Sneak look at new waterproofs, softshells, shoes and more from The North Face.
After a look at the kit from
The
North Face that's new for this
winter
2009, we also had a sneaky preview of the
spring 2010 range
and, in once case, even beyond that to next winter, so here's a quick
run down.
Aero Jacket
We didn't actually see the Aero Jacket, which is a neat Gore
Windstopper soft shell top designed in conjunction with TNF's top
sponsored mountaineers because we have one here already and we've
already
previewed
it.
In short, we really like
it. The fabric feels lovely, it has a neat, close-fitting hood and long
internal cuffs with thumb-loops.
Single-Track
Train-Running Shoe
The latest in TNF's successful range of trail-running
shoes, the new Single-Track uses the proven Visible Snake Plate
internal chassis plate - you can see it through transparent panels in
the sole unit, and X-Dome cradle technology. It's designed
for training or racing on the trails, has breathable mesh uppers and
EVA cushioning along with sticky, rock-friendly rubber.
Most obvious though is the integral tongue scree collar which sits over
the tongue and keeps small particles of grit out. Or that's the idea.
Apaprently prototypes have gone down well with TNF-sponsored
trail-running athletes. Price will be £89 in men's
and women's versions, looks good.
The North Face dipped its toe in the cycling market this
autumn and for spring, it has a new, lightweight cycling jacket in the
shape of the Lands End. Made from feathery Hi-Vent DT, the jacket has a
distinct drop-tail for use on the bike, lots of reflective for safety
in low light conditions, a back storage pocket with zips for road use
and thumb loops.
It also uses mesh panels in the lower back sides and underarms to up
breathability. It packs down nice and small and feels very light,
though there's no quoted weight. Interesting internal print as well.
Zephyrus Pullover
This is our favourite piece of kit from the spring range, it's a
super-lightweight Primaloft pullover with a claimed weight of just 268
grammes. The filling is 40g Primaloft One and the shell is superlight
nylon with a PU kiss coat for water resistance. You also get a neck
zip, reversed zippers and a single pocket.
The North Face calls it 'an insulated windshell' which seems about
right, it really is a lightweight windproof with some added insulation
rather than a full-on insulation piece, but it packs down tiny which
makes it packable when a heavier, bulkier jacket would simply be left
at home. Price when it's available next spring will be
£129 in
both men's and women's versions.
Meru Paclite Jacket
The Meru Paclite Jacket as you may have guessed, is made
from lightweight Gore-Tex Paclite fabric and is, they say 'a superior
emergency shell', the sort of minimalist thing that takes up minimal
space in the pack, but should still do the job when needed.
You get twin alpine pockets and a helmet hood with laminated peak, no
pit-zips, but the big pockets double as vents. At 400 grammes, its' not
outrageously light, but then again, it's not outrageously minimalist
either. Available in both men's and women's versions.
Winter 2010 Baselayer
Last but not least, we actually have samples of next
winter's TNF baselayers to try out. Called Hybrid, they're seamless and
made from a hollow fibre polypropylene fabric called Aktic. It's
claimed to be 7% warmer than wool, have 50% better moisture vapour
tranfer than Polyamide and to be 20% lighter. Do they mean Polyester,
which is what most baselayers are made from? We're not sure, but we're
using them right now and we'll fill in the blanks later.
Further details of the current The North Face range at
www.thenorthface.com.
