THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyell Jacket Review: A versatile hard shell that packs the benefits of evolved GORE-TEX PRO
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Lightweight, compact, highly breathable, and stretchy
There is no doubt that recent trends in materials (fabrics) for outdoor outerwear such as rainwear and hard shells have centered around the evolution of functionality that emphasizes greater mobility
As a result, we have been able to move around more comfortably with lighter shells, instead of the windproof, waterproof and durable but bulky and heavy rain gear we had been using up until now.However, in exchange for this, it is also true that we have had to give up a little bit of the protection that is essential for activities in harsh natural environments
Amidst all this, GORE-TEX, which boasts high levels of protection and durability above all else and has earned absolute trust around the world as a waterproof and breathable fabric for outdoor shells, is now finally making a comeback into the mainstream by incorporating modern needs
table of contents
- The days of sacrificing durability for lightweight comfort are over! The new GORE-TEX PRO jacket is finally here!
- Key Features of THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyell Jacket
- Main specifications and evaluation
- A detailed review of the jacket after wearing it in the backcountry in December
- Summary: Overwhelming durability and comfort that can be trusted to endure harsh winters, with just the right amount of functionality
The days of sacrificing durability for lightweight comfort are over! The new GORE-TEX PRO jacket is finally here!
The North Face Hybrid Lyell Jacket newly released this season , is the first update in seven years since the previous model, and uses the new GORE-TEX PRO Fabric, which has taken it to the next level. It is a highly versatile hard shell and rain jacket that is suitable for all seasons of outdoor activities, including trekking in snow-free seasons as well as snowy mountains. As we mentioned in our interview with Gore Japan
So, this time, we got hold of this jacket and tried it out for backcountry skiing in December, and would like to share our honest impressions, comparing it with previous materials and competing jackets of the same type
Key Features of THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyell Jacket
Recommended points
- Weatherproof (windproof and waterproof) and highly durable (yet lightweight)
- Superior DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Elastic shoulders for ease of movement
- Highly breathable fabric and ventilation prevent stuffiness
- Easy-to-use pull cords for one-hand adjustment of the hood and hem
- Detachable snow skirt
Points of concern
- It is highly versatile in both snowy and snowless seasons, but on the other hand, the specifications and construction of each part tend to be incomplete
- Annoying rustling noise
Main specifications and evaluation
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item Name | THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyell Jacket |
| Actual weight | 549g (medium size) |
| material | <Hood and sleeve yoke> 3-layer 40D GORE-TEX PRO (GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology 100% nylon) <Front body, back body, under sleeves> 3-layer 30D GORE-TEX PRO (GORE-TEX PRO most breathable technology 100% nylon) |
| 2 hand zipper pockets, 1 chest zipper pocket, 1 inner mesh pocket | |
| Food | Helmet-compatible hood with adjustable rear and front |
| others | Removable snow skirt |
| evaluation | |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| weather resistance | ★★★★★ |
| Breathable and non-stuffy | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
A detailed review of the jacket after wearing it in the backcountry in December
In December, I decided to try it out in the backcountry in Shinshu, where snow had piled up a little earlier than usual after the record-breaking snowfall. The weather was clear and not too cold, so I didn't wear a mid-layer, but instead layered it with mesh underwear, a base layer, and a Hybrid Lyell Jacket
Introduction: Material choices carefully designed to maximize the features and benefits of GORE-TEX PRO
Before we get into the detailed review, let's start with some background information about the fabric material used in this model
As mentioned in a previous interview, the new GORE-TEX PRO products are based on the basic concept of "highest durability and robustness" that can withstand harsh environments for long periods of time, and now it is possible to create products by combining materials using three types of GORE-TEX PRO technology that focus on "durability," "breathability," and "stretch." By selecting materials with the appropriate characteristics for the product they want to make, designers can now develop products that meet more complex and diverse needs
The Hybrid Lyell Jacket, born from this evolution , is a hybrid jacket made from two GORE-TEX PRO fabrics: "GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology" with its stretch properties and "GORE-TEX PRO most breathable technology" with its high breathability. It's a product that unlocks new possibilities for GORE-TEX PRO products, achieving previously impossible feats of strength, flexibility, lightness, and breathability. Personally, I can only say, "I've been waiting for this!" I can't help but be excited.
Weight, comfort, and ease of movement ★★★★☆
First of all, the use of a thin 30D outer fabric in the body and under the sleeves, something that was not possible with previous GORE-TEX PRO products, keeps the overall weight down, weighing in at 549g for a size M, which is quite light for a winter hard shell that not only provides high levels of protection but also includes a snow skirt. By the way, if you remove the snow skirt, the weight can be reduced to under 500g
The body is not extremely slim, but has a refined slimness. Also, unlike the so-called European silhouette, there is a little room in the armholes around the shoulders, so it doesn't feel too tight even when worn over a mid-layer
Those looking for a loose-fitting ski/snowboard jacket might not like this, but the moderately trim athletic fit gives plenty of room for layering without feeling baggy, and I, who am 176cm tall and weigh 64kg, found the M size very comfortable. The only thing that bothers me is that the fabric still makes a loud noise when rubbing against something, which is still a bit of a problem
The sleeve length is not extremely short, and was long enough for me, who has long arms that fit the European body type. Another thing I liked was the construction of the underarm ventilation zippers. There are several reasons for this, including the flexible waterproof zippers, their excellent positioning to avoid interference, and the wide armholes, but despite what appears to be regular ventilation, I didn't feel any bulk under the arms, which is common with this model. There was little tightness when I raised my arms high, and I never felt like my movement was being restricted
Next, let's talk about the long-awaited newly developed stretch function, which dramatically improves ease of movement
The neck area (hood) and the yoke from the shoulders to the sleeves are made with 40D stretch fabric using GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology. This isn't a stretchy blend with polyurethane, which is heavy and inevitably deteriorates over time, but rather 100% nylon, enhancing mobility without sacrificing durability or lightness. While it's not as stretchy as polyurethane, it still offers the same firm stretch and kickback as the much-talked-about "FUTURELIGHT" jacket released by The North Face last year
The previous garment had a rigid, armor-like feel, but now it feels soft to the touch, and combined with the carefully designed three-dimensional cutting, it allows for natural movement without stress
Weather resistance ★★★★★
When it comes to hard shells designed for the snowy season, weather resistance, such as waterproofing and windproofing (which also means warmth in a sense), is the most important thing to consider. As you might imagine, there's no need to worry about this. GORE-TEX is a materials manufacturer that conducts its own strict storm tests on each product, and has set strict quality standards that require products to pass before they can be produced. They have long proven their world-class protection and proven track record. No room for error
Naturally, the waterproof and windproof properties are quite impressive. The seams are well-sealed, making it completely waterproof, even in pouring rain (I tested it in the shower at home) and snow. Furthermore, I barely felt any heat being lost in the wind. With breathable waterproof membrane jackets like the recently popular Polartec Neoshell and THE NORTH FACE FUTURELIGHT, you can sometimes feel the cold wind seep into your body, so in my experience, it's important to have some windproof active insulation as a mid-layer. This isn't the case with this jacket, though. Even when the cold wind blows over the jacket, it still keeps the outside air out, so you might as well just wear a base layer while you're out and about
The DWR (durable water repellent) treatment also works extremely well, and even when wet snow falls on it or when I keep showering it during the waterproofing test, the water droplets keep falling off like a slide for an impressively long time. I've only washed it a few times so far, but so far I haven't noticed any deterioration in the water repellency
Breathability and stuffiness ★★★★☆
As soon as you start walking from the top of the ski lift, you naturally start to sweat. However, with previous GORE-TEX PRO products, if you continued to sweat, water droplets would sometimes form on the lining after a while. This time, although I felt a bit stuffy inside the garment, the lining felt drier than before. It seems that the effect of the "GORE-TEX PRO most breathable technology" made from the thin 30D fabric is not zero
Furthermore, by opening the front zipper and underarm ventilation, cool air passes through the body, effectively cooling down the body heat. This ventilation prevents you from getting soaked with sweat even in winter, or becoming so uncomfortable that you have to take it off
However, if the layer underneath (a mid-layer or base layer) is sweat-retaining and poorly breathable, no matter how breathable this outer layer is, it will not eliminate stuffiness. Wearing the optimal layering for the season and activity is the basis of all outdoor activities, so you should not rely on it too much
Durability ★★★★☆
Even though it's made as thin and light as possible, this hard shell, which has passed the strict standards of GORE-TEX PRO products, is clearly more durable than other lightweight models. It uses nylon that is firm and resistant to tearing and abrasion, and the 30D outer fabric of the body is made of ripstop fabric that is even more tear-resistant, with careful consideration given to its strength
Looking at the 30D number alone, some might think it's too thin and worry about durability. However, even though the outer fabric is 30D, it's actually a thick, sturdy ripstop nylon. For example, the NORRONA Lofoten Gore-Tex Active Jacket, which Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket which uses the previous model's GORE-TEX PRO 40D fabric , the actual thickness is almost the same, and some people may even find the Beta LT Jacket thinner.
The overall properties of the fabric vary depending on the type of outer fabric, weave, and lining, so just because it's 30D doesn't mean it will feel thin (weak).This jacket is lightweight, made using thin 30D thread, but is also durable enough to withstand the hard use of winter
Functionality ★★★☆☆
According to the designer, this jacket was created with the concept of being "a versatile model suitable for all seasons, from trekking to snowy mountain climbing." For this reason, the storage of each part and pocket is well-balanced so that it can be used comfortably in both snow-free and snow-covered seasons
First of all, the front zipper is a Vislon zipper that is waterproof and does not freeze easily even in snow, and it slides smoothly
The large hood can be worn over a helmet without being too small, and can be adjusted with cord locks on the back of the head and on both sides of the cheeks. The neck and collar are a little wide, so it doesn't fit snugly around the mouth, but it's not stuffy
The one-hand adjuster at the back of the hood is particularly easy to operate, and all of the other small parts, including the cord locks on the sleeves and hem, are undoubtedly easy to use and of high quality
The cuffs are wide enough to fit comfortably even when wearing ski gloves, and the large Velcro fasteners make them easy to adjust even when wearing gloves
The instep is slightly longer and is carefully constructed to prevent snow, rain, and cold air from entering
The inside of the hem has a snow skirt that is perfect for breaking through heavy snow or skiing down powder. It is removable, so you can leave it off when you don't need it
The left chest pocket has a single flap, which is both practical and stylish. I like how it's a small detail that makes a difference. However, it's only big enough to fit a smartphone, which can feel a little insufficient for winter
The two hand warmer pockets on the left and right have waterproof zippers for excellent waterproofing. Regarding the pocket position (height), the designers say they "intentionally placed the pockets in the same position (around the ribs) as in city jackets," and they do interfere somewhat with hip belts and harnesses. This may be a point of contention. Personally, I don't put much stuff in the pockets anyway, so it doesn't bother me that much, and I can somewhat agree with the opinion that it's good for city wear
The lining of the jacket has one inner mesh pocket just large enough to fit goggles. This itself is not difficult to use, but if you are planning to do winter activities, I would have liked it to be a little larger, and maybe two more on each side
Summary: Overwhelming durability and comfort that can be trusted to endure harsh winters, with just the right amount of functionality
The new GORE-TEX PRO fabric in the Hybrid Lyell Jacket represents a legitimate evolution, bringing me one step closer to the ideal winter outdoor outerwear I envisioned. Rather than solving everything with one type of fabric, the strategy of combining fabrics with the necessary functions and capabilities in the right places to achieve high performance as a whole garment worked perfectly, performing the contradictory roles of protecting the body from harsh environments while simultaneously expelling discomfort from inside the garment. Perhaps the day will come when we no longer need to choose thin, slightly cold outerwear to reduce stuffiness, or bulky, heavy jackets for durability. This wonderful garment gives me a glimpse of that bright future
However, because it's not specifically designed for snowy mountains but is suitable for all seasons and has a wide range of uses, it's certainly "all-purpose," but I was disappointed by the parts' specifications, which felt a little incomplete. The silhouette, hood, and sleeves are designed to withstand snowy mountains, so they feel a little exaggerated when used in the snow-free season. Conversely, the small size, lack of pockets, and their positioning, while adequate in the snow-free season, are not satisfactory for snowy mountains. When you really think about it, these "inconsistencies" really bothered me. Of course, this isn't something that bothers me in normal use, and I'm talking about heavy use, but since it's not a casual purchase, I imagine everyone will be concerned about these things, just like me
Even though the jacket is designed for all seasons, I felt it would be best suited to winter outdoor activities, where the GORE-TEX PRO product's capabilities can be fully utilized. It was perfectly adequate for more demanding activities like ski touring and ice climbing (apart from the pockets and other storage), and promised unprecedented safety and comfort. The size of the hood may be a concern for some people, so I recommend trying it on with a helmet before purchasing
Related reading
Review: The North Face Hyperair GTX Hoody: A must-have for serious runners. This ultra-high-performance rain jacket repels rain
First Look: Trying out the latest Gore-Tex "C-KNIT" THE NORTH FACE Climb Very Light Jacket
To put it mildly, it's exciting! What has evolved in the new GORE-TEX PRO? What's next? We asked the people in charge
THE NORTH FACE Summit VECTIV Pro 3 Review: Pushing the limits. The moment I put them on, I felt like I could win!