Review: The North Face Nevero Jacket

A lined waterproof jacket for hiking in cooler conditions or everyday wear

The North Face Nevero Jacket is the kind of waterproof that you wouldn’t think twice about choosing to wear into town or out on a rainy evening. If you’re after something that doesn’t make you look like you’re destined for a wet weekend on the Moors, then it’s a superb option, even if that’s exactly where you’re going! With a simple design and heathered outer, it’s one of the most stylish rain jackets out there. But does it stand up to all that the wet and windy moors can throw at it? Read on to find out!

The North Face Nevero Jacket: The stats

Features of the The North Face Nevero Jacket

Fabric

The Nevero is a lined jacket which combines polyester mesh around the top of the body, and nylon lining around the lower torso and arms. The outer fabric is a blend of nylon and polyester Melange fabric – a mix of fibers that are cross dyed to create a heathered effect. Additionally, The North Face have created their own version of GoreTex: DryVent. This is a waterproof and breathable membrane.

Hood

The peaked hood features a nylon lining and soft microfiber panels around the back of the neck and a panel at the chin. Just below the neck panel is a tab with popper buttons to attach a compatible mid layer or fleece to the inside of the jacket. The hood is also adjustable with a single toggle at the back which tightens an elasticated drawcord.

Hem

The jacket provides plenty of length at the hem to keep the tops of the legs well covered. This is complemented by a little extra length at the rear hem. The whole hem has an elasticated drawcord which can be adjusted via secret toggles on the insides of the hand pockets!

Cuffs

The cuffs are shaped nicely for extra coverage over the backs of the hands, and are tightened with a simple Velcro tab. There is also an elasticated loop on the inside of each cuff which I only imagine is intended for attaching gloves to.

Pockets

There are two good-sized hand pockets which feature a low profile and discreet zipper. The zipper pulls are long enough to grasp easily with gloves on. As mentioned, the pockets feature adjustable hem toggles.

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The North Face Nevero Jacket review

I’ve never really been a fan of lined rain jackets. I find them disconcerting and never quite know how to layer with them. First world problems! However, I have to say I very much enjoy that extra little bit of protection and warmth that the lining seems to provide on wet and windy hikes. Am I sold on lined rain jackets? Not yet. But that’s mainly from a versatility point of view. I rather like to be able to do everything (run, bike, hike, stroll, canoe etc) in the same jacket. For a winter hiking-specific rain jacket, however, the lining is only a bonus thus far.

Fit

Though in some brands I wear a small, I opted for the size medium in the Nevero. And I’m pleased that I did. Yes, the overall look is a bit more baggy than some might prefer, but this means that I can easily fit my down jacket underneath on the really cold days. Plus, there is very little stretch in the jacket fabric. So, despite the extra room that the medium offers, I still feel slightly restricted in the arms during higher energy activities. If you’re between sizes, like I am, it’s worth trying on both. Also consider how you’ll be wearing it: with down layers underneath, just for hiking etc.

Weather protection

Despite its soft feeling fabric, which feels like it will soak up even the smallest levels of moisture, the melange outer layer is actually a highly effective barrier against water. In fact, The North Face claim that the Nevero is “guaranteed to keep you dry on the trail.” And, so far, so good! It doesn’t bead water like other technical, shiny outer face fabrics do. And it does appear to soak up water giving the fabric an unnervingly saturated look.  Yet the seepage stops there. Even in torrential rain and very strong winds the DryVent membrane has stood up to its expectations.

Versatility

There are certainly waterproof jackets out there that offer more versatility, for adventurers and active folk, than the Nevero. It’s not designed for higher energy activities like running and mountain biking; there are no pit vents, not much stretch in the fabric, and a substantial lining. However, the lining and tough exterior make it an ideal winter waterproof for hiking and everyday wear. Add to that its casual and stylish aesthetics, and it suddenly becomes a little more than just a hiking waterproof, but winter layer for everyday wear too.

What I love the most about the The North Face Nevero Jacket

Because I mostly wear this in winter over other insulated layers, I love that there is extra length at the hem. This not only keeps the layers well covered from the rain, but also keeps my backside warm and protected!

I also like the simplicity and effectiveness of the hood which can be cinched in well in wet and windy conditions.

What I don’t love so much about the The North Face Nevero Jacket

As mentioned, I find the fit of the arms restrictive when doing higher energy activities. Fine for walking in, but anything more and I’m very aware of the tightness. I would also love to see pit vents in a jacket with this price tag.

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Verdict

If you’re after something more versatile for multi-activities and high energy adventures then this probably isn’t the jacket for you.

However, as winter rain jackets go, The North Face Nevero Jacket is up there with the best in its price bracket. Boasting exceptional waterproofness, comfort and warmth, with well thought-through (if not limited) features, it’s that great looking rain coat for hiking and casual wear that you thought you’d never manage to find.

Enjoy!

Find the latest price at:
Cotswold Outdoor | The North Face

Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.