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 Windwall 1 Vest Review

    0
    By Jason Mitchell on April 4, 2008 Gear Reviews, Outdoors

    When it comes down to it, I’m a vest guy. They are one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor clothing there are. As a lightweight and unobtrusive layering piece, they are always tops on my list. On backcountry ski trips, I always carry one in the bottom of my pack just in case. A nice, lightweight vest is an awesome piece to have in the car just in case the temps on an early-morning trail run are a tad chilly.

    Several years ago, I lost my Marmot DriClime Vest somewhere between couch surfing or mountain biking trips to Moab. I’m still bummed that I don’t have that vest. It was the perfect vest for spring or fall and provided just enough insulation and plenty of wind protection. I’ve been on the lookout for a replacement ever since. The search continued to The North Face Windwall vest.

    The North Face Windwall Vest Review

    About The North Face Windwall Vest

    The North Face Windwall Vest uses a proprietary windproof Windwall fabric from The North Face, this vest has the potential to be a great vest for springtime wind protection as well as winter layering. It’s relatively light and soft with great wind blocking qualities. A detailed look at the fabric reveals that–just like Gore Windstopper–Windwall fabric is a laminate layer that’s bonded to the fleece outer layer. It’s said to block 90% of the wind to still allow breathability while blocking the brunt of the wind.

    A few more details on the Windwall Vest:

    • Sleeveless version of the favorite windchill-inhibiting fleece delivering athletic warmth in moderate cold and excellent insulation when layered.
    • Standard fit
    • WindWall™ fabric wind permeability rated at 14 CFM
    • Two hand pockets
    • Hem cinchcord

    The North Face Windwall Vest Review

    I originally ordered the size Large in this vest. Upon arrival, I was swimming in the thing. I thought it odd since I always wear a size Large in The North Face and pretty much any other outerwear. No worries, a quick return for a Medium size and I was happier with the sizing, though a bit confused still with the overall fit.

    I guess I should have read the fit details a bit more before ordering. I didn’t notice until afterwards that the Windwall Vest is a “standard fit”. In other words, it fits like a barrel–as square as can be with no tapering. I’m used to athletic-style, form-fitting vests, not square vests made for couch potatoes. Oh well… my bad for not reading more carefully.

    The material is soft and the vest wears well, except for being a lint magnet. The material blocks the chilly, constant wind here in Draper, Utah outside my office and it keeps me nice and cozy. I haven’t had a chance to flog it extensively, but overall, it’s not a bad vest, but it’s nothing special either. I think I’d be more keen on it if it just had an athletic fit. It just feels a bit too bulky for my taste.

    Thermal qualities are great–this thing is warm! And as a casual vest, it’s awesome. I use it back and forth to the office on chilly days. It does a great job on backcountry ski tours at blocking the wind and keeping your core warm.  It’s not real packable and it is a bit bulky, so it’s not my first choice in the backcountry.  Not a bad vest, but there are other options that are more packable and athletic.

    The Bottom Line: The North Face Windwall Vest

    This isn’t a bad vest for resort use or everyday casual use. I’m left a bit miffed at the sizing and overall fit. I wish it had a more athletic fit so it wasn’t so bulky. If that’s something you are concerned about, look elsewhere, if it’s no big deal, this is a great windproof vest for the money. The fabric is very windproof and it works pretty well. I’d still prefer my Marmot DriClime vest back, if I had my druthers, so this one isn’t a slam dunk. But at the current sale prices, this is still a solid deal.

    Buy Now: Find the Latest Vests from The North Face at REI

    ShareTweet
    The North Face vests
    Previous ArticleODI Lock-On Grips: Why Bother With Anything Else?
    Next Article CrankBrothers Cobalt XC Wheelset
    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

    Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review

    March 29, 2023

    Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review

    March 27, 2023

    Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    March 22, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    Review: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS for Road?

    October 5, 2022
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    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.