Bella Hadid and Drake are secret hikers wearing my favorite down jacket for hiking all over social media. So, I’m gonna review The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket and share the pros, cons and where you can get it.
Looking for a jacket that combines style and practicality? I’ve loved this jacket since the actual 90s…and so I can share from personal experience.
It’s perfect for those who want a jacket that’s easy to wear and looks good at the same time. Similar to La Sportiva hiking shoes, the fit is tops!
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket Review
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
- Feature 1: Retro AF
- Feature 2: Cold Weather Hiking
- Feature 3: Responsible Down Certified
Why We Liked It: The jacket has a classic, retro design that looks great both on and off the trail. It’s available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your style. The jacket is also made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
The jacket is highly trendy both for hikers and streetwear. It weighs 1 lb 8.16 oz and is not a lightweight choice. It isn't what you'd want for backpacking. But it's very warm and boxy cut allowing you to stay out longer on hikes.
Note: The jacket might be a bit heavy and bulky for some hikers.
Who Should Use It:This down jacket is perfect for those that may want to go from the trail to a farm to table restaurant.
High Quality Materials
700 -fill goose down
Stylish Design
Bulky
Not Fully Waterproof
Pricey
The hand wash only feature is a bit of a downside, but it’s a small price to pay for a jacket that looks this good and is FUNCTIONAL!
You can use it for outdoor things like hiking, skiing, bikejoring with your husky, but it’s really more about fashion with this North Face puffy jacket.
north face nuptse 700 vs 1996
(It’s the same thing…700 refers to the amount of down fill (how many goose feathers.)
The Nuptse jacket is filled with 700-fill goose down, which provides excellent insulation and warmth. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as the North Face Nuptse 700.
One of the standout features of this jacket is its retro design making it the perfect Gorpcore jacket. It’s a throwback to the 90s, but with modern materials that make it comfortable and durable.
The jacket is also lightweight, which makes it easy to wear for extended periods. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or camping, but it’s also stylish enough to wear around town.
Bottom Line: Gorpcore meets function (sorta)
I highly recommend this jacket because it’s a stylish and practical jacket that’s perfect for those who want a comfortable jacket that looks good and performs well and totally fits in with the Gorpcore fit. Click here to purchase the jacket, but know that while it’s a fashion statement it’s not the best for outdoor adventures, it doesn’t pack small like other down jackets, but it’s super warm and you can layer under it well.
Pros and Cons north face puffer jacket 700
- Retro Style
- Responsible Down Certified (less animal harm)
- Lightweight and VERY warm
- Pricey
- Boxy cut - specific silhouette
- Not subtle - it's a vibe
The North Face Nuptse Review
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket has impressive quality and performance. The jacket is designed to keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather conditions. The jacket features a zipper closure that makes it easy to put on and take off.
The North Face is a well-known brand in the outdoor gear industry, and the 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is a testament to their commitment to quality. The jacket is made with high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. It is available in multiple sizes, colors and patterns.
Key Features
When it comes to picking the right jacket for the winter season, The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is a great option to consider. This jacket is packed with a bunch of features that make it stand out from other jackets in the market. In this section, we will discuss some of the key features that make this jacket worth considering.
700 Down fill insulation
This is a warm jacket, no doubt. 700 down fill is a lot for keeping you warm. The highest rated jackets are 800 so this one is up there in terms of insulation.
Boxy fit
This jacket is very comfortable and doesn’t constrict your movement at all. You can layer as much as you want under
Large Pockets
You can store almost anything in these massive pockets.
Wind-Resistant
This jacket is very wind resistant and keeps me warm. I have spent a lot of time sitting still on a bike while my dog pulls me (not generating any of my own heat) and I’m comfortable until about 20 deg F.
Hand Wash Only
Another important feature of the north face nuptse 1996 is that it is hand wash only. This means that you will need to take extra care when cleaning the jacket to ensure that it stays in good condition.
That made me think…
While hand washing may seem like an inconvenience, it is actually a good thing because it helps to prolong the life of the jacket.
Is North Face 700 waterproof?
While it is water resistant, I can confidently say that it is not waterproof based on my experiences bikejoring with my husky. It’s very large and thick and I stayed warm down to 30 deg F in light rain. During a heavy rain or sleet I would not use this for anything other than city use going between buildings or subways.
Benefits
When it comes to the North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, we were impressed by the numerous benefits it offers. The jacket is extremely lightweight and easy to wear, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
We found that the jacket is durable and long-lasting, thanks to the high-quality materials used in its construction.
Pros and Cons
After testing The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide if this jacket is right for you.
Pros
- Warmth: It is incredibly warm. It kept us cozy in freezing temperatures, and we didn’t need to layer too much underneath it.
- Style: The jacket has a retro look that is both stylish and eye-catching. We received many compliments while wearing it.
- Quality: The jacket is well-made and durable. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and has a long lifespan.
- Comfort: The jacket is comfortable to wear and fits true to size. The material is soft and doesn’t feel bulky.
Cons
- Length: The jacket could be longer in length. We found that it didn’t provide enough coverage for our lower back and hips.
- Price: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is on the expensive side. It may not be affordable for everyone.
- Bulk: This jacket is very puffy.
- Wet Heavy Rain: This jacket will not protect you in a heavy rain storm.
While it may be a bit pricey, the quality and durability make it worth the investment. The only downside is the length, so if you’re someone who prefers more coverage, this jacket may not be the best option for you.
Customer Reviews
We scoured through the customer reviews for the Nuptse Jacket and found that the general consensus is that this jacket is worth the investment. One customer noted that they wished the length was longer, but overall, the jacket is incredibly warm and provides great value for the money.
Final Verdict
I love this jacket, plain and simple. It’s awesome that it’s back in trend.
- Feature 1: Retro AF
- Feature 2: Cold Weather Hiking
- Feature 3: Responsible Down Certified
Here’s the key features and where to buy:
| Product Features | North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse |
|---|---|
| Down | 700-fill-power |
| Weight | 1 lb 8.16 oz |
| Responsible Down Certified | Yes |
More Jacket Buying Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to choosing the right jacket, it’s normal to have questions. In this section, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What are the differences between North Face Nuptse 700 and 1996 Retro Nuptse jackets?
Nothing. 700 refers to the amount of “down fill” and Nuptse refers to the model of the coat. The Nuptse 1996 revives the storied look of the original ’90s model, with its distinctive boxy cut and lustrous fabric, capturing the essence of nostalgia while serving the dual purpose of urban fashion and functionality.
How warm is the men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket?
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket is designed to keep you warm in cold weather conditions. The jacket is insulated with 700 fill goose down, which provides excellent warmth and insulation. The jacket is also wind-resistant, which helps to keep you warm even in windy conditions. While the jacket is not designed for extreme cold, it is an excellent option for everyday wear in cold weather.
Is the North Face Nuptse jacket waterproof?
No, the North Face Nuptse jacket is not waterproof. While the jacket is water-resistant, it is not designed to be worn in heavy rain or wet conditions. If you are looking for a waterproof jacket, we recommend checking out the North Face Resolve jacket.
Is the 1996 Nuptse jacket worth it?
If you are looking for a warm and stylish jacket, the North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket is definitely worth it. The jacket is made with high-quality materials and is designed to last for years. While the jacket is on the expensive side, it is a great investment for anyone who lives in a cold climate.
How warm is the Retro Nuptse jacket for women?
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket for women is designed to keep you warm in cold weather conditions. The jacket is insulated with 550 fill goose down, which provides excellent warmth and insulation. The jacket is also wind-resistant, which helps to keep you warm even in windy conditions. While the jacket is not designed for extreme cold, it is an excellent option for everyday wear in cold weather.
What are the reviews for the North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket on Reddit?
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket has received many positive reviews on Reddit. Many users have praised the jacket for its warmth and style, while others have noted that the jacket is a great investment for anyone who lives in a cold climate.
If you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.
Why Trust? Our Review Process
- We own and field test every product in real-life outdoor situations.
- No sponsored reviews or payment for reviews.
- We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
- Hiked and skied on 3 continents x 30 years.
We know finding trustworthy advice can be tough. As a physical therapist, avid hut-to-hut hiker, skier, and mother, I’m always on the lookout for gear that enhances comfort and enjoyment in the great outdoors, all while grounded in scientific principles. That’s the inspiration behind Crave the Planet.
I’ll be real with you, I’m not an expert in every outdoor activity. But, who is? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet and our growing team lives for the Outdoors.
We value continuous learning and welcome your constructive feedback. If you spot a missed product or an error, please let us know.
How to Style The North Face Nuptse Video
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For nostalgia lovers, The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a warm and stylish jacket.
While the jacket is on the expensive side, it is a great investment for anyone who lives in a cold climate. We hope that this the North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket review has answered some of your questions.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.