The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Review

WWith a history of developing new technologies in fabrics and materials, The North Face has become a popular name for outdoor brands. However, the brand’s focus on Gorpcore means its name rarely appears on any list of the best hiking brands.

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

MSRP: $250
Average weight: 6.5 oz (women) | 7.5 oz (men)
Size range: XS-XXL
Fabric: 15D 100% recycled nylon with non-PFC durable water repellent

Ridgelite Men’s 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 packable design makes it ideal for pedestrians.

Conditions for Review

I got the North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket in a wet and scary early spring in the PNW. I’ve been wearing it every time I walk, hike, and bike in foggy, heavy rain, with average temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Features

2.5-layer DRYVENT: The North Face’s proprietary waterproof fabric is multi-layered with a semipermeable polyurethane coating. The fabric is designed to keep water out while allowing internal moisture to escape for breathability. The outer surface of the fabric is treated with a long-lasting non-PFC water repellent that increases water resistance by repellent water.

Reverse Coil Front Zipper: A YKK AquaGuard zipper secures the jacket closed and features an inner plug to improve water resistance.

Zip pockets: Keep essentials in two easily accessible and water-resistant pockets.

Molded Hood: The three-piece hood has a narrow brim and a cinch cord to easily adjust the fit and keep it in place.

Package Contents: The jacket packs down into a right-hand pocket with a double-sided zip head to fully enclose the jacket in the pocket.

Storm Flaps: The main zipper and two pocket zippers have storm flaps to improve water resistance.

Hem Cinch-Cord: The hem can be tightened tightly with elastic cord to help keep heat in and wind and rain out.

Windproof: The coat keeps the wind out, reducing the effects of wind chill.

2 Layer vs. 2.5 Layer vs. 3 Layer Rain Jackets

Most rain jackets on the market are made of 2, 2.5 or 3 layers.

2 jackets they are usually made using an outer fabric coated with a waterproof/breathable membrane. Some 2-layer jackets add hanging mesh on the inside to improve breathability. 2-layer jackets are generally best for casual, urban use. Although they are not very expensive, these jackets are fast, resistant to wear and tear and the membrane is very vulnerable to skin oils. And the mesh liner adds bulk and weight to the jacket.

3-layer rain jackets they are more technical and are often called hard shells. They feature an outer fabric coated with a waterproof/breathable membrane and the design adds a synthetic nylon or soft tricot liner that is bonded directly to the inside of the membrane. These jackets are highly waterproof, moisture wicking and durable. They are also heavy, rigid and often very expensive.

These days a lot of rain jackets are made using a 2.5 layer structure. The main difference between these jackets is that they include a printed or sprayed “liner” that protects the membrane. They can be made relatively light, have decent waterproofing and moderate breathability. 2.5 rain jackets are mid-range and work well as an emergency layer during short-term bad weather, but can get wet at the end of a long day in heavy rain.

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Pros

Lightweight and Durable

My first impression of the Ridgelite jacket was how lightweight it felt. With an average weight of 6.5 ounces, it comes in much lighter than most other rain jackets. It adds negligible bulk when worn and packs easily into its pocket.

Even better, light weight doesn’t come with a complete decrease in stiffness. The Ridgelite jacket uses a 15D ripstop fabric for the shell, which is thicker than other similar lightweight rain jackets. My jacket hasn’t shown any wear and tear even after climbing over rocks and fallen trees. It should also be very strong against friction from the hip belt.

Waterproof and Breathable

The North Face’s DRYVENT fabric consists of a thin membrane stretched over the back of the outer fabric. This semi-permeable material has very small pores that can keep water out while allowing moisture and sweat to escape. Because of this design, I found the jacket to breathe well while hiking in moderate temperatures.

The outer layer of the fabric features a durable non-PFC water repellent, which forms a bead of water on the outside. The interior is fully seam sealed, making the DRYVENT fabric waterproof. My jacket felt damp but not wet after hours of hiking in foggy or hot weather.

The jacket is also breathable, making it a great extra layer to keep me warm on cold windy days and out in the open.

Great Comfort & Fit

I really liked the fit of the Ridgelite jacket. True to size with a standard cut (not included). This roomy design is great for layering, and I was able to wear it comfortably over my down jacket. I never felt cramped and felt like the jacket was made to go with me.

I was especially surprised at how soft the inner layer felt, making it very easy to wear.

I’m very picky about hoods for my rain jackets, and the design and shape of the hood of the Ridgelite jacket left enough room for a ball cap or beanie underneath. It stood up on its own and was tall enough to pull my neck as I walked with my backpack.

The pockets are large enough for a cell phone and are well designed to be accessible when wearing a backpack. In addition they include a storm flap for additional water resistance.

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Cons

Disappointing Performance in Heavy Rain

All rain jackets get wet. A thin, lightweight fabric, even with the latest waterproofing technology, will eventually overfill and become completely wet.

The Ridgelite jacket kept me standing in light rain for a long time, but I noticed wet spots on my shirt, especially on the shoulders under my backpack belt, after only a few hours of being caught in the rain.

No Pit Zips

I haven’t had the need to wear a Ridgelite jacket in warmer temperatures, but if I do, I think I might start to overheat and overheat. The coat is very nice and airy without layers underneath, but the absence of pitting is noticeable.

Even on slightly cooler days, I missed having the pit vents to 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 for the Ridgelite Women’s Waterproof Jacket are truly disappointing. Available only in solid black or pale yellow with black accents. I personally prefer my raincoat to be a bright color as a safety feature in an emergency where I or a companion may need to be more visible.

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

Final thoughts

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

Shop The North Face Ridgelite Women’s Waterproof Jacket

Shop The North Face Ridgelite Men’s Waterproof Jacket

Rain Jackets Compared

Outdoor research Helium UL Jacket Women | For men
MSRP: $225
Weight: 5.6 oz women | 5.7 oz for men

Montbell Versatile Jacket For Women | For men
MSRP: $275
Weight: 5.7 oz women | 6.3 oz for men

Zpacks Vertice Jacket For Women | For men
MSRP: $299
Weight: 5.1 oz women | 5.4 oz for men

Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket for Women | For men
MSRP: $200
Weight: 7 oz women | 7.8 oz for men

The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket was provided for review purposes