The North Face Summit Breithorn Hooded Down Jacket review: Lightweight comfort

Having tested The North Face Summit Breithorn Hooded Down Jacket from the windswept Norwegian Fjords to the rolling hills of the Lake District in England - and a few stops in-between - I can confidently say this is a top-performing piece of gear.

Whether braving chilly mountain winds or navigating damp, unpredictable weather, this snug down insulated jacket combines comfort, warmth and technical design in a way that’s hard to beat.

Named after a famed 4,160m peak in the Swiss Alps, The North Face Summit Breithorn Hooded Down Jacket has a long-standing stellar reputation, with loads of positive reviews from well-known outdoor publications and respected gear reviewers.

Why? Well, the 800-fill power down insulation delivers impressive warmth without excessive bulk, and the slim, athletic, alpine-style cut fits the bill perfectly for many energetic adventurers. It's streamlined and functional, while still offering a surprising amount of comfort.

One of the standout features is the adjustable hood, which provides a snug fit and adds an extra layer of protection against the elements. The elasticated wrist gaiters are a good touch too, sealing in warmth and keeping out drafts when you're on the move.

The Summit Breithorn is versatile enough to function as a solid mid-layer in a layering system, yet as an outer layer it’s still competent – the shell’s DWR coating means it can handle light showers without turning into a soggy mess.

Overall, the jacket strikes a great balance between warmth, weight and technical performance - though not ultralight, it’s streamlined enough for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

However, as with most high-performance gear from The North Face, the price-tag is on the hefty side. Additionally, the jacket is not the lightest in its class (428g, men’s small), and the relatively slim fit and athletic cut might not be the best choice for all body types.

But if you’re looking for a comfortable, warm and technical insulated jacket that performs well across a variety of conditions, the Summit Breithorn is a serious contender.

Insulation, Warmth, and Weather Protection

The Summit Breithorn Hooded Down Jacket excels in terms of warmth, thanks to its lofty 800-fill ProDown insulation. This premium down provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, keeping you snug and cosy in colder conditions without feeling overly bulky or thick.

The ProDown treatment ensures the down retains its loft even in damp conditions, performing better in the wet compared to untreated down.

While I haven’t had the chance to fully test its water-repellent capabilities in more sustained rain, in theory, it should fare well, especially when paired with the DWR-treated shell (a 100% recycled ripstop nylon for enhanced eco credentials), which beads off light rain effectively.

The jacket’s DWR finish is non-PFC, which is also a plus for environmentally-conscious consumers, and it provides decent protection against fabric saturation in lighter moisture - but for more prolonged precipitation, you'll definitely want a hard shell over the top.

In terms of warmth, this jacket really delivers. The 800-fill ProDown insulation feels lovely and warm, enveloping you in a comfortable, snug cocoon.

Despite its impressive warmth, it doesn’t feel overly thick or cumbersome, making it ideal for layering or using as a standalone outer in cooler conditions.

That said, for the £340 price point, some might expect an even higher fill power, say 850+ or more, but the 800-fill ProDown is still a high-quality standard that performs admirably.

It’s also worth noting that the goose down used in this jacket adheres to the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the insulation is “ethically sourced, responsibly produced and traceable”.

Breathability is decent, but not remarkable - this jacket is about warmth, and if you’re working hard or moving at a faster pace, you may start to feel a bit too hot.

Overall, it’s a solid performer in terms of insulation and weather protection, though ultimately more intense or prolonged wet conditions will call for an additional shell layer.

Fit and Comfort

The North Face Summit Breithorn Hooded Down Jacket has a strong reputation for comfort, and I’d absolutely agree with that assessment.

During my test walks, I found it wonderfully comfy – no complaints whatsoever across that metric. The cut and fit worked really well for me, with good proportions throughout. The arm length was spot on, the fit around the waist felt streamlined and sealed-in without being restrictive, and the volume across the shoulders was just right.

I’d describe the fit as true to size: I’m usually a men’s small and that’s the size I opted for. The cut is perhaps ever so slightly on the slim side, but not excessively so.

The only negative for me was the stretchy wrist cuffs, which felt a bit loose - I’d have preferred a slightly tighter fit there, although that might be an issue specific to me. In terms of comfort, the jacket performs very well: soft, cloud-like and cosy, but without feeling boxy or overly bulky.

It strikes a really nice balance - and looks great too, with a striking, technical style. Of course, fit is always subjective, and while the jacket suited my slim and athletic build nicely, the cut might not work as well for everyone.

The North Face state that the jacket has a “slim fit”, described as follows: “This garment fits close to the body for a more streamlined look.” The brand also praises the climbing-focused freedom of movement you get with this jacket, stating the “underarm gussets and raglan sleeves” provide “full arms-up mobility”.

Features

The North Face Summit Breithorn Hooded Down Jacket strikes a fine balance between being fully-featured and remaining lightweight and minimalist.

Key features include a helmet-compatible hood, which has a rear toggle for fine-tuning the fit to your head shape and size, along with an elasticated rim for further enhanced comfort.

The stretchy wrist cuffs and single-toggle adjustable waist hem further help refine the fit, although the waist is already quite snug and well-shaped.

In terms of pockets, you get a practical and well-thought-out selection: a secure-zip chest pocket on the left breast (with an integrated mesh pouch that easily fits my oversized Samsung S22+), two high-positioned handwarmer pockets that sit above a harness or backpack hipbelt, and two large internal drop pockets ideal for stashing gloves or a hat.

Additional useful details include an insulated internal draft flap behind the centre front YKK Vislon zipper, and the ability to pack the jacket into its own left-hand pocket for easy storage.

Overall I’d say the Breithorn is a well-equipped piece that doesn’t overdo it – it’s functional, efficient and built for the mountains. My only minor criticism is that it’s quite climbing-centric, so may be overkill for the average hillwalker.

Verdict

A super comfortable, well designed, alpine-style down jacket with a great warmth-to-weight ratio and some nice features – but it’s quite expensive

If down isn't your thing, check out our roundup of the best synthetic insulated jackets.

About the author

James Forrest writes regular features and route guides for Trail and LFTO, and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.