisture and wind. The FlashDry and HyVent systems work great hand-in-hand to keep moisture from affecting you both outwardly and inwardly. If you’re in the market for a new shell this season we suggest get your hands on the Kannon from The North Face. You won’t be sorry.

Buy Now: $370 or go to: TheNorthFace.com