North Face Stretch Thermoball Jacket

The summer days are flying by (faster than we like). Soon the cooler crisp air will start to roll in and you will be digging for that “in between” seasons jacket. While their might be many options out there for that perfect jacket, one company knows how to blend just the right amount of style and functionality into their line of outerwear – that company is The North Face. We recently had the opportunity to try out The North Face Women’s Stretch Thermoball Jacket on a backpacking trip through Europe, and even though we showed it no mercy, it came home with us looking top notch.

Key Features:

•  Lightweight, insulated jacket with next-to-body fit
• ThermoBall™ powered by PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation retains loft and warmth, even when wet
• Active fit
• Lightweight matte stretch fabric inside for greater mobility
• Secure-zip hand pockets
• Internal elastic cuffs
• Stowable in pocket
• Hem cinch-cord

Comfort:

The warmth of the puffy jacket without the puffiness. It kept just the right amount of warmth in during various levels of cool temperatures. It is slightly fitted for a flattering look and, unlike their original Thermoball jacket, it’s made from a stretch material that lets you move more freely than other jackets. A great fit for any lady with curves. This jacket It is breathable so it is not suited for long periods of remaining stationary. It is at it’s peak performance with comfort when you are out moving by keeping just the right amount of heat in and still allowing proper air flow. The Stretch Thermoball jacket is the first one I grab when heading out to the trails or even just to the store.

Design:

Made with synthetic down so it keeps you warm, but unlike real goose down, the synthetic blend still keeps you warm when it gets wet, and that was a huge plus with the damp weather we encountered. The length was perfect in the body but could have been just a tiny bit longer in the sleeves (if you have shorter arms you will have no issue). I never had to worry about it riding up with the fitted design. It has a feminine look but is slightly flared at the bottom for proper fit around the hips. The colors are great and they are not shiney! Most puffy jackets are shiney, but this one is matte finish and very flattering. One of the most surprising features of this jacket is that it can be packed up into it’s own pocket. Normally this wouldn’t be a big deal because other jackets can do that too. This one however, isn’t just a thin shell. It has substance to it and yet It still compresses very small, which makes it a great travel jacket.

Durability:

This jacket handled busy city subways and rainy mountain hikes. Any dirt scuffs wiped easily off (and it accidentally collected a lot of dirt on our muddy mountain climbs and cliff hikes). I never had to give it a full wash during the whole trip (which was a good thing since the places we stayed had no washer/dryer). We put this jacket through a pretty rough beating, and it still made it home with no holes, loose threads, torn seams, or broken zippers. It’s ready for the next adventure.

Value:

While the price is high, this jacket performed better than we expected. So we believe that the price matches the quality. For those upcoming fall days when you want something to keep you warm, but don’t want to go full on winter coat just yet, this jacket should be the one you grab.

Buy Now: $220 or to learn more, go to: thenorthface.com