The North Face Prolix Delta Tested

The North Face Prolix Delta Tested

Price: £60.00

Weight: 285 grammes (men's medium)

Features: Lightweight softshell jacket made from Apex™ Alpha stretch-87% polyester, 13% elastane fabric and VaporWick Zen mesh, four-way stretch, DWR treatment, reflective detailing on back, mesh insets under arms for airflow, infused chest pocket, thumb loops at cuffs, Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 30+, adjustable hem. Available in men's and women's versions.

Excellent water repellent treatment and breathability plus light and compact. Cut may be too lose for some users.

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The Concept Like the Montane Dynamo we've been using at the same time - see test - the TNF Prolix Delta uses a lightweight own-brand Apex wind-resistant fabric with a DWR water repellent treatment and decent wind resistance combined with good breathability and is aimed at fast movers - bikers, runners, climbers, quick walkers - who need protection from wind and drizzle, but without sacrificing breathability or wicking. If you find a full-on windproof is generally too sweaty, this is intended for you.

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Features Another simple jacket with just a neat infused chest pocket for storage, an adjustable hem and unusually, a set of simple thumb loops at the cuffs. It also has neat looking mesh venting panels under the arms and running round the tops of the sleeves - they're the cream bits in the pictures. There are also small reflective areas to the rear of the jacket.

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In Action As with the Montane jacket, we weren't really convinced by the Prolix Delta until we started using it. First time out was a run on a chilly evening in drizzly conditions where a baselayer would have felt inadequate, yet a full-on windproof would have been too sweaty. The PD - we're tired of typing Prolix Delta already - was excellent giving good breathability and also really impressive water resistance.

It's not massively wind resistant, you can blow through the fabric easily, but it's enough to take the edge off the wind and the pay-off is that very good breathability. We also liked the thumb loops for running on cool spring days when they gave us something to do with our thumbs and had a sort of semi-glove effect.

The mesh panels look good, but to be honest, the fabric's so breathable, that it doesn't really need them in our opinion. One thing to be aware of is that although the PD is part of The North Face's Flight Series of lightweight, active kit, it's still cut in a characteristic boxy, slightly loose style. That means it may sit a little loosely on some sleeker users, but could be ideal if you find the cut from the likes of Montane too tight for you.

Finally, while the fabric was very breathable, it didn't move moisture quite as effectively as Pertex Equilibrium Stretch when things did get sweaty.

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Verdict

If we seem to be comparing the PD with Montane's Dynamo, that's because they basically do the same lightweight, weather-resistant, highly breathable gig. We liked the Prolix Delta a lot despite its looser cut and were particularly impressed with the water resistance of the fabric. It's an ideal choice if you're prepared to sacrifice a little weather protection for significantly better breathability and makes a great spring through to autumn running, biking and general fast-moving jacket.

If you tend towards a slimmer, conventionally athletic build you'll find the PD a bit loose and we'd steer your towards the Montane. If, on the other hand, you're slightly beefier, then the TNF jacket may well fit you better. All in all, a good looking and effective lightweight softshell.

Performance
Value

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The North Face web site

Pushed for time Wind resistance with an excellent DWR, the lightweight Prolix Delta is ideal for anyone who wants a good compromise between lightness, breathability and weather protection, though the more generous cut won't suit everyone.

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