The North Face Freedom Insulated Jacket Review

Some snow jackets try to do too much, with stacks of features, lots of moving parts, and not all of it actually useful once you’re on the mountain. The North Face Freedom Insulated Jacket sits more in the “practical and uncomplicated” category. It’s a straightforward winter jacket designed to keep you warm and comfortable without getting in the way, and in testing, it largely did just that.

I wore it through a proper mix of conditions, including a freezing –10°C morning and later a run of warm, sunny laps around +10°C. For reference, I’m 178cm and 67kg, and the size small fit nicely: clean through the torso, no bagging, and long enough to stay sealed when bending, boot packing or carrying skis. It felt like a well balanced fit for both cold mornings and more active, warmer parts of the day, depending on your layering strategy.

Who is it for?

The North Face Freedom Insulated Jacket is well suited to skiers and snowboarders who want a single winter jacket that can handle most days on the mountain. It’s comfortable enough for cold, early morning starts, offers solid protection in stormier weather, and still breathes reasonably well when things warm up.

It’s a good match for riders who deal with variable weather or tend to run on the colder side but still want a jacket that won’t feel stifling once the sun comes out. 

Fit & first impressions

The fit is one of the first things you notice. It sits close to the body without feeling restrictive, and on my frame, it avoided the usual bunching or baggy spots some insulated jackets can have. Paired with The North Face thermals, it stayed comfortable down to –10°C and didn’t run overly hot when the temperature climbed later in the day.

The wrist lift pass pocket is genuinely practical and makes life easier on the mountain, particularly if you’ve used jackets without one. The hand pockets are deep enough to warm cold fingers or stash essentials. In my case, it comfortably held a fairly oversized salami sandwich, which says plenty about the volume.

The fitted wrist cuffs will divide opinion. I found them effective at sealing out drafts and worked well with The North Face Montana gloves, but riders who run warm or ski mostly in spring conditions may find them a bit much.

The goggle wipe tucked into the wrist pocket is a small detail, but a useful one, especially in snowier, low visibility conditions. It’s not something you use constantly, but it’s nice to have when the weather turns.

Weather resistance

We tested The North Face Freedom Jacket in a wide range of conditions, from morning whiteouts to warmer, bluebird afternoons. Across that mix, the DryVent™ 2L waterproof shell and non-PFC DWR finish generally handled the weather well. Snow and sleet tended to bead off rather than soak in, and the fabric blocked enough wind to take the edge off colder days.

Breathability was solid for a jacket in this category. On longer runs or warmer temperatures, moisture didn’t build up too badly, and having the mesh lined underarm vents made it easier to regulate heat once the day warmed up. On stormier days, the helmet compatible hood and internal draft flap helped keep the worst of the cold out without feeling overly restrictive.

The jacket offers reliable warmth for most resort conditions. It won’t replace a dedicated shell for backcountry missions, but for everyday skiing and riding, it handles varied weather comfortably.

Durability & build quality

The jacket feels well put together, with recycled nylon and polyester fabrics and Heatseeker™ synthetic insulation (80g in the body, 60g in the sleeves and hood). In use, the insulation handled mixed conditions fine and didn’t seem to suffer when things got a little damp.

The construction appears tidy, the stitching is clean, and the zips were a standout. But as with any new jacket, long term durability will only become clear after a full season of use. After several days of skiing in wind, sleet, snow, and milder weather, it showed no apparent signs of wear, which is a good early indication.

At 895g, it’s not the lightest option out there, but the weight feels appropriate for a resort focused insulated jacket. It leans more towards warmth and sturdiness than minimalism, which will suit most skiers looking for a reliable everyday layer.

Features

The North Face hasn’t overloaded the Freedom Jacket with features. It remains a practical, while not too minimal, and serves as a great do-it-all jacket. The hood is helmet compatible and easy to adjust, and the mesh lined pit zips offer proper ventilation on warmer days. There’s a lift pass pocket on the wrist that includes a small goggle cloth, which turns out to be handier than you’d expect when the weather closes in. The hand pockets are deep enough to warm cold fingers or stash essentials, while the chest pocket includes cable routing if you prefer to run headphones.

The fitted wrist cuffs use Velcro to dial in the fit, and the snap down powder skirt helps keep snow from creeping in. Inside, there’s a large mesh dump pocket for goggles or gloves, as well as a cinch cord at the hem to tighten things up when it gets windy. The jacket also uses recycled fabrics for both the outer shell and lining, which is a nice touch for those conscious of materials.

Verdict

The Freedom Insulated Jacket from The North Face proved to be a dependable option across a wide range of winter conditions. It stayed warm in colder, stormier weather and remained comfortable as temperatures shifted into the positive range, making it a practical choice for anyone who regularly skis in variable climates. The fit is clean, the insulation isn’t overly bulky, and the small functional details, like the wrist pass pocket, fitted cuffs, and integrated goggle wipe, all contribute to a jacket that works well on real ski days.

It’s not the lightest or most technical jacket in The North Face lineup, but it offers solid value as an all around resort companion. If you’re after one jacket that can comfortably handle most winter days without much fuss, the Freedom Insulated is a reliable and easy recommendation.