The North Face Antora - Women's Review

The North Face Antora is a good rain jacket that is just as at home commuting to work in the city as it is puttering around camp. The DryVent 2-layer shell is made from 100% recycled nylon with a non-PFC DWR finish, providing respectable water resistance, and though it lacks some of the features we appreciate, like adjustable cuffs and pit zips, it is still a pretty impressive option that won't break the bank.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

The DryVent 2-layer nylon fabric performed well in field tests and in our shower test, keeping testers dry for a moderate amount of time. We were also impressed with the water resistance of the hand pocket and center zippers. However, the elastic wrist cuffs got wet, and moisture moved up the inner arm fabric around the wrist and forearm, leaving the inside feeling damp and uncomfortable. The hood offers minimal coverage, leaving the face fairly exposed to the elements.

Breathability

The Antora falls short when it comes to breathability. The jacket is lined with mesh on the back and shoulders and a polyester lining on the front, but we found these fabrics did very little to wick away and vent internal heat and moisture. On our set route test, this jacket was just too hot, leading to a sweaty interior on the short uphill walk. With no pit zips and less-than-ideal fabric breathability, we found the only way to drop excess heat was to undo the front zip, which isn't ideal when it's actually raining. The lack of breathability makes the Antora a better choice for casual wear as opposed to more sweat-inducing activities.

Comfort and Mobility

The cut of the Antora offers a full range of motion with no restrictions through the arms, shoulders, and torso. The pocket flaps keep the contents of the pockets dry, but getting hands in and out is cumbersome. That being said, the hand pockets are quite deep and comfortable to have the hands in, and there is plenty of room for a cell phone and keys.

Weight

The Antora weighs in on the heavier side at 12.2 ounces — no big deal if weight is not a concern, but not our top choice for avoiding a heavy pack. This rain jacket is fairly bulky and does not stow into one of its pockets, again making it less than ideal for a travel jacket when space is limited.

Durability

The outer fabric is sturdy, and held up well during testing, showing no signs of abrasion. We found the zippers ran smoothly and consistently. With the lower price tag comes a few concessions in components, such as elastic cuffs as opposed to adjustable velcro cuffs. The toggles on the drawcords are bulkier, but they function smoothly. The drawcord around the hood ends in two such toggles and is tied to a loop at the collar, which could be a weak spot over time with frequent use.

Should You Buy The North Face Antora?

The Antora offers adequate rain protection in a simplistic design with a reasonable price tag. We find it best suited for those looking for a more casual rain jacket for staying dry around camp, commuting to work, or running errands as opposed to hiking, biking, or being active in the rain, as its breathability is a little lacking.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

The Marmot PreCip Eco offers better performance for those seeking a budget rain jacket that can hold up to rain in an active environment. The Outdoor Research Aspire II offers exceptional water resistance and breathability and is great for those looking to stay dry while exploring the outdoors.