GEAR TEST: Men’s North Face Lightriser Futurelight Jacket
James Clark tries out The North Face Lightriser Futurelight Jacket while on holiday in Santorini and back in the UK.
If you exercise, and enjoy, the outdoors in the UK, it’s often tricky to read our changeable weather. Which makes selecting the best kit-to-weight ratio a challenge, especially if you’re spending all day outdoors.
So, carrying a high-end, lightweight waterproof without feeling you have one is great.
The North Face Lightriser Futurelight is the perfect lightweight waterproof for those looking to run, cycle, hike or more.
The first thing that I noticed, and immediately liked, is the next-to-skin feeling of the jacket. Many waterproof jackets in this category can have a slightly rough feeling or you can notice the seams, but none of that was a concern.
The first test for the jacket was a 6km run. It was early morning at around 15 degrees Celsius with a cold breeze. Usually, I’d just wear a long sleeve top, as I run hot, but today it was a fast-drying short sleeve tee and the Lightriser Futurelight.
The jacket doesn’t have ‘traditional’ pockets, probably my only personal dislike, so I stuffed my key and phone into the mesh holder in the back and set off. When I started to gather a sweat at around 2km, it was noticeable that the jacket didn’t ‘stick’ to my skin or feel overly clammy. I felt very dry and the liner of the jacket moved the moisture well away from my body. I purposely kept it done up for the entire run, where usually I would open the zip for some ventilation.
After completing the run, I felt great. I was sweaty but didn’t feel like the jacket had been overwhelmed. I took it off, gave it a quick shake and it was like I hadn’t even been wearing it. Once I stretched off and cooled down, I put the jacket back on to walk the last 100 meters to my hotel and I was impressed at the speed in which it had returned to the way it felt when I started the run, completely dry.
I was impressed after the run test. However, at a price of £290 I can image a lot of people will want to wear this jacket for more than running, using it post run, during the day or even the evening.
The next test was general lifestyle and luckily enough I was taking a boat trip.
As a typical Brit, I had caught a little too much sun the day before and wondered how the jacket would feel on a warm, but windy, day at sea. I decided to wear the jacket with nothing underneath. Once again, the comfort levels were impressive and I didn’t overheat at all, even during the hottest part of the day. I felt cool, my red skin was relieved by being protected from the sun and I was a lot more comfortable during the trip than I expected.
Overall, I this jacket works. It delivers on performance and it’s extremely comfortable. My only personal issue was the lack of a zip pocket but if that isn’t important to you and you are looking for an incredible lightweight waterproof, then this one must be on your consideration list.
