The North Face have been producing gear for adventuring since 1966.  A consistent seller in recent years for the Californian company has been the Crimptastic Hybrid Jacket.

The Crimptastic sits between a fleece and a down jacket.  It has a fleecy base, with down panelling strategically placed on the torso and arms.  The 800 down ensures warmth where it’s needed, whilst the stretchy fleece ensures articulation of the arms without obstruction or chafing.  The outer shell is down-proof nylon ripstop with DWR that is also wind resistant and breathable.

The Crimptastic is suitable for a wide range of sports in colder climates.  It would is ideal for climbing, ski mountaineering or even trekking. Its compressibility makes it easy to stow; as it lacks the bulk of a full down jacket.  The down material seems fragile, but I have snagged it on plenty of branches and rocks and it has come away unscathed.

The Crimptastic is a hybrid by name and nature.  It is versatile enough to be worn with just a base layer, or even with a shell jacket on top, making for a very cosy mid-layer.  It’s designed for people who value a jacket that will work with them, rather than against them in their chosen adventure.

Useful Information

Available in all men’s sizes from The North Face Store for £169.
The North Face and Sustainability.