When it comes to outdoor adventure, there’s no denying that the right gear can make or break your experience. That’s why I’m here to share why you need the North Face Alta Vista jacket.
Whether you’re hiking through unpredictable weather or just looking for something reliable for everyday use, this jacket is designed to keep you dry and comfortable, while also packing up small for travel.
Let me walk you through the pros, cons, and comparisons so you can see why the North Face Alta Vista jacket might be your next best investment.
First Impressions: The Fit and Feel of the Alta Vista Jacket
As soon as you pull on the North Face Alta Vista jacket, you can tell it’s made for adventure.
What I love about this jacket is how lightweight it feels without compromising on protection.
It’s made from 100% recycled fabrics, which adds an eco-friendly touch to the high-tech features like the adjustable hood, pit-zip venting, and water-repellent finish.
It’s comfortable enough for casual wear, but it really shines when you need something dependable on a hiking trail.
The fit of the jacket can be a game-changer for many.
Personally, I found it to be roomy enough to layer over a puffy jacket, but not so loose that it feels oversized. For reference, I’m 5’10” with a 35-inch chest, and the small size fit perfectly.
That said, the long arms might feel a little awkward if you have shorter limbs, but the Velcro wrist adjustments help customize the fit.
- Waterproofing And Breathability: Will It Keep You Dry?
Now, let’s talk about the reason most people are drawn to this jacket—its ability to keep you dry. I put this jacket through its paces on a rainy day hike, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype.
Whether it was light drizzle or a steady downpour, the water beaded right off the surface, thanks to its DryVent technology.
It’s the kind of jacket that can handle six straight days of rain in Alaska and still keep you dry, like one user mentioned in their review.
However, like any waterproof jacket, there’s a trade-off.
While the Alta Vista does a great job of keeping rain out, it’s not as breathable as some Gore-Tex options.
I noticed that during more intense hikes, especially in humid conditions, my arms got a bit sweaty inside.
But the pit-zip vents do a decent job of releasing some of that heat buildup, even if they can be a little finicky to close. So, while it’s not perfect, I’d say the waterproofing far outweighs any minor sweat issues.
Pros of The North Face Alta Vista Jacket
So, what really makes the Alta Vista stand out? Here are a few things that I appreciate:
- Waterproofing: The water-repellent finish truly works. I’ve been in multiple downpours with this jacket, and I stayed dry every time.
- Packability: One of my favorite features is how packable it is. You can easily stow it in its own pocket, making it perfect for travel.
- Adjustable Features: The hood, cuffs, and hem are all adjustable, which helps you get a more tailored fit, especially when the weather turns.
- Ventilation: The pit-zip vents are a thoughtful addition for those of us who tend to overheat during physical activity.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from 100% recycled fabrics, it’s a purchase you can feel good about from an environmental standpoint.
Cons of The North Face Alta Vista Jacket
Of course, no product is without its drawbacks, and the Alta Vista jacket has a few worth mentioning:
- Fit for Smaller People: If you’re on the shorter side or have a more petite frame, the longer sleeves might feel cumbersome.
- Breathability: While the waterproofing is top-notch, breathability can be an issue during high-intensity activities.
- Zipper Snags: The zippers on this jacket are functional, but I did notice that they can occasionally snag on the inner flap. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.
- Hood Drawcords: They could offer more adjustment options. While the hood does a good job, the drawcords feel a bit underwhelming, especially in windy conditions.
Comparing The Alta Vista Jacket With Other Brands
While the North Face Alta Vista jacket excels in many areas, it’s natural to wonder how it compares to other brands, especially if you’re shopping around for the best fit for your outdoor needs.
Let’s take a look at how the Alta Vista measures up against some popular alternatives, like Little Donkey Andy, the Weston Heated Jacket, and the Hart Heated Jacket.
- Little Donkey Andy Men’s Waterproof Jacket
Little Donkey Andy is known for offering high-performing outdoor jackets at an affordable price.
The waterproof jacket from this brand shares a lot of similarities with the North Face Alta Vista, especially in terms of water protection and lightweight design.
However, one key difference is in the fabric breathability.
While the Little Donkey Andy jacket performs well in light to moderate activity, it lacks some of the ventilation features (like the pit zips on the Alta Vista) that can be crucial during more intense hikes or warmer weather.
Additionally, Little Donkey Andy’s jackets tend to run bulkier, which might not be ideal if you’re looking for something sleek and packable like the Alta Vista.
Where the Little Donkey Andy jacket does shine is its price point. If budget is a major factor, you’ll find that it offers solid waterproofing at a lower cost than the Alta Vista, though you may need to sacrifice some comfort and advanced features.
- Weston Heated Jacket
The Weston Heated Jacket brings a whole new element to the comparison—built-in heating. For those who are frequently outdoors in extremely cold environments, this jacket offers heating elements powered by a rechargeable battery.
In terms of keeping you warm, this jacket outperforms the North Face Alta Vista, which is designed more as a windproof, waterproof shell. The Alta Vista excels at keeping you dry and protected from the elements, but it doesn’t have any insulation or heating features, which might be a deal-breaker if you’re planning to be in freezing temperatures for extended periods.
That said, the Alta Vista is still a better choice for versatile weather conditions where you can layer up or down depending on the temperature.
The Weston Heated Jacket is bulkier due to the heating technology, so if packability and lightweight comfort are more important to you, the Alta Vista wins in that regard. But if you need warmth at the press of a button, the Weston jacket might be worth the investment.
- Hart Heated Jacket
Much like the Weston, the Hart Heated Jacket is another option that incorporates built-in heating, but with a different focus. Hart is typically known for workwear, so this jacket is designed to be rugged and durable, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for something tough enough to withstand heavy-duty use.
However, in terms of features like water resistance and breathability, the Hart Heated Jacket falls short compared to the Alta Vista.
While the heating elements are fantastic for cold weather, the jacket isn’t as well-ventilated or lightweight as the Alta Vista.
The Alta Vista shines when it comes to outdoor sports like hiking, where movement, ventilation, and flexibility are key.
The Hart Heated Jacket, on the other hand, is better suited for those who need a robust, warmth-focused jacket for more stationary activities or labor-intensive work in colder climates.
If you need a jacket for hiking in unpredictable weather, the Alta Vista would be the better option due to its versatility, lighter weight, and water-repellent features.
How To Care For Your North Face Alta Vista Jacket?
Taking care of your jacket properly can make a big difference in how long it lasts. The Alta Vista jacket is made from recycled materials and features a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, which will eventually wear off with use. Here are a few tips to keep it in top shape:
- Washing: Always wash your jacket in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a detergent specifically designed for waterproof fabrics, and avoid fabric softeners—they can damage the waterproof coating.
- Drying: Air-dry your jacket or tumble dry on low heat. If the water-repellent finish starts to wear off, you can restore it by using a DWR treatment spray or by lightly tumble drying it.
- Storage: Store your jacket in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. Don’t leave it crumpled up in your backpack for long periods, as this can damage the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the North Face Alta Vista jacket is highly packable. You can easily stuff it into its own pocket, which makes it super convenient for travel or when you’re out on a hike and the weather suddenly clears up.
To wash your Alta Vista jacket, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a detergent specifically designed for technical fabrics. Avoid fabric softeners, and air-dry or tumble dry on low heat to maintain the jacket’s waterproof properties.
Absolutely. North Face is known for producing durable, high-quality outdoor gear. The Alta Vista jacket, in particular, is made from 100% recycled materials and designed to withstand the elements while keeping you comfortable.
North Face jackets are designed with high-performance materials, often incorporating insulation like down or synthetic fills, to trap heat while maintaining breathability. While the Alta Vista isn’t an insulated jacket, it’s built to block wind and keep you dry, which significantly contributes to warmth, especially when layered properly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile rain jacket that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the North Face Alta Vista jacket is a fantastic choice. Its eco-friendly design, packability, and waterproof features make it a strong contender in the outdoor gear market.
Sure, there are some minor drawbacks—like breathability during high-intensity activities—but overall, it’s a great value for the price. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or just navigating a rainy commute, this jacket has you covered.
