When it comes to technical outdoor gear, The North Face Summit Series has always stood out. Whether it’s the Vectiv Summit Pro trail running shoes or this lightweight, highly breathable waterproof running jacket, this range is all about peak performance. The Summit Superior Futurelight Jacket, in particular, is designed for trail runners who prioritise breathability over sheer weather protection.
At the heart of this jacket’s appeal is how it tackles one of the biggest challenges for runners—finding a balance between staying dry and overheating.
This isn’t your go-to jacket for torrential rain, but it could be your new favourite for staying cool and comfortable during intense activity. So, is it worth the price? Let’s dive into the details.
Pros
- Material is seriously comfortable
- Unrestricted movement in the arms
- Easily adjustable hood
- Comfortable neckline
Cons
- Cuffs can't be adjusted
- Lower neck line is less protective against rain
| RRP: | £270 / $300 |
| Women's sizes | XS–XL |
| Men's sizes: | S–XL |
| Weight: | 230g (size medium) |
| Waterproofing: | 3 Layer shell with Non-PFC DWR Finish |
| Construction: | 100% recycled polyester |
Design and features
The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight Jacket showcases some thoughtful design features that really cater to runners.
Starting with the basics, it includes a reflective logo on the front for visibility in low light, a snug-fitting hood that cinches tight around your head (especially useful when paired with a cap) and a handy internal pocket that doubles as a stow pocket for easy carrying.
This feature is particularly useful as it allows the jacket to pack down small and slip into a hydration vest – or even a pocket, at a stretch – without taking up too much space.
Another standout is the fabric choice – 100% nylon. Unlike many waterproof jackets that can feel stiff or trap too much heat, the Summit Superior jacket’s nylon material is noticeably soft to the touch.
It forgoes the typical sticky, plastic-like membrane found in many other jackets, allowing for better breathability and comfort.
According to The North Face, the Futurelight 3L shell is engineered to allow air and vapour to circulate while remaining waterproof. In my testing, I found that it's mildly better at the former task than the latter, but more on that later.
A small but significant feature is the neckline design. Instead of the typical high, chin-clinging cut seen in many waterproof jackets, the Summit Superior runs straight across the top of the chest, sitting just above the collarbones.
While this helps to enhance comfort and airflow during runs, it does leave your neck exposed, though this is easily mitigated by pulling up the hood when needed.
Performance and comfort
The comfort of the Summit Superior Futurelight is immediately noticeable. For a jacket designed for high-intensity activities like alpine trail running, it offers an excellent range of motion and freedom.
While it might lack the adjustability of the hem and cuffs that you'd find in a jacket like the La Sportiva Pocketshell, for runners looking for a minimalist, breathable, and lightweight waterproof layer, it hits the mark.
The trade-off, of course, is weather protection. This jacket isn’t meant for days of relentless downpour. It performs best in moderate conditions or for runners who care more about temperature regulation than all-out dryness during high-output sessions.
The nylon construction is soft, but when the rain picks up, it doesn’t provide the same impermeable protection as some other waterproof jackets. This can limit its versatility.
While it excels for running, it doesn’t double as an all-purpose jacket for hiking or colder conditions due to the open neck design, which allows rain to seep in, and it doesn’t pair particularly well with insulated layers.
In terms of temperature regulation, it’s a strong performer. If you tend to overheat or sweat a lot during your runs, the Summit Superior’s ventilation system will be a game-changer.
I found it perfect for interval or hill training, where overheating is often an issue. It may not be the best choice for slower, low-output activities, but it’s a top contender for those wanting to maintain a high level of comfort during fast-paced runs in variable weather.
Sustainability
The North Face has made strides in its sustainability efforts, and the Summit Superior Futurelight is no exception. Futurelight fabric is designed using a nano-spinning process that helps reduce waste and create a more eco-conscious product.
The brand’s focus on innovation here isn’t just about performance, it’s also about making sure products are as environmentally responsible as possible. While it’s not entirely recycled, the combination of cutting-edge design with sustainability in mind is certainly a step in the right direction.
Price and competition
Now for the kicker: this jacket doesn’t come cheap. It sits at the higher end of the price range, making it a serious investment for most runners.
However, if you’re someone who often overheats or has trouble finding a jacket that balances breathability and protection, it’s worth every penny.
For hardcore runners and those who train in alpine or high-altitude environments, it’s a worthy addition to your kit.
When comparing it to other high-end options, it doesn’t quite stack up to the full weatherproofing of something like the Inov8 Stormshell or the Patagonia Storm Racer.
The Patagonia jacket, for instance, is similarly priced, offers superior water resistance and has stronger sustainability credentials, but sacrifices some of the breathability and softness of the Summit Superior.
On the other hand, the Inov8 Stormshell is more affordable and better suited for full-on rain, but can run hot during high-intensity efforts.
Verdict
The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket is a unique offering in the world of running jackets. It prioritises comfort, breathability, and temperature regulation, making it an outstanding choice for runners who sweat heavily or perform high-intensity training in wet conditions.
However, if you’re looking for a jacket that doubles as a hiking or all-weather outer layer, it falls short in extreme weather protection. That said, for those focused on breathability, lightweight design, and freedom of movement, this jacket could become your new go-to.
About the author
Your tester for The North Face's Futurelight jacket was Milo Wilson, our fearless head of trail running here at LFTO. Milo joined the team in May of 2023 and has since learned more about waterproof membranes and hydrostatic heads than he ever thought possible.
If you see him loose on the streets, we recommend pinning him down and asking for some extra buying advice – just be prepared for a multi-hour lecture (with slides!).