The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Review

W.With a history of developing new technologies for fabrics and materials, The North Face has become a household name for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the brand’s apparent focus on Gorpcore has meant that its name rarely appears on lists of the best ultralight hiking products.

That said, the new North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket, which weighs less than half a pound and is now one of the lightest waterproof backpacking jackets on the market, is likely to be a serious contender for “best of” waterproof jacket hiking lists.

Recommended RRP: $250
Average weight: 6.5 ounces (women) | 7.5 ounces (men)
Size range: XS-XXL
Fabric: 100% recycled 15D nylon with durable, PFC-free water-repellent finish

Men’s Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket here.

Intended use

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket is designed for active outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running and backpacking. Using The North Face’s 2.5-layer DRYVENT fabric, the jacket is waterproof yet breathable. Its lightweight and foldable design makes it ideal for hikers.

Review circumstances

I received the North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket in a wet and dreary early PNW spring. I wore it regularly on hikes, hikes, and bike rides in foggy weather and pouring rain, with average temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features of The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket

2.5-layer DRYVENT fabric: The North Face’s patented waterproof fabric is multi-layered with a semi-permeable polyurethane coating. The fabric is designed to block water from entering while allowing interior moisture to escape for breathability. The outer face of the fabric is treated with a durable, PFC-free water-repellent finish that increases waterproofing by repelling water.

Reverse Coil Front Zipper: The YKK AquaGuard zipper secures the jacket closed and features an interior flap to improve waterproofing.

Zipper pockets: Store essentials in two easy-access, water-resistant pockets.

Shaped hood: The three-piece hood has a small brim and drawstring to easily adjust the fit and keep it in place.

Packable: The jacket stores in the right pocket, which features a double-sided zipper to completely enclose the jacket in the pocket.

Storm fins: The main zipper as well as the two pocket zippers have protective flaps to improve waterproofing.

Cinch cord at hem: The hem can be pulled tighter with an elastic drawcord to help keep heat in and keep out wind and rain.

Windproof: The jacket prevents wind from penetrating, reducing the effects of wind chill.

2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer waterproof jackets

Most raincoats on the market are made with 2, 2.5 or 3 layers.

2 layer jackets They are generally made from an outer fabric bonded with a waterproof/breathable membrane. Some two-layer jackets add a hanging mesh lining inside to improve breathability. Two-layer jackets are usually best for casual wear around town. While less expensive, these jackets get wet sooner, are less resistant to wear, and the membrane is more vulnerable to skin oils. Additionally, the mesh lining adds significant bulk and weight to the jacket.

3-layer raincoats. They are more technical and are often referred to as hard hats. They feature an outer fabric bonded with a waterproof/breathable membrane and the design adds an integrated nylon or soft tricot lining that attaches directly to the inside of the membrane. These jackets are highly waterproof, absorb moisture better and are more durable. They are also heavier, more rigid, and often significantly more expensive.

Today, most waterproof jackets are made with a 2.5 layer design.. The key difference between these jackets is that they feature a printed or sprayed “liner” that protects the membrane. They can be relatively lightweight, have decent waterproofing, and moderate breathability. 2.5-layer waterproof jackets walk a middle ground and work great as an emergency layer during temporary bad weather; however, they are likely to get wet at the end of a long day in heavy rain.

The North Face Ridgelite Pro Waterproof Jacket

Lightweight and durable

My first impression of the Ridgelite jacket was how lightweight it felt. At an average weight of 6.5 ounces, it’s much lighter than most other waterproof jackets. It adds negligible bulk when used and stores easily in its own pocket.

Better yet, the lighter weight doesn’t completely compromise durability. The Ridgelite Jacket uses a 15D ripstop fabric for the outer layer, which is thicker than other similar lightweight waterproof jackets. My jacket has not shown any wear even after having to climb over rocks and fallen trees. It should also be more durable against hip belt friction.

Waterproof and breathable

The North Face DRYVENT fabric incorporates a microporous membrane laminated to the back of the outer fabric. This semi-permeable material has microscopic pores small enough to prevent water from entering and allow moisture and sweat to escape to the outside. Thanks to this design, I found the jacket to be quite breathable while hiking in moderate temperature ranges.

The outer layer of the fabric features a durable PFC-free water-repellent coating, which causes water to drip off the outside. The interior has fully sealed seams, improving the waterproofing of the DRYVENT fabric. My jacket felt damp but didn’t get wet after hours of hiking in misty or drizzly weather.

The jacket is also windproof, making it a good additional layer to keep me warm on colder, windier days and on more exposed terrain.

Great comfort and fit

I really liked the fit of the Ridgelite jacket. It is true to size with a regular fit (not fitted). This roomier design is great for layering and I was able to wear it comfortably over my down jacket. I never felt constricted and felt like the jacket was made to move with me.

I was especially surprised at how soft the inner layer felt, making it much more comfortable to wear.

I’m pretty picky about the hoods on my raincoats, and the design and shape of the Ridgelite jacket’s hood left ample room for a cap or beanie underneath. It stood up well on its own and was tall enough to avoid pulling on my neck while I was walking with the backpack on.

The pockets are large enough for a cell phone and are well designed for access when carrying a backpack. They also incorporate a storm flap for greater water resistance.

Cons of The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket

Disappointing performance in heavy rain

All waterproof jackets eventually get wet. A thinner, lighter fabric, even with newer waterproofing technologies, will eventually become oversaturated and completely wet.

The Ridgelite jacket kept me dry in prolonged light rain, but I noticed wet spots on my shirt, especially on the shoulders under the straps of my backpack, after just a couple of hours trapped in the pouring rain.

No zippers

I haven’t had the need to wear the Ridgelite jacket in warmer temperatures yet, however, when I do, I imagine I might start to feel too warm and humid. The jacket is quite roomy and airy without layers underneath, but the lack of underarm zippers is notable.

Even on slightly colder days, I missed having underarm zippers to help ventilate my jacket. It’s unfortunate that the Ridgelite jacket was designed without them (no doubt as a way to keep the overall weight of the jacket down).

Limited colors

The color options of the Ridgelite Women’s Waterproof Jacket are really disappointing. It is only available in full black or pale yellow with blocks of black. Personally, I prefer my raincoat to be a bright color as a safety measure in case of an emergency where I or a fellow hiker needs to be more visible.

The men’s jacket, on the other hand, is available in deep blue or lava red, as well as complete black.

Final thoughts

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket is a great option if weight is your biggest consideration. It has many good features and uses The North Face’s highly developed DRYVENT waterproof and breathable technology. Its compact, lightweight design makes it an easy choice as an outer layer for hiking and backpacking in temperate climates.

Buy the North Face Ridgelite Women’s Waterproof Jacket

Buy the North Face Ridgelite Men’s Waterproof Jacket

Comparable waterproof jackets

Outdoor Research Helium UL Women’s Jacket | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $225
Weight: 5.6 ounces for women | 5.7 ounces for men

Montbell Versatile Women’s Jacket | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $275
Weight: 5.7 ounces for women | 6.3 ounces for men

Zpacks Vertice Women’s Jacket | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $299
Weight: 5.1 ounces for women | 5.4 ounces for men

Rab Phantom Mountain Women’s Waterproof Jacket | Men’s
Recommended RRP: $200
Weight: 7 ounces for women | 7.8 ounces for men

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket was donated for review purposes