The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Ski Jacket | Best Bang for the Buck | Best Ski Jacket Under 100$ | ||
Price | $279.99 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $500.00 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $319 List $223.29 at REI | $229 List $160.29 at REI | $73 List $51.98 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A versatile 3-in-1 option for resort skiers and snowboarders | We can't picture a better all-around jacket for skiing | This shell nearly matches the performance of much more expensive products | This jacket doesn't excel in any attribute, but it doesn't fall short either | This inexpensive and warm jacket ticks all the boxes for a solid ski jacket |
Rating Categories | The North Face Ther... | Helly Hansen Alpha... | REI Co-op First Cha... | REI Co-op Powderbou... | GEMYSE Men's Mounta... |
Warmth (20%) | |||||
Weather Resistance (20%) | |||||
Comfort and Fit (20%) | |||||
Ventilation (20%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Features (10%) | |||||
Specs | The North Face Ther... | Helly Hansen Alpha... | REI Co-op First Cha... | REI Co-op Powderbou... | GEMYSE Men's Mounta... |
Main Fabric | 75D Polyester | 2-layer stretch polyester | Recycled polyester | Nylon | Unknown |
Insulation | Synthetic | LifaLoft synthetic | None | 60g polyester sleeves, 80g polyester body | Synthetic and faux-fleece |
Pockets | 2 handwarmer, 1 chest, 1 sleeve, 1 internal stash | 2 handwarmer, 2 chest, 1 internal chest, 1 internal mesh, 1 sleeve | 2 handwarmer, 2 chest flap, 2 chest zipper, 1 internal zipper, 1 intenal mesh, 1 sleeve | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 1 sleeve, 1 internal zippered chest, 1 internal mesh | 2 handwarmer, 1 chest, 1 internal zip, 1 internal stash |
Weight (size large) | 2.55 lbs | 2.56 lbs | 1.73 lbs | 1.81 lbs | 3.63 lbs |
Water Resistance | DryVent 2L | Helly Tech Professional | Gore-Tex | 2-layer waterproof breathable laminate | Unknown |
Hood | Adjustable | Adjustable and removable | Adjustable | Adjustable | Removable |
Pit-Zips | Yes | Mesh-backed | Yes | Yes | No |
Cuff construction | Velcro | Interior stretchy wrist gaiters and external velcro cuffs | Velcro | Interior wide hook-and-loop adjustments and external velcro | Stretchy wrist gaiters and external velcro |
Powder skirt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
RECCO | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Warmth
This jacket provides plenty of warmth and is suitable for use on cold winter days. This performance is achieved by using synthetic insulation in the sweater component and a hanging mesh liner in the shell. Overall, these two pieces trap plenty of air between layers of fabric, creating a warm system. When worn alone, the shell jacket is warmer than the shell-only jackets on the market due to the hanging mesh liner. The synthetic puffy sweater is warm enough for chilly fall and spring days. Compared to other single-piece insulated ski jackets, the combined jacket is right up there for warmth, but it still isn't cold enough on its own for single-digit weather.
Weather Resistance
The Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate proved to be a fairly weather-resistant jacket in our testing. The North Face's proprietary DryVent fabric is completely waterproof, and the seams are sealed. We also like the DWR used in this product. After an extended soaking in the shower, water still beaded up on the fabric. The attached hood is large and easily fits a helmet. The adjustment cords are easy to work with gloved hands. The sleeves and hem are long enough to keep all body parts covered. There is also an attached powder skirt, but you need to separate the shell from the liner before you can use it. Another bummer is that the pockets do not have waterproof zippers, allowing water to enter if worn on stormy days with temperatures above freezing.
Comfort and Fit
The ECO Snow Triclimate has a neutral fit, meaning it is loose but not too baggy. The hem is a bit long, contributing to the jacket's style and weather resistance. The torso is also roomy, almost a little boxy when compared to the more contoured or tailored fit of some of the high-end ski jackets on the market. The inner fabric of the synthetic puffy sweater is comfortable against the skin, and a large fleece chin guard protects against abrasion from the zipper or shell fabric. We also appreciate the fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.
Ventilation
The ECO Snow Triclimate suffers from poor ventilation. The armpit vents only extend through the jacket's shell, not the insulated liner. However, if you purchased a shell jacket and a synthetic liner separately, you would end up with the same problem. Our testers noted that the synthetically-insulated mid-layer component is not that breathable. The armpit vents are long and unencumbered by mesh. This design allows for lots of airflow through the vents. The outer shell fabric is somewhat breathable but nothing special. This jacket isn't our first choice for warm-weather skiing or for highly aerobic activities like skiing moguls or hiking to find fresh powder.
Features
The ECO Snow Triclimate has all the features you need to enjoy a day on the slopes. Two handwarmer pockets with a comfortable fleece lining and an external chest pocket give you plenty of room to stash your trail map, wallet, car keys, or lip balm. We like the inclusion of a powder skirt, but we wish it were removable because we don't use it that often. There is also a ski pass pocket on the sleeve and a goggle wipe on a lanyard from the pass pocket. The hood is highly adjustable but uninsulated. The shell features an internal mesh pocket that you can't access if the liner jacket is in place.
Style
As far as looks, the Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate is modest and agreeable. The cut is loose but not baggy, and the length is just right. Our testers and style confidants thought the jacket's design was unremarkable and would fit right in with a crowd. But if you want to turn heads and make a fashion statement, look elsewhere. The majority of skiers will look good and feel good in this jacket.
Should You Buy the ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate?
While this jacket presents good versatility thanks to the 3-in-1 modular system, we think there are better options on the market in this small niche. That said, they all perform in the same range, but the Thermoball is more expensive than the others, and we don't think it's worth the premium price. The style, comfort, and ventilation in this jacket are average, but the price is a bit steep. If you like the style of this jacket in particular, maybe it is worth the price. The North Face has a lifetime warranty, which is always nice.
What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?
With better warmth and style, and for a bit less money than the Thermoball Triclimate, you could buy the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated, our favorite 3-in-1 jacket. An even less expensive option is the Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange, but this jacket has a lot less performance. In the bargain basement, you'll find the GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining, which is warm and protective for a fraction of the price of other ski jackets. If you're looking for something more refined, the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket is our favorite on the market, and the Arc'teryx Rush is our top pick for backcountry skiing.