The North Face Men’s Brigandine FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket 2021 Review

The North Face Brigandine jacket is the embodiment of A-line quality winter Jacket. It’s an extremely light weight jacket that fits the bill for most types of skiing. The level of insulation is not as high for creating warmth but that is still ideal while keeping it extremely breathable. This jacket pairs perfectly with a mid layer on colder days and can worn as a standalone jacket as temperatures drop.


The fit - I’m 5’10 medium build 170lbs - size large
Some say the powder skirt is too short but for someone of my size 5’10 it fits perfectly. I also like the elevated chin protection (chin guard) that comes with the shape of this jacket, its got a soft material that feels good when not wearing a facemask. I like my jackets a bit looser and larger so I can fit layers on underneath and a large was perfect for me.

The build + features
Zippers never get caught in fabric. A low key super helpful feature when putting your jacket back on after touring up and its windy. The draw string tech is also super interesting and easy adjustable even with gloves on. You don’t have to look for the knob you simply click down on the black dots near the bottom of the jacket. It is also helmet compatible with hood adjustment to fit just right when it's storming out. The fabric is extremely durable and even brushing up on trees or in the back of the truck the likelihood of it ripping is very very low. Inside pockets can hold everything from walks talkie, extra lens, snacks, skins, GoPro pole - anything you want.


What it’s intended for.
This Jacket is great for ascending and in areas with variable forecasting. Great wind proofing and extremely waterproof thanks to Futurelight technology. It will still hold water on the outside on really soggy days but it will never get inside- often will dry off when skiing again. This version of the Brigandine is not as hardshell as previous years’ models which makes for a small pack fit and really nice mobility. The light green is a strange color for my liking but it’s great for being visible in low light conditions or during a storm. I love this jacket. It’s got a high ticket price but if you want a jacket that will perform in any condition you’re skiing in this is your jacket (as long as you have a mid layer for colder days).

Additional features:


Standard fit
Hyperarticulated fit built around skiing and riding
Fixed, helmet-compatible, hybrid drop hood with riveted cord-lock adjustment system
Two #3 YKK® AquaGuard® zip collar pockets for radio mic or venting
#8 YKK® AquaGuard®, center front zip
Two #5 YKK® AquaGuard® zip, pack-friendly chest pockets have a radio loop, external bellows and lining access
#5 YKK® AquaGuard® zip, pack-friendly chest pocket
Zippered, pack-friendly hand pockets with gear loops and bonded bellows
Integrated zipper garage at hand pockets for expandable pocketing
Waterproof, #3 YKK® AquaGuard®, pack-compatible pit-zip vents


Internal goggle pocket
Internal stash pocket
#3 YKK® AquaGuard® zip wrist pocket with goggle wipe
Stay-down zip pulls
Bonded, Adjustable cuffs with pieced-in Velcro® closure
Integrated wrist gusset and elastic thumb-loop cuffs
Bonded, articulated, four-way stretch powder skirt
Jacket-to-pant integration
Ergo drop hem with riveted cord-lock adjustment system

From alpine starts in Alaska to all-day pursuits in the Andes, the breathable-waterproof Brigandine FUTURELIGHT™ jacket adapts to the elements, keeping you dry and protected in tough-to-access backcountry powder stashes.