Although I really like the sun, I can’t live a year without a ski trip. A few weeks ago, I was invited along with some journalists to visit "La Clusaz", which is a relatively small and so far little-known ski resort in France. I was however very pleased to discover this very pleasant place with a great variety of tracks and a charming and most authentic village. During this short ski, I also had the opportunity to try out ski clothing for "The North Face", one of the top brands in the world. It soon turned out that years of experience and excellence in particular are a great combination.
© The North Face
The jacket "Men's Furano jacket":
A good skier needs a good pair of boots and skis, everyone knows that for sure, but the importance of a good jacket and trouser can’t be underestimated. The North Face asked me to test out the "Men 's Furano Jacket". The jacket has the color named "Conquer Blue", but it’s rather shading between blue, green and gray. The inside is bright green and has yellow zippers. Together it creates a modern and very handsome appearance. Both, on the track and outside, the jacket is soft, yet very warm. Even during nighttime walks, I've never had a cold feeling. The jacket is also equipped with the necessary current technologies as "HyVent ™ Fabric” which means that, by using a multi-layer system, perspiration can be evacuated which permits your skin to breath normally. The cold air, just as moisture, can’t get inside. Furthermore, also the "Recco system" is used which ensures that aid agencies around the world can easily locate you when you are lost or surprised by an avalanche. It is also important to know that at the level of your stomach and at the end of both arms, no snow can penetrate after a fall. At the height of the left wrist, you can find a microfiber cloth in a small bag to keep your glasses clean, a small detail, but a very practical one. This jacket is sold for 450 Euros, definitely worth a strong recommendation.
© The North Face
© The North Face
The trousers "Stanton Trouser":
Although the trousers aren’t part of the “Furano line”, they perfectly fit with the jacket described above. The "Stanton Trouser" is in a bright green color, just like the zipper and as the inside of the jacket, It feels very soft and is also equipped with the "FabricHyVent ™" technology allowing the trouser to be waterproof, breathable and yet nicely keeping the warmth inside. The trousers can be closed with a zipper and two buttons allow you to adjust with 2 Velcro-straps around your waist. The bottom of the trousers is extra reinforced and there is a separate layer preventing snow to penetrate. The trousers are equipped with several bags, but personally I find them rather small. It would have been nice, if there had been at least one large bag. For 190 Euro, the trouser is yours.
© The North Face
© The North Face
The gloves "ETIP Facet Gloves":
The hands deserve a little heat and therefore I tested for you the "ETIP Facet Gloves". The gloves are completely black and offer an almost perfect protection against cold and snow. The fingers contain an extra protective leather layer. An additional point of these gloves is that you can use your smartphone without removing the gloves. Unfortunately, I have tried several times to try out this function on my iPhone, unfortunately without a positive result. To make matters worse, it appears that when the gloves are wet (by sweat or melted snow) the black color recedes. If the manufacturer could investigate and improve this issue, these gloves can certainly be recommended for your skiing holiday! Price is 95 Euro.
© The North Face
The backpack "Surge II Charged":
Like everyone, I need to equip myself with different stuff on a ski trip. Things like a laptop or an iPad, a MP3 player and/or some drinks/food and maybe even an extra sweater. We all know that these technological devices provide a more enjoyable life, but unfortunately they have a limited autonomy and there is nothing more annoying than in the middle of an email or a game to get the message of a flat battery. Probably only then you will realize that it will take hours before you are going to have a possibility to recharge your devices again. The "Surge II Charged" from The North Face will solve this issue immediately. The backpack is equipped with an extra battery with a USB port where you can charge almost any device (f.i. up to 2 full charges of your phone). Even if the battery is in front and your laptop (up to 17") at the back, The North Face thought of the necessary holes to pull the charging cable all the way to the back. The “Surged Charged II” provides space (32 liters) for all kinds of stuff like an extra jacket or sweater and even some food/drinks. Personally, I think it is a very handsome backpack, although the number of front pockets might be overkilled, but you don’t need to use them all. External dimensions of the backpack are 44.5cm x 26.7cm x 5.1cm. Would you like to purchase the backpack and then it will cost you 180 Euro.
© The North Face
© The North Face
The “duffel bag – L”:
The "Duffel Bag" of The North Face is becoming a concept in the world of adventurers, sailors and people who like to participate at active holidays. Why? It’s so simple, but so durable, handy and lightweight. The design is very simple: a cylindrical shape with a large opening which is closable with a sturdy zipper. The bottom is provided with an extra layer against wear and tear. At the top, two handles permits to wear the bag as a backpack. On both sides there are several possibilities to tie the bag. Available in discreet colors like black, but also in bright yellow. The sizes range from 25 liters/1050gr (XS) to 155 liters/2240gr (XL). I tested for you the "Large version" with a capacity of 90 liters and a weight of 1.82 kg. The test results were so convincing that I purchased a yellow bag for my next trips! Cost is 120 Euros for the large version.
© The North Face
Conclusion:
The North Face proposed to test out the "Men 's Furano Jacket " & the "Stanton Trouser". Both products provide value for money: in cold periods, the cloths will keep you warm and give adequate protection against snow that can’t penetrate after a fall. The ETIP Facet gloves have enchanted me. As gloves, they are good, but the value of the smartphone function didn’t work and in contact with moisture (sweat - melted snow), the color goes off. Finally, the "Surge II Charged " backpack & the "Duffel bag" bag: The “Surge II Charged” is a beautiful and convenient backpack with the nice addition of a battery that can charge all the devices if you have a USB cable. Very useful if you are using devices with limited autonomy. The classic adventure travel bag is the "Duffel bag". Simple in design, but so durable, handy and lightweight. Simple products can also be genius!
