First Look: I tried out the latest Gore-Tex "C-KNIT" THE NORTH FACE Climb Very Light Jacket
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
Light and supple! I was the first to try out the latest Gore-Tex material "C-KNIT".
Rainwear (rain gear) is essential for preventing bad weather outdoors, including camping and mountain climbing. The fabric (material) used in outdoor rainwear is generally "waterproof and breathable materials" that prevent water from entering from the outside and drain water vapor from the inside, but Gore-Tex products are well-known for having achieved high praise and track record in this field for decades. However, over the past few years, items that specialize in a certain function have been released by incorporating new materials from other companies, and have been at a slightly inferior level for Gore-Tex.
Amidst this, it is said the GORE-TEX C-KNIT Backer Technology (hereafter referred to as C-KNIT) has introduced several times This time, I started walking around the mountains wearing the North Face ultra-lightweight rainwear "Climb Berry Light Jacket," which was reborn with the latest Gore-Tex, which was first introduced as soon as possible, so I would like to report on the details.
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Item name (price)
THE NORTH FACE Climb Very Light Jacket (39,960 yen)
Main Specifications
| item | Contents |
|---|---|
| weight | 261g (Actual measurement value for L size) It's not a light type of ultra-lightweight rainwear, but it's light enough considering its functionality. |
| material | GORE-TEXR C-Knit Backer (3 layers) The first Gore-Tex that combines comfort and durability |
| size | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Color variations | (HB) Anno Blue, (RR) Rage Red, (WT) Walnut, (CM) Cosmic Blue, (K) Black |
Front and back
The catalogue states that it has a slim silhouette, but the look of the dress is not so tight, and it has an orthodox impression recently. The inner pockets and other parts have been omitted for light weight, and there are two waterproof zipper pockets that open wide on the left and right sides of the front. It is positioned so that it does not hit the backpack belt.
Lining (different material texture)
As you can see from the photo above, the lining fabric of the three-layered C-KNIT (even though it is light!) has a clearer "fabric feel" compared to PACLITE (right of the photo), a lightweight Gore-Tex material. PACLITE has a 2.5-layer structure that adheres special fine particles to the lining, so sweating on the surface of the lining inevitably caused a flattering discomfort, which is a major advance.
Food
The hood part can be adjusted even when lighter rainwear is used. Two finely adjustable adjustment parts are located at the back of the head and collar.
This is amazing!
It is undoubtedly the most comfortable fabric in Gore-Tex history . It has an impression that it has evolved in terms of its lightness, flexibility, and texture, which make it comfortable to wear. This supple and natural feel has the impact of how the "lightweight" rainwear competition with a lining that has been around for years has been a "time of patience" for users, and that it suddenly turns that period into a thing of the past.
It's not just that I'm impressed, but there are, of course, many aspects that I can't compromise on in terms of functionality. The ultra-thin 13D (denier) fabric improves breathability by more than 15% compared to conventional lining , and despite this, it achieves the strengths of Gore-Tex, which is high in waterproofing, windproofing, and durability (of course, I think it's a little inferior to Gore-Tex's normal and professional fabrics). I've been wearing it ever since I started climbing this time, and it's true that even when I sweated, the fabric didn't get any sticky, and there were no water droplets on the lining, and the base layer I was wearing inside dries so smoothly that it didn't make me feel like I was wearing one jacket on top.
The other new product made from C-KNIT, the Montbell Storm Cruiser , is made from a thick 20D fabric and weighs very much the same as regular rain gear. Considering this, it is highly appreciated that the North Face's decision, which eliminates unnecessary functions and parts as much as possible in order to make the most of the lightness and flexibility of this fabric, and is made ultra-lightweight and simple
This is not good
Perhaps because it is the first product made from new materials, it is an orthodox product with simple features, so there are some parts that are a little lacking. For example, if you are trying to keep wearing it outside of the rain, I would have liked to wear it with a pit zip (ventilation under the armpits) . And in detail, the lack of folding at the top of the zipper makes it easier for rainwater to enter.
Summary: What kind of people do they recommend?
No longer is it necessary to sacrifice comfort for waterproof durability, but to sacrifice waterproof durability for comfort and breathability. This product, which is a great product from both sides, is of sufficient quality as a rain gear, especially for summer day trips to one night stay in a hut As I also wrote in another article , it would be a waste to only use outerwear with such breathability and ease of movement as rain gear, so I recommend using it as an outerwear to wear when you are on sunny weather In that sense, in addition to the solid rain gear you already have, it is perfect for those who want another easy-to-use piece for weekend climbing with lightweight packing.
However, one thing to note is that it is not waterproof and durable like traditional Gore-Tex rain gear (which is safe for traversing for a few days), so in Japan, where there are many rain, you should refrain from trying to cover everything except winter as your main rain gear (they don't come with pants in the first place). We highly recommend equipping thicker, waterproof, durable rainwear, such as when entering the mountain for more than three days, traverses 3,000m, such as North and South A, or when temperatures are not yet stable, such as early spring or late autumn.
We also recommend this article about rainwear.
- Big attention in 2015! Ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for spring and summer hiking
- Comparison test: Wearing ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running [2016 edition]
- 2015 types of rainwear you should check out before purchasing
- This is the final thing for this season! 10 recommended rainwear for mountaineering
