Post Summary: The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie Review *Sponsored By Zappos*

Gearing up for a new winter sports season?

From snowshoes to nordic skis, giant parkas to cumbersome gloves, gearing up for a winter adventure can get bulky after all of those required layers!

But you know what doesn’t have to be bulky? Your jacket.

Recently, Berty and I had the opportunity to collaborate with Zappos to review The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie, along with other North Face products in their online shop. 

Naturally, we took it out on a test run close to home – on Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout Trail for a snowy sunset hike. This post is our review of the jacket in winter conditions, and why we think it should be part of your winter arsenal, too!

 

The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie

This post is sponsored by Zappos, sharing The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie and complementary products.

 

First Impressions

To be completely honest, I was a little wary about the evergreen color I chose – I’ve never owned anything in this color, or in this type of sheen. It looked highly reflective online, and the evergreen was a little out of my black and functional comfort zone.

Fast-forwarding – I’m absolutely ecstatic about my color choice. From the first time I pulled it out of the box, I just knew this was going to be my favorite jacket this season.

I knew it would be not only an excellent jacket choice for outdoor adventures but an everyday jacket as well.

The Thermoball Eco Hoodie in Action

So what’s so great about the Thermoball Eco Hoodie? Keep reading to hear about its key features and some of the specs that make it different than other jackets. 

Quilted Squares

The small quilted pockets help trap in heat on the surface area of the jacket, thus keeping you feeling warmer longer. No cold spots here!

The heat feels dispersed evenly throughout the coat, which was perfect for our brisk sunset hike. 

 

Pockets

The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie has two covered, secure-zip hand pockets. When the jacket isn’t in use and stored for the season, you can flip the entire jacket to fit inside one pocket. Hellooo efficient storage!

The zipper pouch storage function is also a great option for winter travelers – it stores really small and is perfect for packing in a carry-on. 

 

Reflective Sheen and Windproof Design

During our hike to Quartz Mountain Lookout, we ascended to a location that was exposed on all sides. I noticed that I didn’t feel the wind chill as it whipped passed me.

Read More: A Windy Hike to God’s Thumb On The Oregon Coast

 

I also noticed how the oranges and pinks of the sunset reflected off the jacket. Not only was it beautiful during this time of day, but as we watched the sunset, it became apparent that this was also a great safety feature.

I was totally visible when any light shined in my direction!

Read Another Sunset Hike: Bolinas Ridge In San Francisco, California

 

What Are The Pros and Cons Of The Thermoball Eco Hoodie?

So who will benefit from the Thermoball Eco Hoodie and who won’t? In this section, we’re breaking down the good, the bad, and all the juicy details of this winter-worthy jacket. 

Thermoball Eco Hoodie Pros

It’s User Friendly. 

On and off the trail, this jacket is easy to wear. The zippers fit my iPhone easily, the hood isn’t bulky, and I could move freely in it. 

Before this jacket, I just had a giant parka for snowy adventures. Now, the Thermoball is going to be my go-to for lightweight fun, with tons of freedom of movement.

Looking for winter hike inspiration? Try taking the jacket on a trip to Idaho Backcountry Yurts!

It Shines!

Like stated above, the shiny material used is great for standing out (style AND safety-wise!).

It helps you stay visible on the trails in the early mornings and evenings, and also helps to reflect the extra sun off the jacket to keep you a perfect temperature all day. 

 

It’s Super Lightweight

Coming in at less than a pound (390 G (13.76 Oz) The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie is all warmth without all the bulky weight. It can fit into the side pocket when not in use, making it not only small in weight but small in size, too!

 

 

Wind Resistant Qualities

Experiencing this first-hand when hiking to a fire lookout near Spokane, WA, I was surprised to feel toasty warm even when the wind chill was thrashing all around. 

This feature (wind-resistance) is actually the most commented-on feature in this jacket’s online-reviews. Not only did I experience it, but nearly every other user did as well!

 

Machine Washable

This is probably my favorite feature of this jacket – it’s machine washable! No need for expensive trips to the dry cleaners. Just toss it in on gentle, and throw it in the dryer with a couple of wool balls to bring it back to its shiny glory.

 

Thermoball Eco Hoodie Cons

It’s Not Meant For Snowstorms…

Keep this jacket ready for a bluebird winter day. Not a blizzard. 

I felt warm on our sunset hike, but if I were to be outside for a prolonged amount of time in questionable weather, I’m sure I would like an extra protective layer. 

Still want to wear it? Try using it as a layering piece under a larger parka for extra warmth during inclement weather.

…Or Rainstorms. 

Got stuck in a rainstorm? If you’re going outside on the edges of the winter season, this may be a questionable option to wear outside. While the Thermoball Eco Hoodie has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, it isn’t a great option for sustained downpours outside.

This jacket is water repellent, but not waterproof. We suggest packing a lightweight waterproof layer to go over the top of the jacket if you’re wearing it on a hike with predicted rain.

No Chest Pockets

In past types of these jackets, there was a chest pocket with a secure zipper. Having tissues, and extra what-ifs on hand, I would have liked to store these in an easy-to-reach pocket!

 

Who Is The Thermoball Eco Hoodie For?

The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie is made for active outdoor enthusiasts who want a lightweight option for cold-weather activities. This can look like anything from sweaty snowshoe trips, nordic skiing, and hiking winter trails. 

It’s also a great choice for wandering mountain towns like Banff in Canada, and McCall and Sun Valley in Idaho. It’s stylish enough to be your everyday jacket during the winter months!

It’s also an excellent lightweight option for winter season travelers, as it packs a punch while also weighing less than a pound. 

More Hiking Inspiration: Incredible Hikes In Washington State You Must Try!

 

Quality, Sustainability, And Eco-Friendliness

This is labeled an “eco” jacket, so what exactly makes it eco-friendly?

It’s made with post-consumer recycled content polyester. This means it’s probably made from one of their previously made jackets that has been recycled, refurbished, or taken apart and put back together alongside new materials. 

Have more questions about how this jacket was made? Click here to learn more about The North Face’s responsibility, supply chain, and to get in contact with someone for more answers. 

Want to try a totally refurbished Thermoball Jacket? Try finding one on TheNorthFaceRenewed.com, a totally 100% up-cycled piece, launched back into the outdoor space from landfills!

Read More: The 19 Best Washington Winter Hiking Trails To Take This Winter Season

 

So, Is The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket Worth The Price?

The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket retails at around $220.00. My first impression was that is kind of pricey for a jacket this size, but after wearing it, I’d pay that price for this jacket any day. 

With The North Face’s Lifetime Warranty, you can almost guarantee you’ll get a quality piece that will last you a lifetime of outdoor adventures. 

I would recommend this jacket for anyone looking for a lightweight winter option. With key features like wind-resistance, quilted heat trapping squares, and fully zip pockets, you’ll be out on the trail in a flash!

Do you own your own Thermoball Eco Hoodie from The North Face? What are your experiences with it? Tell us in the comments below!

 

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