Product Review: The North Face Nuptse 2 Vest

By: Malti McKinnon

the-north-face-womens-nuptse-2-vest

As we start to get into spring, the weather can facilitate an awkward situation of constantly taking off and putting on layers. Even light jackets don’t cut it, you’re too cold when standing, and too warm or restricted when moving.

That’s why spring is the perfect season for vests.

Besides the warmer weather and increased opportunity of playing outside, I’m especially excited for this spring season because it’s the first one that I’ve actually owned a vest for. A month ago I purchased the North Face Nuptse 2 Vest, and so far I am very pleased with it.

The Nuptse 2 Vest is lightweight, comfortable, and lofts nicely for exceptional warmth. With 700 fill goose down, it is also very compressible and packs into the inside chest pocket, and when stored, it makes a great camp pillow. A baffled construction also keeps the down in place so as not to create cold spots. The pockets of the vest are warm and accommodating, and the high collar prevents excessive heat loss in the torso area. The shoulders are reinforced for durability and extra water resistance, and even the normal face fabric has proven to be quite resilient. Since I bought it, I’ve put my vest through some significant stress and it has held up fine. Although I haven’t washed it yet, I don’t anticipate any problems on that end either.

I am also extremely happy with the story behind this vest. I am generally wary of down, but The North Face has been working hard to ensure that the down that they use is ethically sourced. Along with Textile Exchange, they helped to create the Responsible Down Standard, which is committed to preventing cruelty to the birds in the down industry. This includes eliminating down from farms that force feed and live pluck their birds. This system allows for traceability and accountability, with the goal being to have 100% certified down products by fall of 2017.

In addition to their work with down, The North Face also supports sustainable textile production, and the fabric used to make the Nuptse 2 Vest is bluesign approved. This means that the fabric comes from an environmentally friendly factory and meets even the most stringent safety standards, eliminating harmful substances from the production altogether.

As for my own experience with the vest, I found that it fits fairly true to size. I did size down, but without arms to add an extra element of fit, I believe that either size would have worked depending on personal preference.

I primarily use this piece for chilly days when I’m hiking, camping, or just relaxing outdoors. It’s the perfect combination of warmth, comfort, and technicality for any springtime adventure, or autumn once we get there, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile, comfortable, and fashionable vest.

 

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