Lightweight, compact, highly breathable, stretchable...
There is no doubt that the recent trends in outerwear materials (fabrics) for outdoor wear such as rainwear and hard shells have been centered around the evolution of functions that emphasize mobility.
This has enabled us to move from the previously windproof, waterproof and durable yet rough, heavy rain gear to a lighter shell to a more comfortable movement. However, it is also true that in exchange for this, we had to give up a little bit of the safe protection performance that was necessary for the harsh natural activities.
In the midst of all this, GORE-TEX, which boasts the highest protection and durability and has been trusted by all over the world as a waterproof and breathable fabric for outdoor shells, has taken in these modern needs and is finally about to return to its mainstream.
table of contents
- The days of sacrificing durability for lightweight comfort are over! ? The new GORE-TEX PRO product jacket has finally arrived
- Main features of THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyel Jacket
- Main Specifications and ratings
- Detailed review of wearing it in the backcountry in December
- Summary: The overwhelming robustness and comfort that can be left to you in the harsh winter, and the functionality of the game is just a step away.
The days of sacrificing durability for lightweight comfort are over! ? The new GORE-TEX PRO product jacket has finally arrived
THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyel Jacket which was released this season , uses the new "GORE-TEX PRO Fabrics," which has evolved to the next level after being renewed for the first time in seven years since the previous model, and is a highly versatile hard shell that can be used for all seasons of outdoor activities, including not only snowy mountains but also snowless trekking. As we mentioned in our interview with Gore Japan on this website
So this time, I got this jacket on this site and tried it out on backcountry skis in December, so I'd like to share my honest impressions about comparing it with past materials and how it would be compared to competing jackets of the same type.
Main features of THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyel Jacket
Recommended points
- Weather resistant (windproof and waterproof) and high durability (although light)
- Excellent DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Ease of movement due to elasticity around the shoulder
- Highly breathable fabric and ventilation make it less likely to get stuffy
- Easy-to-use hood and adjustable hem pull cord compatible with one-hand adjuster
- Removable snow skirt
Interesting points
- It is highly versatile in snowy seasons and snow-free seasons, but on the other hand, specifications and construction of each part that tends to be incomplete.
- An interesting shaking sound
Main Specifications and ratings
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Item name | THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyer Jacket |
| Actual measured weight | 549g (M size) |
| material | <Hood and sleeve length yoke> 3 layers 40D GORE-TEX PRO (GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology 100% nylon) <Front, back and under sleeve> 3 layers 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 that can be adjusted at the rear and front |
| others | Removable snow skirt |
| evaluation | |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| Weather Resistant | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability and less likely to get stuffy | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed review of wearing it in the backcountry in December
In December, after a record-breaking heavy snowfall, I decided to try wearing it right away in the backcountry in Shinshu, where snow had accumulated a little early. The weather is sunny. It wasn't that cold, so I didn't wear a mid-layer, but instead tried using layers such as mesh underwear + base layer + hybrid Lyel jacket.
Introduction: Choosing materials designed to maximize the characteristics and appeal of GORE-TEX PRO
First, before a detailed review, let's take a look at the premise of the fabric materials used in this model.
As mentioned in a previous interview article, the new GORE-TEX PRO product now allows you to create products that combine materials using three types of GORE-TEX PRO technology, focusing on "durability," "breathability," and "stretchability," with the basic concept of "highest durability and robustness," which can withstand long-term harsh environments. By picking up materials with the appropriate characteristics to suit the products they want to create, it can be said that they have been able to develop products that meet more complex and diverse needs.
The hybrid Lyel jacket was born in this evolution , and is a jacket made up of two GORE-TEX PRO fabrics: "GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology" with stretch function and "GORE-TEX PRO most breathable technology" with high breathability. This product has the potential of a new GORE-TEX PRO product, which was impossible until now, "strong, supple, lightweight, and less likely to get stuffy," and personally I can only say, "I've been waiting for this!" There's no choice but to expect it.
Weight, comfort, ease of movement ★★★★☆
The body is not extremely slim, but has a classy slimness. Also, unlike the so-called European silhouette, the armholes around the shoulders are slightly more roomy, so you won't feel cramped when worn over a middle-wear.
This may not be a favorite for those looking for a loose ski/snowboard jacket, but there is plenty of room for layering, but the moderately trimmed athlete fit doesn't look dumbed, and for me, I was 176cm and 64kg, I was extremely comfortable wearing the M size. The only thing I found was that the large noise that occurred when the fabric was rubbed was still there, and that was a bit of a concern.
The sleeves were not extremely short, and were long enough for me, as I had a long arm that fits in with European figures. Another thing I liked was the construction of the ventilation zipper under the armpits. There are several reasons, such as a supple waterproof zipper, an exquisite positioning to avoid interference, and the wide armholes, but despite the usual ventilation, I didn't feel the usual roughness of the armpits at all when it came to this model. There is little tension when you raise your arms up, and you never feel any sense of impediment.
Next, we'll talk about the long-awaited stretch function that was newly developed this time. This dramatically improves ease of movement.
40D stretch fabric using GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology is placed on the neck (hood) and the sleeve yoke from the shoulder to sleeve. Moreover, this is not stretchy due to heavy and unavoidable polyurethane-like fibers that are aging and are stretchy, but made from 100% nylon, which increases maneuverability without sacrificing durability and lightness. Of course, it's not a polyurethane-like beyond beloved, but it has the same firm stretch and kickback as the stretch of "FUTURELIGHT" which was released on the same North Face last year and became a hot topic.
The stiff, armor-like comfort that has been used up until now has been completely changed to create a soft feel, and combined with the calculated three-dimensional cutting, it has now enabled stress-free natural movement.
Weather Resistant ★★★★★
As a hard shell with an eye on the snowy season, weather resistance, such as waterproofing and windproof (or heat retention in a sense), is an important point to be concerned about. As you can imagine, there's no need to worry about this. Although it is a material manufacturer, GORE-TEX has long proven its world-class protection performance and proven track record, as it conducts storm tests on individual products based on its own strict standards and has set strict quality standards that it cannot be produced unless it passes. There are no exclusions.
Naturally, it is waterproof and windproof. The seams are thoroughly seamed, making it completely waterproof, with no matter what, such as rain (this time we'll be testing it at our shower) or snow. Furthermore, there was almost no feeling of my body temperature being taken away by the wind. Breathable waterproof membrane jackets such as the Polartec Neosell and THE NORTH FACE FUTURELIGHT, which have been popular recently, can't help but feel that the body subtly penetrates when cold wind hits them, so in experience you will need to prepare for active insulation with a slightly windproof mid-layer. However, this jacket does not do that, and even if you expose cold air from above the jacket, it will shut out the outside air, so you can just use the base layer while you are on the move.
The DWR (durable water repellent) treatment was also very effective, and even when wet snow fell, even when we continued to put the shower in the waterproof test, the water droplets continued to fall like a slide, which was impressive. I've only washed it a few times, but so far I can't see the water-repellent sagging.
Breathability and does not easily get stuffy ★★★★☆
I started walking from the top of the ski lift, and of course I started to sweat soon after. However, with the old GORE-TEX PRO products, if you continue to sweat, water droplets may stick to the lining after a while, but this time, although it feels a little stuffy inside the clothes, the lining seems to be smoother than before. It seems that the effect of the "GORE-TEX PRO most breathable technology" with the thin 30D fabric is not zero.
Furthermore, opening the front zipper and underarm ventilation allowed cool air to pass through your body, effectively cooling down the heat. This ventilation will not make you feel soaked by sweat, or unpleasant that you have to take off your clothes even when worn in the winter.
However, if the underneath this jacket (intermediate clothing or base layer) is sweaty and has poor ventilation, no matter how breathable the outerwear is, it will not be able to relieve stuffiness. Layering the perfect layering according to the season and activities is a fundamental element of all outdoor activities, so don't overconfidence.
Durability ★★★★☆
Even though it is made incredibly thin and light, this hardshell, which has passed the strict standards of GORE-TEX PRO products, is clearly sturdy compared to other lighter models. Made of firm, tear-resistant nylon, and the 30D outer material of the body is made of ripstop fabric that is resistant to tear, and the strength is meticulous.
However, looking at the number 30D, some people may think that it is too thin and may be worried about durability. However, in reality, even though it is called the outer 30D, it is made from ripstop nylon with a firm thickness. the NORRONA lofoten Gore-Tex Active Jacket, which has the same 30D thickness and sturdy GORE-TEX ACTIVE (nylon), Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket which uses the fabric of the previous model GORE-TEX PRO 40D , the actual thickness is almost the same, and some people may find the Beta LT Jacket thinner.
The overall properties of the fabric vary depending on the type of outer material, weaving method, and lining, so it is clear that it does not mean that everything is thin (weak) because it is 30D, and that despite being made lightly using thin 30D threads, this jacket is durable enough to withstand hard winter use.
Functionality ★★★☆☆
According to the designer, this jacket is made with the concept of "a versatile model that can be used all year round, from trekking to climbing snowy mountains." For this reason, the storage of each part, pocket, etc. is designed to be balanced so that it can be used comfortably in both snowless and snowy seasons.
First of all, the front zipper is waterproof and has a vislon zipper that is less likely to freeze even in snow, making it smooth to slip.
The large hood that can be worn over the helmet is not extremely small, and can be adjusted by cord locks on the back of the head and cheeks. The neck and collar are slightly wider, so it doesn't fit perfectly around the mouth, but it's not suffocating.
Regarding hood adjustment, the one-hand adjuster on the back is very easy to use, and the smallest parts, including cord locks at the sleeves and hem, are all perfectly easy to use and high quality.
The cuffs are made wide enough to allow you to easily put on the sleeves even while wearing ski gloves, and the large Velcro closure is designed to make them easy to adjust even when wearing gloves.
The instep is slightly longer and is carefully designed to prevent snow, rain, and cold air from entering.
On the inside of the hem is a snow skirt that is a great way to help you slide down powder, such as Russell in heavy snow. It is removable so you can remove it when you don't need it.
The pocket on the left chest has a one-sided flap that combines practicality and design. My favorite point is that he has a good sense of how he shows his differences in small parts. However, it cannot be denied that the size of a smartphone is just enough to fit in a winter.
The two hand warmer pockets on the left and right are waterproof with waterproof zippers. As for the position (height) of the pockets, as designers say, "We deliberately laid out the pockets in the same position (around the sides) as a jacket aimed at town," this can interfere with hip belts and harnesses a little. This may be a dispute. Personally, I don't really care about it because I can't put so much stuff in my pocket, and I can understand the opinion that it's good for wearing in town.
The jacket has one inner mesh pocket on the lining that can fit goggles. This itself isn't difficult to use, but to be honest, if you were to consider winter activities, I would have wanted a little bigger and then about two on the left and right.
Summary: The overwhelming robustness and comfort that can be left to you in the harsh winter, and the functionality of the game is just a step away.
The new GORE-TEX PRO fabrics installed in the hybrid Lyel jacket have shown a legitimate evolution that brings you a step closer to the ideal of "winter outdoor outerwear" that you had envisioned. Rather than solving everything with just one type of fabric, the strategy of pasting together fabrics with the functions and performance needed in the right place to achieve high performance as a whole was perfectly suited, and while protecting the body from harsh environments, it managed to fulfill the conflicting role of eliminating the discomfort that occurs inside the clothing. From now on, there may be a day when you will no longer need to choose thin, slightly cold outerwear to reduce stuffiness, or choose a thick, heavy jacket for durability. This is a wonderful piece that will give you a bright future.
That's why I felt that the parts were designed to be "vertical" and that they didn't specialize in snowy mountains, and were able to be used all year round and were more versatile, so I felt that they were disappointing with the specifications of the parts, which seemed a bit half-hearted. The silhouette, hood and sleeves are designed to withstand snowy mountains, so when used during the snowless season, it becomes a bit overstated, and on the other hand, the small, small pockets, and the position of the pockets are sufficient for the snowless season, but they are not satisfactory in the snowy mountains, when I was thinking about it, I couldn't help but wonder what the "chirpness" was like when I was thinking about it. Of course, this is not so much to worry about normal use, and this is a case where it is intended to be used in a difficult situation, but since it is not an easy purchase, I'm sure everyone is as concerned about it as deep as they are.
Even if the fabrication is suitable for all seasons, this jacket can still be used to make full use of the GORE-TEX PRO product, and I felt that it can only be used in outdoor activities in winter. It will satisfy you with more loads of activities such as ski touring and ice climbing (other than storage areas such as pockets) and will ensure you have unprecedented peace of mind and comfort. Also, some people may be concerned about the size of the hood, so we recommend trying it on with a helmet before purchasing.