Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    The North Face ThermoBall Vest Review
    Gear Reviews

    The North Face ThermoBall Vest Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellMay 7, 2018No Comments4 Mins Read

    Thermoball was one of the first down-like synthetic insulation materials on the market and it continues to impress with its compressibility, loft, warmth and breathability. Vests are super-versatile and The North Face ThermoBall Vest keeps the good vibes rolling.

    The North Face ThermoBall Vest Features:

    • Lightweight ThermoBall insulation is warm when wet
    • Compresses into its own hand pocket
    • Lightweight Vislon center zip
    • Dual toggle hem adjustment
    • Standard Fit
    • Fabric: 15D nylon ripstop with 11 g/ft² ThermoBall™ insulation throughout the body, 10 g/ft² in the side panels and 13 g/ft² in the collar
    • Weight: 230 grams (medium, actual)
    • MSRP: $149
    The North Face ThermoBall Vest
    The main zipper is easy to pull up/down with or without gloves.

    ThermoBall Vest is a killer layering piece

    When it comes to layering, it’s hard to beat insulated vests. We reviewed the Patagonia Micro Puff Vest earlier this year and have had both on-hand for head-on comparison. Each one has pro’s and con’s, but it’s hard to beat the value of the ThermoBall overall.

    Something that I immediately loved about the ThermoBall Vest is the collar height and diameter. It doesn’t dig into your chin, yet the added insulation in the collar keeps drafts out and warmth in when you really need it. There is enough space in there to wear a turtleneck or a light hoodie underneath without feeling constricted. Yet, without those things, the collar still does its job quite comfortably.

    The North Face ThermoBall Vest Review
    A very boxy cut, but the vest still wears well.

    The North Face went with a Vizlon zipper up front, but the hand pockets are different (tighter-toothed design) and the disparity between the two is a bit frustrating. It’s easy to grab the front zip up/down, but the hand pockets are not quite as smooth. The pockets themselves are of a good size to stuff larger items and the vest can be stuffed inside the left pocket. Unfortunately, there are no interior pockets here.

    Something to note here is that the fit is definitely standard. It’s not an athletic fit at all and ends up being a tad boxy. It’s not huge by any means, but just keep in mind that you may want to size down if you are looking for a svelte fit. I wore the medium (5’10” 175 lbs.) and found it quite comfortable, but yes, just a touch roomy. It is nice having the adjustable hem with dual toggles to keep drafts out, but the open sleeves can let drafts in no matter how snug the hem is. Perhaps a touch of elastic there might improve things.

    The North Face ThermoBall Vest Review
    The obligatory Nalgene comparison. It will compress further, but you get the idea.

    I’ve worn it as an outer layer on cold morning hikes or trail runs. I’ve also used it as a layering piece on the ski slopes. ThermoBall is legit and does a fantastic job of insulating under all conditions. And, until Patagonia introduced the Micro Puff, this was the most down-like insulator on the market. It’s still outstanding overall and delivers a near-down experience without the hassle of being poked by plumes.

    The Good

    • ThermoBall still stands out
    • Versatile design
    • Great for layering or outerwear
    • Compressible indeed
    • Warm when wet
    • Barrel-style pulls are great with/without gloves

    The Bad

    • Could use a touch of elastic at sleeve cuffs

    The Bottom Line: The North Face ThermoBall Vest

    With a near-down feel and outstanding all-weather performance, there’s nothing more versatile than a ThermoBall vest. The price is fantastic and wearability is as good as gold with warmth and comfort in spades. If you’re going to ditch down, this is a good one to run to.

    Buy Now: Available at Backcountry.com

    211
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    The North Face ThermoBall Vest
    Previous ArticleReview: Time ATAC XC 8 Pedals
    Next Article Review: Dare 2B Running Shirts and Shorts
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Arc’teryx Rush Bib Pant Review

    February 6, 2023

    Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review

    February 1, 2023

    Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review

    January 30, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket and Pants Review, feat. Gore-Tex ePE membrane

    December 21, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021

    Ultimate All-rounder? Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Review

    February 2, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Arc’teryx Rush Bib Pant Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Basin Lined Pants Review
    • Polar Pacer Pro Multisport Watch Review
    • Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack Review
    • Ibis Exie Goes Global
    • Trek Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket Review
    • Montane Anti-Freeze Down Hooded Jacket Review
    • Fresh Wheels: Fezzari Veyo is an Aero All-rounder
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.