This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this site running – thank you!
Before Heather left for a year-long adventure in Australia, she owned several heavy winter coats but no lightweight jackets for cool mornings, windy days, and the rain.
That’s why The North Face Triclimate jacket caught her eye. This three-in-one jacket offers protection from the cold, wind, and rain. From the moment she tried it on, she knew it would be a great permanent addition to her packing list.
Heather shared her original review of her jacket version with us years ago. We’ve kept her review but have added more information about the newer The North Face Triclimate Jacket designs with different/updated features in a handy table further on in the post.
North Face Triclimate Jacket Quick Overview
This three-in-one jacket features a warm inner layer and a breathable, wind and rain-proof outer shell. These two layers can be zipped into one another and worn together or they can be worn separately depending on the weather. With this jacket, you will be prepared for any scenario.
Wearing options:
- Outer shell only for when it is rainy but hot
- Inner layer only for when it is cold but clear
- Both layers together for when it is wet and cold
Pro: Because this jacket serves three functions in one it means you’ll be saving space in your bag by only packing one jacket instead of three!
Con: These jackets are pricey! However, they are investment pieces which means you’ll wear them for many years to come.
Price Range: $200 – $450 depending on the style
Read on for a full review of all the features.
Heather’s The North Face Triclimate Jacket Review
If you look at The North Face site or a number of sites that sell their products, you will find that several styles of Triclimate jackets exist. I am writing about my particular jacket (an older version that is no longer being made) but it is similar to those you will find online or at a store.
About The North Face Triclimate Jacket
This three-in-one jacket offers protection from the cold, wind, and rain. The outer waterproof, breathable jacket is 100% nylon and sealed with HyVent® to keep you dry. It has a zip-off hood, two outer pockets, and an inner pocket to stash valuables. It also features pit-zips (zippers at the armpits), a front zipper, and velcro to keep the zipper flap closed.
HyVent® technology was renamed and redesigned a couple of years ago. All North Face Triclimate jackets now use DryVent™ technology. They are very similar to each other, however, DryVent™ has been developed more extensively making it more waterproof and breathable.
The inner jacket is tailored for a snug but not too tight fit that keeps you warm without bulk. You’ll find a traditional zipper and two front pockets.
Depending on the weather, you can wear either jacket on its own or zip and snap the two together to make one jacket that will protect you from the less-than-perfect weather.
Pick Your Protection Level: How I’ve Traveled with the Versatile Triclimate Jacket
After briefly experiencing a cold winter on a previous trip to Australia, I knew I would need to come prepared when I moved to Australia for a year. Especially because I arrived in the winter. To travel lightly for the first three to four months, I packed long pants and short-sleeved shirts and relied on my Triclimate jacket to keep me warm.
I only packed the outer layer, however, and while it generally did the trick, when I traveled further south to Melbourne and Adelaide, I could have used the warm inner layer!
When I attended a sporting event where umbrellas were not allowed, I relied on the outer layer to keep me as dry as possible through the rain.
Recently, I also packed the outer jacket for my month-long trip to visit my fiancé in London. It can always rain in London, and the weathermen predicted that it could be the coldest May in decades.
After returning from Oz, the Triclimate jacket has been my go-to jacket for the cold and rain.
My Thoughts on the Triclimate Jacket
There is so much to love about the Triclimate jacket!
Unlike most jackets I have owned, the hood of the outer jacket provides full coverage, extending over my forehead by an inch or two. No more rain-covered glasses!
One of my favorite features is the pit-zip. I wore the outer layer for light protection but often felt too warm after walking around a new city for hours. By unzipping the pit-zips, I instantly felt cooler. It’s easy to zip and unzip the pit-zips as needed.
The inner jacket is flattering to my figure and keeps me warm without making me look big. If I could only own one individual jacket, it would be the inner one of the Triclimate.
My only complaint about the jacket?
In my experience, waterproof jackets vary in the amount of rain they can take on before soaking through. The outer layer kept me dry during a storm at the sporting event mentioned above…for a while. Eventually, I felt slightly gross as my arms became wet and the jacket stuck to my body.
NOTE: This occurred with the HyVent® technology. With the improved DryVent™ waterproof technology, this should be less of a problem!
Here’s A Second Opinion
There are so many reviews of the North Face Triclimate jacket because this jacket has been a staple for many travelers for so long. Take a look at a review of the Carto version of the triclimate jacket to see what other people are saying.
The Different North Face TriClimate Jackets Available
When Heather purchased her jacket, North Face didn’t offer the variety of Triclimate jackets that they do now. Both the jacket design and features have been updated. Take a look at some of their most popular TriClimate jackets to see which one will be your ideal travel companion.
The North Face provides a benefit rating for all their triclimate jackets. The three benefits they measure are warmth (warm, warmer, warmest), wind resistance (low wind resistance, wind resistant, windproof), and water resistance (water repellent, water resistant, waterproof).
In all of the triclimate jackets listed in this table, the shell secures onto the warm inner layer with clips and zips. They all feature a breathable, seam-sealed DryVent™ shell (which allows water vapor to pass through from the inside to the outside), a durable water-repellent finish, and secure zip pockets. There are plus sizes available for most of these triclimate jacket options.
Jacket | Benefit Rating | Extra Features | Best Suited for | Price | Photo |
Antora | Warm Waterproof Wind resistant | Elasticated cuffs Draft flap to cover the center front zip | All-weather, all-purpose jacket made for any type of outdoor activity. | $260 | |
Monarch | Warmest Waterproof Windproof | 100% recycled fabric Armpit zips Hem cinch cord | Perfect for both a casual look in town or active days in the wilderness. | $260 | |
Clementine | Warmer Waterproof | Heatseeker™ eco insulation Under arm vents Stand collar Secure zip wrist pocket with a goggle wipe Adjustable cuffs | Pair the inner and outer jackets for maximum coverage on the slopes or wear them separately in milder conditions. | $300 | |
Carto | Warmer Waterproof Wind resistant | Heatseeker™ eco synthetic insulation Adjustable cuffs | It has the features and performance to keep you comfy in almost any condition. | $300 | |
ThermoBall Eco Parka | Warm Wind resistant Waterproof | ThermoBall™ eco insulation for warmth even when wet Longer length Adjustable cuffs | An essential winter staple, suitable for navigating the city and outdoor exploration. | $340 | |
Garner | Warmer Waterproof | Removable, fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood Secure zip wrist pocket with a goggle wipe Underarm vents Powder skirt Adjustable hem Heatseeker™ eco insulation Elasticated cuffs Ticket-attachment loop on front hem | Made for those unpredictable days on the mountain. | $350 | |
ThermoBall Eco Snow | Warmer Waterproof | Underarm venting Ticket-attachment loop on front hem Snap-down powder skirt ThermoBall™ eco insulation in body Heatseeker™ eco insulation in sleeves Adjustable cuffs Attached helmet-compatible hood | All-purpose snow sports jacket. | $400 | |
Mountain Light GTX | Warm Waterproof | Durable, waterproof GORE-TEX fabric Pit-zip venting Adjustable cuffs 550-fill down insulated inner layer | Perfect for cold, wet, or unpredictable trail conditions any time of year. | $450 |
North Face Triclimate Jacket FAQs
How warm is the North Face Triclimate jacket?
This varies by style. All of the triclimate jackets have an inner layer for warmth. Versions with ThermoBall™ and Heatseeker™ insulation will be best for cold and snowy destinations.
According to the North Face website, Heatseeker™ eco insulation is a continuous synthetic filament that traps heat within small spaces between the fibers. As an alternative to down, it delivers a high warmth-to-weight ratio even when wet.
Thermoball™ insulation is made of small round synthetic fiber clusters that mimic down clusters and trap heat within small air pockets to retain warmth. This ultralight, highly compressible synthetic insulation retains loft and traps heat even when wet.
For warmer destinations, simply wear the outer shell layer without the inner thermal layer.
Why is North Face so expensive?
North Face jackets are expensive because of their durability and quality. You are not simply buying a jacket for a season or a trip. You are investing in an item that will stay in your closet for many years and travel with you around the world.
North Face invests heavily in research and development to create cutting-edge technology and develop innovative products that are designed to perform in extreme conditions.
If you are thinking about buying yourself a triclimate jacket, but are not sure about spending such a large amount of money, our blog post: Determining Cost vs. Use When Buying Gear may help you decide if this purchase is worth it or not.
Is The North Face 3 in 1 jacket waterproof?
All the triclimate jackets feature a DryVent™ shell to protect you in wet and windy weather.
This multi-layered fabric is constructed with a semipermeable polyurethane coating which blocks water from getting in while allowing vapor to escape, reducing interior moisture buildup. The outer face of the fabric is also treated with a durable water-repellent finish that helps form droplets and repel water from the surface.
All DryVent™ gear features a fully seam-sealed construction, which prevents moisture from entering through the stitching and provides an additional layer of waterproof coverage.
In regards to a waterproof rating, DryVent™ is classified as highly waterproof.
Is the North Face Triclimate jacket good for winter?
Definitely! This is especially true for the versions with the warmer and warmest benefit ratings. The ThermoBall™ and Heatseeker™ insulation trap and retain heat to keep you warm even in the coldest of conditions.
Do you own a North Face triclimate jacket? What do you think of it?
Great review! I’m looking for something similar for an upcoming trip, but there are many different styles as you said – which style do you have?
I’ll have to check with Heather on that one… get back to you soon.
I own the NF Triclinate in the long past the knee length and it keeps me toasty in sub-zero temps especially when I used to work night shift and walked 8 miles round trip in the Winter season. I still have the coat and it’s still in pristine shape after 3 years
Good to hear, Anna! We love gear that makes it through the test of time.
Hey! Which style of the triclimate jacket is this?
Hi Gia! I received your email and tried replying but received a bounceback 🙂 When I purchased my jacket, North Face didn’t offer the variety of Triclimate jackets that they now do. None of the versions on their website looks just like mind — but I’m sure you can’t go wrong with whichever one looks coziest to you!
I am looking for a jacket that will keep me warm in temperatures of -20 C, obviously will be layering up too. Any recommendations please?
The best waterproof jackets are goretex. Marmot carries them as do some of the other product lines but they’re on the pricey side. U will not get wet with that material.
Hi Heather. Thanks for this review and feedback! I have one jacket that has proven completely waterproof except for the zipper. It’s a Mountain Hardwear jacket, tested in a windy coastal downpour on a hike in County Howth, Ireland. Unfortunately I don’t know the style name and can’t tell from the tags. But it is tape-sealed throughout. The only downside is that it has no pitzips. Because of this and the unbreathable membrane, it does get hot when going from outdoors to indoors, where it’s warmer. But my gosh it is a proper shell.