Outerwear is cool. But sometimes it’s not — not cool looking, not cool feeling (aka not breathable) and not cool for the planet (hello PFAS and forever chemicals). But lately, a lot of cool outerwear has been showing up on the internet and in retail, and one of our favorite brands just joined the fray. Today, The North Face released two new jackets that extend its Futurelight collection, the Summit Series Papsura Futurelight and the Frontier Futurelight.
Read More
Both the Summit Series Papsura Futurelight and the Frontier Futurelight introduce The North Face’s most lightweight, comfortable membranes to date — we asked The North Face how much lighter the jackets are than their predecssors, and although the brand declined to share comparable weights, it does claim that the jackets are the lighest Futurelight designs yet, with the Papsura being focused on high performance, and the Frontier focusing on comfort. Alongside their lighweight construction, both jackets are highly breathable, able to take on high aerobic output activities and each can be stuffed into its own pocket for easy packing.
Back to the Futurelight
Before we dive into today’s releases, let’s take a quick peek into the past. In 2019, TNF debuted its Futurelight technology, and the initial response from the outdoor community was overwhelming. Futurelight promised to combine ultimate waterproofing with enhanced breathability through the process of nanospinning, in which materials are manipulated to take on any characteristic the engineer can imagine (to a point).
After a few seasons, it became clear that although Futurelight is effective, it isn’t the holy grail TNF promised. However, the brand has been working behind the scenes to beef up (and slim down) the construction of the membrane, which brings us to today’s releases.
Both the Summit Series Papsura Futurelight and the Frontier Futurelight are made for high aerobic output activities. Both cut weight substantially. And both feature men’s and women’s styles.
Papsura Points
Built for big wall climbing and ski mountaineering, the Summit Series Papsura Futurelight ($400) combines the Futurelight membrane with a brand-new nylon face fabric that cuts weight while maintaining efficacy: the average weight for the men’s version is 7.9 ounces, while the women’s weighs in at just 7 ounces. The jacket’s design also includes a helmet-compatible hood which features a pre-tensioned opening and single point of adjustment at the back for easy pivots on the go.
There are no shoulder seams on the Papsura, cutting weight and increasing comfort while wearing a pack, and the jacket also features two zippered hand pockets, the ability to be packed into its own right hand pocket and pre-tensioned elastic panels in the minimal cuffs and lower hem, skirting the jacket’s need for an adjustment system and cutting weight.
The North FaceThe North Face Summit Series Futurelight Papsura Jacket
Specs
| Materials | Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed Futurelight 3L shell |
| Waterproofing | Non-PFC DWR |
| Weight | 7.9 ounces |
Pros
- Combines top-tier waterproofing with breathability
Cons
- Expensive
Frontier Facts
The Frontier Futurelight sits slightly lower on the pricing tier at $350, and is positioned as the ideal shell for all types of hiking, whether you’re just taking a spin around your local trail or you’re going for a multi-day thru-hike. The lightweight, three-layer hiking shell also features waterproof Futurelight tech, as well as a minimalist design that brings weight down and usefulness up.
The Frontier Futurelight has shoulder seams, unlike the Papsura, but they are raglan style, which TNF says are designed to minimize friction and discomfort while wearing a pack. The Frontier’s feature set includes slightly raised pockets for easy access while wearing a pack, the ability to pack down into its left hand pocket and full adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem to keep the chill at bay (and water out of your jacket).
The North Face Frontier Futurelight Jacket
Specs
| Materials | Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed Futurelight 3L shell |
| Waterproofing | DWR |
| Weight | 7.9 ounces |
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight for any kind of hike
Cons
- Lighter on features than the Papsura
-
€400.00 (25.03% off)
-
$350.00 (25.03% off)
-
£359.95 (25% off)
-
€399.95 (31.34% off)
-
€399.95 (25% off)
-
€399.95 (25% off)
-
€399.95 (25% off)
-
$80.00 (25% off)
The Frontier Futurelight and Summit Series Papsura Futurelight are both available in men’s and women’s versions, in a selection of colorways ranging from muted neutrals to more brightly colored options. At $350 and $400 respectively, the jackets hit the middle range of outerwear pricepoints — but if you’re a fan of The North Face and have been looking for a technical, four-season alpine shell to take along on adventures, these just might be the investment pieces you’ve been waiting for.
