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Review: The North Face Lightriser Futurelight waterproof running jacket

Written by Fiona

February 28 2022

The North Face Lightriser Futurelight running jacket was created in collaboration with the brand’s trail running athletes. The Lightriser jacket is meant to be simple and low weight. But while it is a minimalist waterproof running jacket, it still has features such as good waterproof and breathable features, as well as sealed seams and bright colours, with reflective elements ensure the wearer is seen and safe in low-light conditions.

UPDATE: Please note this jacket lost its waterproofing capabilities within months of use. It needs to be re-waterproofed with wash in products.

Key features include:

  • Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ 3L shell (20D, 81 G/M²) and made of 100% recycled polyester
  • DWR finish for added protection
  • Seam sealed
  • Reflective logo on left chest and back-right shoulder and Flight Series™ logo on left hem for enhanced visibility
  • Minimalist design reduces weight without sacrificing protection
  • Adjustable hood
  • Full-length centre front zip
  • Internal mesh back pocket is a low-profile storage solution where you can stow the jacket
  • Male and female design
  • Male and female sizes : XS-XL
  • Average weight: 180g
  • Prices: £270 to £290
  • Men’s The North Face Lightriser Futurelight waterproof running jacket and women’s The North Face Lightriser Futurelight jacket
  • Also buy for £215.99 from SportsShoes.com. The men’s jacket and the women’s jacket. (I receive a small commission for sales through my website.)
The jacket is lightweight and the bright green is a great colour.

My thoughts: The North Face Lightriser Futurelight waterproof running jacket

This is my review of the jacket, alongside my guest tester Lynsey.

Pros: The North Face Lightriser Futurelight waterproof running jacket

  • There are three different colours for women and five for men. The best, in my opinion is the green. Lynsey says: “I love the colour. It’s so bright and that makes it great for Hills running.”
  • The zip rises up to cover the chin when fully zipped. This offers good protection in poor weather.
  • Hood stays up reasonably well when the main zip is up.
  • Very lightweight and simple design.
  • The fabric is great. It’s waterproof and nicely breathable. It allowed sweat to evaporate so you avoid feeling damp.
  • Internal mesh pocket at inside rear is great for storing the jacket when not in use. This meanest packs down well.
  • Elasticated cuffs sometimes can chafe but the cuffs on this jacket are easy to like and wear.

Cons: The North Face Lightriser Futurelight waterproof running jacket

  • Very small sizing.  A small would normally be a UK10 but both myself and Lynsey found it was small. The jacket felt across the shoulders and chest and around the lower arms. It seems more like an XS size.
  • Short at the rear – jackets that cover more of the bum are better for poor weather.
  • No pockets, which is obviously to do with reducing the weight but a couple of pockets would be very useful.
  • No drawstring at hood to tighten at face.  I would need to try in high winds but I have a feeling a gust of wind might blow down the hood.  There is a drawstring at the back of the hood to reduce it but if you have long or thick hair this is not going to be as useful as an adjustor around the edge of the hod.
  • The price! It’s a very expensive jacket. You can buy from some retailers for a lower price but even then it’s still more than £200. That seems a lot for a running jacket.

How to keep your jacket waterproof

Typically after wearing the jacket over the course of a year, it is advised to reproof and wash the jacket regularly to revive and maintain the water-repellent finish.

The advice from The North Face is: In order to revive the durable water repellent, the product needs to be thoroughly cleaned with a soap based product (a mild powder detergent preferably) in a regular washing machine, on a cool-to-warm cycle.

Put the product through two rinse cycles to ensure there is no detergent residue. Dry the garment in a regular tumble dryer, on a cool setting, or use an iron on a cool setting to revive the DWR finish.

This process should revive the durable water repellent (Futurelight).

After extended use it may be necessary to use a reproofing product to replenish the DWR finish to the outer fabric surface. These can be bought from most outdoor retail stores. For example, Nikwax products or this larger size. (Note: I receive a small commission for sales through Amazon. It helps to keep this website going.)

The jacket was sent to me by The North Face in return for an honest review.

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