The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate Review

The Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate stands out for providing warmth, weather resistance, and features on par with other single-piece ski jackets, but does so with the added versatility and value of a 3-in-1 modular construction.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

This jacket provides plenty of warmth and is suitable for use on the coldest days of the winter. This performance is achieved by using synthetic insulation in the sweater component and a hanging mesh liner in the shell. Overall, these two pieces trap plenty of air between layers of fabric, creating a very warm system.

When worn alone, the shell jacket is warmer than the shell-only jackets on the market due to the hanging mesh liner. The synthetic puffy sweater is warm enough for chilly fall and spring days. Compared to other single-piece insulated ski jackets, the combined jacket is right up there for warmth.

Weather Resistance

The Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate proved to be a very weather-resistant jacket in our testing. The North Face's proprietary DryVent fabric is completely waterproof, and the seams are sealed. We also like the DWR used in this product. After an extended soaking in the shower, water still beaded up on the fabric. Considering the jacket's price, this is impressive.

The construction of the jacket also helps fend off the weather. The attached hood is large and easily fits a helmet. The adjustment cords are easy to work with gloved hands. The sleeves and hem are long enough to keep all body parts covered. The sleeve openings feature velcro tab closures, and the hem of the jacket can be cinched tight by an elastic cord. There is also an attached powder skirt, but you need to separate the shell from the liner before you can use it. This design is a drawback that all 3-in-1 jackets share. Another bummer is that the pockets do not have waterproof zippers, allowing water to enter if worn on stormy days with temperatures above freezing.

Comfort and Fit

The ECO Snow Triclimate has a neutral fit, meaning loose but not too baggy. The hem is a bit long, contributing to the jacket's style and weather resistance. The torso is also roomy, almost a little boxy when compared to the more contoured or tailored fit of some of the high-end ski jackets on the market.

Overall, the ECO Snow Triclimate is a comfortable jacket. The inner fabric of the synthetic puffy sweater is comfortable against the skin, and a large fleece chin guard protects against abrasion from the zipper or shell fabric. We also appreciate the fleece-lined handwarmer pockets. After a lot of use, we noticed that the multiple layers in the 3-in-1 system rub against each other and create friction that slightly inhibits motion. Again, this problem is shared by other 3-in-1 jackets.

Ventilation

The ECO Snow Triclimate suffers from poor ventilation. The armpit vents only extend through the jacket's shell, not the insulated liner. However, if you purchased a shell jacket and a synthetic liner separately, you would end up with the same problem. Our testers noted that the synthetically-insulated mid-layer component is not that breathable.

The armpit vents in the ECO Snow Triclimate are long and unencumbered by mesh. This design allows for lots of airflow through the vents. The outer shell fabric is somewhat breathable but nothing special. As a result, this jacket isn't our first choice for warm-weather skiing, or for highly aerobic activities like skiing moguls or hiking to find fresh powder.

Style

As far as looks, the Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate is modest and agreeable. The cut is loose but not baggy, and the length is just right. The jacket comes in a variety of colors, which range from blocky and generic to stylish and sleek. We liked the style of the grey and black option that we tested.

Our testers and style confidants thought the jacket's design was unremarkable and would fit right in with a crowd. But if you want to turn heads and make a fashion statement, look elsewhere. The majority of skiers will look good and feel good in this jacket.

Features

The ECO Snow Triclimate has all the features you need to enjoy a day on the slopes. Two handwarmer pockets with a comfortable fleece lining and an external chest pocket give you plenty of room to stash your trail map, wallet, car keys, or lip balm. We like the inclusion of a powder skirt, but we wish it were removable because we don't use it that often. It features a ski pass pocket on the sleeve and a goggle wipe on a lanyard from the pass pocket. The hood is highly adjustable but uninsulated.

The shell features an internal mesh pocket that you can't access if the liner jacket is in place. The liner jacket, if worn alone, features two handwarmer pockets that can't be closed. Overall, the features of this jacket are well-designed and easy to use, and the zippers are easy to pull. The only features we miss on this jacket are a RECCO reflector and a media pocket on the inside of the chest.

Should You Buy the ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate?

3-in-1 jackets are an inherently good value because you buy both a shell and an insulating layer for a total price of less than many other single-piece jackets. The typical style, comfort, and ventilation of the The North Face Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate are average. Still, in our view, those who are interested in this jacket will prioritize its winter utility over all else. The versatility of the 3-in-1 jacket class is unparalleled, and this is the best in that group of products. The North Face has a lifetime warranty, which is always nice.

What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?

With great weather resistance, warmth, and features, The North Face Thermoball ECO Snow Triclimate is our first choice among jackets with a modular 3-in-1 design. But not every skier or rider coming to this review needs two new jackets. Some may want a simplified shell, like the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Shell or Arc'teryx Sabre AR Jacket, that offers superior weather protection. Backcountry skiers in particular are always looking to shed excess weight and should opt for a lightweight option like the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket or the award-winning Arc'teryx Rush.