Gear Review: The North Face Thermoball Jacket

Gear Review: Thermoball Jacket

Gear Review: The North Face Thermoball Jacket

Gear Review: Thermoball Jacket

It is rare these days that you go somewhere and not see people wearing these ultra popular puffy jackets. I am talking about these lightweight and packable jackets from companies, like North Face, Patagonia, and many others. Outdoor Labs released a thorough review of these insulated jackets that’s worth taking a look at. But first, let me take a crack at my own review of one.

My Impressions

Troll & Johnny

I personally own the hoodless North Face Thermoball jacket. I purchased this right before I went on my Pacific Coast trip as I needed a lightweight and packable jacket. Both of these requirements were easily met. Not only does the jacket fit inside a 1 gallon Ziploc bag, it is light enough that I don’t mind bringing it with me on almost all of my trips ever since I purchased it. It has 2 pockets for each of your hands, which has zipper enclosures to keep things from falling out. It is somewhat waterproof. I’m saying somewhat because I wouldn’t take it out on a heavy downpour, but it held its own in winter Seattle weather. The jacket actually dries really quick. The benefit of it not being a fully down jacket I suppose.

Why This is Great for Bike Touring

Gallon bag jacket

Fits in a Hefty 1 Gallon bag.

I was made aware of this jacket by my therapist last year when he was looking for one himself. I started looking into it and realized this was the perfect solution to having a jacket to wear in camp that’s not high visibility. I suppose I can use my riding jacket, but after sweating in it and getting it dirty during rides in the daytime, it is much nicer to have an alternative and not offend people around me. It’s also fashionable so you can even use it to go out to eat, which I do, without standing out. 

Like I mentioned before, the fact that it packs so small and light, I didn’t mind bringing with me on a bike tour. I did get to test it out in the rain in Seattle and can say it was comfortable. The material dried really quick when I got out of the rain.  I don’t use it as a riding jacket, but more of light jacket in camp or even as a mid-layer when it is super cold in my sleeping bag.

I used it during my Cogswell Dam overnight in the mountains when the temperature dipped down to the lower 40s at night. I wore the jacket in my down sleeping bag and was overheating in the night. The sleeping bag was rated for 32 degrees. I think if the temperature did get that low, I would have been fine.

At $199, it is the cheapest option around. I would even recommend purchasing this during one of REI’s annual 30% off sale to sweeten the deal. That’s what I did. Definitely a good value for the money.

Improvements

Thermoball Label

Label

In the review from Outdoor Gear, they complained that there was no wind protection. I have to agree with that assessment as well. On windy days, I do feel cold, but it’s better having that jacket than just standing around without it. I would recommend wearing this as the mid-layer and maybe even a light bike jacket on the outside should the temperature get any lower than you had expected.

I think it would be useful if the jacket had its own storage bag or can convert into a smaller travel bundle, so I don’t need to bring a separate 1 gallon bag to hold it in. This isn’t truly a deal breaker if you’re thinking about getting one, but it’d be a nice feature. 

I normally wear size medium clothes.  However, the small fits snug and still allows me to move my arms around without being too constrictive, but I’m a relatively small person. Be sure you try it out before buying. Someone I knew at work bought one, but ended up giving it away because he didn’t like the fit. To each their own.

Why You Should Buy This?

  • In-camp jacket option
  • Replacement for a heavier & bulkier jacket
  • Need more warmth in their sleeping bags
  • Need more warmth with existing windproof outer shell

Where to Get It?

Zipper pockets

Zipper pockets

You can find them through REI. They come in a variety of colors, so choose wisely.

North Face Thermoball (Men) – REI.com

North Face Thermoball (Women) – REI.com

Getting Out

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

No Comments
  • Tania
    Posted at 17:26h, 23 September

    I have the women’s thermoball and it doesn’t come with a pouch because it stuffs into its pocket. I haven’t used it for awhile as it’s a travel piece but I think you turn it inside out and then stuff away (there is a youtube video if you google thermoball stuff into pocket). I don’t know why they don’t have a tag indicating that, I only knew because I bought it at a NF store and the salesgirl showed me.

    • Johnny Lam
      Posted at 08:14h, 26 September

      Hi Tania,

      Thank you for mentioning the “stowaway pocket”. They do have one for my jacket. I actually found out about it a few months after this blog post but didn’t have the chance to update that feature here. I still keep my jacket in a ziploc bag for water protection though. Thanks again for letting us know.

      Cheers,
      Johnny