The North Face Stratos Jacket arrived with us a few weeks ago ready for our spring/summer stock launch and since then we’ve been wearing down jackets as the weather has been so poor, and so today has been the first chance to test drive the Stratos Jacket.

The North Face Stratos Jacket
We’ve taken the The North Face Stratos Jacket in the men’s and women’s versions and also the men’s trousers too. Right, so Mike and I have borrowed the Nautical Blue, and obviously that’s the first feature you clamp down on. It’s a really great colour as it’s not dull and nor is it garish which makes those of us who wish not to stand out or blend in very happy. It’s a warm(ish) day and so we’re wearing short sleeve shirts, and luckily instead of the HyVent 2.5 layer fabric The North Face have used the standard 2 layer with a mesh inner to allow for comfort and allow for the breathable fabric to work it’s magic. I prefer the 2 layer with next to skin products all be it a little heavier I find it more comfortable.
This jacket only weighs in at 430g so for a fully waterproof, seam sealed, hooded and feature rich coat, it’s already feeling pretty good! TNF have added pit zips, which in my opinion, is a must have for a general purpose waterproof. It just opens up the the usage a little more in our lovely, rainy climate. The pit zips are easy to use and you can’t feel them either as they’re pretty low profile, not like the ones you get in a true hardshell where you can feel them each time you move.

The North Face Stratos Jacket
The hood is plenty big enough to have a cap or hat below and has a volume adjuster so if it’s windy you can pull it in tight without obscuring your view and having it flapping in the wind. If you’re not in the hood camp then you can tidily roll it away into the collar for a an actual rainy day, or when you forget your waterproof cap, again adding to the versatility of this waterproof.
We’re impressed with the Stratos Jacket and love the way it’s so unassuming. For use in everyday conditions, on dog walks and commutes it’s a perfect coat to have as you can use the ample venting if you warm up and need to cool off, it’s waterproof and breathable so you’re not likely to poach if the sun makes an appearance and it’s sporting a generous, relaxed cut so you can use over fleece or skin without feeling trapped or like you’re wearing a tent.
If you fancy the Women’s Stratos then that comes in two striking colours, the Fuschia Pink and the Kodiak Blue so you can have his and hers Stratos Jackets!



