Are The North Face jackets worth it for walking? I've hiked all over the world, and the Summit Breithorn Down Jacket is the one I'd recommend

The North Face Summit Breithorn Down Jacket is the most technical of all the down jackets I've tested, and it really shines in intense alpine expeditions, but that doesn't discount it from daily use, which is why you see so many North Face jackets on the high street.

Are they worth the cost? I'd say so, yes! If you are planning on tackling some higher alpine terrain this year in your walking shoes, or you just find the winter cold intolerable, you might want to invest in something more reliable, and The North Face Summit Breithorn Down Jacket offers the best protection.

I learnt that firsthand when I got to test out this jacket on a glacier hike in the Alps between Italy and Switzerland one November. At over 11,300 feet, we experienced whiteout conditions, and I was very thankful for the warmth this jacket provided. But even if you're not headed anywhere further away than your local trails, this jacket is a worthy investment.

The Breithorn has become my favourite for treks abroad and cold ski holidays, thanks to its superior warmth and technical touches that make sure I feel comfortable and confident when the temperatures really drop. That said, I've been known to wear it in the city too, as I love the way it looks.

The North Face Summit Breithorn Hooded Women's Down Jacket review

Specifications

• Size range: 6 - 14
• Fit: Slim
• Materials: Pertex Y nylon shell, with ProDown insulation
• Hood: Yes
• Pockets: Five useful pockets for gear

What are the standout features of the North Face Summit Breithorn Down Jacket?

The unusual thing about The North Face is that it manages to be loved by everyone from the world's best mountaineers to celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. Its iconic down jackets look great, but they're also effective in harsh conditions, and that's what I love about the Breithorn.

This jacket is actually designed for technical climbing, so it's meant to be worn under a waterproof shell, and that means it has quite a slim fit compared to some down jackets. I think it looks really stylish on, comparable to other down jackets like the Rab Microlight Alpine Women's Down Jacket and the Columbia Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket, though I'm not sure how well it would work for those with curvier physiques.

The 800 fill power down basically means that this is a really warm jacket compared to pretty much any other I've tested, so I personally save this one for winter and alpine environments.

It's really comfortable, thanks to buttery soft shell fabric and the design, which makes movement easy. I can zip it all the way up with no chafing and easily raise my arms over my head, bend and stretch.

It's built to protect you against an arctic wind, and that means the hood stays put, and there are handy stretchy wrist gaiters that easily fit under the cuff of my gloves and leave no skin exposed. It's also got five handy pockets, including two deep inner pockets. That's something I look for in a good down jacket, as it means I can keep my phone, chapstick, gloves and sunglasses close to hand.

Why is North Face Summit Breithorn Hybrid Down Jacket great for the mountains?

I experienced some pretty challenging, cold and snowy conditions in the Alps, but with this jacket (and a waterproof layer on top), I actually stayed pretty happy – and I don't love being cold. The only part of me that felt cold in this jacket was my hands, and that's because I kept removing my gloves to take photos.

I really love the stretchy wrist gaiters because they keep a draft out, and they make it easy to wear this jacket with any gloves, but I do find they make it hard to pull my sleeve back and check my Garmin watch, which is a little annoying.

The w&h verdict

This jacket is a seriously high-performing technical down jacket if you want the very best for cold weather. It's toasty and comfortable when you're standing on top of a mountain, but smart enough for braving the chill on urban adventures too.

This jacket is meant for really cold conditions, so I've never struggled with getting overly sweaty in it, but because it's made for warmth, you might need to strip off in milder weather if you want to get moving. I'd suggest a lighterweight one if you're planning on wearing a down jacket for cooler summer evenings - like the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie.

It's not going to keep you dry in a rainstorm, but if you're just dealing with a passing shower, it is treated to make the rain bead on the surface of the fabric rather than soak in.

The hood is helmet-compatible, which in my experience can mean it's huge, but this one is surprisingly snug even when I don't cinch it, which actually means I can hike without a hat if I want to and avoid messy hair.

Sitting at the higher end of the price spectrum, it's certainly more of a consideration than other down jackets, but it's well worth the investment, in my opinion - and especially so if you're looking for a new general winter coat. In the warmer seasons, you may be able to scout around and find a deal, too.

If your walk involves more walking sandals and workout leggings than hand warmers and hiking trousers, I'd recommend going for something much lighter.