The North Face Antora Jacket is designed for adult male outdoor enthusiasts and hikers seeking reliable protection from the elements. Its key advantage lies in its waterproof DryVent shell, constructed from 100% recycled nylon ripstop, ensuring you stay warm and dry in windy and rainy conditions. While offering robust weather defense, specific warmth ratings beyond general insulation are not detailed, so layering is recommended for colder climates.
DryVentâ„¢ Waterproof Shell: Provides a durable, breathable barrier against rain and snow, ensuring you stay dry from the outside in.
100% Recycled Nylon Ripstop Fabric: Constructed from robust, environmentally conscious material that resists tears and abrasions, offering longevity and sustainable performance.
Secure-Zip Hand Pockets: Offers convenient and secure storage for small essentials like keys, phone, or trail snacks, protecting them from the elements.
Storm Flap with Hook-and-Loop Closure: Covers the center front zipper, adding an extra layer of defense against wind and rain penetration.
Adjustable Three-Piece Hood: Allows for a customized fit to protect your head and face from adverse weather, compatible with helmets or hats.
Adjustable Hem with Cinch-Cord: Enables fine-tuning of the jacket's lower opening to seal out drafts and retain warmth, adapting to different body types and layering needs.
Windproof Design: Engineered to block wind, reducing heat loss and enhancing comfort during blustery conditions on the trail.
Excellent Weather Protection: Waterproof DryVent shell and storm flap provide reliable defense against rain and wind.
Durable Construction: Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop, designed to withstand the rigors of challenging outdoor activities.
Sustainable Material: Utilizes recycled content, contributing to environmental responsibility.
Secure Storage: Two zippered hand pockets keep essentials safe and dry.
Customizable Fit: Adjustable hood and hem allow for a snug, personalized fit that seals out elements.
Versatile for Hiking: Ideal for protecting against unpredictable weather during hikes and outdoor adventures.
Limited Insulation Detail: While it keeps you warm and dry, specific thermal insulation ratings are not provided, suggesting it's primarily a shell and may require layering for extreme cold.
No Internal Pockets: External pockets are provided, but lack of internal storage might be a consideration for some users.
Breathability (Relative): While DryVent is breathable, specific ratings are not given, and in high-exertion activities, some condensation might still occur in very humid conditions.
Excellent Weather Protection: Waterproof DryVent shell and storm flap provide reliable defense against rain and wind.
Durable Construction: Made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop, designed to withstand the rigors of challenging outdoor activities.
Sustainable Material: Utilizes recycled content, contributing to environmental responsibility.
Secure Storage: Two zippered hand pockets keep essentials safe and dry.
Customizable Fit: Adjustable hood and hem allow for a snug, personalized fit that seals out elements.
Versatile for Hiking: Ideal for protecting against unpredictable weather during hikes and outdoor adventures.
Limited Insulation Detail: While it keeps you warm and dry, specific thermal insulation ratings are not provided, suggesting it's primarily a shell and may require layering for extreme cold.
No Internal Pockets: External pockets are provided, but lack of internal storage might be a consideration for some users.
Breathability (Relative): While DryVent is breathable, specific ratings are not given, and in high-exertion activities, some condensation might still occur in very humid conditions.
The North Face Antora Jacket excels in providing dependable weather protection for a range of outdoor activities, particularly hiking in variable conditions.
When facing sudden downpours or strong winds on a hike, the DryVentâ„¢ waterproof shell acts as your primary shield. Water beads up and rolls off, keeping your core dry. The storm flap over the front zipper is crucial here, preventing water from seeping through the main closure.
The 100% recycled nylon ripstop fabric is not just about sustainability; it's about durability. If you brush against branches or encounter rough terrain, the ripstop weave helps prevent small snags from turning into large tears, extending the jacket's lifespan. The windproof design is particularly noticeable on exposed ridges or mountain passes, significantly reducing the chilling effect of strong gusts.
The adjustable three-piece hood can be cinched down to protect your face and head in driving rain, even when wearing a cap. Similarly, the adjustable hem with cinch-cord allows you to tailor the fit around your waist, preventing cold air from entering from below and retaining body heat. This also helps in keeping the jacket from riding up when carrying a backpack.
The secure-zip hand pockets are strategically placed and sized to hold essential items like a phone, compass, or energy bar, keeping them safe and easily accessible without exposing them to the elements.
This jacket is best utilized as an outer shell over appropriate layers. For instance, pair it with a moisture-wicking base layer and a mid-layer fleece for warmth in colder temperatures. Its robust protection makes it a reliable choice for unpredictable weather during your adventures.
Understanding how to set up, integrate, and maintain your Antora Jacket will ensure its optimal performance and longevity.
Unpack and Inspect: Remove the jacket from its packaging. Check for any manufacturing defects or damage.
Adjust the Hood: Use the available adjustment points (drawcords or toggles) to tighten or loosen the hood opening. This allows you to customize the fit around your face, maximizing protection from wind and rain.
Adjust the Hem: Locate the cinch-cord at the bottom hem of the jacket. Pull on the cord and use the cord locks to tighten the hem, sealing out drafts and retaining warmth. Release the locks to loosen.
Test Zippers and Pockets: Ensure all zippers (main and pocket) operate smoothly. Practice opening and closing them to get accustomed to their functionality.
The Antora Jacket is designed as an outer shell, making it highly compatible with various layering systems:
Base Layers: Pair with moisture-wicking base layers (e.g., synthetic or merino wool) to manage sweat and keep you dry from the inside.
Mid-Layers: For insulation in colder conditions, wear a fleece jacket or a synthetic puffy jacket underneath. Ensure the mid-layer isn't too bulky to restrict movement.
Accessories: Compatible with hiking backpacks, headwear, and gloves. The adjustable hood can accommodate most thin hats.
Proper care is essential to maintain the waterproof and breathable properties of your jacket.
Read the Care Label: Always refer to the specific care instructions on the jacket's internal label first.
Pre-Wash Preparation: Close all zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners before washing. Loosen any drawcords.
Washing:
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a small amount of liquid detergent designed for technical outerwear (e.g., Nikwax Tech Wash or Granger's Performance Wash).
Avoid powder detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or stain removers, as these can compromise the waterproof membrane and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
Wash separately or with similar items to prevent damage.
Drying:
Tumble dry on low heat. A gentle cycle with a few clean tennis balls can help restore loft if any insulation is present (though primarily a shell).
To reactivate the DWR finish, tumble dry for an additional 20 minutes on a low heat setting after the garment is dry. If the DWR is no longer effective after washing and tumble drying, you may need to reapply a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment.
Storage: Store the jacket clean and dry in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid compressing it tightly for long periods to preserve fabric integrity.