A Review of The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Zappos. As always, all opinions are my own. 

If you’ve ever read any of my posts about traveling during winter, then you know that I’m not the biggest fan of cold weather. Growing up in Southern California has spoiled me, for better or worse, and I didn’t purchase my first coat until I was 18. I had no idea what to look for in winter clothing and took quite a few trips where I dressed like “Snowman Sally,” bundled in an inhumane amount of poor quality “winter” clothing.

I wised up after my trip to Turkey during a snowstorm and started researching different brands and fabrics that would prepare me for the other winter trips I took over the next few years. These trips included Europe in both December and January, Jordan in February, and several winter camping trips as well. The one brand that has never failed me on those trips has been The North Face.

So when Zappos invited me to review The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket, I immediately said yes. I tested it out on my trip to very cold Chicago in November, in the snowy Austrian mountains, and in New York City in January. Let me tell you: it’s one of the best jackets I’ve ever owned. The TLDR version: go buy the jacket now! But if you want to read a full review of the ThermoBall Triclimate Jacket, keep reading below.

Meet The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket

So what makes this jacket so special anyway? Well, first of all, it’s actually two high-quality jackets in one. The inner jacket is a warm ThermoBall zip-up jacket and the outer layer is a waterproof DryVent 2L ski jacket. You can wear them separately or together. One of the coolest parts is that this jacket offers zip-in-compatible integration with complementing garments from The North Face, so you can stay warm and look stylish.

But one thing I really, really love is that the jacket is made of recycled polyester, making it sustainable and eco-friendly. The ThermoBall technology is The North Face’s alternative to down, but has the warmth and compressibility equivalent of 600-fill down.

When to Wear It

I tested this out in 14 F / -10 C weather in Chicago and it withstood the elements very well, pairing nicely with a few other warm layers.

Key Features: Warmth, Comfort, and Breathability 

The jacket is actually marketed for skiers and snowboarders, so comfort and breathability are part of the inherent design. I often feel like winter jackets are really bulky and hard to move in, but this one is perfect for traipsing through the city as well as for hiking. The jacket is truly impressive: it manages to be both lightweight and warm, and it kept me comfortable without overheating (even while I was hiking). The underarm vents are a thoughtful added bonus.

Material and Technology

Since this is two jackets in one, each part is comprised of different high-performance technologies.

• Outer Shell Features (via Zappos.com) 
  • Attached, adjustable drawcord hood that gives you coverage when you need it and is helmet-compatible.
  • Long sleeves that fit loosely through to adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs.
  • Armpit zippers with mesh lining that lets you vent excess heat as needed while keeping debris out.
  • Exposed full-zip closure in front with an internal draft flap and chin guard.
  • Zip close pocket on the left chest.
  • Covered, zip-close hand pockets for keeping small items secure when you’re on the move.
  • Zippered wrist pocket has a goggle wipe and is perfect for stashing your lift pass.
  • Internal drop-pocket that’s perfect for stowing your goggles.
  • Snap-away powder skirt with gripper elastic helps keep the snow from getting in your jacket when you wipe out.

• Inner Jacket Features (via Zappos.com)
  • Stand collar gives you extra coverage when you need it.
  • Long sleeves that taper to semi-fitted cuffs.
  • Full zip closure in front.

My personal favorite features: 

• ALL the pockets: Women’s clothing never seem to have enough pockets, but that’s not the case here. Additionally, most of the pockets on the jacket are zippered, which means stuff won’t fall out of them (which happens to me with embarrassing regularity).
• Drawcord hood: Ask me why I own multiple rain jackets with crappy hoods that fall off my head…or better yet, no hood at all. I can’t explain it either.
• The flattering shape: The struggle of staying warm but not looking like a snowman is SO real. I love that the inner jacket is cinched at the waist and that the outer jacket has elastic at the bottom that I can pull down for a less bulky look.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly: I know I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth mentioning again: this jacket is made of recycled materials, which is huge. The Triclimate is made of Bluesign approved fabric, which means it’s free of harmful substances. I love that The North Face is really committed to sustainability and being good to the environment with the clothing they produce.
• Quick-drying and waterproof: The outer shell is waterproof and the inner jacket is quick-dry, so both can really weather the elements (hehe, get it?)
• The colors: This jacket comes in a bunch of colors on Zappos.com including blue, yellow, gray, and black. Check them all out here.

Purchasing on Zappos.com

This was my first time using Zappos to purchase products, and it definitely won’t be my last. Here’s why:

• Return policy: They have an incredibly generous return policy of 365 days. That’s a WHOLE YEAR to return items that don’t work for you. Just in case you’re a hardcore procrastinator.
• Super fast (and free!) shipping: I got my items 2 business days after I ordered them!
• Great user interface: It was really easy to filter by brand, clothing type, Women’s selection, etc.
• Tons of styles: Seriously, tons and tons. They had lots of my favorite brands in one place!
• Overall awesome customer service: Zappos was quick to answer my questions and help me figure out my order.
• 2022 Update: This jacket is no longer in stock at Zappos, but is available at REI, who I also wholeheartedly recommend. They have a 365-day return policy, free shipping to the store (or your address if you spend $50+), and amazing customer service.

Styling The North Face ThermoBall Eco-Snow Triclimate Jacket

Because this is really two jackets, there are numerous ways to style it, whether you’re shredding snow, hiking up a mountain, or exploring a new city.

• The inner jacket on its own is great on a cold (but not frigid) day, combined with a sweater if you’re doing light activity or a moisture-wicking top if you’ll be active outdoors.
• The outer jacket on its own is great for lighter weight warmth if you’re out and about but it’s especially useful if it’s raining or windy, thanks to its weather-resistant properties.
• Both jackets can be worn together on a cold day, especially if there are added elements such as rain or snow.

Conclusion

I hope you found this review of The North Face ThermoBall Eco-Snow Triclimate Jacket to be useful. If you’re on the fence about purchasing, my suggestion is: just do it! It’s two awesome jackets that will keep you warm and dry and makes it easy to never stop exploring. If you have any questions about The North Face ThermoBall Jacket, comment below. Happy exploring!