Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

Review: The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight jacket

Written by Fiona

August 03 2023

I have been testing a new The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight jacket. This is The North Face’s latest waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket for runners.

Features include:

  • Fabric: FUTURELIGHT 92 G/M² 3-layer, 100% recycled polyester ripstopDurable Water-Seam-sealed
  • DWR finish
  • Slim fit
  • Hood with a drawcord for adjustability
  • Exposed, water-resistant, full-length centre front zip with a chin guard
  • Internal pocket doubles as a stow pocket and has a hand strap for easy carrying while running
  • Internal hem cinch-cord with a cord lock for adjustability
  • Reflective heat transfer logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder
  • Sizes: Female: XS to XL; male: S to XL
  • Price: £270
  • See: The North Face and also SportShoes.

On test: The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight jacket

This the latest high performance waterproof running jacket from The North Face. It is a slightly heavier fabric compared to The North Face Lightriser Futurelight jacket although it is still lightweight. The women’s medium is 211g.

The fit is better than the Lightriser. The sizes of the Lightriser were very neat, while the newer Summit Superior are more generous. I requested a medium sizer because I was worried the small would be too net, but actually the medium is roomy on me. I am a UK10.

The fabric is quite soft and stretchy and not too noisy. It can be worn against bare skin without feeling cold and clammy.

The hood is a good fit and can be further adjusted by a single elastic pull at the back of the hood.

Wondering if this cairn marked the top of a Munro or Corbett top!

The sleeves are long enough for my long arms and with half-elastic hems. The torso hem is longer at the rear for better coverage and can be adjusted with an elastic cord and toggle. However, this is not a long jacket and I am not especially tall so if you are tall, you might find it is not long enough for you.

The one-way full-length front zip has a storm backer for greater weather protection.

It’s a very easy jacket to wear with good freedom of movement.

It also performs well in the wet and wind. The fabric keeps out rain and wind and also offers good breathability. Even when working hard in the mountains I did not end up sweaty and damp.

There is a DWR coating for extra water repellency.

I am going to update this review in due course because the same fabric, albeit a little lighter weight, is used in The North Face Lightriser Futurelight jacket and after a few months of wear it leaked. However, so far, it has been good at keeping me dry in the damp and rain.

I like that the fabric is recycled. I am not sure if the DWR is PFC-free though because I can’t see this info on the website.

I like the range of brighter colour. There is a black version for men and women if you want that but I much prefer brighter hues.

The jacket packs neatly into a inner mesh pocket.

The price is high. £270 for a running jacket seems very pricey to me but if the jacket keeps out the rain and is long-lasting then it could be worth the investment.

  • I was sent this jacket without charge in exchange for an honest review.

More Like This

Adventure

100 press-ups a day for a year: What have I learned?

Run

Entries open for 2025 West Highland Way Race

Adventure

Winners in 55th Original Mountain Marathon held in Perthshire

Adventure

Walking holidays: Self-guided hiking in the Dolomites, Italy

Kit

Review: Camelbak Apex™ Pro Run Vest pack

Kit

Review: Octane™ 16 Hydration Hiking Pack with Fusion™ 2L Reservoir